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Cycling Advice
Learning a few simple riding techniques will improve your safety and give you extra confidence out on the roads.
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The Highway Code
The good old Highway Code is the official road safety manual for Great Britain and it has a whole section devoted to cyclists. A copy will set you back £2.50 from any bookshop or you can check out the online version at www.direct.gov.uk
John Franklin's book will tell you exactly how to ride safely and confidently in traffic - and much else bike-related besides. Endorsed by all the major cycle trainers and published by the Stationery Office, it'll cost you £12.50. Go to www.cyclecraft.co.uk for all the details.
Not that cycling is particularly dangerous: an American study found that it was less hazardous than just generally being alive! But riding in traffic can be intimidating to begin with and anything that helps keep you out of trouble has to be good news.
The more experience you get on the bike, the better your riding will become and you’ll soon think nothing of cycling in traffic. To help you reach that point here are the essential techniques you will need to get started…
Turning right
1.
First check the traffic behind you in plenty of time before you want to turn. Simply look back over your right shoulder to see whether the road is clear.
2.
Give a clear arm signal and, when it’s safe to do so, move towards the centre of the road. If there’s nothing coming in the opposite direction, you can carry on across the junction and complete your turn.
3.
If the opposite carriageway isn’t clear, wait in the centre of the road, just left of the white line if there is one, until there’s a safe gap in the oncoming traffic. Then have another look around before completing your turn.
Filtering through traffic
1.
Don’t cycle down the inside of long vehicles like lorries and buses. The drivers can find it difficult to spot you in their wing mirrors and if they pull over or start to turn left you’ve got nowhere to go. Go round long vehicles on the right hand side. But even here, beware of drivers pulling over from your left as you pass them and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.
2.
Some junctions have an advanced stop line that allows you to position yourself ahead of the rest of the traffic. Many have a bikeonly filter lane that takes you up to it – but still beware of other traffic eating into your space.
Road position
1.
Position yourself at least 50cm from the side of the road to avoid drains and debris. If you feel safer further out, you're entitled to ride there. You should allow faster traffic to pass if you feel that it’s safe to do so.
2.
Ride in the centre of your lane when that’s the safest option – it can give you more space to react, increase your visibility and stop other people overtaking when it’s not safe. But check properly before you move out.
3.
Move further out in your lane when you’re riding past parked cars just in case someone opens a door in front of you. It can happen, and you’ll come out of it worst. Again, check behind before you move out.
Avoiding obstacles
1.
Look well ahead so you have time to steer around obstacles like drain covers, potholes and diesel spills. If you can’t avoid something, it’s best to ride across it without braking, with your bike as straight and upright as possible. Swerving or braking at the last second could make you lose control.
2.
Beware of anything that could be slippery like train tracks, cattle grids or raised manhole covers – especially if it’s wet. You can always get off and walk if you’re not confident. If you do decide to ride an obstacle, tackle it at right angles to reduce the chances of slipping, and don’t try to steer when you’re riding over it.
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