Mirrors

[Banjo]

I have a catseye mirror in the end of my handlebar.I swopped it from the last bike I had to the new one.At first I didnt want to cut a hole in my shiny new handgrip but really missed it so its fitted.

I find I look in the mirror probably every few seconds in traffic then look behind to get a better perspective before pulling out etc.

I really didnt feel happy for the time I did on the new bike without it.

What do U guys think of them?Are they a real safety improvement or just make me feel better?

 

[wafflycat]

If you have difficulty turning your head to look over your shoulder they are a boon. I don't have them on my 'normal' bikes, but on my recumbent trike I have them and due to the seating position, I have have found them essential on the 'bent.

 

[thomas]

I don't have one and wouldn't want one...but that's for vanity reasons. I'm quite happy just looking over my shoulder.

 

[mr_cellophane]

I have one for long distant views of the road behind, just to see what is heading my way. When moving about in the road I look over my shoulder.

 

[semislickstick]

I use the little zefal spy ones which you can stick anywhere, I'm lost without it!
I don't want to be looking over my shoulder all the time, but if I feel the need to have a quick look at what's behind they are great.

 

[BSA]

Surely you still get blind spots so you have to look over your shoulder anyway. So i dont really see the point.

 

[gaz]

just look.. imo it's useless as others have mentioned you still have a blind spot so you may as well look.

Drivers are also more aware that you know they are their and can judge your movements if your looking over your sholder. i think eye contact is key.

 

[Bristol Dave]

I don't have one but I think they can be beneficial for reasons others have given.

FYI the NCTS text (Cyclecraft) is against them.

BD

 

[Origamist]

Mirrors can complement rearward scanning, but they are not a substitute for shoulder checks.

 

[J4CKO]

When I started commuting I kept looking up and to the left and was missing my rear view mirror in the car, I got a helmet one which was rubbish and then got a CatEye bar end one and havent looked back since, well I have, you know what I mean.

I borrowed a road bike a while back and thought I would struggle without, I missed it but not as much as I thought, that said I do use it a lot, I find I can identify other cars and their likely drivers better than a look back, I look back when making a manuever as apart fromt he vision thing it lets drivers know you may be about to move out, whether they take any notice or not is moot point but I find the mirror means I look back every couple of seconds.

Also, it helps you anticipate that roadie creeping up on you so you can adjust your pace

 

[CotterPin]

The backward look over the shoulder is as much to communicate with other road users as to know what is coming up behind you. In my experience it humanises you in the eyes of the driver and they tend to back off/pass wider. A mirror can be helpful but imo shouldn't be seen as a substitute for directly looking back. It's definitely a skill worth acquiring!

 

[J4CKO]

The backward look over the shoulder is as much to communicate with other road users as to know what is coming up behind you. In my experience it humanises you in the eyes of the driver and they tend to back off/pass wider. A mirror can be helpful but imo shouldn't be seen as a substitute for directly looking back. It's definitely a skill worth acquiring!

Yes, for most it does, but sometimes it tells them to put their foot down as this pillock on the bike is going to get in my way in a minute.

 

[numbnuts]

I agree with all of you looking over your shoulder, are you doing this all the time ??
with a mirror you can check with a slight movement of the eyes, just like driving a car, I think I’m more aware of what’s around me with a mirror, I tend to look at it at least every 30 seconds in traffic, on country lanes a bit less.

 

[CotterPin]

Yes, for most it does, but sometimes it tells them to put their foot down as this pillock on the bike is going to get in my way in a minute.

I was out cycling last night along roads with parked cars and traffic islands, etc. There were a number of times when I could hear motor vehicles coming up behind me, in some cases it sounded as if they would be attempting to pass me. A look over the shoulder and in most cases the driver backed off. In a couple of cases they did behave as you said but looking back helped me identify the size and speed of the vehicle and therefore the sort of action I would need to take to avoid it.

 

[CotterPin]

I agree with all of you looking over your shoulder, are you doing this all the time ??
with a mirror you can check with a slight movement of the eyes, just like driving a car, I think I’m more aware of what’s around me with a mirror, I tend to look at it at least every 30 seconds in traffic, on country lanes a bit less.

Pretty much these days, in urban settings - ranging from a quick glance to a full-on stare into the whites of the driver's eyes. It has become a habit with me and I am conscious if I don't do it that I am nervous of what is behind me.

When I did my cycle instructor training a few months ago, I was struck by the comments of the trainer. This is going to be a paraphrase as I cannot remember his precise words but it was something along the lines that he did not want to be surprised at all by anything passing him too close. If he was, then he felt he was not looking behind enough.