Speaker: The biggest reason for not riding in the city is worrying about safety. It can be
quite scary with busy junctions and lots of moving cars, but it doesn't need to be. Now, with a bit
of advice and some regular riding, you can build up your skill level and your confidence. In this
video, I'm going to give you tips to help make you feel safe, confident, and in control while riding.
All right. Let's go, shall we? [music]
Before you set off, make sure whatever bike you're riding that it's well maintained and in good
working order. Check your brakes, that they're going to work when you need them. Check your tire
pressure is correct. That way you'll stop getting yourself all those punctures. Why not check your
gears too to make sure they don't slip? Keeping a bike in tip-top shape will ensure you won't get
distracted with any squeaks or any rattles. Once you've done that then you can hit the streets.
[music] Equip your bike with front and rear lights,
especially in the winter, but you could also do this in the summer. This will help you get visible
in night riding, but also on those gloomy daylight hours too. It's also a good idea to leave the
lights on your bike. That way you'll never forget them. Why not think about adding a bell to your
bike too? This will ensure that pedestrians know and are aware of your presence. Being prepared and
equipped will help you reduce and manage all those hazards that the city can throw at you.
Pedestrians, traffic, and busy workers, and also, yes, those unexpected surprises.
[music] This can't be the way.
Where's the office? Is it down this street? The biggest fear of the city riding is getting lost,
not knowing where you're going. Top tip for you. If you can find a colleague or a friend that you
could follow then do so. That way you can focus on you and your surroundings instead of directions.
If you have to ride solo, unfortunately I am because well, I've got in a maze,
then it's okay to stop. Pull over in a safe area and check the route and check a map. Know exactly
where you're going before you set off again. The last thing you want to do is get fixated on a
navigation app or something attached to your bars, because in traffic that is going to be
dangerous. Make sure you keep those eyes up. Not like that. Yes, that level. You know what I mean.
[music] Positive engagement with other road
users will ensure you're spotted easier, but it'll also make you feel that bit safer, especially
when you're in junctions like this one here. Making sure you signal clearly and in advance is
absolutely imperative. You could also have eye contact with that road user. That will ensure
you're treated that bit better and give it enough time to maneuver. One thing to remember though is
check, signal, then maneuver. Just like Hank did there. Nice one. 10 out of 10, Hank. Also worth
practicing. When you practice this on a quiet bit of road, you can ride in a straight line but also
look behind you too just like Hank did there. Guy knows exactly what he's doing, isn't it?
[music] The best piece of advice I've
ever heard and the best piece of advice I can give you is don't be erratic and ride predictably. Ride
smoothly. That way all the road users know exactly what you're doing and they can judge accordingly.
[music] Take the cycle lane if it's safe to do so,
but it can be that you're riding on the road and it's actually safe. It all generally depends on
what city you ride in. The one thing I would say though is don't ride too close to the edge of the
road, not in the gutter, because that would just encourage cars to overtake you too closely and
you won't be able to avoid hazards like parked cars or potholes. If you're on the lane though,
you could take control of it. That way you're giving yourself enough room that if there is
a hazard like parked cars or potholes, you've got enough room to maneuver around it. Taking the lane
is legal and it's advised in the Highway Code. [music]
Blind spots, yes, they're real, especially on big vehicles. One thing to remember is never,
never undertake because the blind spots of these vehicles, well, they're absolutely massive. They
might not have seen you creep up on the inside before they turn. One thing to remember is,
hold the space in your lane, give them a lot of space just in case they're reversing,
and make sure you can see them and the driver can see you. If it's safe to do so though,
you could move to the front of the traffic on the outside, keeping nice and safe.
[music] City surfaces tend to be quite
oily and slippery, especially in wet conditions. They also have a whole load of different surfaces;
cobbled streets, concrete, and even tarmac. When you're riding in wet conditions though, make sure
you avoid the white lines or even the yellow ones, especially when cornering. Some cities have them,
some don't, but tram lines can be absolutely lethal, especially if you get your wheel caught
in one of them. I learned from experience. It doesn't end well. If you do come into contact with
a tram line, ride in an angle and bunnyhop it if you can. Manhole covers, again, another slippery
surface. If you can't avoid it, then ride over it without braking, because you brake, my goodness,
you are not going to end well. [music]
Now, this is something we've all done. When you're commuting, there's lots of bike riders
around and you can get all competitive and start racing other commuters, and then you all arrive
at your destination all sweaty. The thing I would say, don't race. Leave the race to the track and
enjoy your commute. Ride nice and easy, and that way you won't arrive all sweaty, and you could,
well, not cut up any other cyclists in your process. Enjoy your commute. Use it as a relaxing,
a time of relaxation. [music]
I hope you enjoyed this video because I've got to say, riding a bike around a city is by far
the best way to get around. I hope these tips and tricks have helped you made you feel confident.
Have fun, but most importantly, stay safe while riding in the city. Right. Take care all, and I'll
see you in the next video. [00:06:42] [END OF AUDIO]