kolaval Posted December 23, 2014 Posted December 23, 2014 I have had to cycle on tar roads for the past week, being on holiday, which i have not done in years. I notice everybody cycles on the left, which is awkward for me since i like to see approaching vehicles. Is there a reason for it?
blondeonabike Posted December 23, 2014 Posted December 23, 2014 So that when a truck comes past at the right speed you can jump in behind and draft. Simple.
iamStewart Posted December 23, 2014 Posted December 23, 2014 The law dictates that cyclists have to cycle on the left hand side of the road. Traffic (cyclists included) has to flow in one direction on one side of the road.
DJR Posted December 23, 2014 Posted December 23, 2014 For your own safety, cycle on the LEFT as the law dictates. Riding against the traffic is MUCH MORE DANGEROUS to you! No matter what you think or like, just DO THE RIGHT THING!
kolaval Posted December 23, 2014 Author Posted December 23, 2014 Blondeonabike i cannot tell of you're being serious? :-) Iamstewart, it does not feel safe for me though.
J∆kk∆ls Posted December 23, 2014 Posted December 23, 2014 I have had to cycle on tar roads for the past week, being on holiday, which i have not done in years. I notice everybody cycles on the left, which is awkward for me since i like to see approaching vehicles. Is there a reason for it?Firstly welcome to the tarmac.You cycle on the left as you too are a fast moving object on the road.And please stay on the left as it would piss other cyclist off if you were to approach them on the right. Enjoy your holiday and ride safe
kolaval Posted December 23, 2014 Author Posted December 23, 2014 How do you recon its more dangerous? I'm still on the road, with a vehicle passing me. The only difference is I can see the vehicle.
kolaval Posted December 23, 2014 Author Posted December 23, 2014 I do mountain biking, but there's not much in the line of MTB trails here
J∆kk∆ls Posted December 23, 2014 Posted December 23, 2014 How do you recon its more dangerous? I'm still on the road, with a vehicle passing me. The only difference is I can see the vehicle.If you are cycling 40km/h on a 60km/h road and car passes you on the right the car only passes you at 20km/h. Given that the car is traveling the speed limit! If you and the vehicle pass each other at the same speed in opposite directions you are passing at 100km/h. Simple math! A vehicle has a better chance of avoiding you at a difference of 20km/h.
blondeonabike Posted December 23, 2014 Posted December 23, 2014 Blondeonabike i cannot tell of you're being serious? :-) Iamstewart, it does not feel safe for me though.Velly velly seriaaas
Patchelicious Posted December 23, 2014 Posted December 23, 2014 It's the law to ride on the left. End of story.
Jocklaw Posted December 23, 2014 Posted December 23, 2014 I have had to cycle on tar roads for the past week, being on holiday, which i have not done in years.I notice everybody cycles on the left, which is awkward for me since i like to see approaching vehicles.Is there a reason for it?Excellent wind up!!! Take back your rod and bait now!!! Lol
DJR Posted December 23, 2014 Posted December 23, 2014 How do you recon its more dangerous? I'm still on the road, with a vehicle passing me. The only difference is I can see the vehicle.I know it is scary to have a vehicle approach you from behind, not being able to see it. However, you can tell a lot by listening to its approach. Is it a truck? Is it coming up very fast? Never ride with earphones no matter how much you love your music. Your hearing is an essential survival tool on the road. If you struggle to overcome that fear, get a rear view mirror that fits on the end of your handle bar, or on your helmet (really, not joking). That way you will be able to see behind you without having to look around. Btw, turning your head and looking back, while keeping the bike in a straight line, is an essential road riding skill. Something else to consider is making yourself as visible as possible so motorists cannot possibly miss seeing you. That means BRIGHT clothing, dayglo orange or yellow is best. A bright flashing light helps too, even in bright sunlight, but especially early and late in the day. Riding where you are expected to be (on the left) is another part of being seen! Being visible is most likely the biggest safety issue we can do something about. Try sticking to roads with a wide shoulder and lighter traffic. Some roads are simply too narrow and leave too small a safety margin. Some roads are too busy, or with too many heavy trucks or buses, avoid at all cost. Also, try not riding roads where cars are going too fast in relation to your speed on the bike. Riding predictably and tuned to your surroundings is another aspect we can control. Be especially careful after a long ride when you are tired and the mind starts to wander. Concentrate! Be wide awake, always. Hope my 2c helps!
Ozzie NL Posted December 23, 2014 Posted December 23, 2014 It's the law to ride on the left. End of story.From Egoli yet law abiding??? Must be resident in parts I do not visit often
EmptyB Posted December 23, 2014 Posted December 23, 2014 Excellent wind up!!! Take back your rod and bait now!!!LolThink you right.....this can't be serious
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