Bike Safety

Lights

All bikes are required to carry two British Standard compliant reflectors and lights. White on the Front red on the back. Do not rely on a flashing LED - these are to be used in addition and to use one of these alone will risk a fine. Police will give £30 on the spot fines to any cyclist not complying with the requisite standards.

Cycle Helmets

As CUSU says -It is considered to be an unwavering truth that no one looks their best in a cycle helmet, but it should be added that no one looks astronomically bad in one, either. Certainly not as 'uncool' as anyone might look with their brains all over the pavement. Nobody ever expects to fall off their bike, but every year thousands of cyclists are involved in accidents, and over 70% of injuries sustained are to the head. Cycle helmets work by absorbing the impact that would otherwise be received by the skull, dissipating the energy of the impact.

Theft

Cambridge has a huge problem with bike theft, so here are a few tips to keep your cycle safe. Try not to leave it in vulnerable locations and always always lock it up. Use a decent lock otherwise the professional bike thieves will have no problem with stealing it away. Lock your biked by the frame to an immovable object if you can. Locking it to itself or just through a wheel is more risky - all those single bike wheels are a testimony to why you should lock through the frame! Code your bike - Emmanuel is EM, the year of your matriculation and then the number you come in the alphabetical list. The codes and lovely yellow paint are available from the porters lodge, get it done. Don't forget to write the number down somewhere! Whenever possible, walk your bike through to the south court bikeshed, do not leave it right outside front court. This is the most vulnerable area and several students' bikes have disappeared from here.

The Highway Code

Cyclists like all other road users have to obey the laws. This means

• cycle on the left
• obey street signs and lights
• avoid pedestrian only zones
• do not cycle on the pavement.
• use lights

With the introduction of on the spot fines of up to £30 for cycling in pedestrian areas (in Cambridge this includes the marketplace and the Grafton Centre between 10 am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday) as well as for not complying with the requisite night light standards, dangerous cycling can be financially costly. Just as with driving, it is an offence to cycle under the influence of alcohol. The same legal limits apply, and it is legally possible for punishment to include points or restrictions on your driving licence.