Cycling Tip Needed To keep Me Safe

[Doc333]

I'm a newbie and whilst out yesterday I was free wheeling down a slight incline, knowing that I was turning right in around 300 yards. It was fairly breezy and I had a hat pulled down over my ears, so struggling to hear traffic etc. As I'm fairly new I really have to concentrate on looking over my shoulder whilst keeping the bike in a straight line, as it tends to drift to the right.

Anyway I heard nothing and thought I'd have a quick look behind me and then get over to the centre of the road if it was clear. I almost got hit by another cyclist as he was right behind me and my bike drifted right in front of him as soon as I looked over my shoulder.

The other cyclist just shouted good morning, where you riding to, nice day etc. I felt like a tool, but then decided it could have been worse as I could have been hit by a car or truck etc.

 

[bikingdad90]

I would put it down to a case of bad timing. There is not a lot you can do when a ninja cyclist sneaks up behind you and drafts without you noticing before overtaking you. In future perhaps try to make your intentions clear by raising your arm in the direction of travel.

 

[BSRU]

If I am overtaking a slower cyclist I always give them a wide berth just in case.
Also would probably not overtake a cyclist near a junction on the right.

 

[helston90]

Drifting when you look over your shoulder? You should see me trying to take a drink- my cycling becomes very continental!
You'll get used to looking back, it's just one of those things- you could always move out another foot- therefore making it clear you were about to do something such as turn/ look around- then move back across?

 

[Spinney]

Mirror.
I used to do just that. A mirror does not replace that look over the shoulder, but a quick mirror check can show you if there is something approaching, in which case you don't bother looking over your shoulder (and so wobbling) because you know it's not clear. Check again, and when it looks clear in your mirror, then you do the shoulder check.

Works for me!

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Mirror.
I used to do just that. A mirror does not replace that look over the shoulder, but a quick mirror check can show you if there is something approaching, in which case you don't bother looking over your shoulder (and so wobbling) because you know it's not clear. Check again, and when it looks clear in your mirror, then you do the shoulder check.

Works for me!

+lots

 

[Doc333]

Thanks guys, and one other thing that scared the bejeezus out of me due to the state of the roads; I've lost count of the number of times I've had to try and 'bunny hop' over a hole near to the kerb, because traffic is behind me and I dont want to vear right into it. There must be a lot of smashed wheels around.? There are areas of the road that have disintegrated near to the kerb so that it can feel like your arms are going to shake off, so edging out further into the road is a bit scary but easier on the wrists.

 

[MontyVeda]

.... my bike drifted right in front of him as soon as I looked over my shoulder.
...

A good right-hand shoulder check is best done with your right hand off the handle bar. That way you can really twist your shoulders, have a proper look and not upset your steering/line of travel in the process.

 

[Spinney]

Thanks guys, and one other thing that scared the bejeezus out of me due to the state of the roads; I've lost count of the number of times I've had to try and 'bunny hop' over a hole near to the kerb, because traffic is behind me and I dont want to vear right into it. There must be a lot of smashed wheels around.? There are areas of the road that have disintegrated near to the kerb so that it can feel like your arms are going to shake off, so edging out further into the road is a bit scary but easier on the wrists.

Don't ride next to the kerb! You don't need to edge out into the road if you are already there!
Read and learn....
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/cy...ze-Bikeability--Part-4--On-Road-Positioning-0
(and then ask more questions!)

 

[MikeW-71]

+1 Don't ride in the gutter, that's where the Puncture Fairy lives. And drivers will ignore you.

 

[Licramite]

yes all my near collisions (bar one) have been by cyclist overtaking me and not warning me. they must think I can see out my arse.
It would be nice if they had a bell - but thats so not tour de france.

I have one just for that purpose of warning other cyclists - I just have to overtake one and I will be ready. - I will let you know when I do - one day.

yes the roads are truelly crap after a long ride my arms ache from the shocks more than my butt. - I am pondering getting front suspension on my touring bike.

 

[n3rdy]

yes all my near collisions (bar one) have been by cyclist overtaking me and not warning me. they must think I can see out my arse.
It would be nice if they had a bell - but thats so not tour de france.

I have one just for that purpose of warning other cyclists - I just have to overtake one and I will be ready. - I will let you know when I do - one day.

yes the roads are truelly crap after a long ride my arms ache from the shocks more than my butt. - I am pondering getting front suspension on my touring bike.

The proglem with using a bell is that it could look like you're taking the piss. I normally just give a wide berth and haven't had any problems (that I know of) :-)

 

[_aD]

I get so many appreciative comments using my bell that I have no qualms in using it. It brings a smile to most of the people who hear it :-)

 

[steveindenmark]

I also use a bell, even on my road bike. There is no harm giving a polite Ding Ding, just to let pedestrians and other cyclists know you are there. I have never had any adverse comments about that.

But there is a big difference when you are trying for all your worth to wring the kin klapper off the bell. People will then become annoyed with you very quickly, so dont do it.

Steve

 

[n3rdy]

Yeah I agree with you, I actually have a bell on my road bike and will use it to get people's attention at times where I deem it appropriate. I wouldn't use it in overtaking another rider on the road though but would have no qualms in using it if I was on a shared cycle path for example. Depends on the situation I guess