Mastering a few basic bike handling skills will enhance your safety, efficiency, and enjoyment. Especially in traffic, riding predictably and confidently sends the message that you belong on the road. Here, we’ll break down some basic bike handling skills into simple steps.
Cascade Bicycle Club offers a variety classes, including skills clinics that will boost your bike handling skills and confidence. Check out our upcoming offerings or learn how to bring these to your worksite.
START strong 
A good start means setting off so that you are gradually increasing your speed, riding in a straight line, and maintaining stability.
1. Engage both brakes while you’re stopped.
2. Position one pedal in the 2 o’clock “power position”.
3. Transfer all your weight to this pedal; then release the brakes to set off.
4. Stand up on the pedal and simultaneously ease yourself back onto the saddle.
5. Keep your grip on the handlebars firm but relaxed so you will not wobble.
6. As you gain speed, shift to higher gears.
STOP safely
Stopping is arguably more important than going when it comes to safe riding. Stopping can also enhance your street cred.
1. Free one foot if you use toe clips, straps or clipless pedals.
2. To slow, apply both brakes evenly and gradually. Your dear old dad probably told you never to use your front brakes, but your front brakes actually accounts for 70% of your braking power. We’ll address emergency stops (which can flip you over) in an upcoming column.
3. As you slow, shift down a few gears to make it easier to start up again.
4. Just as you come to a complete stop, turn the handlebars slightly. The bike will lean slightly, making it easier to step down.
5. Step down off the seat and put one foot down. You will find that one side is more natural than the other. Putting your foot down sends a clear message that you are stopping to other cyclists, motorists and law enforcement.
6. As you are stopped, reposition your pedal into the power position so that you are ready to start again.
RIDE in a straight line
This important skill may sound simple, but it is an essential aspect of riding predictably.
1. Use small adjustments of the handlebars and leaning your bike to correct your line.
2. Look up and ahead rather than staring at your front tire.
3. Do not weave in and out of parked cars as you ride along. Hold your line.
SCAN for traffic
Whether you are riding in traffic or on a trail, you need to be aware of and communicate with those around you. Scanning behind for overtaking traffic is especially crucial when merging or changing lanes. The trick is to maintain a straight line while looking over your shoulder.
1. Relax or remove the hand on the side you are scanning to avoid turning the handlebars as you scan. Some riders rest that hand on their thigh or hip.
2. Slightly tighten your grip on the other hand for balance and control.
3. Briefly turn your head to look over your shoulder to scan behind you. You may need to do this a few times.
A large part of riding predictably is letting others know what you plan to do before you do it. Hand signals are a vital communication tool. Always signal your intent when turning, changing lanes and changing position within the lane. This goes for bike lanes and trails, too.
There are actually two ways to signal a right turn, show below. Use the hand that is most visible to your audience. For example, if you want to merge from the center lane into the right lane, the alternative righthand signal would be most visible to those vehicles in the right lane.
| Left signal | Right signal | Alternative right signal |
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Portions of this material are based on the League of American Bicyclists‘ Traffic Skills 101 © 2008
Tags: Via Bike
while looking over the shoulder was the old (pre-mirror) preferred option, i won’t ride without a mirror — anytime the eyes leave the road ahead a rider is at great risk (the same as driving a car – the reason side mirrors were developed and made a requirement.) worst case scenerio is a car suddenly appearing from a side street or driveway, to hitting a small object at the wrong angle and going down. eyes should rarely leave the road ahead, and never, never in commute hour traffic. MIRRORS should be mandatory just as they are for cars! (most experienced riders prefer a helmet mirror.)
I disagree with making mirrors mandatory. It’s fine if you have limitations and need to use a device for help. Don’t think that everyone shares your limitations. The last thing we need is this mommy state requiring us to hang another piece of junk on our helmets or bikes.
Ride safe. Be aware of what’s around you. Make quick glances to check your intended path if you’re turning or merging.
Even when using a mirror you have to take a quick look to scan for potenial traffic conflicts regardless if you are riding a bike, motorcycle, or driving a car because of blind spots that mirror just can’t cover.
While I also do not agree that mirrors ought to be mandatory, I think it is a little odd that John suggests that the main reason people use them is because some people have “limitations”. I have used a mirror that either clips onto my sunglasses, or onto my helmet for 30+ years. It certainly does reduce neck strain, which could be an issue when you are older, but commenter Lamar is quite right, you miss what is going on in front of you if you are continuously turning around to look behind you, and often your direction may change a bit.
I have found that some style concious cyclists don’t use mirrors because they think them un-cool. I don’t care what others think about coolness, they just make riding safer. I think the helmet mounted ones are best. I suggest you try one for a few weeks. Once you get used to how easily and quickly you can check behind you with a slight cock of your head, you may be convinced.
My personal favorite: MIRRYCLE
http://www.mirrycle.com/product%20images%20large/original_mirror.jpg
Limitations or not- I take advantage of several pieces of safety equipment (mirror, helmet, reflective vest, head and tail lights and most importantly- brain). But I think mandating them would do little good. Law enforcement doesn’t have the manpower or inclination to enforce traffic laws where bikes are concerned, so enforcing equipment laws is unlikely.
A mirror is near the top of my safety equipment list, close behind brakes. I use a 3rd Eye round bar-end mount – easier for me to glance down at a fixed point than to cock my head just right for the helmet mounted mirror to work. The mirror lets me keep a watch on my “6″ – actually my “6 – 7:30.” My ears and a quick look around tell me about what’s to my left beyond 7:30. Got used to the mirror and then had to ride without one for a day or so, and I felt much less safe on the road. I strongly recommend them, but don’t think they should be legally mandated.
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