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Small Business Strategy Inquiry 2025 - ACT and Bira call for members to share their voice

20 Jun 2025

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked the ACT, and its parent company Bira, to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on... Read more…

Beyond the discount: Restoring integrity to the cycle supply chain

18 Jun 2025

The Association of Cycle Traders believes the time has come for greater accountability throughout our supply chain, writes ACT Director Jonathan Harrison in an article published for BikeBiz.
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Bira welcomes Wales' business rates proposals but calls for key improvements

11 Jun 2025

Bira has welcomed the Welsh Government's consultation on business rate reforms for retail shops, whilst calling for significant improvements to ensure the proposals truly support high street... Read more…

New awards launch to champion Britain's independent high street heroes

9 Jun 2025

Retailers on Britain's high streets are being encouraged to put themselves forward for the first-ever Love Your High Street Awards, designed to celebrate the small businesses that bring... Read more…

"Tectonic shift" in employment law threatens independent retailer viability, warns Bira podcast

6 Jun 2025

Independent retailers are facing a "generational" transformation of employment law that could fundamentally change how small businesses operate, according to the final episode of Bira's first... Read more…

Retailers hope warm weather and bank holidays will boost high street sales

16 May 2025

ACT parent company Bira has said that members are hopeful the warm weather, Easter weekend and upcoming bank holidays will provide a much-needed boost to high street sales.
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Economic growth surges to 0.7%, but "April reality check" looms for high street retailers

15 May 2025

UK economy delivers strongest quarterly performance in a year despite forecasts of business downturn.
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Communities come together for Local Bike Shop Day 2025 celebrations

13 May 2025

Local Bike Shop Day 2025 brought a wave of... Read more…

ACT parent company Bira welcomes Bank of England's latest interest rate cut

8 May 2025

ACT parent company Bira has welcomed the Bank of England's decision to reduce interest rates from 4.5% to 4.25%, calling it a "much-needed boost" for the retail sector, including for cycling... Read more…

ACT parent company Bira responds to Beales' "Rachel Reeves Closing Down Sale" as iconic store makes final protest

8 May 2025

ACT parent company Bira has responded to the news that the 144-year-old Beales department store is staging a "Rachel Reeves Closing Down Sale" in its final weeks of trading, with giant yellow... Read more…

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The definitive guide to safer cycling series part 2

Posted on in Cycles News, Outdoor News

The definitive guide to safer cycling is a four part series that offers crucial information on important cycling safety statistics as well as helpful tips and advice on how to stay safe whilst cycling at night, during the winter and in any other less-than-ideal situation written by Michael Morris.

Part 2 offers tips for safer cycling including 6 ways to avoid road collisions.

bike path 

A great way to making sure you can better protect yourself is by:

  • Keeping up-to-date with the Highway Code and how it particularly applies to cyclists
  • You should always be alert when cycling, not taking anything for granted
  • Display your intentions early by signalling and always look and double check before stopping, turning or riding off from start
  • Avoid cycling too close to parked cars, there is the risk of the driver opening the door without looking
  • Never cycle on the path as this could result in a £30 fine
  • When cycling on joint cyclist and pedestrian paths announce to people when you are approaching

Six ways to avoid road collisions

Many cyclists already follow the above advice, they are intended as general guidance, but here are six practices that any cyclist should implement when cycling to make sure they are safe.

Keep away from busy streets

Cyclists can often make the mistake of sticking to the same roads they would when driving. Although this makes sense because you are familiar with the route, those roads are the same roads that all motorists take and therefore there are more vehicles to contend with and a greater risk of being caught up in a collision.

Remember to use your lights

Cyclists should have lights fixed to their bike, especially when travelling in the early morning or late at night. It is shocking how hard it is to see a cyclist when sitting or driving a vehicle so why would you take the risk of cycling at night without lights?

Don't be afraid to use the whole lane

Staying to the left of the road is normally a wise decision, however, there are certain times when being greedy on the road can keep you safe.

Occasions include:
To stop vehicles overtaking on narrow roads
To avoid being hit by the opening of a car door
In slow moving traffic, so you're easily visible to all

Always signal your intentions

Signalling your turns is very crucial when cycling in case a car is approaching and tries to overtake as you are turning. When cycling make sure to signal early so vehicles around you are aware of your movements.

Ditch the music and mobiles

It is advised to avoid wearing headphones and keep your mobile phone away at all times to ensure that you are not distracted in the slightest.

Cycles as if you're invisible

This is not to say wear plain clothes or fail to signal appropriately. This is designed to ensure a motorist doesn't hit you, even if they don't see you. By staying out of the way on fast roads you're more likely to keep safe.

Read the full Tips for Bike Safety in the UK.

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