Cyclists are being reminded to keep safe and be seen in the winter months by ensuring they use lights and wear reflective clothing.
To ensure your journey in the saddle is safe follow these top tips:
Clothing:
* Wear clothing that’s appropriate for cycling so you can move freely without anything getting caught in your bike’s chain or wheels, or covering your lights.
* Light-coloured or fluorescent clothing and/or accessories, like a belt or arm/ankle bands
* Helmets should meets the British Standard (BS EN 1078:1997), fit snugly and positioned squarely on your head.
* Replace your helmet every five years and don’t buy a second-hand helmet.
Lights and reflectors are compulsory at night:
* white front light
* red rear light
* red rear reflector
* amber/yellow pedal reflectors – front and back on each pedal
* Fit a bell to your bike so you can signal to other road users.
* A rucksack or bag may affect your balance – consider using panniers.
* Stay alert – don’t listen to music or use a mobile phone while cycling.
Thurrock Police Chief Inspector Paul Moor said: “Cycling is great for fitness and wellbeing as well as the environment but cyclists must take precautions to protect themselves and other road users.”
Neighbourhood Policing Teams use bikes, bought by the Thurrock Community Safety Partnership, as an essential part of their patrols around they borough. They offer an ideal balance between the accessibility of foot patrols and the speed of a vehicle.
To keep your bike safe free bike marking is available from Neighbourhood Policing Teams. Visit your local police station or call 0300 333 4444 and ask for your Neighbourhood Policing Team.
There is a large network of shared used (pedestrian and cyclist) routes across Thurrock that offer the perfect place to travel by bike in the borough. The Thurrock Cycle Map, showing the cycle network, is available on-line at www.thurrock.gov.uk/travel, local libraries and Grays Civic Offices.
