Keeping our roads safe is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re cycling for work, school, fitness or leisure, following a few simple rules helps protect you and those around you.
💡 Use Lights After Dark – It’s the Law
Between sunset and sunrise, bicycles must have:
A white front light ⬜
A red rear light 🟥
A red rear reflector đź”´
Using lights is vital for:
Being seen by drivers, other cyclists, and pedestrians
Avoiding collisions, particularly at junctions
Making your journey safer and more predictable
Even in well‑lit urban areas, lights significantly improve visibility. Consider adding reflective clothing or accessories for extra safety.
🚫 Don’t Cycle on the Pavement
Cycling on the pavement is an offence, unless it’s a designated shared‑use path. Why it matters:
Pavements are for pedestrians - riding on them puts vulnerable road users at risk.
You may startle or collide with someone, leading to injury.
It can encourage conflict between road users and damage community confidence.
Stick to the road or cycle‑designated areas, and always give pedestrians priority on shared paths.
đź”´ Stop at Red Lights. Every Time.
Jumping a red light is illegal and extremely dangerous. Stopping at red lights helps to:
Prevent serious collisions with vehicles or pedestrians
Reduce confusion at junctions
Promote safer, more respectful behaviour among all road users
Approach junctions slowly, be alert for turning vehicles, and always wait for a green signal.
đź’ Additional Tips for Safer Cycling
Wear a helmet for added protection.
Secure your bike with a strong D‑lock and register it with a property-marking service.
Ride predictably, signal clearly and avoid sudden moves.
Keep your bike well-maintained (brakes, tyres, and chain).
Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid wearing headphones at high volume.
Register your bike with the national cycle register Bike Register (more information below).
BikeRegister – The National Cycle Database
BikeRegister is the UK’s police‑preferred national cycle database, used by all UK police forces to identify and recover stolen bicycles. Cyclists can register their bike details for free, creating a record that helps prove ownership if the bike is recovered. Additional marking kits, including tamper‑resistant QR labels, permanent etching kits and covert UV microdot systems, act as strong theft deterrents and increase the likelihood of recovery. Over 1.5 million bikes are already registered, making BikeRegister one of the most effective tools for reducing cycle theft and reuniting owners with their bikes.
Camden Council Free Cycle Training
Camden Council offers five levels of free cycle training, designed to support riders of all abilities - from complete beginners to experienced cyclists who want to improve on-road confidence. The levels range from Level 1: Learn to Cycle, through Cycle Confidence, On‑Road Skills, and Advanced Road Skills, up to Level 5: Enjoy Local Rides, where participants can explore local routes with support. These sessions are free for anyone who lives, works or studies in Camden and can be booked easily online using Camden’s booking system. Training follows the government Bike ability syllabus and is delivered by qualified instructors.
