Cycled to work for the first time today
Discussion
As the Title says really. Having returned my company car and not yet purchased a replacement I'm cyling to work for a bit. 8 miles each way north from Stockport into Manchester City Centre. Enjoyed it far more than I thought I would - got quite a buzz zipping past all the stationary cars. I might be tempted to continue cycling once I get my new car. I generally only cycle off-road so was seriously worried about idiot drivers killing me and still am to an extent. Anyone got any advice on safe cylcing and how not get run over by buses and blind car drivers.
Also I'm using my MB wheels/tyres although I do have a seperate set of training wheels with very skinny tyres. However, when I've previously used the skinny tyres on very few occasions, I've got punctures. How do people riding racing bikes avoid punctures on the the very uneven roads we have in South Manchester. Will using the racing wheels save me much time on the ride in?
Also I'm using my MB wheels/tyres although I do have a seperate set of training wheels with very skinny tyres. However, when I've previously used the skinny tyres on very few occasions, I've got punctures. How do people riding racing bikes avoid punctures on the the very uneven roads we have in South Manchester. Will using the racing wheels save me much time on the ride in?
Congratulations
I find my bar end mirror invaluable.
I used to do a lot (up to 100 miles per day) of cycling when younger, but for the last ten years have run scooters as the daily ride (keep the old Mercs for the weekend). Having been used to mirrors on the scooters I missed them when I returned to cycling. I say bar end - there are frame fittings and helmet fittings amongst others.
Another thing to watch is cycle lanes - don't get seduced by them - especially at roundabouts when you are going straight on, or right. Someone turning left will cut you up. Take your position in the traffic like in the old days.
And again - another 'safety' design feature (for everyone but cyclists) - central islands, pedestrian refuges etc - drivers treat them as a challenge to get through first - go wider to give yourself a larger safety zone when you do get cut up and discourage some drivers. And when some do wait for you (as these hazards often come in two's and three's) don't be afraid to pop your hand / fingers up in thanks when they do pass properly - some may take notice, given they took the time to behave courteously.
Also worth looking at the forums on the 'Bikeradar' website. Whatever you do its not going to stop idiots - search out the topic in 'commuting' relating to helmet camera footage - you won't believe some drivers.
And don't forget to memorise where the potholes etc are that you will pass each day, worse as I'm on skinny road tyres.
I find my bar end mirror invaluable.
I used to do a lot (up to 100 miles per day) of cycling when younger, but for the last ten years have run scooters as the daily ride (keep the old Mercs for the weekend). Having been used to mirrors on the scooters I missed them when I returned to cycling. I say bar end - there are frame fittings and helmet fittings amongst others.
Another thing to watch is cycle lanes - don't get seduced by them - especially at roundabouts when you are going straight on, or right. Someone turning left will cut you up. Take your position in the traffic like in the old days.
And again - another 'safety' design feature (for everyone but cyclists) - central islands, pedestrian refuges etc - drivers treat them as a challenge to get through first - go wider to give yourself a larger safety zone when you do get cut up and discourage some drivers. And when some do wait for you (as these hazards often come in two's and three's) don't be afraid to pop your hand / fingers up in thanks when they do pass properly - some may take notice, given they took the time to behave courteously.
Also worth looking at the forums on the 'Bikeradar' website. Whatever you do its not going to stop idiots - search out the topic in 'commuting' relating to helmet camera footage - you won't believe some drivers.
And don't forget to memorise where the potholes etc are that you will pass each day, worse as I'm on skinny road tyres.
Congratulations!
Such a great feeling when it all works and just a pain in the neck when you get a puncture on a busy road. That said, I wouldn't have it any other way.
You've probably seen it but if you've got half an hour, this thread is probably worth a read.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
Such a great feeling when it all works and just a pain in the neck when you get a puncture on a busy road. That said, I wouldn't have it any other way.
You've probably seen it but if you've got half an hour, this thread is probably worth a read.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
ClassicMercs said:
Another thing to watch is cycle lanes - don't get seduced by them - especially at roundabouts when you are going straight on, or right. Someone turning left will cut you up. Take your position in the traffic like in the old days.
And again - another 'safety' design feature (for everyone but cyclists) - central islands, pedestrian refuges etc - drivers treat them as a challenge to get through first - go wider to give yourself a larger safety zone when you do get cut up and discourage some drivers. And when some do wait for you (as these hazards often come in two's and three's) don't be afraid to pop your hand / fingers up in thanks when they do pass properly - some may take notice, given they took the time to behave courteously.
Good advice.And again - another 'safety' design feature (for everyone but cyclists) - central islands, pedestrian refuges etc - drivers treat them as a challenge to get through first - go wider to give yourself a larger safety zone when you do get cut up and discourage some drivers. And when some do wait for you (as these hazards often come in two's and three's) don't be afraid to pop your hand / fingers up in thanks when they do pass properly - some may take notice, given they took the time to behave courteously.
I purposely avoid a certain road on my cycle commute because of so-called "safety" features. I got taken out by a bus on the same road a couple of years ago after he thought about passing, but then just pulled in on me to get past a traffic island. It puts you off when approaching one of these islands, you can hear a car approaching from behind and revving their engine...
enjoy it, its such a buzz!
as a bit of advice, have lights on at all times throughout the years, always wear a hi-vis cover for your rucksack or clothing. i also wear one of the "snaparound" reflective strips on my right arm.
all this is because when, not if, i get knocked off, i can have a lot of evidence in my favour to win any insurance wrangle when the driver comes out with the immortal classic "sorry i didnt see you". of course, all this only works if you dont jump red lights etc etc
as a bit of advice, have lights on at all times throughout the years, always wear a hi-vis cover for your rucksack or clothing. i also wear one of the "snaparound" reflective strips on my right arm.
all this is because when, not if, i get knocked off, i can have a lot of evidence in my favour to win any insurance wrangle when the driver comes out with the immortal classic "sorry i didnt see you". of course, all this only works if you dont jump red lights etc etc
Cheers for the advice guys. Currently hunting Ebay for a decent bar end mirror and will be off to Decathlon at the weekend for some appropriate clothing. Thanks for the link to BikeRadar - not sure that my wife will be too impressed I've found another good forum site, I already spend far too long on PH.
Another tip - that worked for a second time for me today.
Don't be afraid of ringing companies and complaining if you have been cut up etc. Obviously it needs a marked vehicle for you to know who to ring.
Today was a chemist's delivery service. When I rang the office the boss was very pleased - best news he had got recently (his words). He has had accusations before which the driver had denied but today he would be straight in the office when he got back for a disciplinary.
This was a simple excess speeding issue (in my village so a vested interest - well over 50 through a blind sweeping roundabout which is in a 30 zone - with junctions almost on the roundabout). It also worked the other week for a milk delivery lorry which didn't fancy stopping for me to pass a junction. It lurched to the wrong side of the road with the weight onboard and with tyres screeching - good job nothing was coming the other way.
If the bosses don't know they can't act - and its in their interests as they can end up in prison with their driver in a worst case scenario.
Hope I'm not putting you off - just watch that mirror. (Try the Blackburn for good value. Zefal are a bit more and the Busch (is that right spelling - german / swiss ??) are the most expensive).
Don't be afraid of ringing companies and complaining if you have been cut up etc. Obviously it needs a marked vehicle for you to know who to ring.
Today was a chemist's delivery service. When I rang the office the boss was very pleased - best news he had got recently (his words). He has had accusations before which the driver had denied but today he would be straight in the office when he got back for a disciplinary.
This was a simple excess speeding issue (in my village so a vested interest - well over 50 through a blind sweeping roundabout which is in a 30 zone - with junctions almost on the roundabout). It also worked the other week for a milk delivery lorry which didn't fancy stopping for me to pass a junction. It lurched to the wrong side of the road with the weight onboard and with tyres screeching - good job nothing was coming the other way.
If the bosses don't know they can't act - and its in their interests as they can end up in prison with their driver in a worst case scenario.
Hope I'm not putting you off - just watch that mirror. (Try the Blackburn for good value. Zefal are a bit more and the Busch (is that right spelling - german / swiss ??) are the most expensive).
Get one of these, they're fantastic for letting people know you're around, ear peircingly loud and work on air!
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...
Just careful around the elderly i think the sonic boom would be enough to cause cardiac stunning!
Keep going it gets better.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...
Just careful around the elderly i think the sonic boom would be enough to cause cardiac stunning!
Keep going it gets better.
Piece of kit I've found very useful is glasses with interchangable lenses. I rode in today with the yellow "low light" lenses on - much better than the dark lenses on this gloomy morning.
I've found as I do more commuting by bike I've developed a sixth sense for when a driver is likely to do something stupid and where to position myself for best safe progress. Unfortunately it tends to take some near misses for this sense to develop.
I've found as I do more commuting by bike I've developed a sixth sense for when a driver is likely to do something stupid and where to position myself for best safe progress. Unfortunately it tends to take some near misses for this sense to develop.
ewenm said:
Piece of kit I've found very useful is glasses with interchangable lenses. I rode in today with the yellow "low light" lenses on - much better than the dark lenses on this gloomy morning.
Not sure if Wiggle still have the offer on but they sent me a pair of DHB glasses with 3 interchangeable lenses and a case for free on my last order.Yellow lenses definiately make a difference.
Maybe your punture problem with skinny tyres is because they are under-inflated? You might be surprised to hear that although fat tyres need about 30psi, skinny tyres need 80-100psi, which will prevent pinch punctures, but will give an extremely harsh ride that takes some getting used to.
Gnarlybluesurf said:
Get one of these, they're fantastic for letting people know you're around, ear peircingly loud and work on air!
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...
Just careful around the elderly i think the sonic boom would be enough to cause cardiac stunning!
Keep going it gets better.
+1, it's incredibly effective on cars, busses and I-peds.http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...
Just careful around the elderly i think the sonic boom would be enough to cause cardiac stunning!
Keep going it gets better.
As above, the best advice is own your part of the road, keep the spider-senses on full alert and never undertake a lorry anywhere near a junction. And enjoy it, my bike commute is one of the few times in the day which I have to myself. Some good advice on Bikeradar too.
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