Are there certain things I should know or understand to stay safe out there?
I was hesitant in turning lanes (even right hand ones).
I was hesitant in turning lanes (even right hand ones).
If you're on the streets, for God's sake obey the traffic signs and signals. LC and I were driving last summer in a nearby 'burb, and we came to an intersection, 4-way stop signs. I was starting up when two cyclists came from the right, never stopping at their sign. They turned on our street, and as they passed us, one yelled something like "Bikes mean you yield" or "You have to yield to bikes." Not if you're on the same road I am, dumbass - you follow the same damn laws I do.
Most stuff, like that, you prolly know already. The only unusual one I can think of is if you're on a one-lane (?) trail or path, and you come across a runner coming the other way, the runner is supposed to get off the trail. Though I wouldn't bet the back forty they do.
Most stuff, like that, you prolly know already. The only unusual one I can think of is if you're on a one-lane (?) trail or path, and you come across a runner coming the other way, the runner is supposed to get off the trail. Though I wouldn't bet the back forty they do.
I've always done this and gotten out of the lanes for cyclists.
Today...4 WALKERS stayed in the bike lane 4 in a row WALKING...TALKING...DID NOT MOVE!! I had to move into the road to get around them. I was in total crouch, aerobars and 17mph. Grrrrr. :x
They could see me coming... :x
Today...4 WALKERS stayed in the bike lane 4 in a row WALKING...TALKING...DID NOT MOVE!! I had to move into the road to get around them. I was in total crouch, aerobars and 17mph. Grrrrr. :x
They could see me coming... :x
I think you need to be as assertive a cyclist as you can. Signal turns early, obviously and consistently. On left hand turns, pull over into the center of the lane and point your left arm straight out so it's evident what you're doing.
When you're in traffic though, you need to be confident/skilled enough to unclip a foot at a stop, clip in quickly and pump it hard so as to not tee off cars behind you. Get around the corner or through the intersection and then over to the edge of the lane again so cars can flow past you.
Familiarity with your routes is important too. From running everything in a 10-mile radius of my home and office, I know all the roads, trails, shoulders and sidewalks, so I'm pretty adept at getting myself around on the least conflicting routes.
Just don't be hesitant out there. A confident, purposeful cyclist will project an image that car drivers will respect, but if you're hesitant, weaving and unsure, road raged drivers will sense that and turn the tables on ya.
g'luck :coach:
When you're in traffic though, you need to be confident/skilled enough to unclip a foot at a stop, clip in quickly and pump it hard so as to not tee off cars behind you. Get around the corner or through the intersection and then over to the edge of the lane again so cars can flow past you.
Familiarity with your routes is important too. From running everything in a 10-mile radius of my home and office, I know all the roads, trails, shoulders and sidewalks, so I'm pretty adept at getting myself around on the least conflicting routes.
Just don't be hesitant out there. A confident, purposeful cyclist will project an image that car drivers will respect, but if you're hesitant, weaving and unsure, road raged drivers will sense that and turn the tables on ya.
g'luck :coach:
Werd. I feel right at home skating on the streets along with motor vehicles because I skate confidently...now on the other hand we have a skater who has been doing street skates much longer than I and I am afraid he is going to get himself hurt one day because he has VERY little confidence...
Just maintain your position and when you have to move over do so with prior warning and with authority!
Just maintain your position and when you have to move over do so with prior warning and with authority!
:1: being predictable and doing things with authority will get you a long way on the bike.
My piece of advice, is to be sure that you can be seen, lights, reflectors, reflective vest, etc. Even when I ride during the day I at least have the orange vest on.
Also try to predict others stupidity, chances are they will do the opposite of what you think they will do, or what is logical. I have yet to fully figure this one out, but years of living and working near a big city have helped
good luck
Also try to predict others stupidity, chances are they will do the opposite of what you think they will do, or what is logical. I have yet to fully figure this one out, but years of living and working near a big city have helped
good luck