Hi, thanks for your advice that seems from a veteran serious cyclist... Like someone who could cross America!
I ride assertively and in such a manner as to control the traffic in.my immediate area. As a new cyclist I advise you to do the same.
Read the highway code, it has some good advice on how to do this.
Mostly it's all about riding in the right position for the situation at the time. Avoid sudden movements and don't pull out suddenly without warning.
Take your lane, as if you were in your car. Communicate clearly by clear hand signals and body position. Keep eye contact with drivers at junctions where possible. Ride on the road, do not be bullied onto the pavement.
Get familiar with your equipment so you are free to concentrate on the rides. Use your ears, they will tell you what is behind you. When cars pass you, expect them to be to close. Be ready and do not swerve or panic. Cars usually come in groups of two or more, the most dangerous ones are the last ones, as they cut in to quick as they should never have tried to take you in the first place.
Watch for bad surfaces , potholes and loose shingle are dangerous. Cars don't understand or expect you to swerve around these so look ahead and indicate before you move out.
Be extra alert around van drivers, hgvs, taxis.
Never undertake a vehicle on it's blind side. Never jump a red light.
Understand how to ride on.primary position, check the highway code.
Anticipate ahead. Most drivers are sensible, but 10% are lunatics and dam dangerous. I assume all drivers are in the 10% because I have no way of knowing who is and who isn't. That way is safer.
Learn how your body reacts in certain situations. If you are tired you will react differently so be ready. Don't rely on a final burst of speed to get you out of trouble, better to not get in trouble in the first place.
Ride conditions affect performance. Riding in the rain will impact on your vision, braking, strength etc. Cars arnt affected and make no allowance for how this will affect a cyclist.
Wet equals slippery, so be ready.
Size does matter and getting the right sized bike is important. You.need an experienced rider to.measure you so it fits properly.
There is a wealth of info on this forum. Lots of helpful people. Most of what I know I learned on here. I suggest you ask every single question you have, no matter how silly you may feel it is.
Regarding equipment and clothing. Getting these right will make for a more satisfying ride. You need to be safe and comfortable so you are free to enjoy the ride and not worry about if the equipment will do it's job, or getting to hot, or wet etc.
So getting the right bike is only.part of the picture. You should get the right size bike, the right equipment such as pedal choice, tyres, cassette and crankset ratios, etc and wear the right clothes for the ride conditions.
Don't let all that put you off. The more you ride the better it gets!