Keithmj

I was surfing the web and found these videos by Keri Caffrey. The one I want to feature is called "Bicycling in traffic is a dance you lead". https://vimeo.com/9827254 Some of you have probably seen this but for new ones to commuting like me it helps to deal with the scary part of riding in the street with all the traffic. She has several videos you might like to see..Notice how they take control of the lane..Cheers

rumrunn6

one of those riders needs a strobe for that deep shade and something brighter than a dark blue t-shirt

SunnyFlorida

I found the tips pretty useful even though I definitely don't have the experience or the speed to ride in a regular traffic lane.

I did venture out into the bike lane today and kept in mind the important tip to "own the lane". Saying this to myself a number of times eventually stopped me from scurrying back to the sidewalk when I felt the cars were a tad to close for comfort.

Keithmj

That is a start. Just be careful and use your mirror. If you don't have one get one. I check my mirror all the time. Also use a rear blinkie to get the drivers attention or a High Vis vest. When I ride home in Saint Petersburg, Florida at 11:00 pm I use three blinkies, Reflective vest and bands on my ankles besides the front lights. If the lane is not wide enough for a bike and a car I always take the lane. If you don't you'll be squeezed off the road. It takes awhile to get use to doing it and you still have to be careful, and drivers will still honk at you at times but you'll get use to it, and after you do it awhile the drivers will also get use to you being there.

On Fridays take the backroads and side streets if you can, more drunks are out and everyone is in a hurry to get home. Be extra careful on the weekend also. Just stay safe.

I really liked their videos and hope they make more..Maybe I'll do one or two..

Doohickie

Speed is irrelevant. Even if you're tooling along at 25 mph, the cars will still view you as slow.

Keri is probably the best ambassador for vehicular cycling/transportation cycling I know. She does a great job getting the message out.

rumrunn6

"bike" lane? bear in mind a little bit of paint on the roadway does not make a sanctuary

Doohickie

Meh. I started on the sidewalk. Who am I to criticize? Just ride. Expand your envelope. The rest will come naturally.

SunnyFlorida

Not to worry I didn't think you were being critical at all.

I'm gonna ride where I feel safe but not at the gross expense of others (especailly pedestrians). I'm lucky that I'm able to fulfill both objectives for now.

As time goes by, I have and can see myself going from sidewalk to road, more frequently, as oppose to only sticking to the sidewalk, no matter what.