Indicating when cycling down steep hills?
- Thread starter Sara_H
- Start date
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wiggydiggy
Guru
There is one very steep hill for me with a left turn halfway, I try to....
1) Take primary early
2) Slow down early/gradually
3) Stick my hand out early, even if it has to go back on, so the following traffic knows I'm turning
Luckily its a 30 limit, often busy/queuing and leads into a 20mph so everyone has to slow (hopefully!)
As its a right turn, I dont know if this will work as well but its gotta be better than a knee!
1) Take primary early
2) Slow down early/gradually
3) Stick my hand out early, even if it has to go back on, so the following traffic knows I'm turning
Luckily its a 30 limit, often busy/queuing and leads into a 20mph so everyone has to slow (hopefully!)
As its a right turn, I dont know if this will work as well but its gotta be better than a knee!
rowan 46
Über Member
- Location
- birmingham
That works for me
superbadger
Über Member
I would start down the hill when you know its clear behind and get yourself into position early.... If a car does then come behind indicate your intentions. This is a bit of guess work since i dont know how long it is before you have to turn,blind bends or speed limit??? 
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Sara_H
Guru
Fair way down, but I have a clear view behind.
Generally I'm lucky and the road is clear, if I see something coming I tend to take an early primary, look around ALOT (to give the idea that I'm going to do something) then move further over if I can see the car is holding back. But I really can't indicate at all, and I imagine furious drivers getting very angry about how cyclists never indicate as a result of my actions!
On some occasions if theres been lots of traffic, I've pulled in, got off and crossed on foot.
Generally I'm lucky and the road is clear, if I see something coming I tend to take an early primary, look around ALOT (to give the idea that I'm going to do something) then move further over if I can see the car is holding back. But I really can't indicate at all, and I imagine furious drivers getting very angry about how cyclists never indicate as a result of my actions!
On some occasions if theres been lots of traffic, I've pulled in, got off and crossed on foot.
apollo179
Well-Known Member
Yes i sometimes end up doing that when there isnt a gap in the traffic to move into primary and then into turning right position.
Nothing wrong with it.
wiggydiggy
Guru
Same as the hill leads onto a traffic light controlled crossing, which often gets backed up with traffic. Very narrow lanes so theres no filtering on either side. Its easier to get off and push, plus the feeling of satisfaction for showing motorists some cyclists actually push their bikes on pavements is quite good lol
GGB_Andrew
New Member
What these guys said plus always make sure you claim the middle of the road on decents particularly with having to make a right turn
buddha
Veteran
I've a similar hill that I ride every day (over the Kent north downs), where I have a right turn. If I wasn't taking the turn my usual speed would be around 30mph.
The safest way I've found is to slow down, well before the turning, to a speed where I feel it's safe to indicate and be able to operate the rear brake with my left hand. For me, given the not so great road condition, that's only say 10-12mph. Even if there are no cars around I still do this, for practice.
edit: to gain confidence, maybe you could practice the slowing down and indicating on a more quiet steep road first.
The safest way I've found is to slow down, well before the turning, to a speed where I feel it's safe to indicate and be able to operate the rear brake with my left hand. For me, given the not so great road condition, that's only say 10-12mph. Even if there are no cars around I still do this, for practice.
edit: to gain confidence, maybe you could practice the slowing down and indicating on a more quiet steep road first.
Shut Up Legs
Down Under Member
I agree with the "take Primary early" approach, but then I apply that to any case where I'm planning a right turn, or approaching a pinch-point, roundabout and basically any situation which calls for me to change my lane position. Changes in lane position with too little advance notice are risky.
Fnaar
Smutmaster General
- Location
- Thumberland
Ride down the hill screaming "I have got no brakes", wave your legs about and close your eyes, swerving towards the turning you intend to make.
superbadger
Über Member
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