Roundabouts

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Boris Bajic

Boris Bajic

Guest
Matthew_T said:
I have a roundabout like that near me. The left lane is for turning left only and the right lane is for going straight on and turning right. I always see people ignoring the road markings though and going straight on in the left lane. Makes for a lot of beeping from other cars. Tomorrow I will do a little 'How to' video of the junction and how I would tackle it.
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There is a roundabout near me that has a 'right only' lane which is always empty.

In the rush hour, the centre and left lanes are always queued back for several car lengths. Both when cycling and when driving, I take the (empty) right-hand lane and do 540 degrees to go straight ahead. I'm not sure whether I'm breaking some sort of legal or moral code, but it amuses me and gets me home at least forty-eight seconds earlier.

I wouldn't do the 'How To' video if I were you. But you will anyway.
 
Rasmus

Rasmus

Without a clever title
Location
Bristol
A lot depends on the traffic volume. If this is high, so that cars queue up on final approach, I would move to primary in the outside lane when safe to do so, and queue with the cars. If it is low, with cars moving at high speed onto the roundabout, I would take primary in the left hand lane, and start signaling with an outstretched right arm before entering, and until past the first exit, to discourage the left hook.
 
martint235

martint235

Dog on a bike
Location
Welling
Matthew_T said:
Not quite sure of your reasoning for this post. If anything I thought a 'How to' video would help people. Especially new cyclists who are uncertain of negotiating big roundabouts with multiple lanes.
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I think it all depends on whether or not you consider yourself the roundabout guru. Should you post a video of how to ride a roundabout that includes instructions that could possibly get people into real difficulties on some of the larger London roundabouts (I'm thinking Bow, E&C, Hyde Park Corner etc) then the thread will go on for a very long time.
 
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Matthew_T

Matthew_T

"Young and Ex-whippet"
Location
Prestatyn, North Wales
martint235 said:
I think it all depends on whether or not you consider yourself the roundabout guru. Should you post a video of how to ride a roundabout that includes instructions that could possibly get people into real difficulties on some of the larger London roundabouts (I'm thinking Bow, E&C, Hyde Park Corner etc) then the thread will go on for a very long time.
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Seeing as I am doing a 'How to' video. It would be pretty silly if I did it wrong.
I do know how to ride defensively and assertively so this video will just help others understand that they need to be dominant with other road users and not be frightened into dangerous places.
Maybe I should just do the video and then others can give their opinion. It might even help my riding style.
 
Archie_tect

Archie_tect

De Skieven Architek... aka Penfold + Horace
Location
Northumberland
Boris Bajic said:
There is a roundabout near me that has a 'right only' lane which is always empty.

In the rush hour, the centre and left lanes are always queued back for several car lengths. Both when cycling and when driving, I take the (empty) right-hand lane and do 540 degrees to go straight ahead. I'm not sure whether I'm breaking some sort of legal or moral code, but it amuses me and gets me home at least forty-eight seconds earlier.
Click to expand...

... just slows everyone down even more... only know 2 people who admit doing it and they are selfish morons- be careful who you mix with Boris.

Many people do this leaving the A1 at the Gosforth Park Hotel roundabout... after 10 or so car drivers try it they block the roundabout for everyone else and the whole thing gridlocks.
 
martint235

martint235

Dog on a bike
Location
Welling
Matthew_T said:
Seeing as I am doing a 'How to' video. It would be pretty silly if I did it wrong.
I do know how to ride defensively and assertively so this video will just help others understand that they need to be dominant with other road users and not be frightened into dangerous places.
Maybe I should just do the video and then others can give their opinion. It might even help my riding style.
Click to expand...

Entirely up to you. Just bear in mind that not all roundabouts are created equal.
 
S

sheddy

Squire
Location
Suffolk
Make sure you are visible esp in poor light and after dark.
Hi - viz, spoke reflectors, lights - front back and sides etc etc
 
GrasB

GrasB

Veteran
Location
Nr Cambridge
Matthew_T said:
Seeing as I am doing a 'How to' video. It would be pretty silly if I did it wrong.
I do know how to ride defensively and assertively so this video will just help others understand that they need to be dominant with other road users and not be frightened into dangerous places.
Maybe I should just do the video and then others can give their opinion. It might even help my riding style.
Click to expand...
It's not just about bike placement it's also about your body language & confidence on the bike. If you look timid & uncertain doing everything to take your lane won't do you much good. :sad:
 
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