Looking at possible new job

[markharry66]

Looking at possible new job, 14 miles at the moment I am cycling 10 miles to and from work. My main concern is last two miles are through narrow country lanes . Drove down it and cars were not ging me any room in car let alone a bike any tips lanes have passing places but on coming traffic when drove down there didnt give up any room. Counrty lane seems busy. I will be alright once daylight returns in late afternoons but not sure it will be safe during winter.

 

[Emanresu]

You may want to contact the local Traffic authority and ask them about accident statistics. My local County Council publishes a list of 'crash sites'/high risk roads. Worth checking to see if any roads you travel are included.

 

[Drago]

The majority of my commute was narrow unlit country lanes, often and oh-my-god O'clock.

Tips;

A good "to see with front light."

A be seen front light and at least 2 rears, one solid, one flashing.

A head torch for repairs.

Flats or MTB/touring spuds so you can walk if you have to.

If there's a significant other at home some kind of tracking app on your, mobile so they know whereabouts you are. I used the now defunct Endomondo and Mrs D could check my progress in real time and reassure herself I was ok.

Good gloves and footwear - it cannkften be several degrees colder in the boonies.

Not a lot you can do about twits in cars other than making sure youre super visible. I never had much trouble with cars not giving me space, although I did have one deliberately try to put the willie's up me with a close oncoming pass. His arrest the following day for dangerous driving cheered me up no end, and the fact that the bobby dealing with him was a good mate of mine cheered me up even more.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

Looking at possible new job, 14 miles at the moment I am cycling 10 miles to and from work. My main concern is last two miles are through narrow country lanes . Drove down it and cars were not ging me any room in car let alone a bike any tips lanes have passing places but on coming traffic when drove down there didnt give up any room. Counrty lane seems busy. I will be alright once daylight returns in late afternoons but not sure it will be safe during winter.

It doesn't feel it, but if well lit and wearing reflectives I think in reality you're more visible and safer in the dark.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

It doesn't feel it, but if well lit and wearing reflectives I think in reality you're more visible and safer in the dark.

If I was riding in the dark again I would be looking at reflective things or lights that go on my shoes and/or wheels

moving lights are more likely to be seen

I have also recently put more reflective strips on my bike - white and yellow on the side and white and red on the back

The reels were dirt cheap on the WWW and seem to work well
(OK - I haven;t been hit yet(!) - not the same but whatever)

 

[Thorn Sherpa]

Like others are saying bright lights solid and flashing and a hi viz top will help massively. What times would your new job be?

 

[ianrauk]

When cycling down single traffic lanes, stick to the middle of the lane if you can (though not always great due to road detritus), on left hand bends cycle on the right side, on right hand bends cycle on the left. That way you will have more time to see oncoming traffic and they see you and less chance for car drivers to squeeze by you at speed.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

I think you will get used to it after the first few rides

I used to ride to University (second go when I was in my 40s) and some of the route was single track

first few rides I was worried but after a few rides and getting to know the roads at that time and the drivers, it got to be just a ride

it was much shorter though!

 

[Pblakeney]

When cycling down single traffic lanes, stick to the middle of the lane if you can (though not always great due to road detritus), on left hand bends cycle on the right side, on right hand bends cycle on the left. That way you will have more time to see oncoming traffic and they see you and less chance for car drivers to squeeze by you at speed.

I was about to post similar.
Do not give them the chance to squeeze by or they'll take it.

 

[ColinJ]

I have just bought a Garmin RTL515, a very bright rear light with vehicle detection radar built in. I think that will be very useful in narrow lanes with passing places.

I ride that type of road a lot in Devon and find that often I go beyond a passing place before realising that a vehicle is coming up behind me.

I agree with the general idea of 'taking the lane' to prevent dangerous overtakes but Devon lanes only work on give and take. Nearly every driver I encounter is patient and polite but, for example, I don't want to grovel up a steep, narrow climb with a tractor behind me. I would much rather pull over when possible and let it pass.

The light will help drivers see me, and the radar should warn me of anything that I need to pull over for in plenty of time to do that.

It will be the spring before I go back down to Devon but when I do I will take the radar light with me and see how much it helps. If I remember to, I will post an update below.

 

[Jenkins]

Is it an area liable to frost or ice in the winter and is it well gritted if it is?

 

[YMFB]

I commute on a similar type of narrow unlit country lane, albeit shorter. I have a Garmin Radar rear light and would without it. I always wear a hi viz gilet and reflectives on my legs. TBH I find the short section of about 1/2 mile in the town far more dangerous than the lane.

I have backup lights both front and rear, which are just in case and not normally used, although I used the front last night for the first time.

 

[oxoman]

I've always found that if im well lit up and visible its not to bad. Ideally 2 front lights, 1 bright light to be seen and also see with. I've found a decent light on the helmet is a must. You can blind them with eye contact when they get to close. 2 rear lights Ideally both flashing. Don't get cheap flashing cree ones off temu as the flash rate is to high and maybe cause problems. Always keep them charged.

 

[ColinJ]

I've found a decent light on the helmet is a must. You can blind them with eye contact when they get to close.

Blinding drivers coming towards you probably isn't the best of ideas!

Making them very aware of your presence, yes, that's good.

I discovered a way to get drivers to dip their lights. On one ride I had a low power head torch on as well as a light on the bike. I pointed the head torch towards the oncoming drivers then flicked the beam down towards the road. I sometimes had to do it 2 or 3 times, but to my astonishment every single one of them eventually took the hint and dipped their lights!

Which reminds me... I have mislaid my head torch. I will order a new one.

 

[Pblakeney]

I commute on a similar type of narrow unlit country lane, albeit shorter. I have a Garmin Radar rear light and would without it. I always wear a hi viz gilet and reflectives on my legs. TBH I find the short section of about 1/2 mile in the town far more dangerous than the lane.

I have backup lights both front and rear, which are just in case and not normally used, although I used the front last night for the first time.

That’s a fair point about being in town. Your lights are easily lost amongst all the rest.