Things to watch out for while road riding

[MacLean]

Well I have driving for 4 years, riden motorcycles for 3 and riden my road bicycle on the road for about a month, and which one feels the most dangerous too me? Yep the bicycle.

Basically I want to gather all your expirience on common things to watch out for in drivers. For example I've seen alot of you mention getting 'left hooked' when a driver overtakes and cuts you right up to turn off? I want to gather all your experiences like this to hopefully save my self some nasty close shaves, or maybe even a potential crash... I've discovered that riding on a bicycle is a total different world from riding or driving a motor vehicle and I am totally inexperienced at it... I live in a quieter town so dont have to contend with the extreme stuff you city commuter guys have to deal with, but I do get the same stuff just less frequently (in other words its more unexpected for me!)

Any road riding tips you can share would be great!

 

[Andy in Sig]

I think that one thing that helps car drivers to drive sensibly when near you is not to anything panicky or unpredictable i.e. maintain a steady course and speed and so the driver can cope with you more easily.

 

[2Loose]

Watch for cars slowing to make a gap to let oncoming traffic turn right across their (and your) path. They almost definitely haven't seen you, so be wary and slow.

 

[jimboalee]

In addition to 'watching out', you should LISTEN out for motorists. Expect a shout or jovial scream from a motor car passenger as they pass. Sounds that are expected are not a surprise.
Also, other cyclists can surprise you unexpectedly. Just a loud "Good morning" can shake your arms and cause a wobble as the fast boy overtakes.

Where you live, watch out for Range Rovers with golf bags across the rear shelf. He might have just lost his match, sunk a few in the nineteenth and be out to injure someone.

 

[tyred]

Watch out for people with car trailers who ime, very often pass you with the car okay but don't allow for the trailer and cut you up with it.

 

[Moodyman]

The most difficult part of cycling is getting into the mind of a driver which you'll have no problem doing as you are one.

Do everything you can to help motorists:

• Be visible - high vis jacket or vest. Forget fashion, think practical
• Good Lights when it's dark
• Ride at least 3-feet (90cm) from the kerb. This may seem odd as you'll think that you're blocking the road, but it puts you in their line of sight and stops them making risky overtakes. Riding close to the kerb helps you blend in with other street furniture i.e. lampmosts.
• Ride straight. Look at least 5-10 seconds ahead for any pot holes and move out sooner to avoid them. Don't do sudden maneuvres.
• Signal - stick your arms wide to tell of directional change.
• Use your peripheral vision to look behind and sideways. Know what's around you at all times even when you're continuing straight. Just like a driver uses his mirrors.
• Be assertive and confident. You've as much right to the road as them.
• At junctions or near junctions don't undertake left turning cars if you're going straight ahead.
• Don't take unnecessary risks - i.e. filtering between lanes to the front of queuing traffic if the lights are about to change. You'll find it difficult to get back to your normal position.
• Think how a driver might behave or read your riding.
• Most drivers are very considerate about cyclists. Always thank a good driving gesture - i.e. when they give you way or wait behind you up a steep hill. It spreads the good vibe.
• Don't get cross with driver errors. We're all human and make mistakes. Nobody's out to harm you, it's just that some get their judgement wrong. Swearing / shouting won't help. You're on a 30lb bike, they're in a 1.5 tonne metal cage. There's only one winner.

Do all of this and you'll enjoy your ride a whole lot more.

 

[monkeypony]

It wold probably be quicker to tell you things NOT to watch out for when on the road but heres my top ten, for what its worth....

1) Cars entering a roundabout without noticing you're on your way round it.
2) Cars not noticing you've signalled to leave a roundabout
3) Lorries overtaking you then cutting in when they're only half way past
4) Cars overtaking you then cutting in when they're only half way past.
5) Anyone turning left accross a bus/cycle lane. They will not look for you.
6) Pedestrians, who will step out in front of you as they can't hear you
7) Anyone turning right as you are overtaking traffic. They will not look for you.
8) Anyone moving into a cycle lane on the approach to a roundabout. They will not look for you.
9) Enourmous potholes you have to cycle around. Be observant. Plan your moves in advance. Motorists will not expect you to be swerving in and out of the middle of the road.
10) Anyone turning out of a side street. They will not look for you.

 

[MacLean]

This is all great stuff guys exactly what I was after!... Please keep the tips comming!

 

[fossyant]

Just assume they haven't seen you..... even if they are looking directly at you, they haven't seen.....

Other major thing is many folk underestimate the speed of a bike...oh it's only a bike, I'll nip out..........whoah......!

 

[gaz]

Just assume they haven't seen you..... even if they are looking directly at you, they haven't seen.....

Best advice ever!

I'm planning on making a short video of does and do nots, as well as things to watch out for.

 

[philipbh]

10) Anyone turning out of a side street. They will not look for you.

10a Anyone turning out of a side street. They can look you straight in the eye and think for a bit and then turn any way

Chislehurst Yummy Mummy - you know who you are

 

[magnatom]

Take the train from Ayr to Glasgow and ride back in the middle of rush hour.

You do that and you can ride a bike anywhere.

Or just watch my videos!

 

[MacLean]

Best advice ever!

I'm planning on making a short video of does and do nots, as well as things to watch out for.

This sounds good will keep my eye out for whenever you release this!

 

[MacLean]

Take the train from Ayr to Glasgow and ride back in the middle of rush hour.

You do that and you can ride a bike anywhere.

Actually considering I work in Glasgow this might not be a bad idea...... providing I survive!


And I've already watched quite a few of your videos magnatom!

 

[looe]

Best advice ever!

I'm planning on making a short video of does and do nots, as well as things to watch out for.

Hi gaz,
what kind of video camera do you have? Your vids are very good.