My 1st Commute - Dublin Cycle Lanes!

az2wp0sye65487

Hi all. Complete novice cyclist here. I decided to start cycling to work recently instead of driving; so I got a bike on the cycle to work scheme - which I picked up at the weekend.

This morning was the first time I cycled to work. It's only 5k from home to work so it makes sense. But I'm seeing things from a cyclist's perspective now instead of a motorist! In some places the cycle lanes are non-existant. Where there are cycle lanes they're full of gravel & are very bumpy! They also go from footpath to roadside sharply in places, so you have to tun into traffic at times, that can be dodgy when there's a bus hurtling towards you!

What tips do fellow commuter cyclists here have for a beginner like me who is used to the surrounds of a car while on the road??

P.S. I made sure I'm visible - I've a high-vis jacket, & decent flashing lights on the bike... I know from driving how hard it can be to spot cyclists & pedestrians on the road if they're wearing dark clothing - especially on dull & rainy mornings like this morning was in Dublin.

Lumen

Leonardo Orange Mole wrote: »

What tips do fellow commuter cyclists here have for a beginner like me who is used to the surrounds of a car while on the road??

Avoid cycle lanes, don't cycle too close to the kerb, cycle assertively but with consideration for other road users, indicate your intentions clearly, don't assume you have been seen, anticipate and accomodate the miustakes of others, don't jump red lights, try and maintain an even temper.

az2wp0sye65487

Lumen wrote: »

Avoid cycle lanes, don't cycle too close to the kerb, cycle assertively but with consideration for other road users, indicate your intentions clearly, don't assume you have been seen, anticipate and accomodate the miustakes of others, don't jump red lights, try and maintain an even temper.

I've noticed this one in particular myself. It seems like the road is in worse condition right beside the kerb!

irishmotorist

Taking up a good position on the road is a good place to start. I'd usually go about 1m out from the kerb - it keeps me clear of more of the rubbish at the side of the road and also gives some maneuverability in the event that a car comes too close on the other side. I'm always of the opinion that you should be in a position so that cars have to pass you properly, rather than tempt them into squeezing past you and pushing you into the kerb.

Cycle lanes often tend to be brutal - there are loads of examples on here of bad ones, discussion about them etc. Personally, I know the routes that I cycle and I'm familiar with the cycle lane. If it's bendy, bockety, covered in gravel/glass, then I'll ignore it and take up a position on the road. I mostly find that cycle lanes that are off the road are in worse repair than if they are part of the road. On teh road, cars tend to keep them clean of rubbish, however the off-road or on-path ones tend to be more littered.

Look around you and make sure your intentions are clear to motorists and other road users - signalling, looking. Lack of observation in a car means a tip. Lack of observation on a bike could mean a lot worse.

Be assertive but right. You'll lose out to an agressive driver.

Get used to your route and know when to anticipate lights, potholes etc. Get to know what drivers are planning - is he shaping up to turn left though he hasn't bothered indicating yet?

NEVER squeeze between 2 large vehicles. NEVER undertake a truck if there's a junction approaching - regardless of if they're indicating or not.

NEVER go through red lights.

Go fast!

poochiem

yep as a relative novice myself I'd say avoid the kerbs and don't undertake lorries or any longer wheelbase yokes that might have blindspots.

right pedal down if you need to get close to the kerb as many of dublin's kerbs are higher than your pedal and that is a nasty shock waiting for you.

Just be big and visible and you'll get your confidence. Observe traffic lights as you would driving.

Gavin

http://wiki.boards.ie/wiki/Safe_Cycling

brianthebard

Leonardo Orange Mole wrote: »

I've noticed this one in particular myself. It seems like the road is in worse condition right beside the kerb!

Its not just because of the road condition, many drivers will skim past you without even going past the white line if they can, rather than overtaking you properly (cause you're just a cyclist :mad: ) So being nearer the centre *sometimes* makes them pass out properly, as irishmotorist said.

wayne0308

I agree with you on the state of cycle lanes and the roads in general. I cycle into work most days, and the cycle takes me on the swords road through santry and by the santry omniplex. It's a bone shaking experience to say the least and I know a lot of other roads are worse sadly.

az2wp0sye65487

wayne0308 wrote: »

I agree with you on the state of cycle lanes and the roads in general. I cycle into work most days, and the cycle takes me on the swords road through santry and by the santry omniplex. It's a bone shaking experience to say the least and I know a lot of other roads are worse sadly.

I know the area well.. bus lane & ordinary driving lane merge into one outside the Omni (inbound) - I'd imagine that can be dicey for cyclists! I actually got my bike in Duff Cycles in the Omni - cycled home after picking it up; which involved going up Santry Lane.... that was mad. Cars/vans/trucks/busses BARELY moving out to pass you. Nerve-wrecking for the 1st trip!

Cheers to everyone else here for the tips. I just received a high-viz backpack that I ordered last week so that will help keep me visible! - I can't understand as a motorist when you see someone on a bike wearing a high-viz vest/jacket and then putting a big dark bag on their back over it... doesn't make sense!

droidus

Santry lane is a nightmare. Very busy with commercial traffic, poorly lit, narrow, tiny pavements and bad road surface (for the omni end at least). Avoid if possible.

blobbie

irishmotorist wrote: »

Look around you and make sure your intentions are clear to motorists and other road users - signalling, looking.

Very important point there - be equally as attentive to other cyclists as cars/buses/trucks. In my experience (cycling I hasten to add) some cyclists can be as much a danger as other road users. Over the past few months I have been cut-up more by cyclists than other road users.

And always expect the pedestrian to step out

tomasrojo

Cyclecraft is a great, but very detailed read on how best to cycle, both on the road and on crappy facilities, if you really have to. The public library system has older copies you can borrow. You can read just the early chapters and skip to the bits that are relevant to your commute. You won't regret reading it.

tomasrojo

I have a scan of a pamphlet the Galway Cycling Campaign did years ago, which is really a highly condensed version of Cyclecraft. PM me if you want a copy.

chakattack

@ Tomasrojo and Monument

You guys seem very active in promoting safe cycling and I commend you for it.

I'm fairly wise to the roads at this stage but it can still be unnerving when you see so much ignorance and carelessness on the roads from cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists alike.

What would it take to get a nationwide series of tv ads similar to past efforts on drink driving and speeding going?

Something to highlight common mistakes followed with the correct technique and to let drivers see the roads through a cyclist's eyes and vice versa. Show the graphic consequences of poor behaviour and the human side of story. Reduce the them and us attitude.

Side swipes (safe passing distances)

To expect oncoming cyclists filtering on the inside when turning right across stopped oncoming cars.

To use inside mirror when turning left across a cycle lane

To understand that the cyclist ripping along in the middle of the narrow lane in front of you is there for his/her protection and not to taunt you and to have patience until it is safe for them to move into the left again

To not drive and text at the same time!

Red light jumping

Ninja cycling

To look well ahead for cars in the cycle lane and other obstacles and hold a safe line rather than weaving

To watch for doors opening or wheels starting to turn to pull out

and so on....

There are loads more "rules of thumb" as you well know..

Carawaystick

chakattack wrote: »

wheels starting to turn

This was my tip, the wheels of a car turn before the car does. so this gives you warning of the car's intentions.

Also if you cross tram/rail lines or even a gap between two sections of concrete road, try to do it at right angles, instead of close to parallel. swing one way to swing back to get a better angle.

Jumpy

Ill stress one thing for you. Very important. AVOID MANHOLE COVERS.
For some reason they put them on the road in this country instead of the sidewalk. They are lethal in the wet. Dont even risk them in the dry.

Dont get me started on train tracks.

chakattack

Jumpy wrote: »

Ill stress one thing for you. Very important. AVOID MANHOLE COVERS.
For some reason they put them on the road in this country instead of the sidewalk. They are lethal in the wet. Dont even risk them in the dry.

Dont get me started on train tracks.

And painted lines when wet

tomasrojo

chakattack wrote: »

What would it take to get a nationwide series of tv ads similar to past efforts on drink driving and speeding going?

I really would like an ad to point out the folly of passing HGVs and buses on the inside. Seeing at it's responsible for 70% of urban cyclist deaths, it would be the most obvious behaviour to tackle.

But I really would not like to see a typical RSA blood-and-grieving-family ad. I don't think they work as much as the RSA seem to think they do and it's much easier to deter people from cycling than driving.

BostonB

Lumen wrote: »

Avoid cycle lanes....

On my route the cycle lanes are ok. Grand Canal, Phoenix park.

My advice, leave early so you're not rushing.

Try different routes, sometimes the shortest route, may not be the quickest or the nicest to cycle.

Lambsbread

As a relatively new cyclist, some great advice in this thread. Thanks!!

One of the biggest problems I have trouble with when cycling is when I have to turn right at a junction. To make it from the left hand side of the road, across two lanes of traffic is tough!!

And one lesson I learned during this winter, when the roads are icy, leave the bike at home!!!!

-K2-

Lambsbread wrote: »

One of the biggest problems I have trouble with when cycling is when I have to turn right at a junction. To make it from the left hand side of the road, across two lanes of traffic is tough!!

If you are nervous about turning right then you could take this approach:

http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055694898

BostonB

You might also be able to change you route so you've less right hand turns.

Cabaal

tomasrojo wrote: »

Cyclecraft is a great, but very detailed read on how best to cycle, both on the road and on crappy facilities, if you really have to. The public library system has older copies you can borrow. You can read just the early chapters and skip to the bits that are relevant to your commute. You won't regret reading it.

I'd also recommend Cyclecraft, think I got a copy off of play.com

blorg

Lambsbread wrote: »

One of the biggest problems I have trouble with when cycling is when I have to turn right at a junction. To make it from the left hand side of the road, across two lanes of traffic is tough!!

You need to be assertive and start moving into the correct lane early. You should start in the middle of the left lane NOT the left hand side of the road, indicating that you want to turn right. Then it is just a matter of getting in to the right turning lane (again place yourself in a central position in this lane) and turning.

You can't turn right from the left-hand side of the road, that is crazy dangerous.

eightyfish

Leonardo Orange Mole wrote: »

What tips do fellow commuter cyclists here have for a beginner like me who is used to the surrounds of a car while on the road??

When cycling along Luas tracks, don't let your wheel slip into the groove because you will fall over and people at the Luas stop will laugh at you.

That is all.

tomasrojo

eightyfish wrote: »

When cycling along Luas tracks, don't let your wheel slip into the groove because you will fall over and people at the Luas stop will laugh at you.

That is all.

The hazard of Luas tracks go beyond wheel-snatching. In wet conditions, they are extremely slippery. Try and cross them at as close to ninety degrees as possible and not too fast if it's very wet.

My worst road injury ever was in front of St. James' hospital in the rain trying to cross the Luas tracks at relatively high speed when the bike slipped and just disappeared from under me. It didn't slide away; I was left hovering in the air and the bike went somewhere else. (The injury wasn't that bad -- tore open my knee a bit -- but I did need a tetanus shot.)

tomasrojo

chakattack wrote: »

And painted lines when wet

And painted lines when it's icy. The ice above white lines is the last to melt.

blorg

Painted lines significantly reduce rolling resistance. But no, do avoid them

oflahero

blorg wrote: »

Painted lines significantly reduce rolling resistance. But no, do avoid them

Ha! I thought I was the only one who had happened upon this hidden knowledge. Rats. I'm a big fan of getting that extra 1% out of the Rathgar Road townbound by sticking scrupulously on the bus lane line all the way down (when no traffic around, obv.)

superrdave

Also, watch out for opening car doors. If you see a car parked having either just pulled in or having its lights on, beware of the possibility of opening doors. Especially cars more likely to have children/distressed parents in them (MPVs, 4x4s etc). No-one wants the last words they hear to be: Mummy, why is that silly looking man in day-glo lycra splashed against your door? In short, give parked cars a doors width distance, where possible.

blorg

oflahero wrote: »

Ha! I thought I was the only one who had happened upon this hidden knowledge. Rats. I'm a big fan of getting that extra 1% out of the Rathgar Road townbound by sticking scrupulously on the bus lane line all the way down (when no traffic around, obv.)

That was the very one I was thinking of. Wet ground also significantly reduces RR. Both make it more likely you are going to fall off. Armstrong and Ullrich were setting record paces in the final TT of the 2003 Tour on wet ground- until Ullrich crashed.

Jawgap

My top three rules would be:-

1. Enjoy it - it's great being in the reasonably fresh air ticking along instead of being cooped up with a bunch of smelly oiks on the bus or gnawing on your steering wheel.

2. Take your time - you'll still get their faster than a car. Also always assume you've not been seen - that'll explain some of the behaviour you see from other road users.

3. Be assertive not aggressive - projecting confidence makes you more visible, imo.

finally......

before going near CRC, Wiggle, PBK or any of the other websites, chop up your credit card. Also these sites should be avoided if you've memorised your number, expiry date and security code!

Good luck....

blorg

Jawgap wrote: »

before going near CRC, Wiggle, PBK or any of the other websites, chop up your credit card. Also these sites should be avoided if you've memorised your number, expiry date and security code!

Wiggle helpfully store your card details for you. Wish the others did that. I'm getting repetitive strain in my credit card typing hand.