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I've been following the recent rash of road deaths and generally had my awareness raised in the last few months.
I cycle about 2,000 miles per annum and, although I'd rather it was the other way around, the ratio is about 10 road miles per 1 off-road.
Most councils offer free or subsidised bike training. In Bristol, it's through [url= http://www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/ ]Life Cycle UK[/url].
To be honest, as a cyclist of nearly 20 years, home bike mechanic and profferer of advice to other people, I struggled at first to see what they could offer me. At the risk of sounding arrogant (and perhaps I have been), I was a little put off by what I thought was a focus on training for beginners. Let's face it: as a MTB'er, I've also seen cycling as a leisure and high-octane activity...whereas to these guys it's different.
That said, I've never had any cycle training or safety advice since my Cycling Proficinecy Test (aged 11). I have a wife and two young kids and a growing interest in living longer with as little risk to my life - cycling is probably the most dangerous thing I do.
So, I thought to myself: "Why not give it a go? It's free" - and I booked a free lesson.
The lady who arrived at my house rode a Birdie (folding bike?), had no helmet and no special cycle gear. She checked my bike over (nice and safe: no surprises there) and correctly re-fitted my helmet, which I'd not adjusted correctly. Before we even got to the bottom of my street, I'd already learnt that I wasn't signalling as clearly as I could.
I then learnt to read the "flow" of the road. This is the most important thing I've learnt in a while. Basically, I've not been focusing far enough ahead on the road. She challenged several other habits of mine, like signalling all the time.
The main things I take away from this are:
- Ride with less consideration for the [i]convenience[/i] of the car behind; they want you to be [i]predictable[/i], not weaving in and out or being too close to the pavement;
- Focus further ahead; take position (e.g. changing lanes) earlier;
- Read roundabouts like T-junctions; don't go around mini roundabouts...ride over them;
- Don't put your arm too far back when signalling;
- Ride further away from parked cars (car doors).
I thought I knew [u]all[/u] of this already, from reading websites etc. But it appears that my application wasn't right. Perhaps yours isn't either?
So, instead of Googling the cheapest price for your next component upgrade or offering your opinion on the 26/27/29er debate - why not get trained to ride safe, for free?
In short, I'd recommend this to all cyclists - experienced or otherwise. Stay cool, stay safe. 😉
Good to hear some good honest opinions Ben. We should always be open to other peoples ideas etc. I think the vast majority of people (me included) would benefit from this type of training. Glad you did.
Thanks for sharing.
By coincidence I also did a bikeability level 3 (advanced) session at the weekend.
Also free, I met the instructor (in a helmet and fluo vest, no problem with that though) down the road from my house and we did a route* that he'd planned based on my commuting route and the worst 'problem junction' I have to deal with.
I was already mostly following bikeability principles but it was nice to be told that I should move out and signal earlier. He also suggested a different way of getting around the iffy junction (a 3 junction RAB which goes 1 lane->2 lanes->3 lanes->onto the RAB and down to 2 lanes-> off the RAB back into a single lane with pinch points)
Just need to get the mrs out for the level 1 and 2 stuff now.
But yes, if you ride on the road I would recommend it 100%.
*We still had someone do an unsignalled U turn in front of us, someone else fling a door open as we passed and another driver get beeped as he buzzed past too close to us and narrowly avoiding a head on with another car!
Id question the riding over mini RAB 'tip' In my experience any cars from the right will start to move off as you are half way round, so if you cut the corner will be a lot closer to them.
Even the highway code frowns on it
188
Mini-roundabouts. Approach these in the same way as normal roundabouts. All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so. Remember, there is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal. Avoid making U-turns at mini-roundabouts. Beware of others doing this.
Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10(1) & 16(1)
All makes sense to me. Will look into what is available in Manchester. Also worth reiterating the advice about the SMIDSY phenomenon and how as often as not drivers don't see cyclists due to the way the brain fills in the gaps when the eye sweeps an expanse of road. More to be found at the link below, fascinating reading and has changed both the way that I ride and the way that I drive...
http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/raf-pilot-teach-cyclists/
I took the training with LifeCycle in Bristol - to qualify as an instructor. I arrived with some prejudices; worrying that the course would clash with my experiences of being a cyclist, ex motorcycle courier and keen bike racer. Everyone can learn from these courses and the training is based on 'real world' experience. Even 'experts' will learn good strategies for riding more safely, quickly and confidently amongst other road users.
+1.
I teach Bikeability, and I am continually surprised at how badly some of my MTB buddies ride on the road.
APF
Not done this but sounds a very good idea. Back when I rode a motorbike I did some excellent AIM courses and this sounds like similar stuff.
Would be so much better if the police/government started promoting and sponsoring something like this rather than bleating on about helmets and high viz jackets. No amount of high viz is going to get you seen if you aren't where a driver is looking, especially as you're not what a driver is looking for.