The spoken and unspoken etiquette of biking at rush hour, as revealed by seasoned commuters.
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1. Don't be 'that' rider
Follow the rules and don't be 'that' rider
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"Follow the rules. Don’t go through red lights. We cyclists complain about not being treated properly on the road, but when cyclists ride straight through a red light or through a zebra crossing, I can’t help shout in anger. You can’t have the best of both worlds. You'll also paint a bad picture of cyclists who ride properly."
2. Never trust a van
"I mean absolutely no disrespect to van drivers, it’s simply that they can’t always see you and you definitely have to be wary when they are passing."
3. Forget about that Powerpoint presentation
"I was hit by a car while cycling about six years ago on a commute. It taught me one thing – don’t plan out my daily to-do list in my head while cycling. I certainly was to blame, but luckily, I’m OK now."
4. Take some time for yourself
"I was once late for work here in Brighton because I spotted some ducks (being from London originally, even a sheep in a field would make me stop and stare in amazement, therefore this was immense). I didn’t want them to get hit by a car, so I spent the next ten minutes escorting them across the road. I wasn't sure where they were heading, but I was a little bit late for work and don't regret it at all."
5. Yes, its okay to hate e-bike riders
"It is our absolute right to give a dirty look at anyone riding an electric bike. Come on now, work up a bit of a sweat, guys!"
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6. Beware of bike paths
Beware of bike paths
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"Truth be told, I feel safer cycling on the streets of London than the bike path. There doesn't seem to be any rules, such as stay to the left to help with traffic flow. It isn't just cyclists though, but runners and walkers who are unaware of their surroundings. It makes it very hard and awkward to pass people when there is the any order on the narrow pavement. My biggest fear is falling into the canal by collision with another cyclist, by slipping on the slick black bricks along the edge. Seriously, who thought that was a good idea?"
7. Use your belI
"I am a big fan of my bell. Maybe it is because I am American and loud but I like to let people (runners, cyclists, walkers) know I am coming up behind them. I hate when a bike whizzes passed me without any warning when I am cycling. No one should be in that much of a rush."
8. Respect the pace
"I am more than happy to sit back and let the aggressive cyclists pass me. I would also encourage others cyclists to be patient if someone is going slow. Making them go too far outside their comfort zone would probably end in disaster for them and possibly you."
9. You’re all in it together
"It is always nice when the cyclist in front of you lets you know when the road is clear by shouting 'clear' or if there is a pothole with 'hole'."
10. Let the little things go
"Don't get worked up by trivial infractions. I.e. if someone accidentally collides with you, don't be offended if they mistake you for a man as they shout an apology!"
