Town riding

[gbb]

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?

Sadly peds do that, you can only ride with heightened awareness and be ready to react.

Lack of regard for others ? i see it the other way round.
A scenario...you're going to change position in the road, lack of regard means you'll just make that manoever and damn anyone who doesn't like it.
For me, i give a rearward glance at the driver prior to changing direction. That hopefully catches the drivers attention and hopefully with eye contact, you know he knows you're there.
Then i will usually point in the direction i'm going to go. Not an arm out at 90 degrees, just a hand out, that will further catch the drivers attention. Then a glance sideways just before moving just to make sure i'm clear.

That's not cycling with lack of regard, thats actually giving the driver the respect he deserves. I think they appreciate it and return the favour.
Its not a cure all, but its all give and take.

 

[growingvegetables]

**** - weird to see such contradictory and confusing messages on secondary and primary? And kinda scary when it's so much part of cyclists' language.

Primary is cycling right in the MIDDLE of the lane, taking over the lane, owning the lane, cos some dingbat might try a very stupid squeeze and have me off the road.

Secondary is closer to the kerb/road edge - but NOT in the gutter.

Hey - I could be wrong, but I sure as **** hope not!

 

[CopperCyclist]

**** - weird to see such contradictory and confusing messages on secondary and primary? And kinda scary when it's so much part of cyclists' language.

Primary is cycling right in the MIDDLE of the lane, taking over the lane, owning the lane, cos some dingbat might try a very stupid squeeze and have me off the road.

Secondary is closer to the kerb/road edge - but NOT in the gutter.

Hey - I could be wrong, but I sure as **** hope not!

Thats how I understood it too. I'd add:

In the gutter: Literally driving over drain covers, on or even to the left of yellow lines, hitting the kerb if you drift even slightly left. Basically where you should never be.

That was my understanding, though I am ready to be corrected.