Off-Road - Ride Safety
Other Bridleway Users
Other people also use the bridleways and we all want to enjoy ourselves without upsetting each other. There is a definite pecking order when on bridleways and cyclists are last.
- Horses
- Walkers
- Cyclists
-
Horses
- It is less threatening for a horse if it can see any passing cyclists. A horse rider will often turn a horse to face the cyclists before they pass.
- Horses can be easily startled by sudden movements or loud noises.
- Some horse riders will ask cyclists to dismount.
- Gather on the same side of the track so the horse does not need to pass between cyclists.
- When overtaking a horse on a road, inform the horse rider of your presence and ask them if it is OK to overtake. Give the horse a wide a birth as possible.
-
Walkers
- Many walkers will step to the side so cyclists can pass, remember to thank them.
- If you are travelling in the same direction as the walkers, they my not have seen you, so make a noise to alert them of your presence.
- Watch out for dogs as they are unpredictable and may want to join you. Depending on the situation, either out run them, or slow down gently to a stop. This is usually accompanied by their owner frantically calling their name.
-
Cyclists
- Watch out for other cyclists coming towards you. Try to keep to one side so you can both pass amicably.
Cycling on the Road
When riding on the road we need to ensure that we observe the Highway Code, riding as a group does not exempt us from the rules of the road.
- Riders should keep to the left of the central white line and not ride more than 2 abreast, on busy roads it should be single file.
- A large group should split into smaller groups so cars can overtake the cyclists in sections.
- Particular attention should be paid when we stop, check that all cyclists are off the road and there is clear access for cars to pass.