Surviving on the roads.

[airbrake]

Does anyone have experiences, tips and general knowledge that could be shared to make cycling safer on the road ?
I used to ride with a friend who never checked over his right shoulder. (This is in the UK). When asked why, he said 'if my number's up then that's that'. I have found over many road miles that a glance over the shoulder when traffic is approaching from the rear, generally makes the driver a little more cautious. Sometimes the car reduces speed as if anticipating that a manoevre might be imminent. Other drivers give more space during the overtake.
Any more useful tips ?

[1989Pre]

I only do that if I hear something particularly loud (read: big) coming up from behind. If I hear a relatively loud engine, I look over my shoulder right before he passes, to make sure that he does not clip me. (Especially important in Britain where the roads are narrower than in the U.S.)
One tactic I use when there are parked cars up ahead is to look directly into the car(s) through the rear wind-screen. If there is a driver sitting there, then the chances of that door flying open in front of you just increased.
Paul

[airbrake]

Many cars nowadays seem to have such well silenced engines that very often the first thing I hear is the tyres, - except for the younger drivers who often fit a more open exhaust ! With UK roads being so narrow, the overtaking vehicles that cause most concern tend to be buses and lorries. I sometimes drift slightly more away from the kerb when I hear approaching traffic, then just before the vehicle overtakes, I cut back in and resume my normal position. This way, the driver aims to clear you, but then during the actual overtake you have a little extra clearance.
As you say, it's good to be extra cautious with parked vehicles. So much can happen with the occupants, - they tend not to have cyclists on their minds. Occasionally I do shout if I see a door swing open, but I think it is best to be prepared to stop if necessary. Being 'in the right' is no compensation for a kneecap split open by a car door !

[garminchipotlefan]

well most people taught you to go against traffic but i believe it is actually safer to flow with it so that on a turn someone will not clip you unexpectidly. If you are still worried about getting hit from behind thern purchase a helmet mirror..., they are great... I also go with the flow of traffic, because legaly in some states in the u.s. your bike is a vehical and you are its operator... so thats what i think can help.

[chris667]

I think you'd do well to contact your local CTC group and see if there's any courses near you.
Learning to ride in traffic is nice if you can have people to ride with to help build confidence.
If you're near Reading, and fancy a day riding around town, feel free to get in touch though.

[airbrake]

It's amazing the difference in grip available from various tyres. Cold, greasy roads highlight the different characteristics. My Equipe with the original 25mm Vredestein's from 1988 grip better than semi-slick Vittoria MTB tyres ! The Vittoria's are extremely hard wearing, so grip was not at the top of the specification, but it's surprising nevertheless.

It's good to learn the handling of a particular bike / tyre combination. When conditions are slippery, I find it's always the front tyre that starts to let go. The first sign is the steering goes lighter... The moment I feel that sensation, I widen the radius slightly to ease the load on the tyre. It's best to get all your braking over before the corner. If you have to scrub some speed off mid-corner, use the rear brake - gently.

A front wheel slide is to be avoided at all costs - it will be very difficult to respond fast enough to stop the slide turning into a fall. A rear wheel slide happens slower, with a good chance of saving it by counter-steering which is the natural instinct.

I don't recommend tearing around trying to find the limits of man and machine but it's useful to think ahead and use the feedback from the bike to alert you to problems.

Safe riding !

[spanner]

I agree about car drivers who just open their door without checking for cyclists ive had a few near misses but thankfully nothing full blown though i have balled out the drivers with word s to the effect"dont you check your bl**dy door mirror before you open the door" i always check before i open the drivers door but then again being a cyclist am more aware of not opening the door when i see a cyclist approaching

[airbrake]

For these occasions the lungs are far more effective than any bell !

[MilkRacer]

always make a movement with your arm if you can see a clear road ahead of you which signals for the vehicle to overtake