Questionnaire: How Safe a Cyclist Are You?

A cyclist can keep out of trouble on the roads by following a few simple safety rules. Take our bike safety questionnaire to discover how safe a rider you are.

Question 1: Which of the following items do you wear when you go cycling?

  • a) A securely-fastened cycle helmet that is the correct size and conforms to current regulations.
  • b) Appropriate clothes that will not get tangled in the chain or a wheel and will not obscure your lights.
  • c) Fluorescent or light-coloured clothing to help other road users to see you in daylight.
  • d) Reflective clothing and/or accessories such as belt, arm or ankle bands in the dark.

Question 2: Which of the following actions is sometimes acceptable for cyclists?

  • a ) Riding while under the influence of drink or drugs, including medicine.
  • b) Cycling on a pavement.
  • c) Cycling in a bus lane.
  • d) Holding onto a moving vehicle.

Question 3: Which of the following crossings is it okay for a cyclist to ride across?

  • a) Equestrian.
  • b) Pelican.
  • c) Puffin.
  • d) Zebra.

Question 4: Which of the following lights and reflectors must a night rider have?

  • a) A white front light
  • b) A red rear light.
  • c) A white front reflector.
  • d) A red rear reflector.

Question 5: When is it acceptable for a cyclist to take one hand off the handlebars?

  • a) To gesticulate at other road users.
  • b) To wave to friends.
  • c) To signal or change gear.
  • d) To carry a bag of shopping.

Question 6: Cyclists should ride in single file on narrow or busy roads or when riding round bends, but what is acceptable on quiet roads?

  • a) Single file.
  • b) Two abreast.
  • c) Three abreast.
  • d) Four abreast.

Question 7: Which of the following bike safety statements is false?

  • a) Do not pass between the kerb and a bus when it is at a stop.
  • b) Do not carry a passenger unless your cycle has been built or adapted to carry one.
  • c) The use of cycle lanes is compulsory
  • d) Take extra care near road humps, narrowings and other traffic calming features.

Answers: Question 1 – a, b, c and d) All of these items should be worn to be safe (take a point for each one)
Question 2 – c) Most bus lanes can be used by cyclists as indicated on signs (3 points).
Question 3 – None of them (lose a point for each one), but cyclists can ride across Toucan crossings.
Question 4 – a, b and d) Must be fitted and working at night (take a point for each), whereas c) is optional but will help you to be seen.
Question 5 – c) Keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear (3 points).
Question 6 – a and b) Cyclists should never ride more than two abreast (point for each).
Question 7 – c) The use of cycle lanes is not compulsory, but they can make your journey safer (3 points).

Score: 16-18

Well done you’re ready for the road.

Score 13-15

Brush up on cycling safety before setting off

12 and under

Study the Highway Code or you could be putting yourself and other road users at risk.

See Also
White bike painted on a road surface
Nightime Cycling
Cycle sign
Right and Left Turns When Cycling