still lacking confidence

[RussellZero]

With looking behind and doing shoulder checks - I find that if your weight is forward and on the bars more, you're more likely to wobble and steer the bike where you don't want to go - think about sitting back more and weight off the handlebars, you can still touch them for confidence but no need to be grabbing them or holding onto them. Give it a go, might help.

 

[GravityFighter]

yeah I drive, and I've always been hyper alert near cyclists.

The "hyper alert" bit is a good phrase - and one that describes how I currently am on a bike, but I think that's my problem! We were out yesterday along a towpath then cycled down 1500m of quiet road to cross the canal. As soon as I saw a car coming towards me (room for one vehicle only so not on the 'other' side of the road) I panicked, wobbled and cycled towards it! Still need to practice concentrating on what I'm doing, staying in a straight line and looking at 'the gap' rather than what i want to avoid methinks...

 

[Lemond]

I'm also new to cycling and after almost having a fall I now repeat the words "unclip, unclip, unclip" in my head whenever I approach a junction. I can't claim credit for the idea (I think I read it on here somewhere), and while it might sound completely daft it works for me. It's locked into my subconscious and I never seem to forget. As soon as I see the junction the words just pop into my head. Give it a try!

 

[thunderlips76]

I always unclip at junctions, it's when I try and shift weight over to the other side on the bike (physically lifting the front end to the right ) when forget I'm clipped in on the right

 

[Pat "5mph"]

As soon as I saw a car coming towards me (room for one vehicle only so not on the 'other' side of the road) I panicked, wobbled and cycled towards it! Still need to practice concentrating on what I'm doing, staying in a straight line and looking at 'the gap' rather than what i want to avoid methinks...

You could also stop at the side of the road, let the car pass

 

[thunderlips76]

Well I've got cycle craft and I'm studying it. Not super sure it'll give me massive confidence but it will help. Went for a 35 mile ride today, but foolishly I tried doing it ill. Managed 12.9 and was desperately sick after every climb.