'Ring my bell' for safer cycling

One hundred free bells will be given out to cyclists using Brighton & Hove’s popular seafront cycle lane in a new initiative to improve safety.

The bells, which will be fitted free of charge, will be given away at a cycling safety event at East Street Bastion on May 17.

Cyclists will be able to have a bell fitted to their bike from 1pm to 4pm and can also pick up advice and information about safer cycling in the city.

Road safety advisors from Brighton & Hove City Council will also be talking to pedestrians about keeping safe when crossing the seafront cycle lane, which is used by around 2,000 cyclists every day.

Deputy council leader Ian Davey welcomed the initiative.

“Cyclists and pedestrians are our most vulnerable road users and keeping them safe is a priority for us, particularly in areas where they share the same space, such as crossing the cycle lane to get to the seafront.

“Ring My Bell” will help cyclists to ensure they are heard and encourage them to ride considerately on shared paths, and obey signs and markings.

It will also urge pedestrians to put themselves in the position of the cyclist and be vigilant and considerate when crossing cycle lanes and paths.”

The ‘Ring My Bell’ event will also include general road safety advice and information for everyone. Visitors will have the chance to climb aboard a fire appliance to see the blind spots around an HGV from the driver’s point of view and BikeHub staff will be on hand to help with bike maintenance.