Have we really seen the light? Are we still in the dark on the full story for visibility for cyclists? Is it just about being seen? Read on..

Rod and I are both keen cyclists. In fact, it’s an increasingly important sport and mode of transport, judging by the number of bikes around the roads, not just in St Albans but countrywide.

However being visible to other road users is just the start. How about the visibility for the cyclist of the whole gammit of potential hazards? What light can prepare you for pot holes, especially when filled with water? Random darkly dressed people darting unexpectedly across the road? Tree branches? Grit and stones great for some, a nightmare for cyclists.

Potential implications of streets poorly prepared for the cyclist are not good. It only takes one pot hole to throw you into the path of an oncoming vehicle. St Albans roads are not a good place to cycle. I’ll give you a good example. Our local secondary school has been very forward thinking with encouraging students to cycle to school. This is great in many ways. Major dilemma. One of the key routes, Central Drive is pitted with major potholes and cracks of crevice level enormity. With over 1300 students at the school, and a combination of cars and cyclists early morning, the pothole dodging game is one potentially loaded with hazards.

I still love cycling but there’s more to urban biking than, literally, meets the eye.