Cycling safety

Follow these simple steps to keep your bike secure and prevent it from being stolen:

1. Never leave your bike unlocked. Lock your frame to something solid and invest in a good quality, "Sold Secure" lock. D-locks are sturdy but consider using a cable lock as well to secure any quick-release parts of your bike. Finally, make sure your lock is off the ground as a thief can use the ground as good leverage against a bolt cutter
2. Take quick-release parts and accessories with you
3. Don't leave valuable bikes in public places for a long time – even when locked
4. If you have a garage, use it and lock it
5. Note your bike make, model and frame number
6. A photograph of you and your bike together will help to prove ownership
7. You can register your bike with Immobilise or Bike Register (UK wide), a service used by the police to match found bikes to their owners. You could also security code your bike
8. Consider insurance - If you have home insurance, this may cover your bike automatically or you may need to add it as an extra. Valuable bikes may need to be insured separately to provide cover when you're out and about
9. Be cautious when using apps such as Strava, Garmin Connect and MapMyRide which can be used by thieves to target valuable bikes. Ensure your privacy settings are secure. Don't start or stop your GPS tracker outside your house and avoid logging regular routes, such as your commute

Your bike's ready to go - now make sure you are! Here are our top tips to help you cycle safely and confidently in Southampton.

Visit the Get Cycle Savvy page for useful videos about safe cycling, bike maintenance and more. You can also check out Cycling UK's video five top tips to stay safe while cycling.

Feel the need to brush up on your skills but would like some help? Then check out our list of cycle training providers.

If you have good cycle skills but lack confidence cycling, why not join a led ride? Get fitter, make new friends and learn some new cycle routes! Visit Let's Ride to search for rides in your area.

If you choose to wear a helmet, make sure it fits properly and that it sits horizontally on your head without moving around. You should be able to fit two fingers tightly between your chin and the strap.

It's also a good idea to take a spare inner tube and pump with you when out cycling.

Other useful tools include a multi-tool and a tyre lever.

Stay safe throughout the darker winter months by making sure you're visible to other road users.

If you're going to be cycling at night, your bike must be fitted with white front and red rear bike lights, and reflectors to the rear of the bike and to the front and rear of each pedal.

Remember – lights in these colours are a legal requirement for cycling in the dark.

Hi-vis clothing and accessories will also help to make sure you're seen and there are plenty of options out there, from jackets and vests to gloves and bag covers.