Most novice cyclists hate riding in crowded urban areas. “Too dangerous on the road” and “no special bike lane” are the problems that many novice cyclists suffer from. So here are some tips for newbies to ride in urban areas, so that they can ride their bikes more safely.
First: Looking forward
Don’t worry too much about what’s going on behind you. New riders are now afraid of being hit from behind. However, the most common collisions are not caused by the car behind. The city’s major motor vehicle or bicycle accidents occur when a car or bicycle crosses into the other lane at an intersection or travel lane – especially when the car turns in front of the cyclist.
Second: Stay upright and compact
Learn how not to sway when looking backward. This is an important skill for surviving on busy streets. Practice riding in a straight line on a quiet road or in a parking lot. If you can do so, try to turn your head to the left while still keeping it straight. Slightly lower your left shoulder and keep your right shoulder level. Don’t rely on afterimages. You should be able to turn your head to the point where you can make eye contact.
Third: Illuminate
Equip yourself and your car with lighting so that you can be seen. Bright colors attract attention, and your helmet is a possible eye-catcher. Adorn your helmet as well as your frame with as much reflective material as possible. From dusk to dawn, use a side-visible headlight and a high-beam taillight. In fact, seeing two headlights can help drivers estimate speed and distance better than seeing only one.
Fourth: Present your position
Use your position in the lane to show your intentions. When you are ready to merge or turn left, move to the left side of the lane. Drive in a straight line at a steady speed, staying in the middle of the lane – the speed should be about the same as everyone else. Moving to the right indicates that you want to merge to the right, turn right, or allow passing behind you.
Fifth: Constantly observe the lines of motion around you
On both sides of the road, any vehicles and pedestrians that you have just passed but may pass you again later. Don’t be disturbed by vehicles, sounds, or events outside your line; initially, this takes a lot of practice and eventually becomes an instinctive response.
Sixth: Know your cues
There is a lot of information in the scene in front of you. When you see someone greeting a cab that is swinging behind you, it means that he may soon be rushing over to turn in not necessarily which direction – even without a turn signal. Likewise, a pedestrian hesitating to cross the street indicates that something might be about to run a red light. Whatever it is, it will soon be rushing into your path.
Seventh: Watch for oncoming traffic in the opposite direction
Don’t be hindered by cars coming from the opposite direction to make a left turn. This can happen when you’re following a line of cars through an intersection. The driver on the other side of the road calculates to start his turn behind the last car. He may not see you. Follow the last car closely or even parallel to it. Otherwise, slow down and prepare to break.
Eighth: Correct left turn
The same rule applies to left turns. If you turn closely with the car in front of you, you are less likely to be hit by an oncoming car. If there is no motor vehicle ahead of you, brake and wait for the gap to pass.
Ninth: Check the blind spot
Drivers will poke their heads into the road, looking for opportunities to merge, when their view is often limited. When you approach such a place, stand on the footrest and try to make eye contact. Occupy the middle of the lane and check for room to avoid to the left.
Tenth: Know the space you’re riding in
Many novices are squeezed between cars and can’t move or are afraid to cross even when they see a gap they can pass.