So I’ve been cycling to work every day for a couple of weeks now. I’ve been really lucky with the weather so far – cool but not too breezy, and most importantly dry.
Wednesday it bucketed it down, and I got soaked before I’d even reached my office. Is that a nice start to a long day?
Well, I’m going to fight the urge to become a fairweather cyclist.
Meanwhile, the other challenge is negotiating Hull’s busy streets. Lots of cycle lanes but there are still some busy lanes to cross. Then I was sent something from the Institute of Advanced Motorists.
It’s advice for both drivers and cyclists – maybe it’ll help us all get along better:
Motorists and cyclists: share the road
With motoring costs ever increasing, there has been a tremendous growth in the number of cyclists.
Getting back on to a bike after ten years or so can be a nerve racking experience. The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) offers these handy ‘Dos and Don’ts’ for anyone dusting off their old bike and also for motorists, who must share the road with the growing number of cyclists of all abilities.
Car drivers….
DO overtake with care, not too close and not too fast. Whizzing past cyclists within a foot of their handlebars may feel perfectly safe, but it doesn’t for the cyclist
DO leave cyclists enough ‘wobble room’ when passing them – cyclists may have to move out slightly to negotiate drains, potholes, smashed glass and other debris. They don’t want to be squeezed into the gutter
DO check the door mirror and the blind spot before opening the driver’s door after parking to avoid knocking down a cyclist
DON’T sound the horn when near them
DON’T cut up a cyclist passing on the nearside when turning left, and don’t overtake then turn left across their front wheel
DON’T drive into the ‘advanced stop area’ for cyclists at lights: it is against the Highway Code
Cyclists….
DO establish eye contact (in a non-aggressive way) with drivers emerging from junctions, particularly if they are turning right
DO position the bike to avoid being knocked off if a parked car door swings open
DO stop at red lights – this is a major irritation for drivers who see the law being flouted
DO undertake some cycle skill training, some employers offer this as a staff benefit
DON’T forget to check the bike lights, spare batteries and wear a good high visibility jacket/vest. See and be seen
DON’T abuse the zebra crossing. When riding along the nearside of the carriageway, do not swing onto the zebra to cross the road: drivers won’t be expecting that, and the risk of being hit is greater
one man's battle with his own apathy 