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During these unprecedented times many people have taken the opportunity to use their spare time to explore the county on their bikes. Kent County Council Road Safety Team wants to make sure all Kent residents are doing this as safely as possible.

Road Safety Officers have been spending time creating some excellent resources to help new cyclists who may have bought a bike for the first time, cyclists whose bicycles haven’t seen daylight for a few months (even years), or experienced cyclists who want to brush up on their knowledge. The Road Safety Team want to make sure every road user knows how to use our road network in the safest way possible, particularly for cyclists here are some tips...

• Make sure all mechanisms such as brakes and gears are working
• Checking the tyres are pumped up
• Correct signalling when performing a manoeuvre so other road users know your intentions
• Wearing protective equipment such as a cycle helmet, gloves and bright clothing

These are only a few tips that cyclists should remember and implement on their journeys. To understand more around bike maintenance and safer bicycle travel go the Kent Road Safety website, where you can find some excellent advice and videos.

It is important that all road users share the road together, which means drivers should allow at least 1.5m when over taking a cyclist and it is courteous for cyclists to thank them when they do so.

Rory McMullan, Casualty Reduction Manager, said: “It is great to see more people of all ages riding bicycles in Kent, it’s a clean and healthy mode of transport that can be fun too.”

“We want to ensure that everyone is riding in the safest way possible, so would invite people to view our Kent Road Safety website for some tips and hints on riding more safely.

"For those that haven’t cycled in a while, it is a good idea to start off with a practice ride in a quieter area to gain confidence before setting out on a longer journey.

"Drivers should also remember to pass people on bicycles carefully, leaving plenty of space and not passing too quickly, especially with many people out and about who are new to cycling.”

For full details around all road users go to the Kent Road Safety