Some advice please?

Lexie_Karas

Hi,

I haven't cycled much in years, apart from hiring a bike for a stay on the Aran Islands I haven't really cycled since I was a kid. I always enjoyed cycling but haven't had a bike in years. I've been meaning to get one for a while now but I keep putting it off. One thing that concerns me is traffic, its something I never really had to deal with on a bike, but I will have to if I get one now.

Anything in particular I should know about before I head out for a ride? I get the whole rules of the road thing and I know that cars don't always look out for bikes the way they should, but any other tips??

scottreynolds

Lexie_Karas wrote: »

Hi,

I haven't cycled much in years, apart from hiring a bike for a stay on the Aran Islands I haven't really cycled since I was a kid. I always enjoyed cycling but haven't had a bike in years. I've been meaning to get one for a while now but I keep putting it off. One thing that concerns me is traffic, its something I never really had to deal with on a bike, but I will have to if I get one now.

Anything in particular I should know about before I head out for a ride? I get the whole rules of the road thing and I know that cars don't always look out for bikes the way they should, but any other tips??

For you first rides. try not to go during peak hours on major roads (not major roads like the m50... smaller roads with lots of trafic).

Avoid travelling up the left hand, or right hand, sides of traffic until your confident and able to anticipate traffic better. Don't break the standard road rules eg. breaking red lghts.

Stay left on the road. Nothing is more dangerous than riding in the middle of the road causing frustrated riders... only ride in the middle of your lane when you have to.

If riding at night. Use lights. You may think I'm taking the piss but there'a large number of 'un-lit' cyclists. I am ashamed to see them especially when I almost hit them.... and I get the blame.

Have fun... cycle is fun and a great way to be fit.

Lexie_Karas

Thanks for the tips Scotty! And don't worry I'll be well lit up at night, its very scary to be in a car at night and suddenly realise there's a bike in front of you that you couldn't see moments before!

Gavin

Distilled knowledge !
http://wiki.boards.ie/wiki/Safe_Cycling

roadmanmad

Wihile I agree with above.

Keeping left is 'two feet from the edge minimum' Allow yourself margin.

Do not use head-phones- keep you ears for telling you what is happening

Avoid water puddles, they can hide pot holes.

Be orderly at lights, It should be first there is first off. Do not cut fellow cyclist, just pass them safely.

Watch for the pedestrian who never look. They are assuming that there is nothing approaching and will literally walk out in front of you and will blame you for their mistake.

Be weatherwise: rain, frost and wind all bring their challenges. Checking rainfall radar simulation on Met.ie tells you what rain is coming your way and it's intensity.

Remember, we share the road. But we do have to protect ourselves by being as focused and as prepared as we can.

Be seen at all times. If you are highly visible, even on a good day, it is hard for a car user (who tend to be 99.9% of our aggressors) to state that they cannot see us. Bright colours - lights and whatever else it takes.

People in cars are effectively in a bubble away from the elements. They have lost all sensitivity to life outside.