"Don’t cycle during rush hour
Don’t wear head phones
Don’t overtake on the inside
Be well lit and wear reflective clothing at night
Invest in some form or recording device
And wear a helmet "
And ride with the sense that everything and everyone else on the roads wants to and will try to kill you. |
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By *ornLordMan
over a year ago
Wiltshire and London |
"Don’t cycle during rush hour
Don’t wear head phones
Don’t overtake on the inside
Be well lit and wear reflective clothing at night
Invest in some form or recording device
And wear a helmet
And ride with the sense that everything and everyone else on the roads wants to and will try to kill you. "
All of this - and I’d add that you’re never as visible as you think you are, so lights on day and night and beware of SMIDSY - “sorry mate, I didn’t see you”. Even 20-20 human vision has blind spots... |
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Don’t buy or wear black, dark or grey cycling clothes. Helps avoid the SMIDSY excuse.
Don’t jump, ride through or anticipate traffic lights.
Finally, be careful about head cameras. You don’t want to be in an accident with the camera shoved through your helmet into your cranium.
Otherwise good luck OP. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Ride into London most week days. All the above great advice. I also put the money i save into a jar every day. Helps to keep.riding in the shit weather. Then spend it on something fun. |
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" And ride with the sense that everything and everyone else on the roads wants to and will try to kill you. "
Excellent advice.
It's not if you'll be knocked off your bike or a numpty walks out directly in your path, it's when and how many times. |
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By *ominantDogMan
over a year ago
Manchester, Docklands, Exmoor |
Don't forget to enjoy it.
The City shrinks once you are on a bike, commute times stay consistent and you will probably feel better about yourself.
Staying visible doesn't require day glow but do spend on quality lights, I can recommend brands and models as required.
Assume people will make poor choices and try not to be too harsh when they do (the latter bit may take a while). |
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Firstly - cycling in the city is great fun so enjoy...
I used to be a cycle courier (on and off for 10 years) and still ride a lot, so from my point of view, if you’re used to city traffic, confident and are pretty quick, that’s the best scenario. If you’re cycling at a similar speed to the traffic, relatively, the difference between you and the cars is small and so can react to it. I find stationary cars, pedestrians and sometimes cycle lanes (Captive in the lanes or stop and start randomly) the biggest hazard on the road.... Either way, ride how it feels right and have fun! |
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"Thanks all! Those are great tips 
Would you also recommend taking insurance? I’m a bit in love with a fairly expensive ebike, but I’m sure it will get stolen at some point...  "
Lock the front wheel to the back wheel with the most expensive lock you can find.
“ people spend a small fortune on a bike but pittance on a lock “.
Take the seat with you.
If you have to lock your bike up try to do it in an area that is relatively busy with cctv cameras around, secure it to purposely designed frames, high or solid structures and not small sign post poles.
And get your bike security marked by and registered with the police. |
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By *ominantDogMan
over a year ago
Manchester, Docklands, Exmoor |
"Buy a Brompton, worth every penny "
Agreed. They are quick to accelerate, fun to ride, reliable, can be taken inside virtually everywhere so no need to lug a lock about, bag on front takes care of backpack issue and there is an electric version which I have borrowed and been very impressed with.
They also offer a try before you buy and hold their value as well as any bike on the market.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I've commuted by bike for 30 years. A huge tip, get a large scale map and look for routes that avoid main roads, find parks, tow paths, off road routes and lanes. It can be a fun challenge, see geese, swans and ducks on your way. |
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Join LCC (london cycling campaign)... Free 3rd party insurance, 10% off in most bike shops and lots of advice.
And...
Cycle like you are driving a car. Be present on the road, own it and read it. Be assertive and obey the rules.
You won't have many issues then.
Cyclists often fall foul when being scared and timid on the road, and get squeezed by other vehicles. |
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By *ornLordMan
over a year ago
Wiltshire and London |
"Join LCC (london cycling campaign)... Free 3rd party insurance, 10% off in most bike shops and lots of advice.
And...
Cycle like you are driving a car. Be present on the road, own it and read it. Be assertive and obey the rules.
You won't have many issues then.
Cyclists often fall foul when being scared and timid on the road, and get squeezed by other vehicles. "
All good advice here. |
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(Pedals, shoes etc y’fule!)