Whether you’re a regular leisure cyclist or looking to get on your bike for the first time in 20 years, this guide contains some top tips to help you start cycling on the road with confidence! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You might hear regular cyclists refer to two positions when talking about road cycling: primary position and secondary position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Primary position is sometimes called \u2018taking the lane\u2019 as you\u2019re doing exactly that \u2013 riding in the middle of the lane, with the flow of traffic. This is actually the safest position you can take when cycling on the road, you\u2019re more visible and drivers are less likely to attempt a risky overtake. Plus, if someone does overtake you too closely, you have more space on your left to move into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondary position is closer to the side of the road, generally around 1m\/3ft away from the pavement. It\u2019s important that you only move into the secondary position when YOU feel it\u2019s safe to – never put yourself in danger out of fear of slowing somebody down a little!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In general, it\u2019s best to move into the secondary position as often as you feel safe, but here are some situations we recommend adopting the primary position:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try to give other road users clear and decisive indications of what you\u2019re going to do. Before making your manoeuvre check behind and signal with plenty of notice. If the thought of checking behind you or removing a hand from the handlebar to signal while cycling makes you nervous then it\u2019s a good idea to practice in a safe, traffic- free environment first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When cycling your hands are both a turn signal and a brake light for you, so it\u2019s important to put a quick hand out to help you ride more safely, especially when riding in traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, not a lot of people look properly before opening their car door. When approaching a parked car, check behind you to make sure it\u2019s safe then move out by at least a door\u2019s width, just in case someone does open their door into your path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check out Cycling UK\u2019s video on the Dutch Reach, something you can encourage others to do reduce the risk of hitting a cyclist with their car door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n