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North Yorkshire cycle hub up for top tourism award

22 Mar 2024

Rob Brown, co-director of Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, a not-for-profit hire scheme has been nominated for the Tourism Superstar 2024 award, run by VisitEngland.
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Independent retail bodies welcome new report aimed at tackling retail crime.

21 Mar 2024

ACS (The Association of Convenience Stores) and the Federation of Independent Retailers (The Fed) have both welcomed a new report published by the Association of Police and Crime... Read more…

Indie retailers outperformed supermarkets in sales of organic food, wellness and beauty products in 2023.

21 Mar 2024

As reported by Healthstores UK, new data contained in the 2024 Soil Association Organic Market report shows that independent retailers delivered an impressive 10% growth in 2023, with... Read more…

Cheltenham beer shop and bar wins top UK award.

21 Mar 2024

An independent bottle shop and bar in Cheltenham has been named as the UK's Independent Beer and Wine Retailer of the Year 2024 at the Drinks Retailing Awards. 
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Welsh Government Announce £20m Future Proofing Fund for Retail Businesses in Wales

21 Mar 2024

A number of organisations, including Bira (the British Independent Retailers’ Association), other trade associations, BIDs and unions have met with officials from the Welsh Government to... Read more…

High Street Faces 'Unprecedented Challenges' says Trade Association

21 Mar 2024

The British Independent Retailers’ Association (Bira) has reacted to data released by PwC and the Local Data Company exploring the state of the UK retail landscape.
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Greeting Card Association expresses concern on new evidence Royal Mail prioritising parcel deliveries over letters.

6 Mar 2024

The Greeting Card Association has reacted to a BBC Panorama programme lifting the lid on Royal Mail management prioritising parcel delivery over letters, which it says are in contradiction of... Read more…

Kate Bush named as Record Store Day ambassador.

4 Mar 2024

Pop star Kate Bush has been announced as an ambassador for this year's Record Store Day, on 20 April.
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Shortlist for Independent Bookshop of the Year 2024 revealed.

4 Mar 2024

The British Book Awards has announced its shortlist for Independent Bookshop of the Year. 
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Local Bike Shop Day 2024 confirmed for Saturday May 4th.

4 Mar 2024

The ACT is happy to confirm the date for Local Bike Shop Day 2024 as Saturday 4 May, the weekend of the early May Bank Holiday.
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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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