Commuting etiquette?

snooks

OK, before I take to the streets in search of fitness and an "interesting" bike ride on the way to work, what should I know? Beyond common courtesy to my fellow commuter.

Or to put it another way what do you experienced commuters wish green horns like myself would do, to make everyones life easier?

Things like, what should I do at traffic lights? Common sense tell me if I'm at the front between traffic and the curb I should move forward and let other cyclists behind me through. So the quicker riders can get ahead from those doing a leisurely pace. But not having experinced rush hour I don't know whetehr this is something that happens or not.

Any (sensible ) suggestions welcome

Jacomus-rides-Gen

I'd say THE most important thing you can do is to relax, keep alert and take an assertive road position ( I know that sounds like 3 things, but they really have to be done all at the same time to get the right effect )

If you haven't already, grab a copy of Cyclecraft, or spend some time surfing - there are lots of websites with very good info on dealing with traffic.

In terms of etiquette you won't find many other cyclists have any I'm afraid - its Le Tour de Commute and they are determined to win all jersey colours ( many also seem to desperately want the hospital bib too! )

Something that will make your life much easier and safer in heavy traffic situations is to filter to the right.

Keep asking questions here! 8)

The pathalogical need to get to the front of a queue displayed my 99% of commuter cyclists is one of the most bizarr aspects of cyclocommuting, and is completely unnecessary. A hassle-free way to cross a junction is to sit behind the second or third car (who will all get held up and dangerously overtake the rabble) and glide across the junction feeling smug, safe and with good visibility.

Most of all realx. If you are tense, the bike will be tense. If you are relaxed you can concentrate on traffic not handling.

Good luck.

domtyler

In terms of etiquette I would say that the most annoying thing is blocking others from filtering through. This is most often done by motorbikes though.
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MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD

JustRidecp

I'd say one of the most important things is riding confidently and assertively. Also, I ride nice and wide to ensure that I'm at my most visible, taking the primary position as often as I can. I wouldn't reccomend hugging the kerb or filtering up the left. I get a feeling of dread when I see folk scraping up the left at lights etc and there's busses and lorrys turing left. Also, If you're in a queue of traffic and you don't feel confident/safe in filtering up why not stay where you are behind the car in front in the primary position? I do and doesn't add any noticeble time onto my commute.

I'm sure you'll get many differing opinions on this - these are just my own

spasypaddy

i have started not filtering up the side if there are only 2 or 3 cars in front at a set of lights. This works two fold it stops drivers from being pissed off with cyclists and it means you have a bit more protection when going over the junction ie you aren't the one that gets hit by the guy running the red light or the person who speeds away from the opposite side to turn right.

obviously if its a que of more than that then i still filter up but i dont see the need to move up for the space of 2 or 3 car lengths

neillcp

Yep, the number one rule is be assertive, otherwise you'll get stamped all over. Just take your own line and try not to worry too much about other road users.

Also a smile never hurts anyone!

BentMikey

Nice one Spasy! I've further modified that behaviour in myself - in that I'll also take account of what the traffic is likely to be doing after the junction. If there's another queue, I'll probably go right to the front, but instead if there's a fast flowing section, I might hold back even if I'm 6 or 7 cars back.

pete236uk

My commute is mostly rural however good advice dont hug the kerb if your tight in cars will come past you even if something is coming the other way.
I guess be confident

spasypaddy

i actually find riding just on the outside of the drain line to be the best place to ride that way you aren't too close to the kerb everyone can see you and there should be room to manoeuvre past you if they so wish. As long as you are aware it shouldn't matter how far out you cycle

JustRidecp

Yeah, suppose its depends on where you're riding. I ride a lot wider in the city than I do on open roads. Even still, I like to keep enough space on the left that I can escape to If needed.

snooks

Thanx all :-)

I'll be riding at my speed, fast enough to burn some cals, but not going for any speed records, if you've seen my bike you'll know why

I'm a pretty road wise person...I drive 20,000 miles a year, but every mode of transport has it's own "rules" and ways of using the roads, which only those who spend time on the road appricate. Drive a motorway on any bank-holiday and it's easy to see the cars that don't drive on the motorways often...Poor lane discipline, and not checking blind spot the most frequent errors, for example.

Hanging back in the traffic is something I hadn't thought about, when I'm driving in town there's the first wave of cars, the second wave of motobikes, the third wave of cyclists that pass by on both sides, and finally the last wave of motorbikes who have booted it away from the previous set of lights. So because I hadn't seen it done I'd never thought of it. thanx :-)

I'll get a copy of Cyclecraft (most of the book places were under water when I checked last week) Will be good to read on the train while I wait for my bike slot.

Cheers all

G

jedster

i have started not filtering up the side if there are only 2 or 3 cars in front at a set of lights. This works two fold it stops drivers from being pissed off with cyclists and it means you have a bit more protection when going over the junction ie you aren't the one that gets hit by the guy running the red light or the person who speeds away from the opposite side to turn right.

obviously if its a que of more than that then i still filter up but i dont see the need to move up for the space of 2 or 3 car lengths

ditto - no slower, probably safer and less agro

DPV

Something that hasn't been mentioned .... Try not to swerve! Inexperienced cyclists making unpredictable moves can be annoying and dangerous to other road users, and themselves. This is really part of riding confidently and anticipating possible hazards; if your moves are predictable you will be much safer.

Greenbank

Say "hello" or "morning" to fellow riders. More than likely you'll see these same people all the time.

Ask people stopped at the side of the road staring at their bikes if they are ok and if they need any help. It's good for your karma.

Despite riding a road bike (with 700c wheels) I carry around an MTB inner-tube just in case someone else needs it.

BentMikey

Greenbank wrote:

Despite riding a road bike (with 700c wheels) I carry around an MTB inner-tube just in case someone else needs it.

Wow, how cool is that! Well done!!!!

I don't, but I have a puncture kit, so would happily contribute it to someone in need.

Jeremy Parker

snooks wrote:

OK, before I take to the streets in search of fitness and an "interesting" bike ride on the way to work, what should I know? Beyond common courtesy to my fellow commuter.

[snip]

You should know **everything** in John Franklin's book "Cyclecraft". Buy it. It's the bible. There's a new edition, just out

Jeremy Parker

Rob4

and don't wear an iPod!

baggytrousers

What about mudguards? - I know it's trendy for a lot of commuters to ride without but surely they're essential when it's wet and ceratinly in the winter - they'll keep your back clean and the face of the poor sod behind you!!

spasypaddy

wearing an ipod is up to the individual. if you can feel safe without the use of your ears on the road then wear one.

personally i have mine on me and i only have my left ear occupied with an ear phone this allows my right ear to listen for the cars going past it. I also have the ipod on quietly so that its just in the background unless im cycling through a park at which point i put both ear phones in and turn it up.

malky54704

Relax, make friends by letting people by - be aware but share th joy!

jel

Don't go up the left of lorries.

Don't underestimate people's unpredictability.

Don't go up the left of lorries.

Stay away from the kerb.

Faster is safer.

Don't go up the left of lorries.

Learn how to look behind you confidently and repeatedly.

If you want to have an ipod feel free. Makes no difference.

I mean it about the lorries. Seriously. You may die.

snooks

jel wrote:

I mean it about the lorries. Seriously. You may die.

I feel edgy going up the left of lorries in my car! (when they're going straight, and I'm filtering left) I know RHD trucks/lorries have a big blind spot on the left...and left hookers have a blind spot on the right...it's why I always check the plate of the truck before I overtake one in my car...Stuff the idea on a bike...I'd rather be 5 mins late, than a road pizza with extra Kona....

Thanks for the tips tho

G

trailtrash

One piece of wisdom that fits most things in life:

'There's always one more idiot than you bargained for!'

BentMikey

Jel, you forgot Don't ride in the door zone, which causes more KSIs than any other crash cause in London. That's about as important as the lorries bit, IMO.

el_presidente

Learn to track stand, it impresses everyone.

Never let yourself be overtaken by a girl.

Make sure you ride in all weathers. The grimmer it is the harder you are.

Ensure you have a customised bike which is unique.

Go the long way home just because you can. The long way should include an ascent of Highgate Hill (NOTE - non-London residents may substitute the steepest hill in their vicinity)

Always stop to help fellow cyclists with mechanicals. Even if all you can do is shake your head sadly, offer your condolences and ride off.

Don't let the b*stards grind you down

markhr

ride your bicycle as you would drive a vehicle and you can't go wrong (lane positioning, indicating, situational awareness, etc)

also have a look at John Forester's book Effective Cycling

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Effective-Cycli ... 593&sr=8-1

snooks

You haven't seen the way I drive!!! :-D

Seriously though thanx for the link :-)

jel

BentMikey wrote:

Jel, you forgot Don't ride in the door zone, which causes more KSIs than any other crash cause in London. That's about as important as the lorries bit, IMO.

I ride in the door zone occasionally and find good observation will always keep you out of trouble: an empty car is not going to open a door. I can't argue with statistics but I'd prefer to be doored than caught next to a HGV and would have thought a door is more SI than K.

Just my opinion.

BentMikey

No, good observation won't always keep you out of trouble w.r.t. the door zone. I know of someone who had a driver kick the door open into his path. Driver had been lying across the front seats, so no chance for observation to do anything. Luckily he wasn't riding in the door zone so avoided the accident.

Doorings can be very serious - think being impaled on the door corner at speed, or being catapulted into the path of following traffic in a way which will prevent the driver from being able to avoid running you over.

I'm just pointing out that given your level of emphasis on HGVs, you should spare a little for this other main cause of serious accidents cycling, especially given how easy it is to avoid.

jel

Fair play, but that sounds like intentional assault. I'd still prefer to be doored.

BentMikey

Well I would also prefer to be doored, if I had no choice between that and being lorried. Still doesn't address the point that it's a biggie to be warning newbies about, and not just lorries.

The dude who kicked the door open was just being a twit, nothing intentional there, apparently.