Road Cycling - Newbie needs biking tips

I am buying a bike tomorrow and I would like everyones input on what tips and rules of the road I should know.

Ride a bike on the road like you would drive a car. Obey all traffic rules. This includes stoplights and stopsigns (I might make an exception for empty rural roads). It also includes arm signals, turning left from the left lane, etc. The reasons are the following: 1. if you behave like a car, the cars will be able to predict better what you are going to do. 2. bikes want to be respected by the automotive world. To earn that respect, they have to follow the rules, too.

On the road, give yourself a good 3-4 ft. (1 meter) between you and the edge of the road. It may take some getting used to. And, of course, some situations don’t allow it. The reasons: you need an escape route and there will be less debris a bit further from the edge. Also, you’ll be more present to the cars, causing them to see you and to think as they go around you.

Ride defensively (this should be a logical consequence of my first point). I ride with the assumption that most cars have the potential to do something stupid at exactly the moment where it is most dangerous for me.

have fun!

Get the book Effective Cycling by John Forrester. It distills all the sense that used to be common.

Don't let motorists intimidate you. You have a right to the road too.
<--- See my avatar?

Always make "eye contact" with a driver who is pulling out of a driveway or at an intersection. This way you will know that he sees you.

Stay in the right lane when going straight. If you live in a country where cars drive on the left, stay in the left lane. Do not ride in turn lanes (unless you are turning) because when they end, you you have to move back into the regular lane of traffic.

BE PREDICTABLE !! Motorists often don't know how to drive near a cyclist or how to safely pass. If you are predictable in your riding, it will help them to navigate around you.
In other words, ride only on the road. Do not alternate between the road and a sidwalk or dart in and out between parked cars.

most of the posts before me covered all the main points, but something I try to remember when I ride with traffic (especially when I can get up to a fast speed where vehicles may be tempted to speed up and pass me :eek: ) anyways it is "Cars are always out to get you, and can never see you" Meaning that you should always anticipate that a car might do something to endanger you, and remember you are hard to see (or so drivers say) so try to be predictable and visible (bright clothing isn't a bad idea)...

oh yeah one last thing, wear a helmet :)

Most of the stuff has been covered.

But

1) Ride like you are a very slow motorized vehicle.
2) Most rookie cyclists fear being struck by a car approaching from behind ..... statistically speaking this is an extremely rare event. Most car bike accidents occur at intersections at low speeds.
3) One of the favorite things for drivers to do is pass you, then slow and turn right - either over you or you ride into the car broadside. A trick to combat this is at intersections with low speed traffic is to drift out to the left (take the lane) and force cars to stay behind you.
4) Most bike accidents are caused by potholes and other hazards in the road. Be vigilent.
5) Cyclists actually have only half the fatality rate per hour of motorists. Cycling is actually safer. I know, it does not FEEL that way but it is. I believe that for experienced cyclists, the fatality rate is probably something like 1/10 of that of motorists.
6) Be predictable. Ride a straight line. Signal your intentions. Be assertive when you have to be.
7) Statistically speaking 80% of bicycle fatalities are bike/vehicle accidents but nearly 50% of these occur at night (presumably people riding without lights - sort of the Darwin Awards bike style). Cars account for a minority of bike injuriers - about 1/10. Cars are a hazard but not as serious as they appear.

For an in depth discussion of riding on the road, I have not seen a better book the Forester's "Effective Cycling". I very highly recommend it.

In addition to getting the book, "Effective Cycling", take an Effective Cycling class. It is well worth the time and cost.

I took the class in October 2000 and learned a great deal. And having the instructor critique your riding helps a lot. :thumbup: