Riding a bicycle safely in England involves all the same basic rules as anywhere else:  wear proper protective gear, drive defensively, and use common sense.

PROTECTIVE GEAR:  HELMETS  are required by Discovery CycleTours.  We DO NOT provide helmets:  you must bring your own.  GLOVES are your first point of contact if you take a spill.  You can reduce a lot of road rash with the wear of quality leather cycling gloves.  TIRE INFLATION should be checked at the start of each day.  Ensure tires are filled to the manufacturers recommended limits; squeezing from top to rim should feel rock hard.  Proper inflation will prevent most flats.

DRIVE DEFENSIVELY:  Always look both ways before entering or crossing any roadway.  IN ENGLAND ALL VEHICLES TRAVEL ON THE LEFT SIDE OF TWO WAY ROADS!  WHEN IN DOUBT LOOK BOTH WAYS AT ALL INTERSECTIONS AND ROAD CROSSINGS.  Our routes will avoid cycling along busy roads, but you will occasionally have to cross them; please look both ways and you’ll never have a problem.

COMMON SENSE:  Inclement weather (rain) decreases visibility and inhibits braking, both of which make cycling less safe.  Obviously, cycling under the influence of alcohol has the same effect.  When the conditions aren’t right, we ask that you use common sense and lay up until it’s safe to cycle again.