Whats the correct way to cycle at roundabouts?

[RabbitFood]

Is it to cycles right on the outside of the circle with your arm out so that the other drivers know where you are going, being new I dont like the very big busy rounderbouts ant not convident on these yet.

Thanks
Rabbit

 

[HLaB]

There's some good tips elswher on the forum. You need to position yourself as you would a car. Being on the left of turning vehicles (the outside of the rab) is never a good idea, it puts you in one of the most dangerous places visibility wise.

This thread is a good one

 

[marinyork]

No. There isn't a correct way. The highway code specifies that a cyclist can take a roundabout like you describe or the way you would in a car.

I cannot advise strongly enough not to follow the "alternative" roundabout approach of riding round the outside with your arm pointing right until you leave. Just practise on roundabouts and get used to them, do them the same way you would a car.

Beware mini roundabouts, they are a lot more hazardous than they look, drivers rarely give way, will overtake, mount the island and even drive the wrong way round them. Once you master larger roundabouts you'll find it's the smaller mini ones that are the more dangerous, they can be pretty daunting at first.

 

[RabbitFood]

ops and thanks

 

[Black Sheep]

Is it to cycles right on the outside of the circle with your arm out so that the other drivers know where you are going, being new I dont like the very big busy rounderbouts ant not convident on these yet.

Thanks
Rabbit

no, it hurts too much!

my trick is to ride quick and grin like a maniac while pretending to be a motorbike - engine noises are optional

 

[purplepolly]

no, it hurts too much!

Yup, at some point, someone's going to drive too close and hit your arm.

+ I think it's important to be able to take evasive action quickly when someone pulls out, this works much better with both hands on the handlebars and ready to brake.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

+1. Both Cycelcraft and Bikeabaility (National Standards here in Wales) advocate this method.

I cannot advise strongly enough not to follow the "alternative" roundabout approach of riding round the outside with your arm pointing right until you leave. Just practise on roundabouts and get used to them, do them the same way you would a car.

Beware mini roundabouts, they are a lot more hazardous than they look, drivers rarely give way, will overtake, mount the island and even drive the wrong way round them. Once you master larger roundabouts you'll find it's the smaller mini ones that are the more dangerous, they can be pretty daunting at first.

 

[John the Monkey]

As above, plus BE CAREFUL.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

It may well be worth taking a look at the CTC website and seeing if there is an instructor in your area. He / She needs to be Level 3 qualified and you can discuss number of lessons, your requirements with said person.

As above, plus BE CAREFUL.