On your bike?

As the nights draw in and the clocks go back at the end of the month, cycling on our roads may be perceived to be all the more dangerous. There are, however, a few things you can do to make sure you that you give yourself as much protection as possible on your bike.

Some advocate fluorescent clothing and helmets on bikes whilst others say it makes no difference at all, but what does the law actually say? Well, the law on wearing a helmet is contradictory and there seems to be no appetite from Government to actually make wearing a cycle helmet a requirement in law. So what should you be doing to make yourself safe on your bike?

The Highway Code says at Rule 59 that you should wear in the correct size and securely fastened:

• a cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations
• appropriate clothes for cycling - avoid clothes that may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights
• light-coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users see you in daylight and poor light
• reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) in the dark

In Annex 1, the Highway Code also states that you must have efficient brakes and use front and rear lights at night, along with a red reflector. It does not make any mention of wearing a helmet.

There has been research into the use of helmets and their ability to prevent or lessen injuries following a cycling accident. The Transport Research Laboratory found that in most accidents where there were serious head injuries, a cycle helmet would have had a beneficial effect and that they have the potential to prevent a fatal head injury at speeds of up to 15 mph. This report has never been published.

Currently the decision to wear a helmet is yours alone, but if you are involved in an accident on your bicycle and you are not following the advice of the Highway Code, you may find yourself receiving a deduction for your actions in any personal injury claim you decide to make.

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