Annex 1 - You and your bicycle
Information and rules about you and your bicycle.
You and your bicycle
Make sure that you feel confident of your ability to ride safely on the road. Be sure that
- you have the right size and type of cycle for your comfort and safety
- the lights and reflectors are kept clean and in good working order
- the tyres are in good condition and inflated to the pressure shown on the tyre
- the wheels spin freely
- the gears are working correctly
- the chain is properly adjusted and oiled
- the saddle and handlebars are adjusted to the correct height.
You should fit a bell to your cycle.
You MUST
- ensure your brakes are efficient
- have white front and red rear lights lit when cycling at night.
Cycle training: If you are an inexperienced cyclist or have not ridden for a while, consider taking a cycle training course. Some councils offer national standard cycle training such as Bikeability and in certain areas, this is free of charge. It can help build up your skills and confidence.
There are three levels to Bikeability, starting with the basics of balancing, stopping and starting safely, through to handling complex and busy junctions. You will also learn about traffic signs and the rules of the road, planning routes, safe road positioning and signalling (particularly at junctions) and basic cycle maintenance. For more information, see www.bikeability.org.uk and www.cycling.scot.
Author's Explanation
You and Your Bicycle Explained (Annex 1)
Cyclists should make sure their bicycle is suitable, comfortable and safe before using it on the road. A correctly adjusted bike with working brakes, properly inflated tyres and well-maintained parts helps riders stay in control and reduces the risk of accidents.
Regular checks should become part of every cyclist’s routine. Lights, reflectors, gears, chain, saddle and handlebars should all be maintained correctly, especially before longer journeys or riding in poor weather conditions.
Cyclists must use efficient brakes and display a white front light and red rear light when cycling at night. Building confidence through cycle training, such as Bikeability, can improve road awareness, positioning skills and understanding of traffic rules.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1: A cyclist checks tyre pressure before a journey and notices a soft tyre that could affect steering and braking.
Example 2: Before cycling home after dark, a rider checks that the front and rear lights are working and clearly visible to other road users.
Example 3: A cyclist adjusts the saddle height correctly so they can comfortably control the bicycle and stop safely when needed.
Example 4: A new cyclist completes cycle training to improve confidence when dealing with junctions, traffic and road positioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What checks should cyclists make before riding?
Cyclists should check the brakes, tyres, lights, reflectors, gears, chain and overall condition of the bicycle before riding.
Are bicycle lights required at night?
Yes. Cyclists must have a white front light and a red rear light displayed when cycling at night.
Why is correct bicycle maintenance important?
Good maintenance helps cyclists keep control of their bicycle and reduces the chance of equipment failures while riding.
Should cyclists take training courses?
Training courses can help cyclists improve confidence, learn safe road positioning and understand how to deal with different traffic situations.