banerjek

If you feel fear when you ride, it's a sign that you need to ride in easier conditions and work your way up. If you jump out of your skin because someone honked at you or buzzed you, it means two things: 1) you weren't paying enough attention because you failed to recognize the threat until it was too late; 2) once you did recognize the threat, you overreacted. Both of these will get you in trouble. There is a wide variety of dangers where you will have only a split second to react, and you have to respond in the way that will maximize the outcome for you.

Respect the threats, but don't let accident statistics scare you. Most cyclists have lousy riding skills, exercise poor judgment, and don't pay attention, so if you can address these issues, you will drastically reduce your odds of getting in trouble.

banerjek

Of course they don't look. Right hooks, people just jumping out, and other stuff are just a part of riding in towns. Being able to react appropriately is important. Being able to anticipate and mitigate threats early is even more important.

Riding with any presumption that people will do what they're supposed to is suicidal. Ride like they're trying to kill you, but don't take it personally.

beeballman

A little fear is a good thing, makes you more aware of the road your riding on. I normally ride on country roads with the group on Sunday's , these have light traffic and a fare sized shoulder. Now time to time I will ride from my house which means riding on 4 & 5 lane roads. You have to be careful, but also know what your doing. You have to get used to the traffic buzzing by, and not be jittery. In most cases the cars around here treat cyclists with respect and give us the 3' clearance the law says to give us. The more you ride, the more comfortable you will be riding in traffic. Just my two cents.

Paul Y.

Try and stay aware of your surroundings. Watch ahead but know whats going on in back of you.