How to Cycle Safely in London on a Forest eBike: 5 Essential Safety Tips
Cycling in London is a fantastic way to explore the city, commute sustainably, and enjoy some fresh air. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just getting started with Forest bikes, knowing the key road safety rules is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride. In this guide, we’ll break down the most important tips and regulations every cyclist in London should follow, helping you ride confidently in the city.
Follow the highway code
First up, let’s talk about the highway code. This is a set of rules that applies to all road users (including cars, motorbikes and bikes). There’s a specific set of guidance for cyclists. We recommend you checking it out, but here’s a summary:
Understand when cyclists need to give way
Always stop at traffic lights. Don't ride through red traffic lights or pedestrian green lights. If found to be breaking this rule, you may also be fined £50.
Give way at pedestrian crossings. When approaching pedestrian zebra crossings, always stop to give way to those crossing.
Give way to the right at roundabouts. Just like when driving, always give way to the right of you at a roundabout. Cyclists are able to stay in the left-hand lane around a roundabout even if they’re turning right. Just be sure to clearly signal with your hands which exit you’ll be taking.
Give plenty of space
Stay central on narrow roads. When you’re cycling on narrow roads with no dedicated cycle lane, try to cycle in the middle of the road to avoid vehicles overtaking too closely. Always try to ride away from the gutter, too to avoid any potential pot holes.
Leave space between you and parked cars. This is in the case that a parked car opens their door suddenly. If you can, try to keep a door's-width away from cars at all times.
Give space to larger vehicles. HGVs (Heavy Good Vehicles) include lorries, waste collection vehicles and other large vehicles. Remember to give plenty of space and ensure you can always be visible in their wing mirrors as they might have blind spots that smaller vehicles don’t. It’s recommended that you give way to these vehicles when turning left.
Be aware of others around you
Stay alert. It’s important to stay focused on what's going on around you, notice potential hazards, and be aware of other road users' activity. To stay focused, don’t use your phone when cycling and don’t use headphones to listen to music.
Make eye contact with other road users. Try to make eye contact with drivers and other road users so you're sure that they have seen you and aware of your next move.
Signal which direction you’re going. Use appropriate hand signals to indicate that you're turning left or right to other road users. Make sure to give plenty of warning and to check for blind spots before turning.
Don't cycle on the pavement. Unless marked otherwise as a shared surface for cyclists, don't cycle on the pavement or up a one-way street. If you’re looking to park your bike, always dismount and push it to your parking spot.
Wear the right gear
Wear a helmet. We always recommend wearing a helmet when cycling. There’s lots of affordable choices available to suit your needs (from foldable ones to inflatable!). We recommend choosing one that meets the European safety standard safety standards (search ‘EN 1078’) and/or has Mips technology to ensure you have adequate protection.
Be visible to other road users. Forest bikes are fitted with reflectors and built-in lights for visibility, but it’s always best to also wear bright clothes or even better reflective clothes when cycling. An easy way to do this is by sticking a reflective sticker on your helmet or onto your backpack or packing a high vis vest when riding during the darker months.
And that’s it! We hope you found this guide useful - if you’d like more tips on how to cycle safely, check out our guide to cycling lessons and proficiency in London.
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