Lessons you've learnt on your commute

[Matthew_T]

1. Either be agressive on the roads and dominate your position or move out of the way. The roads just leading up to my college are insane and get very busy. So I either have to contend with people close passing me and getting nowhere, or make sure I have been seen and make my presence known. Knowing when the right situation to do either of these is important.

2. Be very careful when filtering with panniers. Mine weigh a lot and I am unstable sometimes (especially when stood on the pedals) so I have to be very aware of other cars when filtering and how close to them I am.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

1. Don't try stopping on white lines especially in the wet. Even in a car it causes problems, on a bike it gets scary.
2. When cornering at any speed, aim to miss that white dotted line... (thinking junctions here folks)
3. Say thank you to any kind motorists/pedestrians/cyclists. They appreciate it and are more likely to repeat the same kindness another time, especially on a regular commute where they learn to recognise you.

 

[ComedyPilot]

Adopt a rat-like paranoia about all drivers as if to say that 'They're all out to get you' and you'll be mostly fine.

Treat all motorised vehicle operators as if they were Stevie Wonder/Jeremy Clarkson/Genghis Khan rolled into one (blind/arrogant/murderers), and the vast majority will surprise you with their good, safe, courteous driving, and you'll be prepared for the 'rest of them' anyway.

Oh, and on a clear, straight stretch of country road, with no roadside clutter to obsure the view, with you wearing hi viz with 2 bright LED lights on, cars coming the other way WILL overtake and drive straight at you and force you off the road. They will then happily claim to police they didn't see you.