mr_hippo
Living Legend & Old Fart
ever learn to ride without internet forums, youtube, Cyclecraft and helmet cameras? Was it really as simple as getting on our bikes and riding? Did we make mistakes and fall off? Of course, we did! Mis-judge road condition and bends? Yes So why can't people do that these days? Too much traffic? Cycling is dangerous. My dad told me these things over 50 years ago!
Commuting - I will assume that you live in the same place and commute to and from the same place on a regular basis at roughly the same time of day. After about a week of commuting, you should know the traffic patterns, sequence of traffic lights, be on first name terms with all potholes, know which junctions are busy. Just as an F1 driver kmnows the circuit so should you know your 'circuit' and know the best line to take.
Cyclecraft is not a bible, cycling is a practical skill. Do not read about it - get out and do it. Someone gave me a copy og it and I found it useful gor propping up a wonky table - other uses include lighting a bbq and cat litter. Just looked at the contents on the website and in chapter 10 'Non-traffic hazards', it includes Other cyclists and horses - both are traffic hazards.
"I always ride primary" or "I always ride secondary", why? Why not try cycling in the best position for you at that time? How do you know the best position? only by cycling and gaining experience, not by reading about it.
Close overtakes - first man invented the wheel, then traffic and then the close overtake. Most of the time it is an error of judgement - just ignore it - do not let it spoil your day. We could pass alaw about close overtakes and that would stop them; after all we have had laws about murdering people and no one has been murdered for years!
Cars beeping their horn at you. Are you sure it is you? How many times have you heard your name called out in a public place, you turn round and it is not you they want?
Videos on youtube - if you must put them on and make yourself look foolish, please try Windows Movie Maker or similar to enhance quality. You nost probably have read about the boy who cried wolf so, if you are a constant whinger to the police, you msy not be believed when something serious happens.
Commuting - I will assume that you live in the same place and commute to and from the same place on a regular basis at roughly the same time of day. After about a week of commuting, you should know the traffic patterns, sequence of traffic lights, be on first name terms with all potholes, know which junctions are busy. Just as an F1 driver kmnows the circuit so should you know your 'circuit' and know the best line to take.
Cyclecraft is not a bible, cycling is a practical skill. Do not read about it - get out and do it. Someone gave me a copy og it and I found it useful gor propping up a wonky table - other uses include lighting a bbq and cat litter. Just looked at the contents on the website and in chapter 10 'Non-traffic hazards', it includes Other cyclists and horses - both are traffic hazards.
"I always ride primary" or "I always ride secondary", why? Why not try cycling in the best position for you at that time? How do you know the best position? only by cycling and gaining experience, not by reading about it.
Close overtakes - first man invented the wheel, then traffic and then the close overtake. Most of the time it is an error of judgement - just ignore it - do not let it spoil your day. We could pass alaw about close overtakes and that would stop them; after all we have had laws about murdering people and no one has been murdered for years!
Cars beeping their horn at you. Are you sure it is you? How many times have you heard your name called out in a public place, you turn round and it is not you they want?
Videos on youtube - if you must put them on and make yourself look foolish, please try Windows Movie Maker or similar to enhance quality. You nost probably have read about the boy who cried wolf so, if you are a constant whinger to the police, you msy not be believed when something serious happens.
