Looking for some advice (reassurance!)

[rich90]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum so apologies if this sort of thing has been discussed already.

I purchased my first (adult) bike back in July this year and fell in love with it immediately. It was everything I was hoping for. I intended on commuting to work on it on weekends when the roads are less busy and had no dramas whatsoever, in fact I loved it. However, despite having had no issues before, I am really apprehensive about doing this during the week. It would save me a fortune on petrol and help me get fitter but its just Something about busy roads on a bike makes me petrified.

I'm fortunate to have a nice, long cycle track close to where I live but I want to get on the road more often. Basically what I'm after is some advice on riding in busy traffic. More specifically, filtering through stationary traffic, what can I do? Anything else worth noting is very appreciated!

I just don't want to dread getting on my bike, which is what has been happening recently.

Thanks in advance.

 

[DCLane]

I filter all the time with commuting into Leeds. What I do is to ride slower and keep watching; cars changing lanes, pedestrians crossing, potholes in the middle of the road. Careful if you filter on the left for opening doors.

My suggestion; get out with a group such as Sky Ride or a local club, read the Roadcraft book.

 

[helston90]

Of course the other option is to not filter- either by waiting in the traffic or find a different route if you're not going anywhere specific until you have built up your confidence being in close proximity to the metal boxes.

 

[ianrauk]

Check out THIS thread where you can download The Essential Guide To Cycle Commuting by some of the Cycle Chat Members.
Makes for very good reading.

 

[rich90]

Check out THIS thread where you can download The Essential Guide To Cycle Commuting by some of the Cycle Chat Members.
Makes for very good reading.

This is exactly the sort of thing I was after, Ianrauk. There is a lot of ambiguity on when trying to find out about this, particularly if you're new to commuting on bike. Thanks!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Here's a bit of reassurance for you: most of us feel apprehensive before hitting the road, there was a thread on this a while back, but I can't find it
By all means read Cyclecraft, the text book for Bikability, the National Cycling Standard, and/or go for a cycling confidence course.
Then, act upon the bits you like, disregard the bits you don't like - no matter how many times I read the book, there's no way I would take the third exit on a 4 lane roundabout at rush hour
Filtering is an advanced skill, maybe start by just riding the commute on the road taking your time?
Once you get to know a road well it then becomes easier to negotiate traffic.
Good luck!

 

[MarkF]

I filter all the time with commuting into Leeds. What I do is to ride slower and keep watching; cars changing lanes, pedestrians crossing, potholes in the middle of the road. Careful if you filter on the left for opening doors.

Yes, keep watching, I do a Leeds commute too and am constantly scanning for "what if"? moments. Never been hit, never fallen off.

 

[Ganymede]

Welcome rich90! You might also look at the map and see if there are any quieter routes you can use. You might have to cycle a little further but it would get your confidence up.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

@rich90 I don't commute often, but I do ride into Wakefield on occasion including rush hour, most drivers are pretty good, though their judgement seems a little less keen in busy periods, as its been said it will come with practise, I never filter left I will wait in traffic, though on occasion I will filter on the right if its a long que and its safe to do so.

 

[Scotty1991]

It takes time to ride on busy road or any roads of that sort. Its a confidence building game which will result in you being relaxed on the roads.Try a quieter cycle route for your commute and build up!
I don't usually filter but if there is a huge traffic line i will filter so im not there for ages.

Good luck!

 

[bpsmith]

Filtering is all about finding a safe spot to aim for and timing the lights against getting to that spot. If you don't stress the drivers by worrying about where you are, then they usually won't make life difficult for you. It's a 2 way thing.

Been a motorcyclist for years and that has always stood me in good stead. Translates well to cycling.

Anyone who takes the mickey and tries to pass at any cost will end up in trouble, but if you do find yourself in an awkward position between cars or not able to move to the right road position then look them in the eye and be polite and they will often give way to you.