Traffic...

[DeepBurn]

I'm happy cycling on roads, even busy roads at times. Until it comes to manouvering across traffic to take a turning.

Part of my problem is feeling vulnerable when I check over my shoulder because I'm not sure how staright a line I'm keeping. Basicaly I lack confidence if I'm doing anything other than simply riding along with traffic.

Is a mirror the way to go for me?

 

[malcermie]

I'm happy cycling on roads, even busy roads at times. Until it comes to manouvering across traffic to take a turning.

Part of my problem is feeling vulnerable when I check over my shoulder because I'm not sure how staright a line I'm keeping. Basicaly I lack confidence if I'm doing anything other than simply riding along with traffic.

Is a mirror the way to go for me?

I had the same problem, it was lack of confidence, now I tend to listen first then stop peddling and take a quick look under my right arm, then ALWAYS SIGNAL!!!
Malc

 

[green1]

Is a mirror the way to go for me?

No not for replacing looking over your shoulder completely, for the same reason you are taut when driving always to look over your shoulder when pulling out. Mirrors have blindspots.

 

[numbnuts]

Looking over your shoulder is good as Mr motorist can see your about to do something which is good, but a mirror can be your friend too, I have one and I use it all the time would not be without it as you see what is all around you at all times.

 

[jonny jeez]

To be frank.

No.

I believe a mirror is a possible "additional" tool but I would really try to convince you to just practice your rear observation. Some would argue (and please dont take this the wrong way) that if you cant look behind whithout wobbling about then you shouldnt be on the road at all.

I dont subscrigbe to that altogther but i do see it as a skill that enhances your enjoyment, safety and all round skillset. let alone making you a million times more confident.

without sounding like your nanny, try practising by riding around a park until you master it.

trust me once you are comfortable looking about, you'll feel so much more in tune with the road, the traffic and the bike.

Good luck.

 

[DeepBurn]

To be honest I don't actually wobble about too much - but it's that's strange sensation when you turn round where you aren't 100% sure, if that makes sense. I think it's just lack of practice at it. Whenever I face forward again I tend to be still going in the same path as I was before twisting round which I guess is good.

As I say it's a confidence thing, I have no issue actually cycling on busy roads at all, it's just the manovering.

Practicing in a quiet park seems sensible.

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

just practice your rear observation.

I don't have a problem with this at all.
Looking over my shoulder, now that's another situation entirely

 

[RAYMOND]

Nothing wrong with stopping and waiting until theres no traffic if its a bit busy.
I stop if i think the cars are too fast, i even wave them past me at junctions.

 

[Andy_R]

I see this a lot in people I train. Try sitting up a bit and taking your right hand off the bars if you're looking over your right shoulder or your left hand if looking over the left. This will allow more freedom of movement and more confidence. A mirror can help as an extra tool as has already been said, but is no real substitute for actually turning and looking - when you turn and look you are also communicating with others around you. (Whether or not they choose to recognise that communication is another matter)

 

[Ozzrahog]

Have a look over the shoulder and give a positive and definite hand signal, if you appear confident others will give you space ( I learned this as a young polis doing traffic control, if you look like you are in control people assume you are)

 

[Crosstrailer]

I had a mirror on my 2nd bike, an old MTB I ride to the gym. One of my nephews borrowed it, dropped it and broke the mirror off. It was the best thing he could of done because of now looking into a small mirror and either not paying attention to the road in front of me or failing to really see properly what was behind me I now take a proper glance behind me and then its eyes straight back on the road, signalling if need be.

 

[RWright]

I have a small mirror on the lense of pair of larger sunglasses I use a lot when I ride. The glasses are not the rounded type that are normally used for riding, but are more of a wide flater type that allows the mirror to be postioned so I can see behind me very well with it. I miss it when I go out riding without it. I still look back before making a move across traffic but having it allows me to check behind me much quicker and more often.

 

[DeepBurn]

Thanks for all the replies & views. I'll try some out & report back!!