How do you tackle big roundabouts?

[XmisterIS]

After reading the roundabout threads on here, it occurred to me that I really don't know how one should tackle big roundabouts on a bicycle.

I try to avoid them where possible, or if I can't, I ride on the footpath round the edge and then back onto the road again (probably illegal, but I prefer that rather than risk being flattened).

Taking the first exit at a roundabout is always simple, no matter how big the roundabout is.

But what about if you want to take another exit? E.g. turning right at a big(ish) roundabout with fast-moving traffic and no lane markings? I tend to position myself like I would in my car and I indicate with my arms, but then I tend to get undertaken by traffic on the left, which can really be really scary!

What do you guys do? Do you tackle the beast or chicken out and go for the footpath out of a sense of self-preservation (like me!)

 

[zimzum42]

I go for it, ride as fast as I can, and position myself as if I were a car

Going as fast as possible is a key part!

 

[JNR]

I go for it, ride as fast as I can, and position myself as if I were a car

Going as fast as possible is a key part!

+1

 

[HLaB]

Approach the rbt as you would in a car, for example, if you are turning right approach the roundabout in the offside lane and go round the centre of the rbt gradually spiralling out to your exit. Over time I've found its getting the approach right which makes the difference. Oh and like the other posters have said speed helps.

 

[1987Witherspoon]

I approach exactly the same as if I in my car or motorcycle.
That's the only way to teach motorists that we belong on the road.

 

[potsy]

I avoid where possible,unless it's a quiet time of day then I'll treat it as if I'm in a car.Largest one on inward commute has a handy subway so i use that,and coming home I am going 2nd exit so will just go for it.
They are scary though,this time last year I would always avoid/ride on path/subway etc, guess it's a confidence thing as much as anything,most close calls I have tend to be when on a RAB when the giving way traffic has a quick look and pulls out anyway.

 

[XmisterIS]

When I do go for them, I really put the power down and ride as hard as I can, but I still get @rseholes blasting past me on the left with horns blaring! Also, like you say potsy, many drivers will look directly at me and drive onto the roundabout as if I wasn't there, even though I'm signalling and often then shouting at them when they start pulling out!

 

[BenScoobert]

I've been wondering about this bad boy
Ainley top
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&s...69434,-1.826525&spn=0.00226,0.004823&t=k&z=18

To add to the fun its about 10m height difference from top to bottom.

I'm all for going for it if you have the cherries, but if I have my Mum with me then we go around the pavement

 

[potsy]

When I do go for them, I really put the power down and ride as hard as I can, but I still get @rseholes blasting past me on the left with horns blaring! Also, like you say potsy, many drivers will look directly at me and drive onto the roundabout as if I wasn't there, even though I'm signalling and often then shouting at them when they start pulling out!

I treat every entry point as if they are going to pull out and get ready to brake,helps if you get eye contact but not always.
Had a lorry pull out once and I don't know how I missed him,only thing I changed on the same RAB was to take the lane more,think I may have been a bit too far left so making it harder to be seen.
I have altered my commute though to avoid 3 RABs on way in,works out 1/2 mile longer but not really any difference time wise.

 

[skrx]

Fortunately there aren't many round here. I don't think I've ever used a large, high-speed roundabout -- most of the ones round here have lots of traffic lights.

At night (and only at night, when it's quiet) I sometimes go round Hyde Park Corner, from Constitution Hill to Grosvenor Crescent, which requires going into the fourth of seven lanes. I make sure to time it so I either slightly jump the lights, or am last after all the cars have gone.

 

[jonny jeez]

I only really encounter two large roundabouts on my commute (constitution hill and Ladywell/lewisham) and both are pretty slow moving, so its a little easier to take a commanding position and control the RAB.

I always prefer to take control and really indicate (not just signal) to the traffic that I am there and what I am doing. I point at cars/drivers as i indicate, use the entire lane and move across the lanes as i would in a car at the right time, using loads of front and rear ob's and indicating the whole time.

It's been said on here before (and i agree) that big RAB's can be quite enjoyable with you and often feeling like the most "in control" person there (a little like herding cattle).

 

[upsidedown]

Be fast and try to look big by getting out of the saddle and moving around.
Lots of eye contact with traffic waiting to join.
Don't assume traffic on joining roads will stop.
Be wary of the idiot who will go all round the RAB on the outside.
On the approach to your exit give a good strong hand signal, using it as a blocking gesture to traffic on the last but one exit, changing to a thank you gesture once you are safely past.
High gear spinning fast to avoid getting stuck if you are blocked.

 

[ColinJ]

I've been wondering about this bad boy
Ainley top
http://maps.google.c...004823&t=k&z=18

To add to the fun its about 10m height difference from top to bottom.

I'm all for going for it if you have the cherries, but if I have my Mum with me then we go around the pavement

Hmm, I went round that bugger a couple of months ago and got it completely wrong! I was tired and was unable to ride very fast 'uphill'. I misread the signs and was in the wrong lane, meaning that I'd have to cut left at the last minute or go round again. Fortunately, the driver coming up behind me on the left saw me looking back, slowed down and allowed me to go in front of him.

I don't like big, busy roundabouts!

 

[ManiaMuse]

Don't be intimidated for a start.

Get yourself in the correct lane in plenty of time before you get to the roundabout. Obviously that's easier if it's one you are familiar with but as a general rule use the innermost lane for the exit you want to take. Generally that means use the left lane for going left or straight on and the right lane for going right but that varies depending on the number of exits and lanes. Try to avoid the middle lane if you are going left or straight on as faster drivers will use these to overtake while on the roundabout and might get annoyed with you being in their way.

Spot your gap, cycle assertively and take the lane. You don't need to sprint but you are probably safer if you cycle at a decent speed. Make sure you are in a suitable gear to pull off and accelerate quickly.

Make loads of observations. The dangerous areas are to your left especially past entrances, and to your right when people cut you up because they are in the wrong lane. Personally I focus on the danger to my left mostly, make eye contact with drivers looking to join the roundabout and make sure they have seen you. You can generally use your peripheral vision to spot anyone to your right cutting across your path.

If you are turning right look to make one lane change to the left before leaving the roundabout. Make sure you check over your left shoulder before. Sometimes this isn't possible because of traffic in which case stay in the lane you are and make the lane change after you have left the roundabout.

 

[gaz]

I go for it, ride as fast as I can, and position myself as if I were a car

Going as fast as possible is a key part!

Going like a bat out of hell is my approach, so far so good