Skills and Safety
Glasgow City Council's Road Safety page provides information on how to use the city's roads safely as well as information on Bikeability Cycle Training.
For school travel and road safety, visit Glasgow's STARS website.
There are many other groups and organisations across Glasgow helping people to become more confident when cycling and their details can be found on the Aye Cycle Website. The support offered includes:
- Learning to ride a bike for all ages
- Led rides
- Bike maintenance classes
- Servicing
- Cycling proficiency
The website also provides a guide to safety and security including equipment.
Please refer to our Parking and Storage page for advice on how to park and store your cycling equipment safely.
Cycling On Road
The Highway Code shares advice and mandatory rules which you must follow when cycling on road.
You must obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.
- When traffic signals are Amber, unless it is unsafe to do so, stop.
- When Red, you must stop.
If you cycle at night, it is a legal requirement to have white front and red rear lights lit. Your bike must also be fitted with a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors.
Cycling UK provide useful advice and videos on how to position yourself and turn safely on road to help you understand with confidence. Ride positively and keep away from the kerb as this is where debris tends to gather. Avoiding this area gives you greater flexibility, means you'll often have a smooth surface, and helps you avoid potential punctures.
Be aware of other road users and try to stay out of blind spots. Be wary of large vehicles such as vans and trucks as drivers of these vehicles may not have good visibility of the space around their vehicle. Be particularly cautious when vehicles are manoeuvring.
Cycling in wet conditions
These simple tips will help you stay safe and comfortable when cycling in wet conditions.
Stay warm and dry:
- Wear a waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers to stay dry in the rain.
- Put on a thin hat under your helmet to keep your head warm.
- Use waterproof overshoes to keep your feet dry.
- Wear good-quality gloves to keep your hands warm and dry.
Watch out for hazards:
- Be careful when the roads are wet because they can be slippery.
- Avoid things like metal drain covers, leaves and manholes in wet conditions, as they can be dangerous.
- Check the weather forecast and plan ahead.
- Ensure your bike is in good condition.
Be visible:
- Use bright lights on your bike; white at the front and red at the back.
- Make sure your lights have enough battery power for your entire journey.
- Wear clothing with reflective bands to be seen when car headlights shine on you.
- Wear clothing that stands out from the background to be more noticeable.
National Charities, Sustrans and Cycling UK, provide some useful tips specific to winter cycling. You can also download our useful guide for Autumn into Winter Cycling.
Check the weather forecast and consider alternative travel options on days with weather warnings for heavy rain or strong winds.
Cycling in dark conditions
Cycling UK have provided some useful tips specific to cycling in the dark.
If you are riding at night, your cycle must have front and rear lights. It must also have a rear reflector. Full guidance is given in Rule 60 of The Highway Code.
Cycling in cold conditions
Cycling UK have provided some useful tips specific to cycling in winter.
To find out which cycle routes are gritted in winter visit our online map.
Cycling in windy conditions
Cycling UK have provided some useful tips for cycling in windy conditions.
Check the weather forecast and consider alternative travel options on days with weather warnings for heavy rain or strong winds.
Cycling in hot conditions
Cycling UK have provided some useful tips for cycling in hot weather.
Related Content
Related Documents
Share this page
