Commuting - Riding in traffic

I don't have a problem cycling in traffic.

When I drive in traffic, I end up stressed out!

When I cycle in traffic, I am really, really blissed out.

...!

(Besides, the back roads are always there, if I want to "split.")

But cycling is the way to get through traffic. I've dealt with a few traffic jams over the past few months. For some reason, bikes are impervious to that little problem. :D

Oath.

The other day, I rounded a left turn and ran smack into some roadwork that blocked ALL lanes.

A lady getting into her car said to me, (funny how people feel they can talk to you if you're on a bike!) "Maybe YOU can get through it!" ;)

I did.

Walking or riding, I go right around those obstructions. Have never had even one construction guy give me a hassle.

It is such a great sensation, when you cruise past traffic backed up, up to two miles- and recall seeing those cars 15 minutes down the road. Think they are jealous.

I do that on the way home as I cross the Forth Bridge. I'm always tempted to shout to the drivers sitting there "You should have got a bike" :)

Heavy traffic is as much in the mind as on the street. Even in the biggest cities you rarely have to deal with more than one or two cars at a time--and very often, none. There's no need to let a mental aerial photograph of busy streets terrify the cyclist. At this moment, there's only this car, then that one, etc.


Re: construction areas... I don't enjoy stopping on a steep uphill because I always feel I can't get going again (another illusion). Had to stop for construction machinery to do its thing, and the flagman said, "Sorry..." I said "That's OK. When I start again, I'm going to ride behind you, OK?" He nodded "OK." So I had that advantage, and was able to get a safer start out of the mainstream. This kind of human communication is seldom possible in a motor vehicle.

In an earlier thread, I recall once saying that when I am at red light/traffic while driving, I get anxious, but when cycling I enjoy stopping for a breather. There is much more to look at when on a bike than in a car, so I never get bored, even when stopped.

Red lights are a good chance to take some water on.

I love shortcuts kind of close to home. I see a neighbor in his car 1 km from home and hammer the short cut path and then slow up so he can see me ahead again!
He doesn't apply it to his own life yet, still drives car everywhere. He arrives pissed because of traffic and me triuphant for beating someone home.

I feel there are two major methods that go a long way in making a traffic ride easier. 1. Being assertive. That means not being timid in traffic. Take your lane when you need it and signal your intentions. 2. Use a mirror. Being able to see what the traffic is doing behind is a great tool to what you're about to do in front, and helps you to remain assertive.

http://www.smilies-world.de/Smilies/Smilies_gross/dead12.gif


I absolutely loved coming up on traffic jams. Cars that had passed me 3-4 miles back were part of the jam. On a four lane road, I'd jump in between the cars and pass 'em all.....great fun! I know they all thought I was a lucky dude. If they were all going to my house, I would of beat them all there, and I still had 8-9 miles to go!

The more I commuted the less problems I had with the primates. I think my consistant presence out there trained them a little in the ways of bicycling.

Gus -- that's pretty similar to my own experiences. Maybe some people just wake up and realise that spending three seconds passing a cyclist is not going to ruin their day after all. It should also be noted that being assertive does not necessarily mean being aggressive.

Originally posted by Chris L
.....It should also be noted that being assertive does not necessarily mean being aggressive.


Absolutely correct again!

Originally posted by Gus Riley
The more I commuted the less problems I had with the primates. I think my consistant presence out there trained them a little in the ways of bicycling.
Yes.

Once they realize that, if I were driving a car instead, I would be much harder to pass, I think they kind of like me.

:D