Using Mirrors . .

[Nigel-YZ1]

It's also against the new forum rules

After reading 25 pages of Skiing vs Cycling I'd forgotten those existed

 

[BSRU]

I can't believe guys use mirrors during cycle commuting . . . it seems to me all the critical action is ahead of you and your scan of this shouldn't be diluted by what is going on behind you. . What happens behind you . . well, you can't do anything about it anyways . . just stay on your line. What is it with mirrors?

Bike snob

 

[shouldbeinbed]

A bit like having your homework marked wrong by your teacher, eh?

more like the class smartarse changing your answers before the teacher gets to see them.

 

[Clanghead]

I use a mirror to give me extra information as to what's going on behind me, but I always do the over-the-shoulder check to be safe and to alert other road users before I make a manoeuvre.

The mirror is also useful to monitor the approach of other cyclists, some of whom seem to believe that an overtaking gap of about 20cm at 20mph is acceptable...

 

[Twelve Spokes]

I see your point re seeing cars coming up behind you, but at least I am prepared for them even though they still scare the bejeezus out of me

I had this tonight,a boy racer at Bow trying to scare me by doing his prattish move of driving at me from behind and then pulling out at the last second.Of course I didn't bat an eyelid,although I was aware and guessed he tried to intimidate me.Noticed he pulled into a back street soon after and disappeared.Coward.

I don't have a problem with mirrors but sometimes the uses can be negative as well as positive.IMHO

 

[David Parry]

Which might be a clue to the flaw in your belief. You never turn right or pass a parked vehicle? Always, always, always know what is occurring behind you before moving in or out or changing speed.

Good point. Having to shift your line is common, but it can be done safely without mirrors. If a sudden change is required, then I consider a shoulder check critical, but if controlled, gradual shifts are all that is need--as in approaching cars parked in the curb lane--these appear predictable to car drivers and are therefore relatively safe I think.

Where I commute, there are sections where traffic is always whizzing by constantly, and it just seems to me that it is futile to monitor the stream that is behind you, especially in critical situations where the road surface has to be carefully scrutinized, or there are an inordinate high frequency of "parking lot" intersections, or you are passing a line of parked vehicles where dooring could happen at any moment--in these kinds of situations, looking behind you could cost you the game.

 

[David Parry]

I don't need a mirror to hear the approach of a car from the rear and gauge its proximity and closing velocity.

Yeah. It's so interesting how you can predict what's coming from behind based on sound clues. I can hear a bus from 50 meters. I'm good with differentiating large trucks form cars, but not as good as detecting an approaching bus.

 

[David Parry]

I had this tonight,a boy racer at Bow trying to scare me by doing his prattish move of driving at me from behind and then pulling out at the last second.Of course I didn't bat an eyelid,although I was aware and guessed he tried to intimidate me.Noticed he pulled into a back street soon after and disappeared.Coward.

I don't have a problem with mirrors but sometimes the uses can be negative as well as positive.IMHO

Yeah, I agree. Frigging intimidating! If you commute, you have to suppress your fear...or you won't continue doing it.

 

[David Parry]

It just doesn't look right; much like a bell!

Bells are cool, as long as you get the "clang" type.....not the "tinkle, tinkle" type....

 

[David Parry]

I use a mirror to give me extra information as to what's going on behind me, but I always do the over-the-shoulder check to be safe and to alert other road users before I make a manoeuvre.

The mirror is also useful to monitor the approach of other cyclists, some of whom seem to believe that an overtaking gap of about 20cm at 20mph is acceptable...

What I hate is when they are so close you can feel a distinct pressure wave....that's what I call a shave.

 

[400bhp]

[quote="David Parry, post: 2858229, member: 34041"]Bells are cool, as long as you get the "clang" type.....not the "tinkle, tinkle" type....[/quote]

Yes

On a door

In a church

Not on a bike.

 

[welsh dragon]

[quote="David Parry, post: 2858229, member: 34041"]Bells are cool, as long as you get the "clang" type.....not the "tinkle, tinkle" type....

Yes

On a door

In a church

Not on a bike.[/quote]

Yes on a bike

 

[400bhp]

Yes


Yes on a bike

No

 

[welsh dragon]

No

YES

 

[400bhp]

no