Common Sense On The Roads

The social network for cyclists

Posted by Falcon Reactor on 20 May 2008 at 1:36pm

Since I have been cycling regularly again, after a nasty road accident last December, my awareness of the lack of regard for cyclists has increased. That's not to say that I was not aware of the lack of common sense or road safety before but, I have to say, why does nobody look before they cross a road? As a cyclist, I am silent, and therefore people are more prone to step out without looking, because of the absence of motor-sound. When I was a child, not only was I taught road safety by my parents and teachers, but the Green Cross Code campaign was televised. What is going on nowadays?

I am constantly broadcasting my presence by voice: to those who open their car doors without looking; to those who run an amber-red light when I am trying to turn right; to those who turn speedily out of side roads and into my path, and to pedestrians, who amble out without checking first whether it is safe to do so.

Should my announcements be acknowledged, it is with an extremely bovine stare.

I have lately bought a high-visibility jacket, with panels that glimmer in the glow of headlights at night. I have lights on my bicycle. It is amazing how few people seem to notice and, additionally, how little chance motorists often give a cyclist who is trying to signal, as early as possible, the intention to move to the right.

I have bought Cyclecraft, a book by John Franklin, recommended to me by a friend who works for CTC, the body that offers cycle training and campaigns for decent cycle routes. I am going to start it as soon as possible, because it offers guidance on cycle behaviour on roads highly populated with traffic. Living in London, I see this book as a great investment for me.

Comment by Ben Ayers on 29 May 2008 at 7:17am: Hiya, so glad to hear you are back on your bike. I have an VERY loud air horn which I occasionally fit on my bike after one too many near misses. It doesn't stay on for long as I am terrified of giving someone a heart attack but it certainly gets me noticed :)

Comment by SilentOtto on 29 May 2008 at 10:11am: Of course verbal prompts to people are part of the savvy cyclists' repertoire--mine range in increasing intensity from "Yo" to "Look out!" to "OPEN YOUR EYES!!!" I've stopped swearing at people in cars, although people driving hummers will usually get the one finger salute.

On your bike you must assume that you are invisible, and act accordingly. As you cannot win an argument with a car, the onus is on you to be cautionary.

Route selection is everything, even if it means you have to take three lefts to make a right.

Comment by Mike Grenville on 2 June 2008 at 12:00pm: I have found that this BLT flashing light on my helmet makes a big difference to my visibility.

Because it is at eye level it seems to catch the eye of pedestrians. Also when I pull alongside taxis, or stop at the front of traffic at lights, drivers can see it as it is not low down on the bike. And because it is on the top it can also attract the eye of lorry and bus drivers.

Wearing it has made a big difference in how comfortable I feel cycling in city traffic.