More information on the Barclays Cycle Superhighway

With a little over 4 days till the launch, at the time of writing, of the first 2 Barclays Cycle Superhighway’s some information and updates are appearing on the TFL website.

Firstly TFL recently announced the schedule for the guided rides that will be taking place on launch day and then every Tuesday and Wednesday for 4 weeks. They aim to get you into central London (city) by 9am. They will be starting from key locations on route, with the earliest start being 7.30am. More information can be found here.

One thing I have recently noticed on the TFL Barclays Cycle Superhighway website, and this may be down to me missing it before, is the addition of a ‘Safety tips’ webpage. Some key information is displayed on here and I do hope that people read this as it should be applied to all cycling and not just cycling on the superhighway.

Take a safe start position at lights

Wait in front of other vehicles when you’re at traffic lights – the blue painted box with a white cycle symbol shows you where.

Large vehicles at lights

Get well in front of large vehicles such as lorries and buses and do not wait on their left. Make eye contact with the driver so they know you’re there.

If you can’t get in front safely, wait behind the vehicle.

Never undertake a large vehicle at a junction

Avoid cycling on the left or near the front of large vehicles especially near or at a junction where the vehicle may turn left – the driver can’t see you. Take a cycle training lesson to learn how to be safe around large vehicles.

Consider your road positioning

Keep a door width’s space between you and parked cars in case the doors are suddenly opened. You will know when you are on narrow roads when you see cycle logos on the road, but no blue cycle lanes. If the road is too narrow for a vehicle to pass you then it may be safest to ride in the middle of the road and assert your position as a road user.

Make yourself visible

By law, after dark you must have white lights at the front and red lights at the back of your bicycle.

Wear something bright or reflective so you can be seen more easily.

Follow the rules of the road

Bicycles are legally defined as vehicles – you’re entitled to ride on the road and must follow the same rules as all other road users.

Don’t ride through red traffic lights and don’t cycle on the pavement unless it is signed as a shared path. Remember that pedestrians always have priority on shared paths.


2 thoughts on “More information on the Barclays Cycle Superhighway

  1. I am a driving instructor and can see the reason
    for these lanes. But cyclists will still ride where they want. Paths or roads or both. But I very rarely see a cyclists stop at lights. They should have heavy fines and be banned fron cycling. They are the bain of my life.

    1. Ron…
      As a driving instructor i’m sure you see lots on the road. how often do you see a car jump a red light? I bet quite often. No doubt cyclists do jump red lights, and i don’t condone it, but they are not the only ones that do it. I my self, as a campaigner, don’t jump through red lights, and stop at every one.
      I hope you teach your students how to drive appropriately around a cyclist.

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