How can I have greater presence on busy roads?
CHRIS BENNETT, HEAD OF BEHAVIOUR CHANGE AT SUSTRANS
“First things first: get out of the gutter. Riding too close to the kerb can give drivers the green light to overtake when it’s not safe. While it may seem like a sensible option, riding in a more assertive position – about an arm’s length away from the kerb – is much better practice. This means you’re more visible and, if someone does overtake, you have more space to move into on the left.
Eye contact is invaluable, too. You’re looking for the driver’s recognition – it cuts through the barrier or ‘bubble’ some roadusers have. So when approaching a junction, a roundabout or turning onto a different road, making eye contact with drivers can help you work out if they’ve seen you or not, giving you a better indication of whether you should move off. In general, you’ll do that best by cycling where drivers are looking – centrally, away from the kerb and ahead of them. Also, ensure you indicate. It’s arguably better to exaggerate signals so that vehicles behind and in front know when you’re about to turn off a road. If you’re nervous about seeming overly assertive, Loffi sell cycling gloves with a smiley face on the palm so you can send positive vibes to passers-by!”
MATT WOODCOCK, CYCLING UK TRAINING MANAGER
“The common type of car/ cyclist collision usually involves the line, ‘Sorry, mate, I didn’t see you’. Making other road-users aware of your presence begins with building confidence. For instance, if you’re using a new route regularly for your commute, ride it first at a quieter time of the day, just to familiarise yourself with things like junctions and traffic light sequences. It’ll make things less daunting during rush hour.
And never take risks. If you’re entering roads from an obscured location, wait until there’s a sizeable gap in the traffic. As you roll away from the junction, ease into a position so that you’re not hugging the kerb and can be seen clearly.
This visibility is even more important at ‘pinch-points’ in the road, so ride even more centrally in order to register in a driver’s field of vision. This means riding where the car would have to cross the central white lines to drive past you. Less assertive cyclists worry that being further out may put them in the way of traffic. It won’t – you are the traffic.
Finally, have a greater visible night-time presence. I’m as guilty as many cyclists in that a lot of my kit is black. Wearing brighter, reflective kit and even having additional lighting – I have a light on my helmet just to increase visibility – will guarantee that you’ll have that greater presence on the road.”
“Making other road users aware of your presence begins with building confidence”