Let's all look out for each other - sharing the road respectfully
Let’s all share our roads respectfully and look out for each other as the nights draw in this autumn.
We're asking all road users to to act courteously and consider what steps we can each take to keep looking out for each other.
In Edinburgh we also have a tram service that shares road space with bikes and other vehicles in some parts of the city. This means we need to act and think differently when cycling or driving close to tram lines.
There are plenty of actions we can all take to help us move around more safely. Lots of these things may seem insignificant or are things that you always do. But by thinking more about these things, we can all be safer as we travel around the city.
Things we can all do
Parking
Cyclists
- Use designated cycle racks where available
- Avoid blocking paths
- Don’t cycle on pavements
Drivers
- Check cycle lanes before crossing
- Pay attention to restrictions
- Don’t park on pavements or cycle lanes
Overtaking
Cyclists
- Don’t swerve
- Maintain your position and speed
Drivers
- Slow down
- Give space
- Don’t startle with your horn
Distractions
Cyclists
- Stay focused on your surroundings
- Go slower in busy areas
- Pull over if you need to text or look at your phone
Drivers
- Stay alert
- Avoid handsfree calls in busy areas
- Don’t overfill your boot or block mirrors
Vehicle doors
Cyclists
- Look for people
- Take the primary position
- Give plenty space
Drivers
- Look over your right shoulder and use your left arm to open the door
- Stay alert
Safety around tram lines
Cyclists
- Keep clear of tracks except when crossing
- Try to avoid riding parallel close to tracks
- Take extra care in wet weather
- Cross as close to 90 degrees as possible, but no less than 45 degrees
- Suggested crossing points have red surface
Drivers, when you see a bike near tramlines
- Keep back from cyclists
- Slow down where there is limited space
- Don’t overtake
- Avoid blocking cycle lanes near tramlines
Find out more about taking care as the darker nights draw with information on how to be ‘Be bright, be seen’.