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Handedness when cycling

Iwannahurl · 2014-07-03 12:44:48

This post reminded me to ask a question that occurred to me recently. Is there such a thing as handedness (left/right hand dominance) in the use of a bicycle? I've noticed that my Senior Infant aged nearly 7 is more adept at signalling right than signalling left, yet is right-handed generally. I've been cycling since I was…

03-07-2014 12:44pm

#1

Iwannahurl

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This post reminded me to ask a question that occurred to me recently.

Is there such a thing as handedness (left/right hand dominance) in the use of a bicycle?

I've noticed that my Senior Infant aged nearly 7 is more adept at signalling right than signalling left, yet is right-handed generally.

I've been cycling since I was a child, and I am right-handed, yet I recall that steering the bike right-handed felt a bit more difficult when I was younger.

Why might that be the case? Is it just that steering a bike is easier because it leaves the right hand free to do more complicated or important tasks*?

Have other people had the same experience? If not, is it just an individual difference? For example, I am cross-dominant when it comes to activities that require aiming.

EDIT -- just found this blog: http://lovelybike.blogspot.ie/2013/10/left-right-left-on-cornering-and.html

* Such as 'communicating' with other road users.

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Comments

#2 04-07-2014 10:07am

acorn

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Yep, I'm right handed but when I cycle my left hand is firmly welded to the handlebars !

I'm much more comfortable signaling etc with my right hand and only do so with left hand when I really have to.

Don't know about cornering - never took any notice of that.

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#3 04-07-2014 10:20am

Micilin Muc

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It depends on the brake setup too. I feel less comfortable signalling with my hand on the back brake only. It's easier to lose control using the back brake only.

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