SCARED to ride in the road...HELP!
11-30-15, 08:12 AM
#26
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It's probably the most natural question there is, for any new rider in the area who doesn't have the benefit of learning from veteran road cyclists in the area. I can count on one hand the number of roadies I've seen the past five years, on the section of Windward that I ride every day, that aren't either in a large group or on the sidewalk. We're making gains in road share in these areas of North Atlanta suburbs, but it's still rare enough that you're basically on your own.
11-30-15, 08:22 AM
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11-30-15, 08:30 AM
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Imagine Loop 635, but where drivers get road rage if you change lanes anywhere in front of them. Brake checks as a method of communication. Sports cars doing accidental 360's through intersections. 25 MPH school zones, and even that ignored and unenforced. I could go on ... it's a real adjustment to drive here.
11-30-15, 09:45 AM
#29
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Find a LAB Traffic Safety-101 course. You'll be amazed at the confidence you can gain from this class.
This link contains a list of League Certified Instructors in the Atlanta area.
| League of American Bicyclists
This link contains a list of League Certified Instructors in the Atlanta area.
| League of American Bicyclists
11-30-15, 02:47 PM
#32
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I hate driving around Atlanta, though I'm sure you can find some quieter roads to ride on. I don't think ATL is too bad once you get away from the highways. My first jaunt on the roads, I used google maps with street view to identify roads that looked good to go on. It's also a lot about timing. Go ride early in the morning, around 7 am on a weekend and you'll notice the roadways are a lot more friendly.
11-30-15, 04:23 PM
#33
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I hate driving around Atlanta, though I'm sure you can find some quieter roads to ride on. I don't think ATL is too bad once you get away from the highways. My first jaunt on the roads, I used google maps with street view to identify roads that looked good to go on. It's also a lot about timing. Go ride early in the morning, around 7 am on a weekend and you'll notice the roadways are a lot more friendly.
But just like you said, once you get away from the interstate it is better. Here you would have to get several miles away from the interstate. For it to get better.
11-30-15, 07:33 PM
#34
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I'm never sad I left Maryland behind. I love to go up and visit but traffic up that wa . Ugh!
11-30-15, 07:41 PM
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Here is some good info .Bicycling Street Smarts - Table of Contents
11-30-15, 07:47 PM
#36
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I have no problem riding on The Silver Comet trail here in Atlanta, simply because there are ONLY other riders and walkers and runners on that trail. I cant always get to the trail head, though, when I want to ride, so I DONT ride because quite Frankly, Im scared to ride on the road. People here cant drive and it scares me. A cyclist was killed while riding not even a mile from my house last year and I'm always hearing of people riding and getting hit by cars. Maybe it is because I've never really ridden on the road before and don't really know HOW!
Any tips other than the normal rules of the road?
Any tips other than the normal rules of the road?
It's good to know that you are in fact a sane person. Travelling in the same roads as 4000 lb vehicles should give you pause. Of course, we have weighed the benefits and risks and most of us have determined that cycling is an acceptable risk to take given the upside.
My tips would be:
Be assertive on the road, or rather, appear to be assertive. In actuality ride defensively.
Start riding on 'easier'/'safer' roads.
Be visible in both the traditional sense and in lane positioning.
Ride a lot of miles.
I am probably more comfortable on my bike in traffic than in a car due to better outward visibility and maneuverability. Trails with peds scare the crap out of me though.
11-30-15, 07:48 PM
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11-30-15, 08:06 PM
#38
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(I almost wish I had stayed in Minnesota when I left Maryland the first time) I referenced I-85. Because, I have relatives in both, Atlanta n' Athens. So, I would go up I-85 to Athens, after spending a few days in Atlanta. When I was down there. I remembered PM-Rush on I-85. It never came close to the congestion of the DC-Metro region.
Last edited by Chris0516; 11-30-15 at 09:33 PM.
11-30-15, 11:04 PM
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I'd like to drive down that road
Wouldn't mind cycling it on the grassy end, don't have the courage to ride the shoulder nope. Is there a lot of semi truck traffic on that road?
12-01-15, 07:10 PM
#42
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My only problem with the segregated bike paths. Is the speed limit(15mph). I need to go fast, to maintain my balance. That is why I only use gears 11-20. So, I am going faster than 15mph.
12-01-15, 08:57 PM
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Should have no problem doing 25 on a bike path like that!
12-02-15, 11:32 AM
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In regards to "drivers are crazy in xx city" - It is my belief that motorists are crazy everywhere. We just get used to the particular brand of crazy in our own area. I remember my move down here I thought other drivers were insane and took big risks. Coming from MD, red light cameras were everywhere and speed cameras were starting to be employed. Both of those are illegal in SC, and people have no problems running a red light or chancing a stale yellow.
It works, to those who are paying attention. Just give the green light a second or so before you hit the gas. Now everytime I go back up to MD, I think those people are crazy for the sheer volume of cars and other jackassery that occurs.
I thought people were crazy in Louisiana until I got used to it, Galveston, Houston, LA, Santa Barbara, etc etc all seemed like anarchy to me.
It works, to those who are paying attention. Just give the green light a second or so before you hit the gas. Now everytime I go back up to MD, I think those people are crazy for the sheer volume of cars and other jackassery that occurs.
I thought people were crazy in Louisiana until I got used to it, Galveston, Houston, LA, Santa Barbara, etc etc all seemed like anarchy to me.
12-02-15, 01:52 PM
#45
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Do you drive a car? If you do, that is a plus as you sort of have the drivers perspective then. Ride early in the morning at first, the traffic will be light and avoid rush hours and busy roads.
Being concerned is a good quality it will keep you safer.
The more you ride the roads the easier it will get.
Being concerned is a good quality it will keep you safer.
The more you ride the roads the easier it will get.
Last edited by Dsprok; 12-02-15 at 01:57 PM.
12-03-15, 02:05 AM
#47
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12-03-15, 10:49 AM
#48
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In regards to "drivers are crazy in xx city" - It is my belief that motorists are crazy everywhere. We just get used to the particular brand of crazy in our own area. I remember my move down here I thought other drivers were insane and took big risks. Coming from MD, red light cameras were everywhere and speed cameras were starting to be employed. Both of those are illegal in SC, and people have no problems running a red light or chancing a stale yellow.
It works, to those who are paying attention. Just give the green light a second or so before you hit the gas. Now everytime I go back up to MD, I think those people are crazy for the sheer volume of cars and other jackassery that occurs.
I thought people were crazy in Louisiana until I got used to it, Galveston, Houston, LA, Santa Barbara, etc etc all seemed like anarchy to me.
It works, to those who are paying attention. Just give the green light a second or so before you hit the gas. Now everytime I go back up to MD, I think those people are crazy for the sheer volume of cars and other jackassery that occurs.
I thought people were crazy in Louisiana until I got used to it, Galveston, Houston, LA, Santa Barbara, etc etc all seemed like anarchy to me.
12-03-15, 08:51 PM
#49
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Maybe to start riding on the road dressed like a highly visible clown during daytime, or at night using multiple extremely bright lights.
12-04-15, 06:40 AM
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Frankly, I have posted that I would not be inclined to encourage, unless by example (nor discourage) someone to cycle-commute, but if they so chose, I would freely and gladly give any advice...
Public exhortations to cycle-commute, or utility cycle are well and good with no individual responsibility for bad outcomes, but I would not want the recriminations of a personal endorsement if something bad happened….
Public exhortations to cycle-commute, or utility cycle are well and good with no individual responsibility for bad outcomes, but I would not want the recriminations of a personal endorsement if something bad happened….
I wouldn’t want that enthusiasm to be mis-directed towards someone not ready.
…I just think sometimes we protest a little too much about the magic of a ride, whether joyful or miserable. I think it's a little bit funny to write about a cathartic and well-remembered ride home in a rainstorm from a crappy job and extrapolate that rain magically turns rides into memorable, Important Personal Experiences…
Maybe it's because I ride a lot, maybe it's cause I'm some kind of grouch, but I find so much cycling writing, like this, so tedious in its eagerness to impart great spiritual import to Riding, all the time. It just doesn't speak to my own experiences at all. I like riding my bike, or I wouldn't do it so damn much…
Enjoyable, but not special. I enjoy dinner, too, but damned if I could tell you what I ate last Tuesday.
Maybe it's because I ride a lot, maybe it's cause I'm some kind of grouch, but I find so much cycling writing, like this, so tedious in its eagerness to impart great spiritual import to Riding, all the time. It just doesn't speak to my own experiences at all. I like riding my bike, or I wouldn't do it so damn much…
Enjoyable, but not special. I enjoy dinner, too, but damned if I could tell you what I ate last Tuesday.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 12-04-15 at 06:56 AM.