Cyclists: Use middle of the lane at junction to be seen by car lights
Posted by Richard Sinclair
Cyclists are being urged to move out into the middle of the lane when approaching a junction or parked cars to ensure that they are seen in the car lights of vehicles behind.
Duncan Pickering, cycling development manager at the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), suggested that those who use bikes on the UKs roads are confused by conflicting advice on where is best to position themselves.
"Our advice to cyclists, based on a comprehensive study, is to stay near to the kerb on long, even stretches, but to assert yourself when approaching a junction."
He continued that cyclists who move out into the road will put themselves in the direct view of drivers.
The IAM claims that studies have shown drivers primarily pay attention to the major stream of traffic when they get to a junction, so little attention is paid to approaching cyclists.
Bike users should not solely rely on motorists car lights to make them seen on the roads at night. By law, white lights should be fastened to the front and red lights to the back of bicycles that are being ridden after dark.
Transport for London also recommends attaching special strips that reflect the car lights to rucksacks, jackets or wrist bands, as these will also improve visibility.
