17-05-12, 09:26 PM
(17-05-12, 01:14 PM)Robbie8666 link Wrote: are there any tips or words of wisdom that anyone can impart?
Be assertive in your right to use the bit of road you're on, but don't be stupid because you're not going to win arguments with White Van Man etc, so back off if you have to.
Keep an eye on your mirrors for London bikers and especially Couriers, they're used to the conditions and will blat down gaps at high speed with about a cigarette paper's clearance each side, just let them go. Also don't try to play "First away from the lights", they're better at it than you!
Talking of traffic lights, especially when yours are green, watch out for idiots on bicycles who think that red lights don't apply to them and who will try to nip across your route when the traffic is slow.
Always have your headlight on and wear Hi-Viz. It won't help if they're not looking, but it might give you a little assistance.
Know where you're going. Even if you're not sure, pick a lane and stick to it. If you dither you're likely to get people carving you up from all over the place!
Finally, as you say, keep your wits about you, ride with confidence and keep scanning all around all the time and avoid putting yourself on a bit of road that some other pillock is about to try to occupy!