Newbie questions - Safety

sowdog

Hi All,

Been lurking on the forum for a bit as I'm looking at getting into cycling but this would be my first post. So hi all!

I'd like to get into the ascetic aspect of cycling more than commuting, i.e training to improve. I'd like to do a fixed distance a few times a week and try to improve on that via time and possibly distance. I haven't decided .

So I have a couple of questions are regarding safety when cycling, which are :-

-Should motorways be avoided?

-In a few months, it will start to get dark early, any tips on riding safely at night?

-I hope this isn't silly, but how dangerous is it to cycle when the road is damp?

-Any general tips on training with regards to routes and traffic?

-Any cycling clubs to recommend close to west london?

regards,
Sow

Weejie54

-Should motorways be avoided?

If you want to avoid getting nicked, yes.
Cycling isn't allowed.

I did see a ned cycling along the hard shoulder of the M8 at Hillington one day. Looked quite happy.

skyd0g

sowdog wrote:

-Should motorways be avoided?
regards,
Sow

...seriously??? :shock:

unixnerd

It's actually a bit strange that motorways are forbidden to us. The hard shoulder would be much safer that having to share the road on some routes!

Flasheart

Yeah and a better road surface than what we are currently allowed on.

Lillywhite

I think sowdog ought to buy a copy of the Highway Code before he ventures out on the road again. :shock:

mattward1979

-Should motorways be avoided?

Yes totally! Illegal and basically toying with Death. We are allowed on A routes as long as they are not marked A(m).

-In a few months, it will start to get dark early, any tips on riding safely at night?

Be visible! By law we have to have a White light on the front, and a red light on the back. Personally I have a strong static white light up front, and a Strong Red LED light flashing away like crazy on the back.

Also Clothing is a consideration.. Wear bright colour, high visibility stuff with reflective material on it, and you can also add reflective tape to your bike (a lot dont like doing this as is spoils the look of your bike in the day!)

-I hope this isn't silly, but how dangerous is it to cycle when the road is damp?

Good tyres will grip just fine in the wet. You might want to invest in some winter training tyres which will give you better handling and puncture resistance, as the water surface tension allows your tyres to pick up more crap, meaning more chance for something to penetrate.

Your braking distances will be increased, and your cornering wont be as sharp, and also watch out for metalwork/painted lines. These get slippery when wet.

-Any general tips on training with regards to routes and traffic?

Dont undertake moving traffic, at lights move to the front and make sure you are seen by primary vehicles and personally, I always ride away from the kerb, about where the left wheels of cars are. That way they will have to make a conscious decision to maneuver around you, and not just go screaming past as if you werent there, which tends to happen if you are riding in the gutter. It also gives you somewhere to go if a car/lorry gets a bit too close.

father_jack

I'd buy a copy of the highway code book, sounds like you need it. I'd take a few cycling lessons too.

Bunneh

Heh I remember when some African cycling team was caught training on the motorway.

lucan

Bunneh wrote:

Heh I remember when some African cycling team was caught training on the motorway.

I remember that too. They were warming up on their way to the Commonwealth Games road race at Rivington.

Going back to the original post, could it be that the OP meant dual carriageways with a national speed limit when he wrote 'motorways'?

mattward1979

If so:

Dual Carriageway riding is quite safe if you dont panic, and be confident! the only scary part is turning right at major junctions or roundabouts....

One brown trouser roundabout that I have to go over each day is the main turn off for the dartford tunnel.. Approaching the roundabout, I look back and make eye contact with any car/lorry behind, signal, move into the middle of the road (VERY early!!) and keep signalling all the way up to the roundabout.

Had a really scary moment with a French lorry driver who tried to overtake me and turn left.... this happened because I wasnt in a position far enough over to the right to stop him trying a ridiculously dangerous maneuver.

msw

-Any cycling clubs to recommend close to west london?

London Dynamo: http://www.londondynamo.co.uk/

Willesden CC: http://www.willesdencyclingclub.co.uk/

Kingston Wheelers: http://www.kingstonwheelers.co.uk/

Archer RC: http://www.archer-rc.cyclists.co.uk/

sowdog

Thanks for the many responses.

It's a good thing i asked about that motorway thing, that might have also been my last post.

I suspected it was illegal, but i checked the directgov website, but didn't find anything regarding motorways.

So how are long 100KM journeys planned? Not saying I'm planning one, but just curious.

skyd0g

sowdog wrote:

So how are long 100KM journeys planned? Not saying I'm planning one, but just curious.

Along quiet B roads, with the occasional A road thrown in if necessary.

Crapaud

Father Jack wrote:

I'd buy a copy of the highway code book, sounds like you need it. I'd take a few cycling lessons too.

Cyclecraft would be a better purchace, but ideally both.

Sowdog, when you're out and about watch what other cyclist are doing. You'll soon see what's safe and what's dangerous.. Never filter up the side of large vehicles, they need lots of room to manouver and have large blind spots.

surreyxc

Others are giving good advice. On the point:

"Any general tips on training with regards to routes and traffic"

I would say do not get carried away, when I am on the road bike, sometimes I get too into it wanting to beat personal bests, get the most out of the road. And that can put you at risk, sometimes it is best to just slow down or stop, even if you have right of way, after all even if a car is in the wrong you will come off worse.

Weejie54

Sowdog, when you're out and about watch what other cyclist are doing.

Especially those riding on the pavement and jumping red lights (not).

Rich Hcp

You need to assume that other road users will not see you.

So, ride in a position to be seen, if you can, but not in the way of other traffic.

Don't jump red lights, its not only dangerous, it pisses people off.

On roundabouts, try to pick routes that have a straight or left turn.

Sometimes when needing to turn right, I turn left, turn around in a safe place and get a safer straight over on the roundabout.

If you'rer not used to it go at quieter times, Saturday before 9 am and Sunday mornings, then take it from there.

I tend to avoid Friday afternoons and eveningas as everyone seems to be in a mad hurry to get home!

It is more dangerous when damp, avoid man hole covers and lines on the road, they are very slippery when wet.

When it gets darker, get high visability, reflective top and decent lights.

softlad

sowdog wrote:

So how are long 100KM journeys planned? Not saying I'm planning one, but just curious.

if you don't know the area you live in, and have never cycled, walked or driven on any of the local roads, then an online mapping tool like 'bikehike' would be useful...

http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php

sowdog

Thanks for the responses.

For anyone else looking into the post regarding safety

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTr ... /DG_069837

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/

kingrollo

I would forget cycling in the dark - until you have a bit more road experience. Go out early and find some quiet roads - don't be frightened to get off and walk if you find yourself at a nasty junction.
Theres a godamm awful junction by me - but I always have to cross it to go home - even now I dismount, when its really busy - and just walk across - not worth the risk.

I time myself over a 25 mile loop - but don't take chances to do a good time - not worth it. I also commutte but in general Im not pushing it - to much traffic to keep an eye on !