The golden rules of my cycle commute

[GrumpyGregry]

better to do it before you go to bed, no one likes sorting out a puncture at 6:45am :-)

Luckily I have a choice of bikes....

 

[Crackle]

Good list, in fact if I may, I will print that out to hand to my kids when I take them out to teach them to cycle on the roads.

Interesting about the more space gesture. I use the same and would have thought it was clear and non-aggresive, cetainly it has an effect on drivers behind who generally having seen the overtake and me use the signal, then pass me wide and clear but i guess you get all sorts. I think I'll still continue to use it sparingly and I often use a thumbs up as I really do appreciate drivers slowing and anticipating where I'm going to go. Apart from that I'm in full agreement with the list, though I too wouldn't necessarily avoid big roundabouts, it depends.

 

[Crackle]

I just remembered I used the'wot a pong' signal, when a bin lorry went past me today. It's not used often though.

 

[vorsprung]

I would add

1) Wear eye protection
2) When passing a traffic island or pinch point move out to the centre of the lane to prevent overtakes
3) Don't use cycle paths or other facilities when there is a road available. If you do, limit speed to 10mph and assume all other users are twunts

 

[benb]

True.

But for me that is not always possible. I'm afraid one indicent usually takes the enjoyment out of a whole journey.

At least the ride home last night was bliss.

Console yourself with the fact that you're likely to live at least 10 years longer than them, and I find my aggression melts away, leaving a zen like calm.

Getting stressed out is for motorists only!

 

[potsy]

Avoiding the roundabout altogether isn't an option. I didn't actually appreciate how stupidly inadequate and dangerous the cycle lane option is until I looked at it on a map-

I have done a badly drawn line that picks out the official route when travelling north and it is really dire, having to cross many lanes of traffic without any lights to stop the flow. Taking to the RAB is much quicker and safer.

I work just a bit further North than that picture and avoid that RAB at all times coming that way, not too bad going home but I tend to use Brinnington (check you still have wheels when you leave though) as an alternative, brings you out near the Horsfield pub.
Often thought about going the same way as you do but that RAB puts me off completely!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Console yourself with the fact that you're likely to live at least 10 years longer than them, and I find my aggression melts away, leaving a zen like calm.

Getting stressed out is for motorists only!

I am consoled. Fight or flight is a powerful instinct to overcome though, and I was brought up with the means, and the preference, to opt for the former rather than the latter.

Perhaps I should take up karate again; managed to rise above all manner of things back then.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I would add

1) Wear eye protection
2) When passing a traffic island or pinch point move out to the centre of the lane to prevent overtakes
3) Don't use cycle paths or other facilities when there is a road available. If you do, limit speed to 10mph and assume all other users are twunts

Those three are so hard wired into me I didn't even consider writing them down.

Good call vorsprung.

 

[jefmcg]

Can I add one more for London commuters? Treat ALL Addison Lee drivers as eedjits!

Thanks for making me laugh. Not when I read this, but when a black people mover swung into the bus/taxi lane in front of me, cutting me off. I'd just read this, so when the rear window appeared** with it's Addison Lee sticker, I just laughed.


joan

**yup, he didn't bother to clear my bike before moving into the lane

 

[jefmcg]

I agree with all these "assumes" but would add a caveat "Don't appear to assume" E.g. be ready to take evasive action when the guy pulls out in front of you, but act like you have right-of-way and that you believe he is going to respect it. Of course, if you can move into the right hand lane, that's a nice friendly gesture. Slowing down is letting him take priority and maybe teaching him that he doesn't have to give way to bikes.