Is there legislation for pavement cycling? The simple answer to this is yes. Section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 prohibits ‘wilfully riding’ on footpaths, which refers to the path at the side of a carriageway. However, the interpretation is clear – it’s not legal for a cyclist to ride their bike on the pavement.

People aged 50 years and above have a lot to benefit from cycling. Low impact aerobic workouts like cycling are perfect for over-50s who can no longer undertake high intensity exercises; perhaps because their knees aren’t as good as they used to be.

According to the Road Traffic Act (Cap. 276) Road Traffic (Expressways – Excluded Vehicles) Rules 2010, bicycles are prohibited on expressways.

Obey all the traffic rule, and always go in the direction of the traffic. The traffic rules stays the same even if you are riding a bicycle. 5. Look on both sides before taking a turn.

three-foot

Sidewalks look like the safer option for bicyclists, especially when there are a lot of cars on the road. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, 29 percent of bicyclist injuries are the result of car collisions. But riding on a sidewalk doesn’t remove the threat of crashing into a car.

Bicycling in California requires cyclists to know and obey local rules. No universal law in the state prohibits bicyclists from riding on sidewalks. However, local municipalities have the freedom to initiate their own laws regarding sidewalk riding.

The simple answer to why cyclists ride in the middle of “traffic lanes” is because they are allowed and advised to take such actions. “Riding prominently in the lane indicates to a driver approaching from behind that, for good reason, they should not overtake at that time.

Those piloting heavy, fast motor vehicles often use their speed and power to muscle all non-motorised users out of the way, sometimes without knowing they’re doing it. “Vulnerable road users” – such as cyclists and pedestrians – become either invisible, or irritants to be buzzed out of the way.

Ten Reasons to Find Cyclists Annoying 1) They think they own the road. 2) They ignore the rules such as stopping at red lights or one way systems. 5) They don’t pay any road fund licence money or contribute to the upkeep of the roads in any way. 6) They have an insane sense of entitlement.

The first thing to remember is that cycling is not a dangerous activity. But fear of road traffic is still a major deterrent for a number of people when it comes to cycling, even if the objective risk is quite low.

But bicyclists, as it turns out, face another peril: pollution. New research has found that bicycle commuters inhale twice the amount of black carbon particles as pedestrians. Inhalation of such gunk (aka soot) is associated with reduced lung function and even heart attacks.

Both running and cycling come with risks. With regard to injury, according to Men’s Health, cycling causes six injuries per 1,000 hours, while running is more dangerous with 11 injuries per 1,000 hours. With cycling, Men’s Health says you’ll crash only once every 900,000 miles.

However when we factor in serious injuries too, cyclists fared worse than pedestrians. In other words, the national picture suggests cycling is more dangerous that walking taking into account distance travelled, although the death rate alone is greater for pedestrians.

Nationwide, you’re more than twice as likely to die while riding a bike than riding in a car, per trip, according to a 2007 study led by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention epidemiologist Laurie Beck. Bike riding is also about 500 times more fatal than riding in a bus.

A recent study by Cambridge University found that the health benefits of cycling – as well as walking – outweigh the risks caused by air pollution in 99 per cent of cities. Cyclists can consider arming themselves with a Mad Max respiratory mask, take quieter routes – and keep the broader benefits in mind.

But risk-wise dying in a car accident is actually relatively unlikely, though your risk of injury is higher. These figures indicate travelling by car is approximately seven times safer than riding a bike. Both driving a car and riding a motorcycle have little going for them in terms of improving health.

So, what are the most common risks to cyclists?

• T-Junctions. A significant number of our claims come from an accident involving a T-junction.
• Roundabouts. Roundabouts can be touch-and-go for any road user, so it’s not surprising they are high-risk for cyclists.
• Parked Vehicles.
• Potholes.
• Overtaking.

Avoid biking at night istockphoto Biking at night is much more dangerous than riding during the day. If you must ride after dark, make sure your bike has reflectors and a bright light on both the front and rear. Wear reflective clothing, and don’t assume that motorists can see you.