Cycle Safely, Students!

By Amirthaa Kesavan

For many students, cycling is a convenient way to get around St Andrews. From commuting to lectures to going on grocery runs, cycling is a reliable and sustainable alternative to unpredictable buses and the town’s narrow, overcrowded pavements.

However, with more bikes on the road, concerns over dangerous cycling have emerged in the local community. Andy Topping, a local resident, shared, ‘There is a growing concern within the town community about the number who continue to cycle against the traffic flow in the town's one-way system. St Andrews is a town with great town-and-gown relationships, and we must all abide by the law and show respect to each other.’

Source: University of St Andrews

Safe cycling practices are essential, not only in protecting riders but also the wider community. It is important that we take responsibility for how we use the roads, so here are some key reminders to ensure we do so:

1. Cyclists are road users too!

Under the Highway Code, cyclists are classified as road users, alongside drivers and motorcyclists. This means cyclists are expected to follow the same rules as motorists, including following one-way systems, junction priorities, and signage.

Whilst most cyclists ride responsibly, recent concerns from locals highlight a few risky behaviours that put cyclists and others at risk such as:

• Cycling against traffic on one-way streets such as Market Street (beyond the Market-Bell Street Junction), Bell Street, and Church Street

• Entering the West Port from South Street (which is marked as a no-entry zone)

• Failing to clearly signal direction on roundabouts

Some streets have been reconfigured to allow contraflow cycling; however, neither Market, Bell, nor Church Street are among them. Even if it seems more convenient to quickly cycle against a one-way road, this places cyclists in drivers’ blind spots, significantly increasing the risk of collision.

2. Equip your bikes with lights

As winter approaches, daylight hours fall shorter. By the time the last class of the day finishes, the roads are brightened by streetlights and many students may find themselves cycling home in the dark.

Cycling around these times can be hazardous, particularly on roads where they are poorly-lit. Visibility is crucial for the safety of cyclists but also for other road users who may struggle to see them.

Equipping bikes with fully charged front (white) and rear (red) lights allows drivers and pedestrians to spot cyclists more easily. Check that these lights are positioned correctly and fully charged before each journey. Reflective clothing or accessories can help further improve visibility. Good visibility can help prevent accidents and ensure that other road users can respond appropriately. 

3. Wear helmets

Whether you are cycling across town or just heading to a nearby building, wearing a helmet is necessary for safety. It considerably reduces the risk of head injury in the event of an accident. Although a commute may be as short as 3 minutes, even brief journeys carry unpredictable dangers, such as a sudden car door opening, slippery roads, or distracted pedestrians.

Source: Renate Dryer, Unsplash

A properly fitted helmet should sit level on your head, covering about two-thirds of your forehead, and should feel snug without wobbling. Retailers such as Halfords offer clear guidance on their website on selecting a suitable helmet with tips to check it is positioned correctly and securely fit.

4. Avoid overloading

Though cycling brings many benefits, a downside is the struggle of carrying bags and items. Avoid overloading or unevenly distributing weight while cycling. Tote bags and handbags over a shoulder may cause swerving in the road, jeopardising your safety when cars may be overtaking. Similarly, hanging bags from handlebars can impact your steering and braking.

Baskets, panniers, and bicycle racks (or even a simple backpack) are strongly recommended for carrying bags and items whilst cycling.

5. Service your bike regularly

Poorly maintained bikes increase the risk of accidents on the road. Tyres, brakes, and chains all need routine inspections to ensure your bike is safe for the road.

To support safer cycling, Transition St Andrews runs Bike Pool Fix-it sessions twice a week:

• Tuesdays in the Nisbet Room at David Russell Apartments

• Wednesdays in the Bike Hub behind the Old Burgh School

Source: Transition St Andrews

These sessions are free and open to all students, aiming to help cyclists become proficient at fixing and maintaining their own bikes. Whether you need help with a repair or want to learn how to maintain your bike yourself, professionals are on hand to guide you through.

As students, our actions reflect our respect and shared responsibility for the wider St Andrews community. By following these key reminders, safer cycling helps keep the town’s roads welcoming for everyone.