Tips on safe cycling needed
nevertoolate
Posts: 19
in General Chat
Anyone got any do's and don'ts for cycling on the road. I live in quite a built up area. Lots of cars, buses, vans, bad junctions, roundabouts etc. Already nearly been knocked off my new bike cos drivers don't look for you, all they look for is cars etc.
I am fairly new to cycling and having been knocked off previously. I don't want to make the same mistake again. (I will probably never turn right at a roundabout again!).
I am fairly new to cycling and having been knocked off previously. I don't want to make the same mistake again. (I will probably never turn right at a roundabout again!).
0
Comments
lights when needed -obviously-
get together with mates or tri / cycling club and ride in a group.
avoid riding during rush hour (unless this is commuting of course)
you can get small mirrors for either your helmet or handle bars if you want to keep an eye on whats happening behind you.
ensure you give plenty of warning to other road users when you are going to change position in the road, eg when going round drains or pot holes and want to pull out into the road briefly.
put the bike in the back of the car and drive out to the sticks for some nice quiet country roads.
Unfortunately in this country, motorists think they own the roads and that we just get in the way. See similar posts over on tritalk.
Tim
But you can take all the safety measures you like, majority of drivers still won't look out for cyclists. So you have to take the responsibility yourself.
Watch the drivers inside, not the car.
So if a car is waiting to pull out, watch the person inside to see if they have noticed you, don't just expect them to know your are there, and always be ready on the brakes.
The one that scares me the most is the car door swinger, this is when someone steps out of a parked car and opens the door on you, just as you whizz past. So when your passing rows of parked cars try to look ahead and see if anyone is inside, and if they are be prepared for them to swing a door in your face!
many drivers find cyclists an annoyance, so the ones that do give way and allow you room i always make sure i give them a nod to say thankyou, and let them know not all cyclists are red light running hooligans.
And maybe one day motorists and cyclists can live in harmony and peace.
Or get a mountain bike!!!! there ain't no cars in the woods.
Also has the benifit of hitting/dodging less drains
Also get out to the country roads where there is less traffic and if possible ride with other people.