Cycling safety question?

best to keep a good 'safety line' all the way down - in other words, draw a straight line in your mind about a meter (safe clearance) away from the parked cars all the way along that stretch unless there is a fair distance where there are none so you could move in to let some traffic pass. No point in weaving in and out, you'll be more at risk and make it more dangerous for drivers as you're 'line' will be wobblier! Obviously high vis clothing or brightly coloured is always a good idea. :-)

Always, always, always be at least 4 feet away from car doors. There's always some fool who doesn't look before opening their car door. It's a good way to get KILLED. Just a few days ago (Oct. 11, 2011) a lady in Ottawa, CA. (after striking a car door) was tossed out into the street & drug to death be another car. See link below.

The best way to ride safely is to be SEEN! If they (motorists) get angry - so what? At least the saw you. Do NOT play "hide 'n' go seek" by riding around a parked car & then back against the curb & then back out around another parked car. Ride as straight as possible. When you get around a parked car, maybe move a little more towards the curb - but only a foot or so. Again I emphasize the point...be SEEN!

Hi,

I think its dangerous don't go too far. Try in a road with no cars such as parks or gardens or a more safe place.

5-6 Years is a long time and always remember to wear the Cycling Helmet before going to cycle

This may be a difference in riding cultures, but I live in the urban midwest of the United States, and have been riding for about 10 years. The safest method in a city with heavy traffic is to hug the parked cars (maybe a foot between rider and parked car), and react to obstacles as they approach. Take an aggressive line and take your openings when you have them. Keep your speed as close to the flow of traffic as possible, and be aware of your surroundings at all time. This means whats behind you as well as in front. You should ride 10 feet ahead of yourself, and react to whats under your nose.

Stay towards the centre of the road. You do not want to get squeezed against the parked cars by cars overtaking you or people opening the car door on one of those parked cars as you are riding past *ouch*

Remember you have every right to be on the road - use your space!

You want to say out far enough that if someone open a door you don't hit it. I always ride about a meter from the edge so cars see me and slow down. When it is safe for them to pass I move over. This site may help.

http://bicyclesafe.com/

You can't cycle on the pavement because it's too narrow? Please go read read your Highway Code, you seem to have forgotten the Law. It is illegal to cycle on the pavement.