The essential guide for new commuters

[greekonabike]

I've recently started riding again after several years of not being on a bike. I never really cycled on the roads and when I did they were always roads with minimal traffic. I found this guide really helpful so I'd like to say thank you to everyone who made a contribution.

GOAB

 

[AnthonyC]

I've recently started riding again after several years of not being on a bike. I never really cycled on the roads and when I did they were always roads with minimal traffic. I found this guide really helpful so I'd like to say thank you to everyone who made a contribution.

GOAB

Were your last trips in Greece? In that case you might pick up some different commuter cycle clothing as well

 

[greekonabike]

Were your last trips in Greece? In that case you might pick up some different commuter cycle clothing as well

I was actually born in the UK and have never ridden in my homeland, it's on the bucket list. I've heard a rumour that Greece were melting down old bikes to use for currency and metal bats. Luckily my families from Cyprus where the bikes are surviving by hiding in the dense bush and mountainous regions.

GOAB

 

[AnthonyC]

Glad to hear that there are protected habitats for them!

 

[greekonabike]

For now....I fear that soon all the old Raleighs will be herded up and loaded into the smelter. When the option is bicycle or goat you choose goat.

GOAB

 

[RoubaixCube]

Somewhat relevant and humorous take on cycle lanes for some new commuters....

Even though it is in the U.S, the UK doesnt have it really that much better as far as some councils are concerned. All they need is a bit of possibly segregated path thats painted green so they can tick it off the list of things they did. Some of them dont seem to care if there are all sorts of obstructions and potholes on it.

your mileage may vary based on your location and no police officers here in ANY county will give you a FPN for not being in the cycle lane as there are no laws stating that cyclists have to be there.

Get out there and ride safe.

 

[mjr]

no police officers here in ANY county will give you a FPN for not being in the cycle lane as there are no laws stating that cyclists have to be there.

Sadly police have issued fixed penalty notices for cycling non-offences - two examples I remember are cycling across a Toucan crossing or cycling into a street which is only no-entry for motor vehicles (indicated by the slightly unobvious flying-motorcycle sign) - but they are usually dismissed at a police station. They'd never stand up in court because like in @RoubaixCube's example, there's no law supporting them.

 

[JamesBikes]

Great guide, thank you very much.

 

[natnatroswell22]

Im new to commuting and I find this very helpful Thanks for this guide.

 

[UrbanCircus]

I find the best advice I have for commuting is to stay visible!
You can be as careful as you can, if the driver does not see you, its a problem.

Mod Note:
self promoting kickstarter link has been removed.

 

[User16625]

I find the best advice I have for commuting is to stay visible!
You can be as careful as you can, if the driver does not see you, its a problem.

Mod Note:
self promoting kickstarter link has been removed.

@a moderator

How does someone post as a guest?

 

[Hoppedrocker19]

There is a law here in Pennsylvania that motorists have to stay four feet away from you...not everyone obeys it.Not many people commute around here,they consider a bicycle a toy.They have bike Lanes in the city but i live outside the city and I'm on my own safetywise.I have had some close calls with vehicles getting within a foot of me.

 

[rogerzilla]

I like these: https://www.bmj.com/rapid-response/2011/10/28/doctor-guthries-ten-essential-cycling-survival-lessons

He loses it a bit with no.10!

 

[Dan Ferris]

Thank you for pulling this together - as a new father with now 2 daughters one of 2 years and one of 4 weeks i can see my weekend cycling will be limited for some time. So i'm now considering commuting into work and this guide has been very helpful - thanks again.

 

[Signum-GB]

Just read this document. Some good pointers. Guilty of filtering on the left at times and will be sure to avoid this from now on.

Just one error that needs to be updated:

(Dead link) Pg18
If you fancy having a nose through some other rider’s kit bags, follow this link
http://www.cyclechat.net/forums/showthread.php?t=60952