Having just read the Rogers Rabbits column I thought I would drop a line.
I am a long-term high-mileage cyclist (in my 50s, riding daily most of my life) of the ‘daily transport' type rather than the ‘Lycra clad' type.
I once did a few months as a cycle courier in Central London, so I know my way around traffic so to speak.
Following the recent spate of cyclist deaths I thought I would pass on some (mainly obvious, but still largely ignored) ‘common-sense' tips to other cyclists or would-be-cyclists.
BE HIGHLY VISIBLE:- Drivers may ‘see' you without you wearing High Visibility gear, but they will better ‘notice' you and be likely to react to your presence in time to avoid you if you are Highly Visible.
Its the difference between Seeing and Perceiving.
Those road workers don't wear orange vests to make a fashion statement, and the Fluoro safety vests they wear (20 bucks from an industrial safety shop) will help keep you alive on your bike.
DO NOT RIDE TWO ABREAST:- One of your main advantages over other road users in avoiding collisions is your manoeuvrability.
You lose this if you are unable to change direction without hitting other cyclists. It is also bad manners re' other road users.
RIDE DEFENSIVELY:- Always be thinking well ahead. Watch parked cars occupants (are they about to open the door?) and plan your pulling out wide enough to avoid them before you get to parked vehicles, watch for signs of cars changing direction (head movements, hands shifting on steering wheels, front tyres starting to turn), watch for brake lights several vehicles ahead (not just the ones immediately in front).
Learn the types of driver and vehicle which present a particularly high risk (as I lad I learned to be very wary of Ford Capris) - there are patterns to vehicle types and driving styles (ask anyone who works in Insurance)
And never, ever, listen to your iPod or whatever as you ride.
Your hearing is one of your main defensive tools on a bike, and it is vital to be completely aware of what is happening around you if you are to remain safe.
Happy (and parking hassle-free!) riding,
Simon Page, Tauranga.