Starting with positioning?

[Stormy_ll]

So I used to cycle a fair bit, but as I got more income, I decided just to buy a car which meant my bike was left at the back of the garage. For a few years I didn't touch it but now I think I want to get back on it, but I guess I have a Confidence issue.
I really don't like having to worry about a mass of other drivers making their moves ect, but I can get over that. Its mainly just where I'm sat on the road (in relation to other things) and specific crossings (mainly crossroads). Does anyone know where I can watch some sort of video, or give me any tips on how to gain confidence/confirm I'm doing it right?

TIA

 

[gavroche]

Do you know anybody you could go out with? I mean an experienced cycling you could follow for a while?

 

[Stormy_ll]

Do you know anybody you could go out with? I mean an experienced cycling you could follow for a while?

Nope, it was just me that decided to buy a bike to keep some of the costs low. The bike was mainly just for going to work, or going out to friends, dinner or various other places

 

[Flying Dodo]

There's loads of stuff out there.

There's a good summary here, but you'd probably benefit from some coaching/training from a Bikeability instructor local to you.

 

[Globalti]

It's all in the mind. You have as much right to the road space as anybody else and ought to ride like that. Just exercise the usual courtesies to make sure you don't hinder faster-moving vehicles and watch out for drivers who may not have spotted you thanks to your small, non-threatening size.

 

[vickster]

As above and get hold of a copy of Cyclecraft by John Franklin

 

[Markymark]

As above and get hold of a copy of Cyclecraft by John Franklin

This.

 

[summerdays]

As above!

Also ask lots of questions if you aren't sure, and if you have a problem junction, post a photograph or googlemap link and we will try and help!

 

[Stormy_ll]

As above!

Also ask lots of questions if you aren't sure, and if you have a problem junction, post a photograph or googlemap link and we will try and help!

I don't think its really necessary of a picture, but its just general things like where to go if turning left right, or straightforward. Many of the times I go straight, I end up all over the road (on ones that don't have a designated bike area) and just go at the green light lol

EDIT: I'm just not sure exactly where I can find out, I googled it many times but a lot of the stuff that came up was about events etc

 

[growingvegetables]

It's all in the mind. You have as much right to the road space as anybody else and ought to ride like that.

Just a fwiw - yes, it is all in the mind ....... and just doing it. Take the space you need.

Videos and articles are all very well, but it's actually doing it, asserting your space, that counts?

Try it!

 

[summerdays]

I don't think its really necessary of a picture, but its just general things like where to go if turning left right, or straightforward. Many of the times I go straight, I end up all over the road (on ones that don't have a designated bike area) and just go at the green light lol

EDIT: I'm just not sure exactly where I can find out, I googled it many times but a lot of the stuff that came up was about events etc

Well for starters.... You don't have to use any designated bike lane, unless you are sure it will help you, often they are in the wrong place and will take you too close to parked cars for example.

 

[mjr]

Contact GMCC. Someone will probably either help or put you in touch.

 

[guitarpete247]

As you drive think about where should a cyclist be to be visible to other drivers and where a cyclist should be looking to be aware of what is happening around them.
Don't be intimidated to be in the gutter.
Take a strong position at side junctions, move out a little to let drivers know you're there to avoid both left and right hooks.
Be ready for the k**b h**ds who want you off the road but don't really want to scratch their precious metal box.
Finally "Have Fun" out there. I've been riding all my adult life and I'm nearly 60 and only been left hooked once, in 1977.

 

[Pumpkin the robot]

I know a few people that teach the bikeability courses in Manchester, I can put you in touch with them if you want.

 

[Dan B]

As a rule of thumb, try to ride in about the same place as your left tyre would be if you were driving a car on the same route. Move further rightwards if you're turning right or if the road is too narrow for cars to pass comfortably. That's your comfort not theirs.