Downloads
Click on the links below to download a map of the cycling routes:
Traffic Impact (PDF download - 386kb)
Residents cycle newsletter (PDF download - 2.3mb)
Road race route (PDF download - 1.25mb)
Cycling time trial (PDF download - 1.13mb)
Riding the Route
Advice for cyclists and road safety
Advice for motorists about cyclists and other vulnerable road users
Ray Blythe, Detective Superintendent, keen cyclist and member of the Surrey Police Cycling Club offers a few words of caution to cyclists and motorists alike along the Olympic Road Race Route.
With the excitement of the Olympic 2012 Road Race in Surrey many amateur and leisure cyclists are taking the challenge to ride all or part of the Olympic Road Race Route.
This has resulted in a significant increase in cyclists particularly along the A25 and around Box Hill at weekends. Many are from local organised clubs whose riders cycle frequently around Surrey but there are also many 'new' cyclists who come from out of the area or who are simply riding for leisure.
With this increase in cycling traffic is an increase in road safety issues. There has already been a serious incident at Box hill resulting in a very serious injury. Surrey Police do not want to discourage people from cycling the route but we do want ALL road users to understand their obligations under the law and to be courteous and respectful of not only other road users but residents who are near to the route or to others enjoying the Surrey Hills.
The Highway Code offers guidance to the legal requirements of using the road safely. Knowing and applying the rules contained in The Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties. Cutting the number of deaths and injuries that occur on our roads every day is a responsibility we all share.
Although many of you may know how to act responsibly on the road I have provided a few hints and tips about road safety for cyclists and motorists which I have found to be essential in keeping safe on the road.
Advice for cyclists: Road safety
(Please see Highway Code points 66 and 67 for more details)
- Don't ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends.
- Keep in the correct lane of a carriageway, particularly where there are no road markings.
- Look out well ahead for obstructions or hazards in the road, such as drains, pot-holes, manhole covers and parked cars, so that you don't have to swerve to avoid them. If you are riding in a group, shout out to others about hazards.
- Leave plenty of room when passing parked vehicles and watch for doors being opened or pedestrians stepping into your path.
- Be aware or traffic coming up behind you.
- Take care when overtaking other road users.
- Be considerate to other road users, some pedestrians may be blind or partially sighted. Let them know you are there by shouting or ringing your bell if you have one fitted.
- Ride to suit the conditions of the road. Wet, slippery roads need careful attention
- Don't ride beyond your limits, however tempting this may be.
- Don't use headphones to listen to the radio, or music - hearing potential threats to your safety could be impaired.
- Much of the Olympic Road Route is rural, so look out for horses whose riders may not hear or see you approaching. Shout out your presence to give them warning.
Personal safety
(Please see Highway Code points 59 and 60 for more details)
- Wear a cycle helmet! Although it's not a legal requirement I would recommend you do so. Buy one from a reputable company and try it on before you buy. Helmets, like shoes, vary in size and shape from model to model.
- Wear clothes that won't get tangled up in the chain or wheels of your bike.
- Wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users to see you in daylight and poor light. According to Transport for London statistics, nine out of ten drivers involved in fatal accidents say they didn't see the cyclists.
- If you are cycling in poor light or in the dark, wear reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm, ankle bands).
- At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector. White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Always use good quality lights if cycling in the dark and regularly change the batteries.
- Make sure your bike is regularly serviced.
- Always carry identification with you, particularly if you are cycling alone.
- Carry a small First Aid Kit.
- Always carry a repair kit and if you have to carry out roadside repairs ensure you are in a safe location. If on a country lane try to find a gateway or break in a hedge, well off the road.
- If you are new or nervous about cycling on the roads I would recommend cycle training to improve your road skills and confidence. Your local authority will be able to give you further details
Advice for motorists about cyclists and other vulnerable road users
(Please see Highway Code points 163, 211, 212 and 213 for more details)
- Be patient. Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so. Do not endanger the lives of more vulnerable road users, by overtaking without giving ample room or overtaking near or on bends or blind summits.
- You should give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car. If they look over their shoulder it could mean that they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction. Give them time and space to do so.
- Motorcyclists and cyclists may suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces and obstacles such as drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches on the road. Give them plenty of room and pay particular attention to any sudden change of direction they may have to make.
- It is often difficult to see motorcyclists and cyclists, especially when they are coming up from behind, coming out of junctions, at roundabouts, overtaking you or filtering through traffic. Always look out for them before you emerge from a junction; they could be approaching faster than you think. When turning right across a line of slow-moving or stationary traffic, look out for cyclists or motorcyclists on the inside of the traffic you are crossing. Be especially careful when turning, and when changing direction or lane. Be sure to check mirrors and blind spots carefully.
- Do not intimidate cyclists or motorcyclists by driving too close to them.