One of the best ways to go around in London is by bicycle. It is not only environment friendly but is also the best way to enjoy the beautiful spots in London city. But you cannot just ride in any way you wish to on the streets of London. There are some rules to follow,
In this blog, we have brought you some rules for riding your bicycle on the roads of London as told to us by professional cycle shop London. These rules will ensure you and the people around you are happy and safe on the roads.
Cycle Shop London: Top Rules to Follow on the Road
Drive on the road.
If you are new to the city, ensure you do not cycle on the pavement, as they are only for pedestrians. Luckily, London is a well-established city for cycling, and numerous bicycle lanes give you more space to ride. You must stop at red lights, as it is a common mistake made by most cyclists in London. Though cycling lanes make life easier, you can also drive in car lanes. But we recommend you to do so only if you are experienced enough.
Wear a helmet
Professionals working at cycle shop London say that riding a bike in London without a helmet is strictly against the rules. If you do so, you may be considered careless and irresponsible. The road of London can be a place of wacky races, so it is best to ride on the roads with full protection to avoid any mishap.
Signal
It would help if you signaled when cycling in London – use your arms to indicate which way you are turning and do so with enough time that the car behind you slows down. A good practice to get into while cycling is to make eye contact with drivers when given the opportunity. This way, you know they have seen you and will be mindful of your movements.
Drive on the left.
Bike rental companies tell you that you must drive on the left-hand side of the road, pass right, and drive in the same direction as traffic. You will have to pay a fine if you are found cycling on the wrong side of the road. The fine is also very hefty, so we suggest you be careful.
No phone or earphones
We have seen many cyclists enjoying their rides on road bikes with earphones. But believe us, it is a recipe for disaster on the streets of London. It is important that while riding, you do not use any phone or earphones and should remain focused only on the roads. It is essential for your safety and the safety of the people around you.
Use Night lights
Though your goal may not be to cycle at night, given how early the sun goes down in winter, riding without night lights in London is not advisable. You will be fined heavily if you are found cycling at night without lights. As a precaution, we suggest you install night lights on kids bikes to ensure your child is safe in low-light conditions.
Keep away from parked cars.
Professionals at a renowned cycle shop in London say this is for your safety and not a legal rule. When cycling near parked cars, it is advisable to keep a safe distance because if they open the doors, it can knock you and your bike down.
Do not carry passengers.
Unless the bike is specifically designed for it, you should not have more than one person on it at a time. This is one of the rules on the finable list. It is a hazard to those around you and the person you are riding with. Certain cycle shops in London offer rentals around the city that start at £2 to hire, so it is not worth the risk.
Drinking and cycling are strictly against the rules in London. You can be fined up to £2500 for this indiscretion. Also, make sure that you always ride with a chain and lock so that you do not find yourself in a situation where you can't leave your bike.
Which is the best cycle shop in London?
Since you know all the cycling rules in London, buying a bike or hiring one to embark on your cycling journey is time. On Your Bike is the best cycle shop in London where you can find a range of bikes, from mountain and folding bikes to sales bikes. They have the city's best cycling accessories and cycle hire scheme. Besides, they are also part of the cycle 2 work scheme. So, no matter your cycling needs, they have something in store for every cyclist in London.
You can seek professional advice if unsure about the safety rules. Some cycling boroughs in London offer free cycling safety courses, too!!
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