Many people cite safety fears as the reason they wouldn't commute by bike. But millions of people do it safely each day, and as long as you remember some important strategies for dealing with common hazards, you should arrive at your workplace with a smile on your face every day.
We asked cycling skills and safety consultant John Franklin to run through the basics of riding in traffic safely, from anticipating problems before they happen to assuming the safest position on the road and choosing the right kit.
Related: Ten things that'll make every cycle commuter furious
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1. Anticipate problems before they arise
“Always expect the worst,” says Franklin, author of How to be a Better Cyclist and Cyclecraft. A cyclist’s emergency reaction time equates to a distance of 6m at 15mph and up to 10m at 25mph – and then if you have to stop, braking distances will have to be added to this too.
To keep your reaction time to the bare minimum, it's a good idea to cover the brakes with one or two fingers on busy roads, in towns and on descents.
2. Watch your surroundings carefully
3. Claim the best road position
3. Negotiate carefully with other road users
4. Hone your riding skills
5. Choose the right kit
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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