Posted on 11 September 2024

Cycle Safety: Three Top Tips

In this blog, we share simple ways to keep you safe while cycling in Oxford.

Whether you’re an Oxford resident, here as a student or just visiting, we hope you’re enjoying the city so far.

You’ve probably already noticed that along with our incredible history and beautiful architecture, Oxford is full of bikes. Cycling is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel around the city, and of course, it’s also a great way to keep fit and have fun, cheaper than the bus and you can be guaranteed on arrival times.

From the seasoned cyclist to anyone just dusting off that bike you’ve had in the garage, riding around Oxford is one of the best ways to explore and to get to where you need to without waiting in long queues of traffic. 

Before you head out cycling, here are some top tips for cycle safety.  Don’t worry, we’re not here to lecture you with rules and regulations, we’d just like to help you navigate the roads, keep your bike secure and make sure you enjoy your time here to the fullest.

1. Use Lights

One of the most important aspects of cycle safety is making sure you’re visible to other road users. It is a legal requirement to have lights on your bike when cycling at night or in low visibility conditions and failure to do so can result in a police fine. As we head towards autumn, early mornings, evenings, or even fog, rain or mist can reduce visibility dramatically, making it hard for drivers, pedestrians and even other cyclists to see you. But beyond the law, having front and rear lights makes you visible to everyone around you, reducing the risk of accidents and keeping you safe. 

Lights aren’t just for others to see you; they also help you see the road ahead. This is especially useful for spotting potholes, curbs or any obstacles that might come your way, allowing you to navigate safely and confidently through any of Oxford’s streets. To find out more about what lights you need, click here. No reputable bike shop will sell a bike light with less than the legal requirements for brightness. So, avoid cheap lights online, visit your local Oxford Bike Shop and buy legal bicycle lights to ensure. If you need any advice on lights for cycle safety, we’re always happy to help so come in and see us.

2. Helmets

We know helmets can be a topic of debate, but let’s focus on the facts: helmets are designed to absorb the impact if you hit your head, reducing the risk of serious injury. Accidents happen and while you can’t always predict or prevent a fall, what you can do is wear a helmet to protect yourself. 

While the debate about whether helmets should be mandatory will likely continue, there’s no doubt that wearing one can help protect you in an accident. So, while we’re not here to dictate what you should do, we’re here to remind you that a helmet can make a big difference. If you are a staff member or student from Oxford University, you are entitled to £10 off any helmet you purchase from our shop – more info here.

Call in and see us to choose your helmet.

3. Lock Your Bike

Oxford is a busy city with thousands of bikes on the move daily and sadly, bike thefts happen all too often, even in seemingly safe places. Locking your bike properly is the best way to deter thieves and ensure your bike remains where you left it.

Not all locks are created equal, so make sure you choose one that has been tested and rated by an independent body like Sold Secure.  Locks are graded as Bronze, Silver, Gold and Diamond, with Diamond providing the highest level of security, ideal for electric bikes. 

Locking your bike doesn’t have to be complicated and you’ll soon get into the habit of securing your bike, even if you’re just popping into a shop for a moment – remember, it only takes seconds for your bike to go missing. 

If you need any help or advice on locking your bike, come and see us – we’re always happy to help. 

Stay safe and have fun. Happy cycling! 🚲