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Any seasoned cyclist will be well aware of the dangers facing them on Britain's busy and often treacherous roads. But, when it comes to cycle safety on the roads, many people have gaps in their understanding of the all-important Highway Code.

According to The Bike Storage Company, 60 percent of people who took a quiz on what they knew (and didn't) about the Highway Code wrongly believed that it was legal to cycle on the pavement; something which is only legal in certain circumstances! A full list of the Highway Code rules applicable to cyclists can be found here.

So, what do cyclists need to know about road safety, both to protect themselves and to help enhance the safety of other road users and pedestrians? Let's take a look.

Road safety for cyclists: the rules

Not everything in the Highway Code

There are a lot of cyclists who, quite understandably, lock their bikes up in their shed or garage in September and don't bring it out of its hibernation until the spring when the snow and frost are (mostly) a thing of the past. At the same time, there are plenty of cyclists who see the autumn and winter period as the prime time to take to the various mountain bike (MTB) trails and trail centres around the UK.

These hardy souls who go out on their bikes whatever the weather are able to take advantage of the often chilly, crisp days to test their riding ability. In doing this they can find out not only about areas where they need to improve their skills, but they can also find out a lot about their MTB and equipment.

Whether you're a fair weather rider or an "I'm going come rain or shine" type, our new MTB trail guide contains all you need to know in order to develop those skills. With top tips on how to ride the different trails along with information on the gradients, the

Very little comes close to an adrenaline-fuelled day at a MTB (mountain bike) trail centre or bike park. For sheer convenience and the multiple thrills on offer, trail centres just offer something different to unmarked trails where you're left to your own devices. Instead of riding around in the unknown you can simply rock up, pedal around a marked trail and take in some glorious descents along the way – and in most cases you'll have a café to relax in afterwards!

These purpose-built MTB trails are pretty handy to have around. There's a huge range of specially designed trails and trail centres in the UK that weave their way through and around some incredible parts of the country, and offer plenty of challenging obstacles to test your mettle on.

MTB trails should always be packed full of fast and flowing sections combined with tight twists and even a few out-of-nowhere jumps – the kind of features that help you hone and develop your skills and put a massive smile on your

While the UK is renowned around the world for the abundance of top quality, purpose-built trail centres (as you'll find in our handy trail centre guide!), we're also blessed with some incredible natural riding too! While we may lack the huge mountains you'll find overseas like the Alps or Pyrenees, there's plenty for riders to sink their teeth into if they want to leave the comforts of a way-marked trail centre behind and head out into the wild.

Natural rides are great to break the monotony of perfectly groomed trail centre rides. With tougher climbs, rougher descents and more added to the fact you'll have to navigate yourself, all without the promise of a brew and cake at the end, natural rides challenge you mentally, physically and technically in a way trail centres often struggle to match. While they lack the convenience of the trail centre experience, there's no doubt some of our best ever rides have been on natural trails that some riders may not even know exist.

With

With nutrition and hydration playing key roles in how we perform on the bike we felt it was important to take a look at a number of ways in which cyclists could benefit from improved nutrition and hydration – and we don't just mean grabbing a Mars bar or a pasty before you go out and a swift pint on your way back home, either! You know who you are.

Many of us will have something to eat before we go out for a bike ride, stocking up on energy and venturing out ready to tackle the road or trail ahead. You probably also grab a quick swig from a hydration pack or water bottle when you feel thirsty or need a boost. That's perfectly fine and highly advisable, but does that mean you're eating and drinking in a way that will keep you fit and healthy?

What are the best ways of staying hydrated as a cyclist?

The springtime and school holidays represent the ideal time to get outside. Thinking back to our own childhood's, being off school meant spending hours in the garden or out in the park with friends and family; perhaps even out on bike rides and as we've reached that time of year again it's time to turn our attentions to our own children and how to get them into cycling.

If you frequent any cycling news-related websites at the minute, you'll be met with a plethora of new bikes and kit aimed at gravel riding. But what is a gravel bike? Is it just a road bike that you can use on gravel paths? Or is it a mountain bike for people who don't want to ride the more technical, treacherous trails?

For a lot of people there are more questions surrounding gravel bikes and riding than any other discipline, so we thought we'd assemble a quick guide to help you make sense of cycling's latest craze!

What is gravel riding?

A lot of children, to their credit, will ask to go everywhere on their bikes – which is fantastic

Tyre choice on any bike is important, but arguably none more so than on mountain bikes. With ever varying terrain, conditions and high-consequences; MTB tyre choice is vital in order to have confidence in your bike. Any bike – and any ride – can be ruined by poor tyre choice, so while you may think fancy components make a difference to your ride, it's actually those black rubber circles that make the biggest difference of all.

As your one contact between the bike and the ground, tyres have a pretty crucial role in keeping you upright on the bike. You want to ensure you invest not only in quality tyres, but the right tyres for your bike, riding style and the terrain you ride. Cheap, plasticky feeling tyres may last an eternity and roll reasonably quickly but will offer next to no grip when you venture out on to proper off-road trails. More expensive, softer compound tyres will grip far better but roll slower

Now spring has sprung families and avid cyclists alike will be packing up their cars and heading out into the hills with their bike in tow. Carrying your bike over long (or even short) distances doesn't have to involve loading your car's boot up to the rafters with bikes and all your gear.

While many people do this (how else would we know you can fit two mountain bikes and a weekends worth of camping gear, food and beer in the back of a Fiat Punto!) a dedicated bike rack can be quicker, leave room in the car for passengers, as well as keeping the inside of your car looking more car-like and less like a mud bath.