rms13

Definitely find quieter roads if possible to start off while you get comfortable. And learn to be hyper aware. Be aware of vehicles 50 feet ahead of you not just ones next to you. Be especially aware of cross walks, drive ways, alleys, entrances to shopping centers and parallel parked cars and stay out of the door zone. I tried a mirror for a little while but found it more of a distraction than a help. Learn to be comfortable turning your head to look behind you. Get bright lights if you have to ride at night ( I don't chose to but I commute by bike so over the winter I have choice). Expect drivers to not see you, run red lights and stop signs and as you see try to take turns in front of your path

howellhandmade

I don't like traffic much either, but it's part of the deal. Personally, I pay as much attention to when I ride as where. Weekend mornings are golden, the earlier the better. Weekday mornings are pretty bad, unless you have a route that's not anyone's commute. Lots of angry people in those cars. I rarely have time later in the day, but midday can be all right. You'll have traffic but not so many VIPs late for work.

Cafe

Just gotta be smart and safe. Use a blinkie light at night for front and rear? Night riding is fun too...less cars to boot.

RoadTire 

Not sure if you mean, "lose the paranoia." If so, that is what you want to lose, because you will make bad decisions and hesitate. Be aware, assertive but not taking chances, and ride low traffic and MUPS for a nicer ride. I dislike traffic so ride in low traffic areas and times. When the traffic is high I stay on the MUP, because it is all about enjoyment and not being worried about getting creamed. One of the reasons I gave up motorcycles is high-speed traffic and high-speed accident worries.

rick458

Having worked in Chemical plants and Refineries the last 30 years has taught me complacency can kill
but being too nervous is a distraction as well.
Good news is that if I start commuting I will be riding at 4:00, bad news is I would have to ride back at 5:00

Guys there is a lot of very good info you have provided.

Machka 

1. Start by riding on quiet side roads.
2. Hi-vis jerseys, jackets, etc.
3. Reflective stuff.
4. Lights, especially at night.
5. Mirror to see behind.
6. No earbuds, headphones, etc. ... listen to your surroundings.
7. Pay attention to your surroundings in general.
8. Ride confidently, in a straight line (predictable path), signal your intentions ... and don't be afraid to take evasive action if necessary. (I've ridden onto dirt shoulders or up onto footpaths on occasions)
9. Know that you are invisible. Most drivers won't see you ... chances are other cyclists and pedestrians won't see you either. Despite the hi-vis stuff, reflective gear, lights, etc. when you start pedalling somehow you activate a cloaking device. So don't make any presumptions that the driver must see you in all your bright kit ... assume they don't see you, even when you're right in front of them.

the sci guy 

I was pretty bummed to hear about it last week. Saw him during this years MS150.

Team Sarcasm

Get blinky lights. Day, night, morning, dusk, use them all the time.

gsa103

These can't be stressed enough. You want to be predictable, and always make sure that you have an out route for cars who look like they might turn (slowing) or pull out. Shooting passed a line of stopped cars feels great, but its asking to have the lead car turn directly in front of you. As a practical matter, when approaching a line of stopped cars, I will simply take my place in line, unless I'm absolutely sure A) I can get to the front before the light turn and B) the lead car isn't turning. Don't worry about being stuck in a line of cars, the average cyclist can accelerate with a car from 0-10 mph, at which point you can safely move right.

Jimbosays

In addition to using good, attention getting lighting (day & night) I remain impressed with how much more clearance vehicles tend to offer me on the road when wearing a basic, cheap OSHA-approved safety vest.

Liberty HiVizGard Polyester All Mesh Fabric Class 2 Safety Vest with 2" Wide Silver Reflective Stripes and 1 Pocket, 2X-Large, Fluorescent Lime Green
Liberty Glove & Safety
Link: https://amzn.com/B00C9R3BHQ

Lanceoldstrong

I depend on the Take a Look Mirror.
It takes a little eye training and practice on a couple rides, then it is indispensable.


It gives a wide field of view behind and to the side with excellent optics.
I ride 5,000-6,000 miles are year and can't imagine not using it.

TheVakman

This.

SirHustlerEsq

Get a bright, blinky light for the rear and I basically refuse to ride solo. I was hit and severely injured almost one year ago so it's still fresh in my mind. Cars are way more respectful when there is more than one rider on the road.

Nick94804

If I'm at all worried, I move into the lane. The more room I give a cager hauling a camper trailer, the less room they give me. So I take the room I need to feel comfortable.

wallrat

How do mirrors make you safer? It's usually pretty hard to dodge a car if it comes up to you fast. I personally think it's better to keep your focus on the road ahead of you and sound cues. But to each their own.

Machka 

Mirrors help you determine whether what is coming up behind you is really as big as it sounds. Sometimes vehicles sound big but are actually quite small. Sometimes vehicles sound big and are even bigger - wide loads, etc.

Knowing the size of what's coming up behind can help you decide whether to just keep riding as normal, to move over a bit and hold your line, or perhaps to get off the road and stop.

rick458

A mirror will keep ME from turning in front of a car

OldTryGuy

Many newer cars are very quiet while moving. Hybrid and electric cars are sometimes inaudible. A proper performing bicycle is also extremely quiet as it sneaks up.

With the use of a mirror, the approaching vehicle can be seen 1/4 mile back. Doubt very much if the hearing abilities of any cyclist can detect the noise of that vehicle over the noise created by the air rushing by one's ears.

Ridelots24

I noticed cars give me a wider gap after i started using my Dinotte back light.

modelmartin

It is not paranoia if they actually are trying to hit you! My working assumption on the road is that everyone will do everything possible to hit me and i go from there.

merlinextraligh

Take this course:

Traffic Skills 101 .:. Home .:. League of American Bicycles Online Education

Also read this:

Is Cycling Dangerous? -- The Risk of Bicycle Use -- Accidents, Fatalities, Injuries, and Benefits


As for your right hook paranoia, it's good to be paranoid in this regard, but it's totally manageable, just assume that at every intersection, or driveway, the cars coming behind are going to turn right in front of you, and be prepared to either stop or turn with them if they do.

As for fear of being hit from the rear, realize that it's a small percentage of car/bike accidents, with the majority coming at intersection. So worry more about what's in front of you, and that you can control.

wallrat

I live in Northern California. Every other car is a hybrid and my wife drives a Volt. I'm pretty aware of quiet cars. What good is it to know that there is a car 1/4 of the mile back? Unless that car is swerving all over the road and looks like a maniac, it doesn't serve much purpose. Same for a bike. The mirror would obviously keep you from being surprised by a bike or a car but I don't think it'd make you necessarily safer. If someone was on a collision course with you it wouldn't be readily noticeable in a mirror. I'd argue it'd just get you more paranoid about every passing car or bike. That's why I prefer to keep my eyes on the road ahead of me and keep myself visible with a blinky or a bright shirt if I'm not riding in a group.

delcrossv

Look here:CyclingSavvy - A Program of the American Bicycling Education Association
Wear high viz clothing
Use a mirror
Ride predictably
Use lights (rear on even in the daytime)
Stop worrying.

flatlander_48

My sentiments exactly. I started doing a lot of riding on streets and roads when I was in Taiwan. The problem is that if you are on a street with cars parked on both sides, the danger is in front of you in terms of people opening car doors, people running out from between parked cars to cross the street, missing sewer grates, etc. Anything that diverts your attention from the 180deg in front of you can create a major problem.

Further, I do not usually ride in the center of a lane. The point about invisibility is well taken. The question is then why present a target?

banerjek

Complete nonsense.

You can tell exactly where everyone is and exactly how fast they're going. When I see people idiots coming down to buzz me, I drift *towards* them to mess with their heads and create space to work with. You can then set up to be missed by less than a foot with full confidence that everything will be fine. You can tell distracted drivers from people who are intentionally trying to scare you by how they move. Sound is great in tame weather/traffic conditions. Add heavy fast moving traffic or strong wind, and you won't hear anything until it's too late.

This.

That uneasiness is your spidey sense telling you you're in over your head. As you gain more experience, you'll become more comfortable. Being scared can cause you to fixate on things and overreact -- both of these decrease your safety.