Cycling safety on our roads is a major issue
Good morning fellow peddlers and pundits. This week I have been asked to convey a few safety messages to reinforce the need for more tolerance and better conduct whilst we go about our daily commutes in and around Southport. Also on Friday this week I will be attending a fabulous event where you are invited to come and support the Macmillan Cancer Charity as they raise money for the cause by holding the World’s biggest coffee morning here in Southport!
Over the past couple of weeks I have been made aware of concerns led by members of the public who travel in and around Southport.
I would like to remind cyclists that cycling after sunset requires that you have a front and rear light on your cycle together with a red rear reflector. Although now you are permitted to ride with flashing front and rear lights the 
highway code advised that when you are cycling in areas where there is no street lighting a steady front light setting is recommended. This is a minimum requirement to ensure you keep within the law. A yellow reflective top or bright clothing, extra lights, reflective gloves, spoke and front reflectors all help to keep you seen and safe whist travelling in the dark.
Cycling on the pavements and pedestrian areas is illegal and cyclists are putting themselves at risk of prosecution by habitually doing so. In an effort to try to encourage new cyclists local authorities have on occasion changed the use of some pavements to allow for cyclists to share with pedestrians. In these areas blue signs are displayed to signify the change of use. Where there are no signs these pavements are for pedestrians only. I have also witnessed many riders navigating around traffic lights or ignoring them completely. Not only is this activity a risk to yourselves you are not respecting other road users and pedestrians by this errant behaviour.
Motorists that overtake cyclists too close are now being prosecuted. For the first time following many near misses
Cyclist on pavement
and complaints by cyclists in the West Midlands police have employed undercover police officers to video record motorists that don’t take care when overtaking vulnerable cyclists on the road. Many drivers have then been taken to court and charged with careless driving offences. If successful this method maybe employed nationwide to deter those motorists that don’t take enough care as they pass cyclists without an inch to spare! Locally I would like to remind motorists to be considerate and patient when overtaking cyclists allowing them plenty of room when they pass without tailgating or cutting in too sharply during the maneuver.
Heads Up
C.J. Cycles Macmillan Coffee Morning
This Friday 30th September 2016 Chris and his friendly team at C.J. Cycles are hosting a Coffee Morning raising money for the Macmillan Cancer Support Charity. Whilst you enjoy your coffee, tea and cake the team are offering a bike check in exchange for a small donation to the charity!
The bike check includes:
Tyres checked
Gears adjusted
Brakes adjusted
Cables and chain lubrication
Wear check on chains, brakes and tyres
The coffee morning starts at 10.30am outside the family run shop and workshop at the bottom of Hall St off
Chris and the Team at CJ Cycles, above will be taking part in the Macmillan Cancer Support Charity big coffee morning.
Kensington Rd. On Yer Bike will be there on the day to chat about local issues and give out advice and information about local cycling activities.
Check out the website http://www.cjcycles.co.uk/
Don’t forget the next cycle jumble will be at the Hightown Pub in Hightown on Saturday 15th October 2016 starting at 12pm all welcome.
Keep peddlin’
If you have any further comments or stories then please drop me Ian a line at Ian462@msn.com
