most people think they "know how to ride a bike" if they can pedal and not fall off. i'd suggest taking an on-road bicycle safety course, like bikeability. it's sort of like defensive-driving for bicyclists. no matter how much you think you know, you'll learn something new.
also, follow some of the helmet-cam bicyclists on youtube. you can review these "incident" videos and go over in your head (or in the comments) "what could have been done differently? what can be learned from this incident?" some of these videos attract good commentary that you can learn from, other videos attract venomous bike-hate.
always have more lights/reflectives than the legal minimum. sometimes they really don't see you, or more likely, they don't process that you're there.
when riding on MUPs, have a bell. MUPs with i-pod zomies, have an air-zound.
one thing i learned the hard way... braking with only one hand on the bar could turn very bad, very quickly. i've been riding bicycles and motorcycles almost since i could walk, and that was the only time i went over the bars.
Originally Posted by
old's'cool
- lesson: when you're going as fast as motor traffic when approaching a curve, take the lane.
why just when approaching a curve? ANY time i'm moving with other traffic (this includes stop-and-go traffic if i'm not filtering) i have no reason to be anywhere but a strong primary position. primary position should be a "default", and leaving primary should be done to facilitate safe overtaking by other vehicles. if your moving with traffic, there's no reason to facilitate an overtake. i think i've learned this lesson best by reviewing helmet-cam footage from myself and others.