Subtitles

I stopped riding a couple of years ago, but I used to ride my bike to school all the time. I just bought myself a mountain bike, which I'll be able to start riding in a few days. Now that I live on a much busier street, I've realized how nervous I am about riding on the road.

I'll have to ride it home from it's tune-up in a few days, which means downtown and busy intersections. To get to any trails, I will also have to do a lot of road riding.

Is there a way I can get over this nervousness? Any tips? I don't drive, so I'm not compeletly confident in some road rules either which I'm sure has something to do with it (and I better start reading up on right now!).

AlmostTrick

For a good start lookie here:

https://bicyclesafe.com/

Also, you may find a rear view mirror helpful and reassuring. I do.

10 Wheels

Just ride slow. Stay alert. You will be fine.

rumrunn6

hi~vis ... HI~VIS! ... HI~ VIS! clothing and strobes
start with slow streets or Sunday mornings
keep researching

bikegeek57

did he mention HI-VIS? I agree go out on a quiet day or during the middle of day when things are quieter than rush hour. avoid rush hour if possible during commute. I have a flexible schedule and use it to get around the worst of the traffic. LIGHTS too in case you did not get that HI-VIS message? go easy and make it fun.

TwoHeadsBrewing

The most direct route is often not the best route by bike. Take a look on google maps and plot out a few different routes, then ride them over the course of a week. Then ride one that feels the best. The most direct route on my ride is 3.5 miles, but I go for the 5 mile route since it has less traffic, wider roads, and less stop lights.

sggoodri

https://www.canbike.net/cca_pages/tips-default.htm

https://www.toronto.ca/cycling/safety/car-bike.htm

cooleric1234

Don't be afraid to take the lane.

colleen c

Having a good mirror will help a lot.

hairnet

..

Big_Red

I think we are all a little nervous when we have to gt on a "busy" street. This is completely normal and OK. You will find as you ride that street more often you will start to understand how the drivers will act there. As stated above, if you don't like how the cars act on this road try finding another route via maps or some other means. Just don't let your fear stop you from at least giving it a try.

EKW in DC

+1 to all of the above. Don't forget a helmet, too (obviously).

As for traffic rules, if you want to bone up on them, you might wanna see if Ontario's DMV has a PDF version of the driver's manual you can download. I know a lot of states do. It should explain right of way issues, etc.

mjulius

Read The Art of Cycling by Robert Hurst

Everything and more in the https://bicyclesafe.com site.
Well written and thoughtful. His writing makes it make sense ... if that makes sense.

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Cycling-Bi.../dp/0762743166

AndrewP

Glasses or helmet mounted mirrors allow you to watch for gaps in the traffic when you want to make a left turn. Major city streets with two lanes in each direction are often easier to ride along. Cars can move into the next lane to pass, and there are fewer intersections where you have to stop.

Elkhound

The first thing to remember is that the drivers of cars don't want to hit you. If they do it will scratch the paint and mean a lot of hassel with insurance forms.

Ride predictably; don't swerve all over the road. Position yourself so that you are more or less where the right rear tire of a car would be. If you turn or change lanes, signal. Observe the traffic laws.

As was said above, seek alternative routes. They may even be quicker. As a bicycle, you can cut down back alleys, through parks, etc. where cars cannot go.

crazybikerchick

Do you live in Toronto? If so, I highly recommend signing up for a Can-bike course. Other cities in Ontario might have them too but I know Toronto definitely offers it.

Tips
1. Get a mirror
2. Don't hug the curb - right at least a metre out so you can stay in a relatively straight line and avoid gutter debris. If this means passing cars have to change lanes to pass you that means they do. Encouraging them to pass too closely is not safe for you either!
3. Look for routes with bike lanes if possible
4. Don't pass cars on the right generally, but particularly if they are signalling a right turn. I don't know how many novice cyclists I see do this, then nearly get right hooked, then claim how horrible it is to ride in traffic. Either wait behind a right-turning vehicle, or pass it on the left.

The MTO actually publishes a cycling guide which may be useful:
https://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pub...de/index.shtml

It does remind cyclists they can use the whole lane if it is not wide enough to share.

spyro1123

Relax, i promise cars smell fear, so stay calm and predictable and you willb e fine

jeffpoulin

All good advice. Cycling is not perfectly safe, but then again, nothing else is either. Just try to ride as safely as you can, be visible, and pay attention to what's going on around you. In time, you'll learn the little things that keep you even safer, such as giving young children and pets wide birth, because they're highly unpredictable. If someone is taking a photo of someone else, don't ride between them because invariably after the photographer snaps the photo they will walk towards each other without looking where they're going. When coming to an intersection, always be prepared that the car on your left may turn right. Little stuff like that.

Jude

The only way to stop being nervous about riding on the road is to just start riding on the road, like so many other things.

atbman

Also - https://www.canadian-cycling.com/cca/.../canbike.shtml

Tober1

I commute in Toronto daily. Every day I see cyclists doing things that put them at risk. They blame the cars of course.
3 things I find most important.

1. Don't ride against the curb or parked cars. Maintain some space so you can avoid pedestrians and opening car doors.
2. Ride in a straight line! This will get better with time. When a car sees that you can maintain a straight line they will feel more comfortable passing you which is better than a car driving right behind you waiting for space to gun it around you.
3. Be aware! Pass right turners on the LEFT of the car. Don't bomb intersections of any kind without looking for traffic. If you need one, get a mirror.

I see so many clueless cyclists riding with headphones, wobbling around, and not paying attention. These are usually the ones that get hurt.
If you realize that it's pretty much up to you to avoid any car interactions you will be a much safer.

That said, it's really not that bad once you get used to it

Lot's Knife

Fear is part of the fun.

Subtitles

Wow thank you everyone so much for the great advice! I feel a lot better about it now. I'm excited to see what alternative routes I can find, bet I'll have some adventures! I think the one thing I will have the most problem with is taking the lane when I have to. Like everyone said, I just gotta get out there and start doing it!

10 Wheels

The traffic will move over for you.

https://www.youtube.com/user/lurksmar...87/wgPlcE5Epys

exile

Be predictable and visible as a cyclist. Also the more times you ride your route the easier it becomes. You become used to traffic and traffic becomes used to you.

You will get the occasional knuckle heads who pass to close (on purpose or not) or yell out of the vehicle (something about the meaning of life or the winning lottery numbers (thats what I think they are trying to tell me)). Just keep riding and don't worry about it.

Commuterize your bike as necessary. If you are doing trail riding sporadically or just during the weekends I would probably change the tires to slicks and change over to knobbies when necessary. Learn basics bike maintenance as well (cleaning, adjustments, flat repair, checkups, etc.). A rear blinkie and reflective vest is a relatively small investment that will greatly enhance safety.