Local
How to cycle safely in London
Cycling is a cheaper and greener way to explore London. Here are our top tips for using London roads and storing your bike.
Safety Tips
- Keep your distance from buses and large vehicles, as they may turn suddenly and not see you. Remember – in the UK we drive on the left.
- Ride a door’s width away from parked cars.
- Don’t cycle on the pavement unless it’s a designated cycle path.
- Always wear a helmet.
- Use bike lights and bright or reflective clothing if cycling at night or in bad weather.
- Signal clearly and use your bell to warn pedestrians, who may not see you.
- Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, you might benefit from cycling lessons. These are provided free by many London councils.
Registering and storing your bike
- You can get your bike security marked and registered at BikeRegister. Immobilise is another free site where you can register your bike’s details.
- It's a good idea to record details of your bike such as the frame number (normally found underneath the bike between the pedals or where the back-wheel slots in), the BikeRegister number plus any other distinguishing features, and take a photo.
- When storing your bike, it's recommended to lock the frame and both wheels to the cycle parking stand.
- Where possible, lock your bike at secure cycle parking which is well lit and covered by CCTV. This is available at some UAL sites.
- Take the same care to lock your bike securely at home as you would on the street.
- Before you purchase a bike, you might wish to ask for proof of ownership and check the bike frame number on BikeRegister.
Access support
- In an emergency, always call 999.
- If you're deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the Police textphone service 18000 or text them on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.
- If your bike has been stolen, you can report this online or call Police on 101.
- If you would like to speak with a trained counsellor for support, free, one-to-one, confidential counselling is available to all UAL students.
- Students can also use the Tell Someone service to report racism, bullying, harassment or sexual violence and access support.
Source: Information on this page has been sourced from the Metropolitan Police.
Topics
- Read Next
-
Quieter Lifestyle Scheme trial in UAL Halls
Important info about Glassyard Building Works in 2024/25
Halls Life team win two accolades at Queer Student Awards
5 reasons to use a KeepCup
Our coffee is better than Fairtrade, here's why
Meet Extract Coffee's roasters...
Take a look around our canteens and cafés
Why you should stay in London this summer
UAL now offers guarantor service to help students
Halls Life team wins big at CUBO Awards 2024
- Popular
-
How to get a National Insurance Number in the UK
The ultimate guide to your new home
The Handy Halls Checklist 2023
How to apply for discounted student travel
Get in contact with your hall
8 things different about life in the UK vs China
Opening a student bank account in the UK
Make sure to register at your GP
Fire Safety in Halls
Student tours of UAL halls