Congratulations for discovering that bicycle riding is a real mode of transportation.

Ride at any speed you feel comfortable. Sometimes I can go as fast as 40km/hr on a downhill. Other times I keep at a more leisurely pace. Most of the time, my average speed is about 15km/hr in a 60km/hr zone. Bear in mind that the slower you go, the easier for motorists to pass you – and that’s a good thing if you want to avoid the impatient road rager.

Keep in mind traffic laws usually say to ride as far right as safety allows. Which means you can ride as far to the left as you can to avoid the sewer grates, the garbage, the glass, the potholes and other hazards usually near the curb. You’ll also want to ride as far to the left as possible so traffic won’t be tempted to squeeze by you but to change lanes as they should. If you have ever driven, you’ll know the temptation to squeeze a cyclist simply because he or she is so far to the right. Many places now state a 3foot clearance is now the law.

Pick up a bicycle route map. Usually they are filled with illustrations regarding biking in traffic. If you hold a valid driver’s license, you will know the traffic laws. Avoid the temptation of running stop signs and red lights. Your judgement isn’t any better than everybody else’s anyways.