I now cycle on the road.. .. ..

[Jane Smart]

Not the footpath. I put this in the beginners section, as although I post alot on here, I have only been cycling since July and never had the confidence to cycle on the road

I have done every cycle path there is I think. I drive to the path ( on the odd occasion have cycled there on the footpath)

Well after Saturdays ride out with my cycle chat pals, I decided today, to ride to the path on the road, which I did. I was so pleased with myself, on a busy bus route, with lorries and busses passing me, I had to stop at roadworks with traffic lights and managed everything ok. And.. .. .. I was cycling alone

When I first started to cycle in July of this year, I had never really cycled at all up till then, I learnt to ride a bike as a kid and that was it. I never thought I would ever ride a bike, let alone on the road.

Really I am just saying, if I can do it and any beginner is reading this and feeling nervous, then anyone can do it, but do it in your own time. Don't let anyone rush you and you will manage

I am pleased with myself, can you tell

 

[NorfolkNewbie]

Well done!

I am new, and I have been on the roads a bit more recently... It's not as bad as you think it's going to be. So far I have found people have been very cosnsiderate... (Perhaps they think I am going to keel over at any time!) lol

 

[freewheelwilly]

 

[jeltz]

Well done Jane, I started in May and although I got stuck in at the beginning I was very very nervous and only cycled to cycle routes less than half a mile away. Your road confidence will grow now you have done this and don't be afraid to be assertive on the road.

 

[on the road]

Well done, give yourself a pat on the back!

 

[Wee_G]

Well done Jane, thats great to hear. I am like yourself it was mid august i started back on a bike and it took me a bit of time to gain some confidence on the roads even now i am a bit uneasy in some traffic, but i think its old age in my case. Anyway congrats to you for getting over a major hurdle

G

 

[wafflycat]

Well done. Cycling on the road is no problem really. The thing to remember is the vast majority of drivers.. 99.9999999999999999999% of them are not out to get us and provided you cycle assertively and are visible, you're going to be fine.

 

[summerdays]

Well done - that's how I started out... on the footpath. That is why I don't have a problem with cautious cyclists on the pavement (idiots that's a different matter). Gradually increase the roads that you are happy cycling on - it gives you confidence when you get to know a route so that you are ready for the next junction/pothole etc.

 

[The Jogger]

even now i am a bit uneasy in some traffic, but i think its old age in my case.

G

lol you're only 48 youngster!

 

[NormanD]

Roads and now cycling to the cycle paths Jane you know what this means don't you, you'll have to sell the Car now B)

Well done I know it can be a big step taking to the roads, but your confidence will only grow more and more now B)

 

[Mange-tout]

Well done Jane - you can now start exploring the all the hills of Fife . I really enjoyed trying new routes out this year.

I had the opposite problem when moving from Manchester to Fife. I was quite happy commuting in busy traffic doing 30mph (the cars, not me B)!) and choking on car fumes, but found it really frightening on my first venture out in Fife - quiet lanes most of the time, but all of a sudden someone whizzes past at 60mph instead B)! And not being able to see around a hedge / bend in the road; and the lack of road lights at night . It was all a learning curve.

But the views make it all worthwhile. And at 11mph you have plenty of time to 'sit and stare' .

 

[Browser]

B)

Nice and cryptic freewheelwilly, is that a headshake because a member has confessed to riding on the pavement, because she's now confident enough to ride on the road or because she's using cycle paths? B)

Well Done Jane Smart, as said by others 99.9% of motorists are out to get you, or are unaware of your presence so don't give you any room (Which amounts to the same thing!!).

 

[2Loose]

Although it seems like a small thing to me because I take it for granted, nonetheless, congratulations Jane, big step, small difference once you know what is what.

 

[rich p]

Well done Jane. One small step for man...bla bla bla.....

You'll be wheelsucking the CCer's in no time!

 

[Banjo]

Nice one Jane. When I first got back into cycling in March I was on the point of giving up because of the traffic. With more experience you seem to get into a way of riding that doesnt cause conflict. I think its a fine balance between being confident and assertive on the bike and being too aggresive which only winds drivers up.

At first I was too nervous and kept pulling over to let them pass then I went through a stage of over confidence/aggresive cycling not giving an inch.Now (I hope) Im in the nice place between the two extremes.

I find now that I can cycle all day and not get frightened or wound up very often.

Just stay alert to whats going on around you relax and enjoy.