Safe Cycling

Take care during your cycle to work, and make the most of this Irish government bike scheme.

  • Obey traffic signs and signals.

  • Cyclists must obey all of the rules of the road.

  • Never cycle against traffic.

  • Motorists aren't looking for cyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. Follow lane markings. Road law and common sense require that cyclists use the roads like other vehicles.

  • Don’t weave between parked cars.

  • Always leave a safe distance between you and other people/vehicles on the road. Motorists may not see you when you try to move back into traffic.

  • Scan the road behind.
    Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving. Some cyclists use rear-view mirrors.

  • Keep both hands ready to brake.

  • You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since breaks are less efficient when wet.

  • Always wear a helmet. It protects your skull if any accidents occur.

  • Never cycle with headphones.
    Never wear a headphone while cycling a bike; you won’t hear what is happening around you.

  • Hand signals.
    Use the correct hand signals to notify other road users of your intentions to change lanes, turn corners, etc while cycling.
    Hand signals tell motorists and pedestrians what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of courtesy and of self-protection.

  • Get in lane.
    Do not cross lanes at the last moment. Always give drivers plenty of notice of your intentions to maneuver.

  • Choose the best way to turn right.
    1. Like a car: give a clear signal to the right prior to moving, when safe turn right.
    2. Like a pedestrian: Go to traffic lights and walk your bike across.

  • Make eye contact with drivers.
    Assume that other drivers don't see you until you are sure that they do. Eye contact is important with any driver which might pose a threat to your safety.

  • Avoid road hazards.
    Watch out for cattle grids, gravel, ice or debris. Cross railroad tracks with extreme caution and only when safety lights indicate it’s safe to do so.

  • Use lights at all times, especially in rain and fog.
    Be sure others on the road can see you, if they can’t they won’t know you are there. Fit a white light to the front and a red light to the back of your bike. These are minimum lighting requirements by Irish Law.

  • Dress appropriately.
    In rain - wear waterproof clothing. Dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes. Wear a helmet that conforms to European standard EN1078. Wear bright coloured clothing such as a high-vis reflective jacket so that you can be seen by other road users.

  • Keep your bike in good condition.
    Adjust your bike to fit you and keep it working properly for your cycle to work. Check brakes and tires regularly. Routine maintenance is simple and you can learn to do it yourself. Halfords offer your first service check for free.