I like Skol
A Minging Manc...
- Location
- Sunny Ashton-under-Lyne
The single most valuable thing that you can do is to spend some time riding with an experienced cyclist who is happy to share their experience and coach you in the do's and don'ts. If that person is also an experienced driver then even better because there is a huge element of 'poacher turned game keeper' to road riding success and although this isn't essential it helps enormously. If you can think like the drivers do (although some don't seem to think much!), it helps you to anticipate what stupid tricks they are likely to try and pull that could put you in danger.
I am saddened but not surprised that you haven't ridden on the road before now and this appears to be the default attitude for most people now, that the roads are a no-go zone unless in a vehicle. It is a shame because it doesn't have to be this way. My kids have been riding the 2.5 miles each way to school since they were around 6yrs old. not every week but usually try for 1 day per week. The oldest has been riding on the road on his own since the age of 10 and now he is 11 and at secondary school I have no concerns about which roads he rides on as he is experienced and knowledgeable enough to use any, from side roads to dual carriageway.
The second valuable piece of advice is do not be afraid of making a car wait. If you timidly pull out of the way every time a car approaches you will get into some awful road positioning and will often put yourself in danger when it would be safe and acceptable to make the other road user wait.
My 3rd and final piece of advice is don't be a hero! If you are not happy to tackle a particular junction then there is no shame in pulling over and pushing your bike on the pavement. Use the opportunity to watch what the cars are doing and see how any other cyclists deal with it. You can then think about what you can do that will be safe and you will feel comfortable with.
Enjoy your cycling
I am saddened but not surprised that you haven't ridden on the road before now and this appears to be the default attitude for most people now, that the roads are a no-go zone unless in a vehicle. It is a shame because it doesn't have to be this way. My kids have been riding the 2.5 miles each way to school since they were around 6yrs old. not every week but usually try for 1 day per week. The oldest has been riding on the road on his own since the age of 10 and now he is 11 and at secondary school I have no concerns about which roads he rides on as he is experienced and knowledgeable enough to use any, from side roads to dual carriageway.
The second valuable piece of advice is do not be afraid of making a car wait. If you timidly pull out of the way every time a car approaches you will get into some awful road positioning and will often put yourself in danger when it would be safe and acceptable to make the other road user wait.
My 3rd and final piece of advice is don't be a hero! If you are not happy to tackle a particular junction then there is no shame in pulling over and pushing your bike on the pavement. Use the opportunity to watch what the cars are doing and see how any other cyclists deal with it. You can then think about what you can do that will be safe and you will feel comfortable with.
Enjoy your cycling
in the school woods!
