I had a bus pass me a bit close last night. I was mildly disgruntled. However, it got me thinking. On that particular part of my journey this was the first time in probably over a year that I had had any sort of incident of note on that particular section of road.
In fact, I can honestly say that I have far, far fewer incidents on the road now, than I ever had in the past. So, why is this? What has changed?
I certainly cycle faster. There are certainly more cyclists on the road now and I am more experienced. However, the biggest difference is the way I cycle. Contrary to what some would suggest I find that the more assertive my cycling the fewer problems I have. This, again contrary to what some might believe, doesn't mean that I take primary position all the time. In fact, one of the things that has helped me the most on the stretch of road I mentioned above is to hold the secondary (instead of primary) and to look back every 5 seconds or so. I've found those looks tends to discourage the daft overtakes (must be my ugly mug!)
Looking back at my videos provides an example of how things have changed for me on approach to one junction. On approach to Anniesland Cross I used to have problems of cars cutting in front of me, i.e. here and here. Over time, taking a more assertive position early it developed into attempted overtakes/cut ups, but the better position seemed to prevent the incidents, i.e. here and here.
So why am I writing this? I dunno really!
I suppose I just wanted to illustrate that assertive cycling (or whatever you want to call it) can and does make life easier on the roads, despite what the youtube armchair experts tell you! 
What do you think?
In fact, I can honestly say that I have far, far fewer incidents on the road now, than I ever had in the past. So, why is this? What has changed?
I certainly cycle faster. There are certainly more cyclists on the road now and I am more experienced. However, the biggest difference is the way I cycle. Contrary to what some would suggest I find that the more assertive my cycling the fewer problems I have. This, again contrary to what some might believe, doesn't mean that I take primary position all the time. In fact, one of the things that has helped me the most on the stretch of road I mentioned above is to hold the secondary (instead of primary) and to look back every 5 seconds or so. I've found those looks tends to discourage the daft overtakes (must be my ugly mug!)
Looking back at my videos provides an example of how things have changed for me on approach to one junction. On approach to Anniesland Cross I used to have problems of cars cutting in front of me, i.e. here and here. Over time, taking a more assertive position early it developed into attempted overtakes/cut ups, but the better position seemed to prevent the incidents, i.e. here and here.
So why am I writing this? I dunno really!
I suppose I just wanted to illustrate that assertive cycling (or whatever you want to call it) can and does make life easier on the roads, despite what the youtube armchair experts tell you! What do you think?
