Commuting by bike is a fast, cost-effective, and sustainable way to get around the city, and we are passionate advocates for this mode of transportation. However, it also requires extra awareness, as you’re not protected by the metal body of a car, unlike the other participants in the traffic. This means being more careful, better prepared and alert.
This is especially true when cycling on busy urban roads, as they can be unpredictable, overcrowded, and full of drivers who might be impatient to get home, especially during rush hour traffic. Whether you’re a seasoned commuter or new to city cycling, we believe there are some practical safety tips that can help keep you confident and protected on every ride.
Be Visible at All Times
One of the first things you should do when buying a bike is make sure you are fulfilling your visibility obligations. In the UK, this means that, by law, you’re required to have white front lights and a red rear light, plus reflectors on the back and pedals, when cycling between sunset and sunrise. You have to keep all lights and reflectors clean so they can work optimally at all times and keep you safe at low visibility.
Going a step further is also always a good idea, so we recommend investing in some reflective clothing and adding reflective gear to your helmet, bags, or any other area where it might catch a driver’s attention and make you more visible. This can be extremely helpful when it’s dark, whether it’s because you’re in a tunnel or it’s late at night or early in the morning.
Claim Your Space on the Road
One of the more scary things for new cyclists may be to “take the lane” or position themselves away from the curb. This might feel counterintuitive, and like you’re putting yourself in more danger and risking being too exposed to the traffic, but it is actually the opposite. Taking the lane when necessary can feel bold, but it makes you more visible and prevents unsafe overtakes.
Keeping away from the sidewalk makes you an unmissable part of traffic, as drivers can’t ignore you and overtake you too aggressively. The good news is that If they do try to overtake you, you have a lot of space to manoeuvre back towards the curb. Claiming your road space also means that you stay away from drain covers and debris that sometimes gather on the side of roads.
Avoid the Door Zone
Even if you haven’t experienced one, you’ve probably heard about accidents that are caused by the opening of a parked car’s door. It’s often depicted in films and videos precisely because it is surprisingly common.
To avoid these kinds of accidents, when cycling past parked cars, always keep in mind that people could be coming out of them. This can be very unpredictable, and we can’t always see inside a vehicle before we get too close to it. To be safe, stay at least a full door’s width away from parked cars to avoid being hit by a door that opens suddenly. While doing that, however, look back to make sure another car isn’t right behind you.
Stay Alert and Anticipate Hazards
Cycling, as well as driving or crossing a road, naturally requires you to be very present and alert. This means that you also need to learn how to anticipate potential issues on the road. You need to watch for pedestrians, potholes, drain covers, and turning vehicles. Anticipating what other road users might do is key to avoiding collisions.
To do this effectively, you should rely on all your senses, including your peripheral vision and active listening. This means that headphones are typically not advisable, as they reduce your awareness and can cause you to miss potential early warning signs about danger.
Make Eye Contact with Drivers
Eye contact is one of the most effective ways to ensure a driver has seen you—especially at junctions, roundabouts, and crossings. Looking at the other participants in the traffic allows you to assess better if they’re aware of you and decide on your course of action. Of course, don’t entirely rely on others paying attention, even if you’ve made eye contact and be prepared. However, if you’re not sure at all if they have seen you, proceed with more caution and be ready to suddenly stop or steer away if that’s more appropriate.
Signal Clearly and Early
Use hand signals confidently to indicate turns and changes in direction. This is important both for your safety and to help other drivers understand what you’re about to do. Nothing on the road is completely predictable, but everyone should strive to make it as predictable as they can, and signalling in advance gives other road users precious time to react.
Be Cautious Around Lorries and Buses
Depending on your cycle route, you might come across lorries and, most likely, buses. The danger with larger vehicles is that they have larger blind spots, and drivers might not necessarily see you on a bike before it’s too late. This is why it is best to avoid undertaking them and to position yourself next to one at junctions. If you are in any doubt, just do the safest thing and wait – hang back and wait until it’s safe to proceed.
Know the Rules of the Road
Even though it is towards the end of the list, that isn’t because it’s less important. We would say that familiarising yourself with the rules of the road is one of the first things you should do when you decide to start cycling. Knowing your rights and responsibilities is one of the most crucial pieces of the picture that will keep you safe.
Familiarise yourself with the Highway Code (especially the sections relevant to cyclists), and respect traffic signals and signs. Riding responsibly helps protect you and improves the perception of cyclists among other road users.
Keep Your Bike in Good Condition
Lastly, we would say that, just like with a car, you should ensure you have a bike in top condition. A well-maintained bike is a safer bike. It also gives you peace of mind that it won’t break on you suddenly on the road. So, every now and then, do a quick M-check before riding—checking tyres, brakes, chains, and lights. Regular maintenance reduces the risk of mechanical failure mid-ride and an unpleasant commute or worse.
Cycling in the city doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right habits, visibility, and confidence, you can enjoy a quicker commute, better health, and a smaller carbon footprint—all while staying safe. Whether you’re riding to work, school, or just across town, these safety tips will help you arrive calm, confident, and in control.