Road Cycling Safety Tips from Cornwall Air Ambulance

Our crew have attended countless incidents on Cornwall’s scenic but challenging roads. We have witnessed firsthand how quickly a peaceful bike ride can turn into an emergency situation. While we’re proud to provide lifesaving care when needed, we believe prevention is always better than cure. Here we divulge our essential road cycling safety tips to help keep road cyclists safe when riding through Cornwall’s beautiful landscape. 

Cycling on the Road Safety Tips for Motorists and Cyclists

On average in the UK, 2 cyclists die and 80 are seriously injured. Most road cycling accidents are caused by either the vehicle driver or cyclist not looking properly. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist, or new to cycling on the road, these vital road cycling safety tips could make all the difference to your ride and ensure that everyone stays alert and safe. 

Essential Road Cycling Safety Equipment 

Visibility is the first line of defence when cycling on Cornwall’s winding roads. Even on a sunny summer afternoon, reflective clothing makes all the difference in making you visible to other road users. Cornwall’s winding lanes are often flanked by high hedgerows so ensuring you are visible is one of the most simple yet important safety tips for cycling on the road. 

Bike Riding Safety Gear

Cycling Helmet
It hopefully goes without saying that if you’re riding your bike, you should wear a helmet. While some cyclists debate helmet use on shorter rides, our experience attending roadside emergencies has shown us that accidents don’t discriminate between quick trips and long rides. Wearing a well-fitted helmet is number one on our list of road safety cycling tips as it dramatically improves a rider’s outcome in the case of a collision or accident.

When selecting a helmet, ensure it meets current safety standards (look for the EN 1078 certification), fits snugly without rocking back and forth, and sits level on your head with the straps forming a ‘V’ shape under your ears. Replace your helmet immediately if it’s been involved in any impact, as internal damage may not be visible but could compromise its protective capacity.    

Bike Lights
White front and red rear bike lights are legally required when cycling in low light or darkness, but we also recommend running your lights even during daylight hours as they will significantly improve your visibility (as you never know when that Cornish mizzle will descend!) Always take spare batteries and bulbs with you too so that you’re prepared for all eventualities. According to the cycling highway code, your bike must also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85).

Other Road Cycling Safety Kit 

• Wearing sunglasses or a cycling visor is a good idea to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare, and it will also protect your vision from rain, wind, insects and other debris. 

• Padded gloves provide essential grip in wet conditions and absorb road vibrations, preventing nerve compression and protecting hands in a fall. 
• Ensure that your clothing isn’t too loose, so you’re not at risk of becoming entangled in your chain. 
• It is a good idea to have a bell fitted to alert pedestrians or other cyclists of your presence when cycling. This is just as important on cycle paths as when cycling on the road. 

Essential ‘ABC’ Pre-Ride Bike Maintenance Checklist:

When riding your bike on Cornwall’s hilly roads, you never know when you might need to perform some roadside maintenance. Punctures, slipped chains and ill-performing brakes can all contribute to road cycling accidents, so whenever you set out on a ride, make sure you have checked your tyres and brakes before setting off. Always take a puncture repair kit with you and ensure that you know these basic bike maintenance tips to ensure safety when cycling on the road.

A – AIR & AXLES

• Check tyre pressure (using a gauge, not by feel)
• Look for cuts, embedded debris, or wear in tyres
• Verify quick-release skewers are tight and wheels are secure
• Check tyres are properly seated on rims

B – BRAKES & BARS

• Test both brakes work effectively
• Check brake pads aren’t worn below the minimum line
• Ensure brake cables move freely without snagging
• Verify handlebars and stem are tight with no movement
• Check that the bar tape is secure and provides a good grip

C – CHAIN & CRANKS

• Clean and lubricate the chain if needed
• Check chain tension (shouldn’t sag)
• Ensure cranks are tight with no side-to-side movement
• Verify that the pedals are securely attached
• Test that gears shift smoothly

FINAL CHECKS

• Give your bike a gentle lift and drop to listen for rattles
• Spin both wheels to check for rubbing or wobbles
• Test all moving parts are properly tightened
• Ensure lights are charged  
• Clean any dirt from reflectors

Remember: If anything feels or sounds unusual, get it checked by a qualified bike mechanic. It’s better to miss one ride than risk an accident.

Weather-Appropriate Equipment

You never know when Cornwall’s weather will turn, so ensure you pack a lightweight, waterproof cycling jacket with reflective elements to keep you dry and visible. Look for well-ventilated, breathable fabric to prevent overheating on the hills. Wear SPF suncream, even in the winter, to protect exposed skin from damaging UV rays. 

Road Positioning and Awareness

We can’t stress enough the importance of proper road positioning when considering your safety when cycling on the road. Take a strong position, about one metre from the kerb/hedge (or further when necessary). This gives you adequate space to manoeuvre around potholes or debris, and will also make you more visible to other road users.  

Be particularly mindful at junctions, where many of our emergency callouts occur – look well ahead, anticipate potential hazards, and make eye contact with drivers whenever possible. Watch for parked cars (leaving enough space for suddenly opened doors), 

Taking the Primary Position

When passing parked vehicles or riding in poor weather, don’t be afraid to take the primary position (in the centre of the lane) if it is safer to do so. Your safety takes priority over others’ convenience. 

Navigating Rural Roads

Be alert to farm entrances on rural lanes, and listen for approaching vehicles, especially on Cornwall’s many blind bends. Plan your journey and know what to expect, as terrain changes can sometimes cause unforeseen accidents. Take extra care when cycling down rural roads and make sure you stay alert to bumps, potholes and any oncoming animals/farm traffic.

Group Cycling Safety

When cycling on the road in groups, clear communication and consistent behaviour are vital tips for ensuring everyone’s safety. More experienced riders should look out for newer members of the group, especially on challenging sections. Establish hand signals within your group for hazards, slowing, stopping, and turning – and always pass these signals back through the group. 

Maintain steady gaps between riders (around 1-2 bike lengths) and avoid sudden braking or swerving. When cycling at the front of a group, you are responsible for spotting and alerting others in the group of oncoming hazards. 

Always stop at traffic lights and never take a risk by running red lights. On Cornwall’s narrow lanes and side roads, always adopt a suitable riding position and be prepared to switch from two-abreast to single file when traffic approaches, using a clear “Car back!” or “Single out!” call.  

Common Road Cycling Accidents and How to Prevent Them

Blind Spot Scenarios

Blind spot awareness means never assuming that a vehicle has spotted you. If you can’t see the mirrors of tractors, buses and lorries, they can’t see you. Take extra care when passing parked cars, as drivers may not check behind them before opening their doors. There are many other blind spots and risks to road cyclists on Cornwall’s roads, so approach bends with caution and be prepared for oncoming traffic or large agricultural vehicles. 

Junction Safety

Junctions are high-risk areas where split-second decisions matter. You should proceed to a junction as if you were a car and observe the junction rules accordingly. Ensure you position yourself where you can see (and be seen) by other road users – this is usually in the middle of your chosen lane. If you don’t feel safe doing so, you can get off your bike and wheel it across the junction. 

Watch for vehicles turning left across your path, especially large vehicles that may not have indicated or spotted you. If you intend to turn left, check first for other cyclists or motorcyclists before signalling.  

Rural Road Hazards

In our experience operating across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, rural roads can prove hazardous in quite unexpected ways. Mud, gravel and animal waste can make road surfaces treacherous, especially during harvest seasons. Livestock can be startled by cyclists and this can lead them to buck or run, so be sure to pass any animals or horse riders wide and slow. 

Remember that much of Cornwall has patchy and intermittent phone signal so always carry basic tools such as a map – knowing your exact location is essential in the event of an emergency.  

Cycling in Bus Lanes

Bus lanes provide useful routes for cyclists through busy streets, but it’s important to remain alert for signage as not all bus lanes permit cycle use.  When passing stationary buses, be aware that passengers might step into your path without warning and check over your shoulder, signal clearly, and choose your moment carefully. Never squeeze through the gap between a bus and kerb at bus stops, as this puts both you and alighting passengers at serious risk.  

Emergency Response Tips

If you witness or are involved in a road cycling accident, you need to stay calm but act quickly. Call 999 and clearly state your location. Use landmarks, road names or the ‘What3Words’ app to help emergency services to locate you. It’s important that you keep the patient still in case of a neck or back injury, and try to keep them warm and alert.  

What to Do If You’re in an Accident

Adrenaline can sometimes mask injuries, so take a moment to catch your breath and assess your condition. If you are able and your injuries seem minor, first check that you’re not in the way of oncoming traffic and get yourself to a safe position. If you’re seriously injured, stay still and ask someone to call 999 immediately. 

Even if you’re okay, consider getting a medical professional to check you over, as some injuries may not be apparent immediately. If there is any chance your bike has been damaged, don’t ride it. Get it checked by a professional bike mechanic before you set off on the road again. 

When to Call for Help

Even if you’re unsure about the severity of a cycling road accident, it’s better to call – we would rather be called and not needed than needed and not called. In Cornwall’s remote areas, calling early gives emergency responders vital extra time to reach you.

Community Resources and Training

These cycling safety tips for road riding have hopefully given you a good insight into how to cycle safely on Cornwall’s roads. There are cycling communities across Cornwall that offer invaluable resources and training courses for safer riding. Joining online local cycling forums can give you ideas about when cycling groups meet and safe routes for road rides. 

Road Cycling Safety Courses in Cornwall

Bikeability, Go-Ride, Ready Set Ride and Breeze Guided Rides are cycling courses offered throughout Cornwall in partnership with British Cycling Sustrans and local cycling clubs. 

• Active Cornwall offer cycle confidence training courses via their ‘Bikeability’ scheme.
• The Cornwall Bicycle Project off nationally-recognised cycle courses for all ages. 

Real-Life Saving Cycling Stories

Jamie’s Story

When cyclist Jamie Denton set off on his epic journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats, he never imagined he’d need Cornwall Air Ambulance before the first day was out. The dad-of-two embarked on the challenge with a group of friends; he was determined to take on the gruelling ride for a good cause. But as they reached Bodmin, just 100 kilometres in, disaster struck. 

While descending a narrow country road, Jamie and his group were met by a car coming around a bend. With no time to react, he collided head-on, ricocheting off the vehicle before skidding across the tarmac. It was a terrifying moment—one that could have ended very differently without the rapid response of Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Trevor’s Story

On a warm summer’s evening, Trevor Wiltshire set out for what should have been a routine bike ride. But in an instant, everything changed.

A lifelong cyclist, Trevor was riding through Camelford, keeping with the flow of traffic, when a car suddenly pulled out from a side road. With no time to stop, he crashed into the windscreen with force, suffering multiple injuries before landing hard on the road.

Recognising the severity of the incident, Cornwall Air Ambulance was swiftly dispatched, ensuring Trevor got the urgent care he needed.

Rory’s Story

10-year-old Rory Rees was out enjoying an afternoon of cycling with a friend near his home in Padstow when suddenly it became a terrifying ordeal.

The pair had set off down a steep hill towards the Camel Trail cycle path when Rory reached for his brakes—only to find they weren’t working. With the road bending sharply ahead and his speed increasing, he had only moments to react.

Thinking fast, Rory made the split-second decision to jump the kerb onto a grassy verge, hoping to avoid a more dangerous crash. But at such high speed, he collided forcefully with a metal lamp post, suffering serious injuries. Cornwall Air Ambulance was immediately called to the scene, ensuring Rory received the urgent care he needed.

Conclusion

Here at Cornwall Air Ambulance, we’re committed to keeping our cycling community safe on the county’s unique and challenging roads. We hope these road cycling safety tips will help prevent accidents and ensure your rides remain enjoyable experiences.  

By staying visible, maintaining your bike, knowing how to handle emergencies, and being prepared for Cornwall’s distinct rural challenges, you’re taking essential steps to protect yourself and others. We’re proud to serve our community and hope that our road safety cycling tips will help you to enjoy Cornwall’s beautiful roads safely. After all, every safe journey home is a successful one.