Newbie Help..... Alot of help infact

[LLB]

Oh by the way.... its just hit me that im no longer going to be that guy sitting in his warm car while poor cyclists have the sh*t taken out of them by buses and cars flying past... With this in mind how does it all work...

Is there any rules on road riding i need to know????

Such as do you always keep to the left....
Where do i position myself and islands.....
can i listen to my ipod.... (i want to but also worry i wont be as alert)
any other info you think is essential please let me know

The rules are simple:-

1) Don't ride on the pavements unless you are on a shared cyclepath
2) Don't jump the lights
3) I ride about 2ft out from the kerb (clear of the drains)
4) When you approach a pinch point, move out so others cannot squeeze you onto the kerb (they have to wait behind you till you are though it safely)
5) Acknowledge the courtesy of others on the road with a thumbs up, smile or wink
6) Ride defensively in traffic (like your life depends on it)
7) don't under any circumstance go up the side of a HGV or bus at a junction

If this doesn't work, read cyclecraft

 

[tdr1nka]

BND, have a read of this site, Cyclecraft it is the most comprehensive guide to cycling and is Govt. approved.
If you are interested I can source you a Cycling Instructor close to your area if you feel you need some practical help with your road skills.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I would most certainly donate whatever I am able :-)

BND - first of all an apology on behalf of the others on here who I know will not agree with Bonj's offensive posting.

Once you get set up with the bike then setup a sponsorship with www.justgiving.com - I think you will all bar one of the contributors to this thread happy to donate a pound or two....

 

[Black Sheep]

Oh by the way.... its just hit me that im no longer going to be that guy sitting in his warm car while poor cyclists have the sh*t taken out of them by buses and cars flying past... With this in mind how does it all work...

Is there any rules on road riding i need to know????

Such as do you always keep to the left....
Where do i position myself and islands.....
can i listen to my ipod.... (i want to but also worry i wont be as alert)
any other info you think is essential please let me know

imagine every bad driver you've seen and assume thats how every car you hear loudly behind you is going to drive and you'll be fine

i paint a black picture but I do ride into and around a city centre on a daily basis, and having driven in Bow, London, there isn't that much difference!

in all seriousness, you should have enough space between yourself and the kerb / cars your going past for someone to open a car door in. this is partly to avoid the crud in the gutter but also if someone comes past you close then you've got a bit of space to retreat into.

if you need to turn right, wave your right arm about for a bit first before signaling right and moving to the centre of the lane

ironicly i'm working on a website to explain things like this for my final project, but I've not started on it yet