Our Top Safety Tips for Riding Bikes Around London

Every year cycling becomes increasingly popular as a low cost, environmentally friendly way of getting around. In particular, major cities like London are seeing a cycling boom, as more and more people prefer this option for their daily commute over riding the tube or taking the bus.

Importantly, you should always put your safety first if you’re thinking about taking up cycling in the UK capital. Busy roads, streets and cycle lanes can all make cycling more hazardous, particularly in rush hour when lots of people are undertaking journeys via bike.

Taking precautions and cycling mindfully can allow you to stay safe even during peak times, so you can enjoy all the benefits that this mode of transport has to offer. Read on for a look at our top safety tops for riding your bike around London.

Cycling In London Today

Bikes are everywhere in London today, where cyclists can be spotted travelling to work or enjoying the city’s scenery and landmarks. According to Transport for London, 1.26 million journeys were cycled daily in 2023, with this making up 4.5% of all journeys undertaken.

As London is relatively flat, there are lots of opportunities for commuters to find an accessible route to work. Beyond this, those travelling for pleasure can make the most of the capital’s numerous stunning cycling routes, many of which take cyclists on a tour of canals, reservoirs and parks.

In particular, the Thames Path National Trail and the Waterlink Way make for popular routes for London cyclists.

Safety Tips For London Cyclists

Although cycling can offer a great transport option for commuters and tourists alike, it is important to bear in mind various safety considerations before you set out. Busy roads and dark evenings can combine to create hazardous conditions, where caution is recommended wherever you choose to cycle in the city.

The following tips will help to keep you safe as you make the most of your cycling experience in the UK capital:

Plan Your Route

One of the best ways to stay safe on your bike is to plan ahead with your route. Knowing where you’re going will help you to feel more confident, whilst also ensuring that you choose the safest possible journey.

There are lots of cycle routes in London composed of dedicated cycleways and bike lanes, where these can be much safer than cycling on the road. Check your journey using Transport for London’s routes and maps page.

Additionally, if you’re new to cycling or haven’t commuted by bike in a while, then it may be worth planning a quiet, easy route until you feel more confident.

Safety Gear

Whilst there are no legal requirements when it comes to your cycling clothing in the UK, it is strongly recommended that you wear a high quality helmet, where this simple accessory could save your life if you experience an accident. Ensure that your helmet is the right fit, where a good bike shop can double check this for you.

In winter, you may wish to invest in a light cycling jacket and biking gloves to keep you warm out on the road. Many cyclists also choose to wear high vis jackets to make themselves more visible to oncoming traffic.

In terms of lighting, it is a legal requirement to have two bike lights fitted if you’re cycling at night – white on the front of the bike and red at the back.

Staying Visible

Signally properly while out on the road is a big part of staying visible. Before making a turning or cycling out of a driveway, make sure that you look in each direction and over your shoulder, before stretching your arm out to make a clear hand signal.

Another way you can boost visibility is by cycling in the middle of the road when needed, rather than cycling alongside fast moving vehicles. This strategy is encouraged in the new Highway Code, especially when there’s not enough space for a vehicle to overtake you safely.

Following Road Rules

Cycling according to London road rules and the Highway Code can help to keep you safe, whilst ensuring that you’re not liable if an accident does occur. Bikes should stop at red traffic lights, and it is also not permitted for bikes to cycle on the pavement unless there is a shared-use sign in place.

As when driving a vehicle, cyclists should remain aware of potential hazards that could encroach upon their path, slowing down in busy pedestrian areas.

Regular Servicing & Repairs

Importantly, keeping your bike in good condition can also help to keep you safe. If you’re starting out as a London cyclist, then you should check that your bike is roadworthy, especially if it’s been in storage for a long time.

Bikes should also be serviced regularly, where most cyclists could benefit from an annual overhaul. This can help to prevent issues from worsening, keeping your bike in top condition.

If you do feel like something has gone wrong with your model, then getting this repaired by a professional bike mechanic will ensure that you can get back out on the road as soon as possible, without putting your safety at risk.

Dr Nip Nip: Servicing Bikes Across London

Our London bicycle repair team is here to ensure that your bike remains in top condition, whether you’re a daily commuter or a seasonal pleasure cyclist. We can also repair bike-to-work bikes according to your schedule, providing you with a free courtesy bike if you’re leaving your model with us.

We currently offer three repair options that make it easy to find a solution that works for you. You can drop your bike off at one of our London bike workshops, where we have hubs in Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge and Borough. Alternatively, our mobile mechanics can bring their tools to you, providing repairs wherever you are.

For a premium service, choose our collect and return option, where we will pick up your model and bring it back to your home or workplace in top condition.

Additionally, we provide bike maintenance courses and cycle training to help you to stay safe whilst travelling around London. Get in touch with us today to find out more.