Basic bullet-point tips for new commuter?

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GrahamG

Guru
Location
Bristol
My other half will be commuting to work soon instead of walking (it's a 2mile/40min walk). She asked me to just come up with bullet point tips with visual references as cyclecraft is just too much info for her to take in (short attention span!).

I've got the following thus far:

- Stay 1m from curb (roughly where car tyres have run).
- Do the 'lifesaver' over the shoulder look frequently.
- get in the middle of the lane if very narrow street or pedestrian refuge/parked cars leave no room for cars to overtake safely.
- Act like you are a car through junctions/turns (primary position), especially left turns, where overtaking is unsafe.

Anyone got anything else to add?
 
Join cyclechat?

Oh and sort out that attention span and read Cyclecraft!!

Will you be riding with her on some dry runs?
 

col

Legendary Member
Always expect vehicles to pull out at junctions,or laybys,and never take for granted that they have seen you.
 

Tetedelacourse

New Member
Location
Rosyth
Check behind for other cyclists before doing a snot blast.
Cover one nostril whilst doing a snot blast.
Cock head upwards and to the side to execute a snot blast.
Wait until the maximum amount of snot has accumulated before executing a snot blast. This ensures maximum satisfaction.
Try and wipe inevitable slug trails off shoulders / chest before entering office.

Think that's it.
 
OP
OP
G

GrahamG

Guru
Location
Bristol
I'll be doing some dry runs with her so it shouldn't be too bad - she just wanted a few key pointers. Some very good ones there, especially regarding nostril clearance.
 

ChrisKH

Guru
Location
Essex
Avoid the basic tip bullets and go for the tungsten tips for better car piercing abilities.
 

Tynan

Veteran
Location
e4
try to ride at a decent pace, keep a strong and consistent line, check your shoulder and signal and make manoeuvres early, especially pulling out to pass parked cars

plan junctions early and get into the right lane/position nice and early

get into the right gear before pulling away from standing/slow start

2 miles? use a skate board
 

biking_fox

Guru
Location
Manchester
pavements are not for cycling on.
Red lights are for stopping at.

Don't worry about speed or getting there 5s faster - enjoy the ride.

bring waterproofs, spare tires, pump, tyre levers with you on every ride
 
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