If you are a recent convert to commuting to work by bike, please take the following tips on board. The London Cycling Campaign has some excellent tips for staying safe on the road, but here are my 9 tips for happy urban cycling.

1. Do not pass large vehicles on the left. If you remember just one thing out on the road let it be this. Resist temptation to scoot up the left side of a lorry or a bus.

Check out the following video which offers further lorry safety advice

2. Be visible. Good lights and reflectors are well worth the investment.

Check out our comprehensive guide to bike lights here

3. Be heard. Ring your bell to alert oblivious pedestrians to your presence.
Always look over your right shoulder before changes lanes. Be sure to keep an eye out for fellow cyclists as well as cars etc.

4. Indicate. Use your hand signals when turning or changing lanes. Put out your arm in a definite way and try where possible to make eye contact with the driver to ensure they have seen you. Check out the highway code for more information.

5. It is not a race. There is a time and a place for breaking your Strava records and commuting on busy city street is not one of them. Chill out and enjoy a relaxing ride to work.

6. Abide by the rules of the road. Do not break red lights. Not only is it dangerous but you give us cyclists a bad name.

7. Maintain your bike. Make sure your tyres are pumped up and that your brakes are working properly. A dodgy bike is a dangerous bike!

How to Maintain You Bike in 10 Easy Steps

8. Invest in a good lock. Even if your bike only cost £100, buy a good lock. It will save you a lot of heartache in the long run.