Road Fear... how to get over it?
- Thread starter ElectraMinx
- Start date
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Randochap
Senior hunter
- Location
- British Columbia, Canada
I would also caution that cycling on the pavement -- contrary to what it may seem -- is more dangerous, especially if you cross roads from the pavement.
I was in Kent a couple of years ago and did a little cycling there. There are some beautiful country roads, though I can see how you'd be wary of traffic in the larger urban centres. Maybe go out to one of the more tranquil spots and give it a go.
Remember, you're much more likely to be injured or worse, hurtling along inside one of those tin cans.
Others have given you excellent local advice and I can't add much more than good luck and best wishes. Just keep your wits about you, use a mirror and give cars a door-width when you pass, especially if you can see they're occupied.
Have a look around VeloWeb for info and inspiration.
I was in Kent a couple of years ago and did a little cycling there. There are some beautiful country roads, though I can see how you'd be wary of traffic in the larger urban centres. Maybe go out to one of the more tranquil spots and give it a go.
Remember, you're much more likely to be injured or worse, hurtling along inside one of those tin cans.
Others have given you excellent local advice and I can't add much more than good luck and best wishes. Just keep your wits about you, use a mirror and give cars a door-width when you pass, especially if you can see they're occupied.
Have a look around VeloWeb for info and inspiration.
OP
OP
ElectraMinx
New Member
- Location
- Maidstone, Kent
Randochap said:
I have to thank all of you guys. I truly feel more confident already. I'll keep you posted.
threefingerjoe
Über Member
- Location
- St. Louis, MO, USA
I'll second what other have said, but, in particular, stay off the pavement. Pavement riding is one of the most dangerous things you can do on a bike. Passing vehicles who want to make a left turn, aren't looking for vehicles off the road. They will left-hook you. Cars coming out of side roads and driveways aren't looking for you. They will pull all the way up to the road, to stop and wait for traffic. They aren't expecting someone to cross the road or driveway 8 feet before the intersection. Get out there and take the lane. Use the road the same way that cars do, and don't do anything that a car can't do...be visible, and be PREDICTABLE. When cars approach from behind, if you are going slower, MOST of them will do exactly what they would do if they came up behind a horse, carriage, tractor, street sweeper, or any other slower vehicle...they will wait until the adjacent lane is clear, change lanes, and pass.
Yes, you will get the rare idiot who will shout and curse you. It's rare. Ride on.
Now, that having been said, if the road has a nice wide shoulder...then, out of courtesy, move over if the traffic is heavy. But, you will get more punctures. There is a lot of debris on shoulders. When you can, get back out there, even on a wide road.
The main thing to realise about shoulder-hugging is, if the road is too narrow for a car to safely pass in your lane, then hugging the shoulder encourages the motorist to pass, anyway. That will get you into some tight spots. Better to get out in the lane, and make him go around. Know when to share the lane, and when to take the lane.
Yes, you will get the rare idiot who will shout and curse you. It's rare. Ride on.
Now, that having been said, if the road has a nice wide shoulder...then, out of courtesy, move over if the traffic is heavy. But, you will get more punctures. There is a lot of debris on shoulders. When you can, get back out there, even on a wide road.
The main thing to realise about shoulder-hugging is, if the road is too narrow for a car to safely pass in your lane, then hugging the shoulder encourages the motorist to pass, anyway. That will get you into some tight spots. Better to get out in the lane, and make him go around. Know when to share the lane, and when to take the lane.
Angelfishsolo
A Velocipedian
- Location
- Cwmbach, South Wales
+1 - Make sure you look for somebody who is accredited to Bikeability Level 3. These trainers use "Cyclecraft" as their 'Bible'.
Best of luck and I am sure that before long the roads will hold far less fear for you.
Dave
Best of luck and I am sure that before long the roads will hold far less fear for you.
Dave
marinyork said:Get some adult cycle training off your council. Many councils offer this (some for free I think). Get cyclecraft out of a public library.
Other than that I would say that to overcome a phobia of the traffic the best thing would be to regularly (every day) get out on very small trips to get you used to the roads. Build up by doing quieter times, build up to busier times, busier routes etc.
Panter
Just call me Chris...
- Location
- Sittingbourne, Kent
I have a copy of cyclecraft that you're extremely welcome to borrow, let me know and I'll pop it in the post or drop it over sometime.
Also, I'd be quite happy to ride with you a couple of times if it would help? although I am pretty much an amateur admittedley but I did cycle Detling Hill twice a week for nearly two Years before we changed location at work.
Anyway, don't let the buggers scare you and please let me know if I can help at all (I'm in Sittingbourne)
Also, I'd be quite happy to ride with you a couple of times if it would help? although I am pretty much an amateur admittedley but I did cycle Detling Hill twice a week for nearly two Years before we changed location at work.
Anyway, don't let the buggers scare you and please let me know if I can help at all (I'm in Sittingbourne)
and 
to all the poster 
