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.