Basics Of City Cycling | Safety and Confidence

If you've not done it before, city cycling can be a little daunting. Emma, Si and Chris take you through some important considerations when you are new to cycling in an urban environment.

In association with Schindlehauer Bikes, Brooks, PedalEd and Cycliq.

Cycling in an urban environment can be a little different when you are used to being in the open countryside. It's important to always be prepared and one way of doing this is to plan your routes. This can help you incorporate more bike paths and avoid highly congested areas. Apart from the obvious of having a bike, there is actually not that much equipment an urban cyclist needs. We would also advise a helmet, lights and a lock in case you need to do some shopping. Finally, remember to stick to the rules of the road and treat other road users as you'd wish to be treated yourself.

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Leave us a comment below!

[jaspervandevyver]

As a beginning bike commuter, I really like this "urban" series

[omardin]

I love the fact the small blonde lady shopping for plants on her town bike is a world champion at going bloody fast!

[agleesb]

Couldn't agree more on the being courteous advice. A little acknowledgement that you're gonna hold up a car for a few seconds with a raised hand or similar goes a long way. Also, picked up in the USA the call of "on your right/left" when passing pedestrians or cyclists from behind, it just helps them mentally prepare/warn for when you come by. Might prevent them from stepping out sideways, or moving off line at a bad moment.

[gcn]

Have you got a friend who is new to cycling in a city? Be sure to share this with them!

[LegSpinna]

It's also handy to have a D Lock if you're involved in an altercation.

[richardhill]

I've found not every pedestrian will recognize a bike bell, and sometimes you have to say "on your left" or something of the sort. Also, Im a really big fan of racks/baskets/panniers, I've always found backpacks slightly uncomfortable and very sweaty when Im cycling.

[jamesbarels]

City cycling is fantastic. Love riding in traffic. Aa great way to help learn to assert yourself too. Can't be timid riding in traffic.

I was taught at school, here in Canada, how to signal on your bike. I think that is something you should include in a future video, assuming that is common practice in most other jurisdictions. Unfortunately where I live now people have very poor cycling etiquette. The worst is the number of people who ride against traffic.

[karinmaier]

I love this city cycling series, because for many it is the start into cycling life, commuting another step further until you end up with a road bike and are faced with the n+1 issue (that way at least it has been for me). Courtesy is a big thing but also self-confidence, shared space means that you are allowed to be there, even if others (often cars) do not agree. Overall: just don't be a jerk and get your expectations right, racing through a pedestrian zone is just not possible so don't get stressed out if you're forced to go slower, safe and enjoyable cycling (no matter where and with what bike)! :-)

[JonathanWhoever]

This is my first week using the bike for transportation. I've figured about $6.98 saved in gas alone. Not to mention wear and tear on the 5000lbs van setting in the driveway.

[halincandenza]

I found that beginners sometimes ride too slowly (out of fear) without realising that they are just making it harder for themselves. Also beginners often hug the curb instead of using a confortable amount of space.

[markmarlatt]

Would love to see a series on bikes or features of bikes for urban riding or commuting. I know you can use anything but there are so many alternative options that don't get covered on your typical content. I'm personally on an old giant iguana with a solid fork and some bontrager h5 hard-case tires because of all the glass I ride through.

[temporalsoliton]

Oh my! Open jacket and panniers Emma? The aero gods are crying. =)

[DowellPa]

Very happy to see this in my sub box. Really liked the first episode on urban riding!

[wPatrickSF]

Most pedestrians today have earphones. A gentile "ring" of a bell is going to go unnoticed.
I always yell out "on your left".
Most peds turn to their left. 😂😂😂

[tIPODgraphic]

Hi. There is something very important about lights. In Europe, the front and rear lights can not be intermittent, only permanent light. At least, this is what the road circulation regulations dictate, although not logic. In Germany, for example, it is forbidden to sell devices that have the intermittent light mode. By the way, in my opinion and I think that in most people, with flashing lights it is easier to see you. I think it is a rule inherited from motor vehicles, which can circulate at a higher speed and through the center of the road, but with the bikes the regulations should evolve or adapt, we are going to less speed, with less visual volume and in an area very limited

[badabing]

I would add:

1. put a mirror on your handlebar -at least the right one.
2. Wear a camera to catch and warn off close passes.

[josephmullan]

Confidence is the #1 best point when it comes to safety. The confidence to move into and take the middle lane when turning right (in uk, left in us) and to move into the middle section when crossing at a junction makes cycling much much safer. Squeezing yourself to the edge of the lane will just make cars pass you even closer and make those awkward turns even harder. Also, never ever break traffic laws (stop at red lights and zebra crossings). Amount of time you make up rarely makes a difference and makes us all look bad

[DarthScosha]

Advice I would like to give is stay predictable. Predictable traffic causes less accidents, don't give way to drivers etc if you have the right of way, and don't feel pressured to move out a junction just because someone signals you.

[borismarkov]

I found a bar end mirror to be crucial in the city. People tend to swerve a little when doing head checks, and it takes your attention off where you’re going for longer.

No one else uses them? I’m I just uncool?

[steezymtb]

Great way to live up to your name, doing things beyond road racing stuff. Thumbs up.