The Law
- You must obey all traffic signals
- You are not allowed to ride on pavements in Jersey unless it is signed you can do this
- You must have a bell on your bike by Law in Jersey
- After dark your bicycle must have a white light at the front, a red light at the back, a red reflector at the back and pedal reflectors
- Cyclists under 14 years of age must wear a cycle helmet in Jersey
Your bike
- Get your bike is professionally checked over by a qualified bike mechanic at least once a year, more if you are a regular cyclist
- Check the brakes are working every time you start a journey
- Make sure the tyres are pumped up and in good condition
- Use a bike oil to lubricate the chain and working parts regularly
- Make sure the saddle height is correct (adjusted, so that when you are sitting on the saddle, you are on the balls of your feet) to give you a comfortable ride and ensure you can signal without undue wobble
- Make sure all the nuts and bolts are tight
Be alert
- be aware of everything going on around you
- watch out for pedestrians stepping off the kerb without stopping and looking, particularly in St Helier when near the shopping centre and pedestrianised areas. Make sure you have a bell on your bike to sound a timely warning
- watch out for vehicles pulling into the kerb or turning left
- look up and around, rather than just in front of your bike
- practice looking behind without wobbling or swerving
- watch out for vehicles coming out of side streets – they may not see you – check behind as you approach the side street, if safe to do so, you should adjust your road position to move further out into your side of the road to be more visible to any waiting traffic
- you are permitted to cycle the against the flow of traffic in some one way streets in St Helier (this is signed). Pedestrians may not expect this and not check in your direction, they are unlikely to hear you. Some vehicle drivers may be unaware you are entitled to do this
Watch your position on the road
- always check behind before changing your road position
- ride further out, away from the kerb. You’ll be more obvious and easier to avoid
- allow at least a full door width’s space between you and parked cars – and watch for open doors
- 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
Wait ahead at lights
- wait in front of other vehicles when you’re at traffic lights
- make sure you are well in front of large vehicles such as HGVs and are not waiting on the left – make eye contact so they know you are there. If you can’t get to the front safely, wait behind the vehicle, position yourself to be visible in the drivers mirrors
- never pass buses on the left when they’re at stops or pulling in to them
Be seen and be safe
- a bright jacket or rucksack can make you easier to see
- put reflective strips on your rucksack, jacket or wrist bands for better visibility at night
Cycle helmets
- A contentious issue for some, we recommend you do wear one, make sure your helmet fits – tighten the straps so that you can’t push the helmet up your forehead, side to side or up at the back
Make eye contact
Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they know you’re there. It will make them give you the space on the road that you deserve.
Ride confidently
- know where you should be on the road
- in heavy traffic go at the same speed as other vehicles
- look out for drivers trying to move onto the road you’re on
- be assertive, not aggressive