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lemmingsYesterday was the first official day of the Cycle to Work Challenge. I'm very please to say I got frocked up in my work clothes and rolled down to work; and it was such a lovely day to ride I nearly rolled down to the foreshore instead. I've seen a marked increase since yesterday in the number of people riding but for the most part it has been people riding very fast in lycra. For this reason, and because our fearless leader is organising events such as 'How to Change Your Inner Tube With Deanne', I feel it is important to impart some knowledge as a recently novice cyclist who is small, has no gears on their bike and is slowly learning how to ride safely on the road.
Rule Number 1 - Everyone hates cyclists; even cyclists It's important to remember that a lot of people dislike cyclists and feel they shouldn't be on the road or footpath. This shouldn't discourage you from riding, but it should make you more aware of what is going on around you and how to behave when riding. A lot of cyclists can be seen as dangerous because they ride on the road without knowing the rules, or they weave out and inbetween cars and let's face it, signalling is not as easy on a bike. It's important, even when you are on the footpath to know when to bail, and how to do it safely. A confusing situation for cars is made more confusing by cyclists getting involved. Be confident on the road and learn with someone who knows and on non-busy streets. If you are not confident, don't ride on them. Round abouts are awful. SERIOUSLY. And if you can tell a car behind you is getting impatient and might try to get passed you, either go when it's safe or get off. Just this morning this happened to me at a banked up round about. Knowing the ute behind me seemed like he was going to try to run me off the road I looked for a safe opportunity to lift my bike onto the footpath and get off the road. Similarly, approaching a built up intersection yesterday I carefully pulled over into a parking bay and walked on the path until it had cleared. Too much going on at the same time, not good. And not good for a novice cyclist. Saying good morning on the footpath, signalling to cars, making eye contact, pulling safely off the road when you need to, or hopping off your bike and walking when there are lots of pedestrians on the footpath are all good ways to not make people want to kill you.
Rule Number 2 - Cars are scary; so are pedestrians
It's very easy to get freaked out by cars, they are huge, scary and generally can kill you. Being sure of yourself on the road is important, as is not getting freaked out when a car passes you. It takes time and practice but as long as you hold your line and anticipate what is ahead you will be okay. Also, pay close attention to parked cars, you never know when someone will open a car door and not see you. That will not be fun. Similarly, pedestrians often do not look for you on the footpath. Bells can make people jump every which way so paying attention is important, as is slowing down. Lots of people walk with earphones in or talking on mobiles so it's important to be vigilant and watch what they are doing to look for your window to pass them or turn etc.
Rule Number 3 - What should be in your basket
A basket - especially for a lady - is a very useful thing. There are many different types of basket and many ways to attach them. Personally, I have a larger, flatter one on my back tray. This works well for me because not only does it fit more, it doesn't hinder my visibility. Mine is tied down securely with occi straps which you can find at the reject store for cheap. Be very careful with these as they can flick you. Strapping down whatever is in your basket makes it obviously more secure, so they are good things to have. In addition, my basket usually contains a lock (thicker cable is better), lights (you would be surprised how dark it gets in winter and quickly), a jacket, a pocket hair brush and mirror, lunch and a hand bag. Occassionally it will include shopping, clothes, documents etc. it is vital to keep a lock, strap and lights in your basket though.
Rule Number 4 - Group riding is a skill
Riding in a group is a great way to learn about road rules but you have to be comfortable in both your ability and in that of the group you are with. On the road there are many cyclist who ride very fast in groups and this can be intimidating. Watch carefully for these. Calling backwards is a great way to ride safely while you are still learning rules, but make sure you are also watching cars and pedestrians for yourself. Similarly, hand signals are important, and making your you are not riding too close to the other person in case they need to break suddenly or in case they have an accident and come off. Only do things that you are comfortable with and try not to hesitate as this may cause unsafe behaviour from others.
Rule Number 5 - Keeping your bike in good working order
As Deanne says, treat your bike like you would a car. Be aware of how it feels so that you know if something is going wrong. Check the tyres to see if they are properly pumped before you ride and know how to change an inner tube. Carry your smart rider and some cash with you incase you do need to get somewhere and your bike is damaged. Clean your bike and have it serviced. Check tyres for damage and for grip. Check breaks and see how your bike responds to gravel, sand and wet roads. Once you get a feel for it, you will know what to do and what not to do.
That's enough serious prattling from me. I am enjoying riding in and today I did the same. Tonight I fly out to Melbourne and I will keep my eyes peeled for some good stories and shots. Photos will be uploaded sporadically. I decided this morning that if I win this bike, I am going to name it after Morgana in Merlin, because she is awesome. Do with that what you will. Next time the blog will resume its humourous tone, I promise. I felt that some serious information would not go astray this time.
Rule Number 1 - Everyone hates cyclists; even cyclists It's important to remember that a lot of people dislike cyclists and feel they shouldn't be on the road or footpath. This shouldn't discourage you from riding, but it should make you more aware of what is going on around you and how to behave when riding. A lot of cyclists can be seen as dangerous because they ride on the road without knowing the rules, or they weave out and inbetween cars and let's face it, signalling is not as easy on a bike. It's important, even when you are on the footpath to know when to bail, and how to do it safely. A confusing situation for cars is made more confusing by cyclists getting involved. Be confident on the road and learn with someone who knows and on non-busy streets. If you are not confident, don't ride on them. Round abouts are awful. SERIOUSLY. And if you can tell a car behind you is getting impatient and might try to get passed you, either go when it's safe or get off. Just this morning this happened to me at a banked up round about. Knowing the ute behind me seemed like he was going to try to run me off the road I looked for a safe opportunity to lift my bike onto the footpath and get off the road. Similarly, approaching a built up intersection yesterday I carefully pulled over into a parking bay and walked on the path until it had cleared. Too much going on at the same time, not good. And not good for a novice cyclist. Saying good morning on the footpath, signalling to cars, making eye contact, pulling safely off the road when you need to, or hopping off your bike and walking when there are lots of pedestrians on the footpath are all good ways to not make people want to kill you.
Rule Number 2 - Cars are scary; so are pedestrians
It's very easy to get freaked out by cars, they are huge, scary and generally can kill you. Being sure of yourself on the road is important, as is not getting freaked out when a car passes you. It takes time and practice but as long as you hold your line and anticipate what is ahead you will be okay. Also, pay close attention to parked cars, you never know when someone will open a car door and not see you. That will not be fun. Similarly, pedestrians often do not look for you on the footpath. Bells can make people jump every which way so paying attention is important, as is slowing down. Lots of people walk with earphones in or talking on mobiles so it's important to be vigilant and watch what they are doing to look for your window to pass them or turn etc.
Rule Number 3 - What should be in your basket
A basket - especially for a lady - is a very useful thing. There are many different types of basket and many ways to attach them. Personally, I have a larger, flatter one on my back tray. This works well for me because not only does it fit more, it doesn't hinder my visibility. Mine is tied down securely with occi straps which you can find at the reject store for cheap. Be very careful with these as they can flick you. Strapping down whatever is in your basket makes it obviously more secure, so they are good things to have. In addition, my basket usually contains a lock (thicker cable is better), lights (you would be surprised how dark it gets in winter and quickly), a jacket, a pocket hair brush and mirror, lunch and a hand bag. Occassionally it will include shopping, clothes, documents etc. it is vital to keep a lock, strap and lights in your basket though.
Rule Number 4 - Group riding is a skill
Riding in a group is a great way to learn about road rules but you have to be comfortable in both your ability and in that of the group you are with. On the road there are many cyclist who ride very fast in groups and this can be intimidating. Watch carefully for these. Calling backwards is a great way to ride safely while you are still learning rules, but make sure you are also watching cars and pedestrians for yourself. Similarly, hand signals are important, and making your you are not riding too close to the other person in case they need to break suddenly or in case they have an accident and come off. Only do things that you are comfortable with and try not to hesitate as this may cause unsafe behaviour from others.
Rule Number 5 - Keeping your bike in good working order
As Deanne says, treat your bike like you would a car. Be aware of how it feels so that you know if something is going wrong. Check the tyres to see if they are properly pumped before you ride and know how to change an inner tube. Carry your smart rider and some cash with you incase you do need to get somewhere and your bike is damaged. Clean your bike and have it serviced. Check tyres for damage and for grip. Check breaks and see how your bike responds to gravel, sand and wet roads. Once you get a feel for it, you will know what to do and what not to do.
That's enough serious prattling from me. I am enjoying riding in and today I did the same. Tonight I fly out to Melbourne and I will keep my eyes peeled for some good stories and shots. Photos will be uploaded sporadically. I decided this morning that if I win this bike, I am going to name it after Morgana in Merlin, because she is awesome. Do with that what you will. Next time the blog will resume its humourous tone, I promise. I felt that some serious information would not go astray this time.
