Advice and Guidance for Safe Road Riding
This advice is an extract from our "Guidance for Group Road Cycling" and is intended for all HCAUK members who intend to ride on the public roads. The full guide and other relevant documents are available here.
Handcycling on the public road has an increased level of risk so care should be taken.
Preparation
Good practice while cycling
Personal responsibility
Handcycling on the public road has an increased level of risk so care should be taken.
Preparation
- If you haven’t checked that your bike is road worthy, do so before setting off. Remember that preventative maintenance is always preferable to having to fix or replace items at the last minute.
- Check the forecast before leaving and make sure you have adequate hydration and are dressed appropriately for the weather that is expected.
- Carry a lightweight waterproof jacket to cater for any unexpected changes in the weather.
- It is recommended that you wear a cycle helmet, eye protection and high visibility clothing.
- On longer rides you may need to take along or buy food.
- Your repair kit should contain at least a puncture repair kit, pump and spare inner tube. You should consider carrying additional spares such as a tire, chain links, and brake and gear cable inners on longer rides.
Good practice while cycling
Personal responsibility
- Adhere to the Highway Code.
- Do not partake in horse play.
- A pole mounted flag and front and rear mounted flashing LED lights improve your visibility to other road users.
- Whatever type of handcycle you ride you have the right to be on the road.
- The Highway Code expects all road users to be aware of and considerate to other road users.
- Do not ride two (or more) abreast when being overtaken, on narrow or busy roads.
- Allow as much room as possible when passing parked vehicles.
- When cycling on a designated cycle way, you must give way to pedestrians.
- Give clear signals at all times.
- Extra care is required when approaching horses.
- On long and steep hill descents it is possible that your brakes will fade and you will find stopping takes much longer than you are used to.
- Cross cattle grids slowly to avoid pinch punctures and possibly skidding.
- In the event of an incident requiring assistance from an emergency service, your precise location will be of great help and ensure that you are located quickly.
- It is also useful to carry a helmet tag, dog tag, shoe tabs, ankle or wrist bands for identification. These will also detail your "In Case of Emergency" Contact.
