Technical See www.lcc.org.uk/info for more on city and commuter cycling, as well as information and advice on maintenance
see (and be seen by) anyone on the side road. This position will also help prevent drivers from overtaking you as you turn. A right turn from major to minor is often the most daunting turn for cyclists. This is really two separate manoeuvres, an initial move to the right of the lane, followed by a turn. The trick here is to move into the primary position early, after looking back and signalling if necessary. Good communication here is crucial. You may need to look back and signal to a driver at the same time, so it is worth practising this skill. If you start this manoeuvre too late, you may not be able to negotiate your way across the lane in time, which may mean that you have to pull over to the left opposite the junction and wait until there is a gap in both directions. If the major road is too narrow for drivers to pass you on the left, stay in the middle of the lane, forcing drivers to wait until you have turned. Before turning, position yourself where you can see along the minor road you wish to enter. On-coming vehicles have priority, so turn when there is a gap. Enter the minor road in the primary position so you are able to ensure you are not overtaken while turning.
middle of your lane at a junction is to prevent drivers from overtaking. Being on the left of the lane at a junction may encourage a driver to turn left parallel with you, leaving you with no room and possibly stuck behind a parked car on the major road. Being too far to the right of the lane will let drivers undertake you, forcing you on to the wrong side of the road when you turn. You don’t have to stop at a give way line if there is nothing moving along the major road, but you do need to be in a position to see whether something is on the main road. Creep past the give-way line in a low gear so you can either move off quickly without stopping if the road is clear or stop if it isn’t. You should always give way to pedestrians crossing at junctions. While turning right, move straight ahead then arc right, ensuring you spend the shortest amount of time on the ‘wrong’ side of the road. When turning left, make a wide sweeping arc, keeping any left-turning driver behind you. You may need to continue in the primary position if there are parked cars on the major road. Major to minor Before turning left from a main road into a side road, look left for undertaking cyclists, motorcyclists, etc. This left-hand look will also let anyone know your intention. If someone is behind you, signal. Join the side road in the middle of the lane so you are in a position to
Above: Taking the lane at a junction
Below: Riding in the primary position
Photos: Cycle Training UK, Michael Stenning
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On being assertive You will have noticed that being in the primary position (ie in the traffic stream) minimises risk while turning by making you much more visible and giving you room. Some drivers may not understand why you are in front of them rather than next to them near the kerb. The more cyclists who ride in this assertive manner, the more drivers will accept cyclists in this position. Good communication using eye contact and signalling may help reduce any potential conflict. Learning to ride a bike is a lifelong and fun endeavour – it is worth considering Bikeability cycle training, which is now subsidised by many London boroughs. David Dansky is a qualified trainer with Cycle Training UK (020 7231 6005, www.cycletraining.co.uk)
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