Cycling Safety On Your MBA Trip

At a glance

• Helmet on and correctly fitted for every ride (even short transfers).
• Know your controls (brakes/gears/assist) before you ride.
• Ride predictably: hold your line, leave space, communicate.
• No pressure: if a section feels uncomfortable, tell your guide 

 

HELMETS

Helmets are mandatory

All riders must wear a helmet whenever cycling on Much Better Adventures trips, including short transfers and warm-up rides.

Will a helmet be provided?

Your trip page will confirm whether your local host provides a helmet or whether you need to bring your own.

• On many multi-activity trips, your host provides a helmet that meets recognised safety standards.
• On most cycling-only trips, you’ll usually need to bring your own helmet.

If you have sizing concerns, contact your local host in advance so they can advise on fit and availability.

If you’re bringing your own helmet

Please make sure your helmet is:

• A purpose-built cycling helmet that meets a recognised standard and shows a certification mark, such as:
  • CE/EN 1078 (UK/Europe)
  • CPSC or Snell B90/B95 (USA)
  • AS/NZS 2063 (Australia/New Zealand)

• In good condition:
  • ideally no more than five years old
  • not involved in a crash
  • no visible cracks/dents, compressed foam, or damaged straps

• A good fit:
  • sits level (not tipped back)
  • Snug, secure and stable when fastened (doesn’t rock or slide)
  • retention system and straps work properly
    
    

Need help choosing or fitting a helmet? 

British Cycling has clear guidance

 

ROAD AWARENESS

Riding on a different side of the road

Depending on the destination, you may be riding on the opposite side of the road to what you’re used to. This can feel most unfamiliar at junctions and when pulling away.

Helpful tips:

• Pause before setting off: “Which side am I riding on?”
• Be extra cautious at junctions, roundabouts and turns
• Keep a safe distance from vehicles and other riders
• Follow your guide’s briefing and local road rules

 

BIKE CONTROLS

Your brakes may be reversed

In some destinations, the front and rear brake levers may be opposite to what you’re used to (e.g. front brake on the left).

Before you start riding:

• Ask your host/guide to explain the controls
• Test both brakes slowly in a safe area
• Practise smooth braking — avoid grabbing the front brake suddenly

 

E-BIKE SAFETY

E-bikes feel different to regular bikes: they’re heavier, carry more speed, and can take longer to stop, especially on descents.

Helpful tips:

• If you’re new to e-bikes, practise at home first if you can
• Start in low assist and increase gradually
• Give yourself extra space and brake earlier
• Keep speeds controlled downhill; increase spacing on descents
• Apply power smoothly (especially on gravel and in corners)
• Follow your host’s instructions for charging and storage
  • Don’t use or charge a battery that looks damaged or has taken a hard impact

If anything feels beyond your comfort level, it’s always fine to stop and dismount. Tell your guide - they can help adjust settings, suggest an easier line, or offer alternatives.

 

RIDING WITH THE GROUP

Most near-misses happen when riders brake suddenly, drift off line, or bunch up in traffic. These simple habits make a big difference:

• Ride predictably and hold a steady line
• Leave space — more space in rain, on gravel, and on descents
• Avoid sudden stops; if you need to stop, signal and call it
• Only overtake when it’s clearly safe and your guide has briefed how the group will manage overtaking
• Never pass the lead guide unless you’re explicitly invited to do so
• If you’re struggling to keep pace, tell your guide early — they can adjust.

 

QUICK CHECKS BEFORE EACH RIDE

Take 60 seconds to check:

• Helmet: fitted correctly, straps secure
• Brakes: both working and you know which is front/rear
• Tyres: firm and properly inflated
• Bike fit: saddle height feels right
• You: hydrated, warm enough, and comfortable to ride

Your host/guide will provide a safety briefing at the start of the trip and/or before key rides. If anything feels unfamiliar - road position, controls, surface conditions, traffic - tell them straight away.