If you are new
to cycling, make sure you practice riding your bike before venturing
out into traffic. Practice in a quiet place and ensure you have
full control of your bike, know how the gears work and accustom
yourself to your brakes. You should be able to ride in a straight
line, look behind and signal, all without wobbling, (and whilst
chewing gum). Drivers have little patience with cyclists, you
may have noticed.
Read
and understand the Highway Code. You are a vehicle with obligations
like any other. You also have as much right to be on the road
as other users!
Try planning
your routes by using as many quiet, residential roads, cycle
lanes and paths as possible. Try to use park, canal and river
paths and bridleways but keep away from footpaths - bikes aren't
allowed.
One of the first
rules of safety on the roads is be seen - wear bright clothing
(and consider wearing a helmet). Always have at least one reflector
on your bike. The best place for reflectors is on the back of
your pedals. The up and down of the pedals is very noticeable
to motorists.
Riding in traffic
requires constant alertness. Don't trust other road users -
they may be asleep, distracted, or probably using their mobile
phone! Look other road users directly in the eye so they register
your presence - but still proceed with caution, you're often
invisible. Know when to give way, don't shout abuse, unless
you've got a good sprint. No matter how much you are in the
right, it'
s
always you that will come off worst! Be assertive in your cycling,
assured in your actions, you will gain the respect of drivers.
Always ride in
a straight line and indicate with hand signals if you intend
to pull out to avoid something, or are turning.
If you have difficulty
riding in a straight line, here are some tips: Keep your hands,
wrists and elbows relaxed. Focus your eyes 10-20 feet ahead.
Looking closer doesn't provide enough time to make smooth corrections
when you see things in your way. Practice on an empty car park
or deserted country road by riding with your wheels on painted
lines. After you can ride without wavering, try it when you
turn your head to look to the side and behind. When on roads,
strive to ride 2-3 feet from the kerb. You will then always
have some space to move if necessary, run less risk of being
cut-up and will find it easier to avoid parked cars and potholes.
Always overtake stationary traffic carefully - doors can appear
from nowhere and vehicles can suddenly move off, unaware you
are there. Watch out when approaching a left hand turn, particularly
if a vehicle is coming up behind you. you'd be surprised how
many motorists will overtake and cut straight across you - I
have the bruises to prove it!
Your ears are
one of your best early warning systems - so don't wear a Walkman
whilst riding. When riding in
rain, don't hesitate to use lights if you have them. Motorists'
ability to see you can be severely reduced by the rain and mist
on the windows. Brakes will require more time to stop you, so
take care. Upgrading your brake blocks can sometimes improve
matters; ask your CoBR member for advice.
As well as your
brake blocks, the road surface will also be more slippery. Take
care on metal road covers, painted lines and oil patches. Avoid
doing anything suddenly, especially braking!!
