STAY AHEAD IRELAND Stay Ahead Winter Ready Edition | Page 37

“Like all road users, cyclists must obey the Rules of the Road.” Turning right • Turning right can be very dangerous. Many collisions happen when cyclistsare turning right. • Plan your turn well in advance. • Look back. Signal. Then look back again before you move into the rightlane. • As you approach a junction, look all around and stop if required. Look rightand left and then look right again. Ensure it is safe to proceed, otherwisestop. • When it is safe to go, you should signal again and move off. • Stay well into the left as you enter the lane if you don’t feel confident. Watch out for cars, trucks and buses Cars, trucks and other vehicles can be dangerous to cyclists even when they are parked. • Always signal and pull out well in advance when you are passing a parkedvehicle. • Leave plenty of space when you are passing – if someone opens a door, itcan knock you off your bicycle. • Cycle in single-file when you are overtaking parked vehicles. • Remember all vehicles have blind spots and the driver may not be able tosee you. Tram tracks Cyclists need to take special care because tram tracks can be slippery, especially during wet or icy weather. In particular, cyclists should avoid braking while on tram rails. They should always cross tram rails at a right angle or as close to it as possible. They should take care to avoid getting their bicycle wheels caught in the groove of the tram rails. As a cyclist, you can reduce your risk of death or injury by following some simple advice: • As a cyclist, you can reduce your risk of death or injury by following some simple advice: • Never cycle in the dark without adequate lighting – white for front, red for rear • Always wear luminous clothing such as hi-vis vests, fluorscent armbands and reflective belts so that other road users can see you • Wear a helmet • Make sure you keep to the left. Always look behind and give the proper signal before moving off, changing lanes or making a turn • Follow the rules of the road, never run traffic lights or weave unpredictably in and out of traffic • Maintain your bike properly – in particular, your brakes should work properly and your tyres should be in- flated to the right pressure and be in good condition • Respect other road users – don’t get into shouting matches with motorists; stop at pedestrian crossings; don’t cycle on the footpath • Watch your speed, especially when cycling on busy streets and going downhill • Steer well clear of left-turning trucks: let them turn before you move ahead Integrity | Vigilance | Helpfulness www.securitas.ie 37 page