Having just started riding into ( a small ) town on my bike I was shocked to find the amount of aggression from other road users and doziness from pedestrians who don't look before stepping into the road. So with that in,mind my question is this; Is the only way to ride safely in town to ride with aggression and lack regard for others?
Town riding
- Thread starter bobcat
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
jugglingphil
Senior Member
- Location
- Nottingham
No need for aggression to others, that'd only spoil your cycle.
Keep alert for pedestrians, you soon get used to expecting them to do the most stupid things (a bit like dogs).
Keep alert for pedestrians, you soon get used to expecting them to do the most stupid things (a bit like dogs).
HLaB
Marie Attoinette Fan
Don't confuse assertion with aggression; I think some times it does help to be positive to cycle in certain environments but anybody who does it regardless of others is just asking for trouble.
Glow worm
Legendary Member
- Location
- Near Newmarket
No point in getting aggressive as that's counter productive. Much easier said than done of cousre once the red mist descends!
My view on peds is that we owe them a duty of care, irrespective of how unpredictable they are. On shared use paths for example, I'll slow right down around them, be prepared to stop if needed and always give a wave and a thanks if they move out of my path.
My view on peds is that we owe them a duty of care, irrespective of how unpredictable they are. On shared use paths for example, I'll slow right down around them, be prepared to stop if needed and always give a wave and a thanks if they move out of my path.
Globalti
Legendary Member
It's all about your body language. Car drivers will see you and judge in a micro-second whether you are a potential threat to their speed and road space and one of the techniques taught to advanced drivers is that of forcing other drivers to behave the way you want them to. For example when approaching a car parked on the opposite side, don't allow approaching drivers to force you to slow down or swerve to give them space. Aim at them and take up space towards the crown of the road to make sure they stop and allow you priority. The same applies for cyclists; if you pussy-foot around in the gutter drivers will take liberties and squeeze past you. If you maintain a constant steady pace in "primary" position, which is a couple of feet out from the kerb, look serious, don't wobble, don't have clothes flapping around, drivers will see you as serious and give you the space you need.
The same goes for passive safety; watch and anticipate other road users, read pedestrians' body language, watch cars in side streets for wheel movement, establish eye contact with drivers, never assume a driver has seen you especially if you are riding straight towards them and are presenting only a gently expanding target. Check over your shoulder and move out into the middle of the road so as to move across their field of vision, the movement will attract their eye. All of this comes with experience.
The same goes for passive safety; watch and anticipate other road users, read pedestrians' body language, watch cars in side streets for wheel movement, establish eye contact with drivers, never assume a driver has seen you especially if you are riding straight towards them and are presenting only a gently expanding target. Check over your shoulder and move out into the middle of the road so as to move across their field of vision, the movement will attract their eye. All of this comes with experience.
If you are inconfident (I assume the town isn't too large) then ride in primary for the duration, then if you get the agressive driver passing far too close/.at speed/swinging a chain Road Rash style, you can just as easily move 2-3ft left.
Of course, for effect, stick an L plate on your back... It might make no difference to how you're treated, but it'll completely throw them
When you get more confident with in-city riding, move into a more secondary position and just be aware that peds WILL step out on you, an you WILL occasionally have to move into the lane to avoid them.
*Please note. I am not a cycling instructor or affiliated with teaching in any way, but the above method worked for me... sans L plate*
Of course, for effect, stick an L plate on your back... It might make no difference to how you're treated, but it'll completely throw them
When you get more confident with in-city riding, move into a more secondary position and just be aware that peds WILL step out on you, an you WILL occasionally have to move into the lane to avoid them.
*Please note. I am not a cycling instructor or affiliated with teaching in any way, but the above method worked for me... sans L plate*
Matthew_T
"Young and Ex-whippet"
- Location
- Prestatyn, North Wales
Well not all of them.
Matthew_T
"Young and Ex-whippet"
- Location
- Prestatyn, North Wales
So is being on the path "tertiary"? And in the middle of the whole road "negative"?
Andy_R
Hard of hearing..I said Herd of Herring..oh FFS..
- Location
- County Durham
The position a couple of feet from the kerb is called "in the gutter". Secondary is out of the flow of traffic. Primary is in the flow of traffic. It's all about the width of the road and the road position of following traffic.