London Freewheel safety guidelines

The following guidelines are offered by way of recommended safety and particpation advice from the offices of the Mayor of London and Transport for London for the London Freewheel event.

They are intended to ensure that you, your family and friends have an enjoyable day on your bikes and that the organisers are able to assist you with any queries (or with seeing photos of yourselves at the event) as efficiently and quickly as possible.

1. Wear your cycle bib to show that you are a registered rider.
2. Please fill out an emergency information label (rider name, contact/friend name, contact mobile phone number in case of emergency) and attach inside your bib. If you are escorting a young cyclist, make especially sure they have a label, too. If you and your child become separated, this will help us reunite you.
3. Participants are advised to wear a cycling helmet.
4. Cyclists should obey the appropriate rules and regulations of the highway – this includes obeying traffic lights at all times, even on the closed central route as crossing points are still in operation.
5. Follow directions and advice from marshals and police officers at all times.
6. Ride with the flow of the event traffic.
7. Maintain adequate distance between you and the cyclists around you, especially on down hills.
8. On the central closed route slower–paced cyclists stay to the left. Faster cyclists pass on the right.
9. Use care when changing lanes. Check for overtaking cyclists. Do not cut off others when changing lanes.
10. Control speed, and slow down for congestion and hazardous conditions.
11. Keep at least one hand on the handlebar at all times.
12. Be prepared for moves by other cyclists.
13. Move to the side of the road when walking your bike.
14. Move completely off the road when you stop to rest, repair your bike, or make a phone call.
15. No headphones or mobile phone should be used while riding.
16. Children age under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.