Tolerence for high traffic volumes

[Catrin]

As much as I ride, it is all on country roads. Traffic doesn't scare me there but it isn't particularly heavy and there are few stop signs and next to no stoplights.

In downtown Indianapolis, plans are in place to open a "bike port" literally across the street from where I work! Plans are to have 200 bike lockers, showers, miniature workout place and even a small mechanic/retail option. Sweet! It won't be open until early summer and I am already considering taking advantage of this opportunity.

This may seem a silly question, but what is the best way to increase my tolerance for high traffic volumes? I have to admit that I find the idea of a stop-light every block and the higher traffic quite intimidating. I do not have a riding partner, my speeds are slow enough that I would hate to ask someone to ride with me as I would slow anyone down.

I am thinking that the best way to start is to figure out an optimum route and ride it on a Saturday morning when traffic is low to see if it really is a good route.

[indysteel]

That's what I would suggest, Catrin. Out of curiosity, how many miles is it from downtown to your office, and at what times of day do you think you might be commuting to and from work? I was always under the impression that you work pretty early hours. How does that factor into your comfort level?

[Catrin]

It is only about 13-14 miles, and I would likely leave home around 6am. It is the return trip home that has me nervous :o However, I do remember when the thought of cycling outside of Eagle Creek Park was terrifying, and I got over THAT ;)

[indysteel]

If you really do want to bike commute, then I would suggest just generally adding some urban riding into your routine. I got used to riding in traffic by following the route used for the Broad Ripple/Butler weekly training ride route "hosted" by CIBA. It is marked so you could follow it on your own.

Some of CIBA's dinner and weekend routes would be good for that purpose, too. I would start there before doing a weekday commute into downtown.

[Jolt]

Keep in mind too that with such frequent stop lights, the general traffic speed will be pretty slow so you might be able to keep up with traffic at times. It's also less intimidating when you don't constantly have cars flying by...it might not be as bad as you think.

[Catrin]

Good ideas everyone, and I will follow up on them. I think it is the idea of having to stop/start so often that has me a little intimidated for some reason. The "bike port" won't be opening until early summer assuming that nothing happens to slow it down, so I have at least that long to see what I can do about changing my comfort level and deciding. I just think it would be a good addition to my routine if I can build it into my regular schedule.

Then again - my average ride right now is close to the same distance as a full commute both directions, and by early summer it will be longer - without more than 1-2 stoplights. I would get more miles in by just riding in the evenings when I get home - but I would like to try it just to see what it is like. We shall see.

Thanks! Indy, the Thursday night rides out of BGI would likely be a good start, good idea....

[indysteel]

Just an FYI that the downtown Y will be jointly running the bike port with BGI in cooperation with the city. I've already heard conflicting things about the date it will go live. I'm not sure of cost at this point, either.

I glanced at a map of your area (keeping in mind that I only generally know where you live). I think there's any number of ways that you could get downtown. In fact, I don't think it would be that hard to tie into the Butler training ride route, which goes as south as the southern end of Riverside Park. Now, that's not the safest of areas, so that has me a little nervous. I'm not sure, however, whether you can totally avoid going through some sketchy areas to get downtown....:(

In any event, I think you would benefit, regardless of whether you decide to commute, to get more used to driving in traffic, as you will find yourself in such situations any way the more your ride and the more out-of-town and group/event rides you do anyway. Just ease yourself into it. I'll be honest that I used to get totally freaked out when I first started riding because I couldn't necessarily avoid urban riding. You can get used to it.

Certainly, I would encourage you to take advantage of all that CIBA, the Indiana Bicycle Coalition and the League of American Bicyclists offer. Connie Schumaker and Warren Smock of the latter would likely be more than happy to help you.

[redrhodie]

You'll do great! Read "The Art of Urban Cycling" by Robert Hurst. It really helped me deal with summer beach/tourist traffic, which is maybe not as bad a city traffic, but it has its moments (I call people leaving the beach "sun drunk")!

[malkin]

Make gradual changes and you'll gradually become more confident.

If you work out a regular route, you may identify bits that are awful, and then you'll figure out ways to avoid riding on the awful bits.

There's one stretch of my short work commute where there are 3 lanes, eastbound (blinded by the sunrise in the morning), 40mph limit (which means everyone drives 50), no shoulder, and one of those wacky, tire grabbing cliffs where the re-re-repavement meets the gutter.

I rode that exactly one time, felt lucky to have survived, and now have a clever way to avoid it.

[Melalvai]

Have you taken Traffic Skills 101 (https://members.bikeleague.org/members_online/members/findit.asp)? I checked on that site for Indianapolis and there aren't currently any classes scheduled but I see there are 4 certified instructors so you might contact them and ask if they have plans to teach a class.

If there are no classes in your area, the bike league website has some very good resources about best cycling practices. The new "Smart Cycling" book comes with the "Enjoy Your Ride" DVD.

This class boosted my confidence. After taking the class, I felt like I could bike on the interstate if that was legal. (Disclaimer: it actually is legal in Missouri because no alternate routes exist. Nonetheless, I only say I feel like I could do it, I admit I have not attempted it.) More importantly, it gave me the confidence that I DO have a right to the road, so I could cope with the harassment much better. (The way I cope is: I report it. Every time. No matter how small the incident. The difference is I don't get emotional about it.)

In addition to the confidence, it teaches you safer bicycling practices.

[Catrin]

I took the Traffic Skills class last June, and it was quite helpful. I think that I just need to find some way of working more urban riding into my rides - and I have done some of this but not in downtown Indianapolis. Well, not in Indianapolis at all but in a couple of surrounding towns. Not the same thing :cool:

Thank you, everyone, for your advice, it helps!

[Trek-chick]

I have roughly 8 miles of my 16 mile commute in heavy traffic. I still breath a sigh of relief once I hit the MUP. But when I ride in traffic, I always wear my bright yellow vest and try to make eye contact with drivers. I also, learned the hard way NOT to let drivers " be good Samaritans and stop, to let me pass".

Car drivers just do not watch traffic from a cyclists point of view. I always give them the right of way. I feel better when the cars are out of my way so to speak.

I always just make sure to constantly be aware of my surroundings and actually found that drivers are far nicer to me as a cyclist than I thought they would be.

Also, it helps to do practice runs of your planned route on a non- work day. I found I needed to change one section that was too crazy for my liking, and you can time yourself too;)

[Crankin]

When I was commuting, I had to make a major change when I moved; my commute went from 6.7 miles on back roads in rural suburbs to 13.8 miles on more heavily traveled suburban roads, complicated by a traffic circle that didn't allow me to get to work in the most efficient way (you can't ride there or you'll get killed). The first day I commuted, I went a longer way that ended up to be 17.5 miles, including a 3 part hill on the way there. While I sometimes ended up doing the longer ride on the way home, I did not appreciate those hills at 6:00 AM. So, I went out in the car and scouted a new route, that seemed counter intuitive and longer, but it wasn't. There was also a T intersection that scared me; a light on a slight uphill. So, after spending a few weeks driving to a point and parking and riding in about 8 miles, I braved the intersection at 6:15 AM. I found that there were rarely cars in front of me at that time, so I could handle it. A couple of times I had to scoot with my foot across the intersection, but the cars waited. I had to turn left across a fairly busy road, but the heavy traffic was going in the other direction, so there were rarely cars behind me. That's when I got really good at getting out in the lane!
So get out there and explore all of your options. While I absolutely would not ride in Boston (heck, I don't drive there, either), I know I could if I had to.

[PscyclePath]

It's mostly a matter of practice and experience. The Traffic Skills 101 course is a good way to ease yourself out there with a bit of coaching, There's also a Traffic Skills 201 course which looks at more complex situations and a little higher density traffic. Hurst's book is good, as is the new League "Smart Cycling" handbook. The Smart Cycling book also comes with all the training videos used in the TS101 course.

For now, ride where you are comfortable. A little anxiousness is okay, but if you're downright scared, that's a clear sign that you're out of your comfort zone. Practice the basics, and work yourself up to more complex situations when you start to feel more confident about approaching them. Check with one of your local LCIs... I'm sure they'd ride with you a bit to help build up the confidence...

[Biciclista]

btw, I think it's easier to do traffic by yourself, so not having a riding partner is a good thing. the best thing about heavy traffic is: THEY are all slower! YAAAY! sometimes you can actually keep up with traffic. You will find that if you are careful, congestion on a bike can be very pleasant (as opposed to being trapped in a car)

[Mr. Bloom]

Ditto to Traffic Skills 101. Since you've taken it, I encourage you to pursue more of the Bike League curriculum

Take some of your fuel cost savings and invest in LOTS of bright lights and reflective tape...and set an example for folks who under-illuminate themselves.

ETA: In looking at the map, it seems that you're well situated with Lanes that can at least get you across the river to one of the greenways...May not be the straightest route, but would keep you out of a lot of the riskier "downtown fringe" where the traffic is less disciplined and faster moving.

I believe that, if you're visible, predictable, courteous, and assertive, you should have no problem...but comfort grows with time and experience.

[Mr. Bloom]

Out of curiosity...how long is your current commute by car?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You'll do great! Read "The Art of Urban Cycling" by Robert Hurst. It really helped me deal with summer beach/tourist traffic, which is maybe not as bad a city traffic, but it has its moments (I call people leaving the beach "sun drunk")!

I highly recommend this book too. It totally changed the way I ride in traffic, and I feel way safer and more in control of my own wellbeing. It's largely about recognizing dangerous situations before you get into them, and choosing a safer alternative for yourself. Lots of stuff I had never thought about before, and stuff that seems counter-intuitive until you really think about it.

[Catrin]

btw, I think it's easier to do traffic by yourself, so not having a riding partner is a good thing. the best thing about heavy traffic is: THEY are all slower! YAAAY! sometimes you can actually keep up with traffic. You will find that if you are careful, congestion on a bike can be very pleasant (as opposed to being trapped in a car)

I am fortunate because I never actually SEE congestion - I walk in my office long before most people leave home. This is certainly good to think about though - especially if I decide to change my working hours for the summer :)


......Take some of your fuel cost savings and invest in LOTS of bright lights and reflective tape...and set an example for folks who under-illuminate themselves.

ETA: In looking at the map, it seems that you're well situated with Lanes that can at least get you across the river to one of the greenways...May not be the straightest route, but would keep you out of a lot of the riskier "downtown fringe" where the traffic is less disciplined and faster moving.

I believe that, if you're visible, predictable, courteous, and assertive, you should have no problem...but comfort grows with time and experience.

Yeah, it is the experience that I am lacking. I rode like a wild woman last summer, but on country roads. Dealing with huge farm equipment and the occasional car full of rednecks shouting complimentary things at me is a different thing than downtown traffic. I can't hear what they are saying anyway so I choose to believe they are compliments and I smile at them :)

The only part I am really concerned about is getting across the actual downtown to the White River trail - I am on the opposite side of downtown from it. There is a poorly designed bike lane or two... There is another bike/ped facility under construction but I don't think the northern bit is complete. There is a bit of a dicey neighborhood to ride through from 30th to get to Guion Rd (for those in the area) - but the last half of the ride wouldn't be much of a problem - at least I don't think so :eek:


Out of curiosity...how long is your current commute by car?

It takes me about 20-25 minutes from my front door to my office door - that includes a 2 block walk from the garage. There isn't much traffic at 5:30 am nor at 3:30 pm.... It would take longer to ride it - I can't ride that fast :o


I highly recommend this book too. It totally changed the way I ride in traffic, and I feel way safer and more in control of my own wellbeing. It's largely about recognizing dangerous situations before you get into them, and choosing a safer alternative for yourself. Lots of stuff I had never thought about before, and stuff that seems counter-intuitive until you really think about it.

Thanks for the book recommendation, I will check it out! Eventually I do want to try this - with only 14 miles to go it seems a shame not to try it out. Even if I only did it once or twice a week, it would certainly be a good thing!

[PamNY]

Catrin, I don't know if this is relevant in your situation, but I was a much happier cyclist when I started walking the bike through a couple of difficult intersections.

I don't usually do it, but it was liberating for me to decide I could choose.
Good luck with your commute.

[Catrin]

Catrin, I don't know if this is relevant in your situation, but I was a much happier cyclist when I started walking the bike through a couple of difficult intersections.

I don't usually do it, but it was liberating for me to decide I could choose.
Good luck with your commute.

I am glad to hear that others do this as well :) I tend to do this if I have to stop for a red light as it does still take me a couple of seconds to get started - I figure this is less frustrating for the drivers behind me.

Right now I am just getting my bike legs back after my injuries, I will try this it will be later in the spring.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Pam- great advice.
I will just hop off my bike and WALK across an intersection if it seems too dangerous. Pedestrians seem to get a lot more respect from cars, and you are more visible walking across on a crosswalk with the light in your favor. Temporarily transforming into a pedestrian is a great tool in our bags of tricks! :)

[indysteel]

I agree that walking your bike through a dangerous intersection is a useful tool, but what Catrin said--that she does this when stopped at red lights generally--does give me a bit of pause. If, objectivley, she's having trouble getting started from a stopped position, e.g., at a red light, then it might be useful to work on that skill before trying to commute or ride in urban traffic. It's not really desirable to walk your bike through every intersection at which you get stopped after all, at least not in my opinion.

If she just has the perception that she's slow to start and annoying to traffic, then it might just be a confidence thing, but that's something you definitely need in order to deal with traffic effectively, too. Riding in traffic does take a certain mindset--not overconfidence mind you, but a healthy degree of assertiveness. For instance, when I'm going through an intersection with traffic behind me, I figure they're just going to have to deal with the slight delay. I'll get out of there way when it's safe for me to do so. If they're annoyed, then oh well.

Catrin, just to be clear, I'm not trying to make you feel bad for walking your bike through intersections; I just want to encourage you to continue working on your handling skills so that, objectively, you're a better cyclist and so that you feel more confident. I certainly don't want to sound unsupportive, as I think the progress you've made in just over a year's time is quite admirable.

I would add that I tend to think some of your bike handling issues are going to be easier to resolve when you get the Gunnar. It's likely going to be substantially lighter and more nimble than your LHT. Not that the LHT isn't a great bike, but I think it takes a bit more finesse to handle it.

[Catrin]

Good points Indy, and at this point I am unsure if it is a confidence thing or if I am really a little slow at starting at intersections. I AM trying new ways of starting my bike as the seat-post is higher and is going to get higher than it is.

I had no problem at intersections when my saddle was much, much too low :o I am now working on the starting thing again, but I can't go back to the old way as I do not want more injuries. This is the primary reason why I want to put off any commuting experiments until late spring or very early summer. This is not a problem with my lightly-traveled country roads, but urban roads are a different animal.

[Mr. Bloom]

Is this Gunnar a roadie? Would you consider getting a commuter to commute?

[Catrin]

Is this Gunnar a roadie? Would you consider getting a commuter to commute?

I would use my LHT for commuting - she can handle anything! She is a bomb-proof comfy tank :)

The Gunnar is based on a cyclocross frame and will be my go-fast bike, but I don't think I would want to use her as a commuter. There is no way I could afford another bike this year...

[OakLeaf]

Procedural question:

on a multi-lane highway, there's likely to be a considerable distance between the traffic lane and the crosswalk. When you do choose to walk the intersection, how do you get from one to the other - and how do you re-join traffic once you've reached the other side? It just seems dangerous, to me - particularly (presumably) re-joining traffic from a wheelchair cut facing perpendicular to traffic.

[PamNY]

Procedural question:

on a multi-lane highway, there's likely to be a considerable distance between the traffic lane and the crosswalk. When you do choose to walk the intersection, how do you get from one to the other - and how do you re-join traffic once you've reached the other side? It just seems dangerous, to me - particularly (presumably) re-joining traffic from a wheelchair cut facing perpendicular to traffic.

I've only done it in the city, where there's sidewalk. I move to the right just before the intersection. To rejoin traffic, I walk the bike into the street and wait till it's clear. I'm usually crossing a multi-lane road on a smaller street, not rejoining a multi-lane road.

I do it only in really odd situations -- in one case, the bike lane (on the right) just goes away and a lot of cars are turning right. I have no idea what bikes are legally supposed to do. I guess taking the lane would be legal, but New York drivers are not expecting that.

What most cyclists do -- and it's probably illegal -- is go into the crosswalk before the light changes (a time-honored New York custom) to get ahead of the cars, but this particular intersection has heavy pedestrian traffic.

[Catrin]

Procedural question:

on a multi-lane highway, there's likely to be a considerable distance between the traffic lane and the crosswalk. When you do choose to walk the intersection, how do you get from one to the other - and how do you re-join traffic once you've reached the other side? It just seems dangerous, to me - particularly (presumably) re-joining traffic from a wheelchair cut facing perpendicular to traffic.

Where I ride there are no sidewalks or cross-walks...

[PamNY]

Where I ride there are no sidewalks or cross-walks...

Catrin, so isn't it fairly easy to pull over, cross as a pedestrian, and then rejoin traffic? In case I ride in the country...

[Catrin]

Catrin, so isn't it fairly easy to pull over, cross as a pedestrian, and then rejoin traffic? In case I ride in the country...

There actually isn't any place to pull over, not really. The one intersection that intimidates me the most actually does have a bike lane - and the only thing to the right of THAT is a turning lane, so I just stay where I am. For the other few lights I deal with I can see them far enough away that I can finesse it - slow down enough so that it is green when I get there, that sort of thing.

I think much of this is simply due to not really having to deal with lights, or really stopping at all. Even on my 50-70 mile routes from last summer, the vast majority of them have no more than 2 stop lights (if that many), and not many more stop-signs. You know, I just realized that...

[indysteel]

There actually isn't any place to pull over, not really. The one intersection that intimidates me the most actually does have a bike lane - and the only thing to the right of THAT is a turning lane, so I just stay where I am. For the other few lights I deal with I can see them far enough away that I can finesse it - slow down enough so that it is green when I get there, that sort of thing.

I think much of this is simply due to not really having to deal with lights, or really stopping at all. Even on my 50-70 mile routes from last summer, the vast majority of them have no more than 2 stop lights (if that many), and not many more stop-signs. You know, I just realized that...

I'm assuming the light bulb moment you just had is that the vast majority of your rides don't provide much of an opportunity for you to practice stopping and starting and that works, in some respects, to your detriment in terms of improving your handling skills.

I'm going to stick with my previous advice. Stopping and starting is a skill you should work on and feel confident about. If your current routes don't require much stopping, then go to a parking lot and practice. Ideally, though, put yourself in some real-world situations. In my experience, there are areas of Boone County and western Hamilton County that provide a good mix of true country roads and "city-lite" streets that aren't not terribly busy that do you require you to stop for lights and stop signs. And challenge yourself not to "finesse" your approach to red lights.

[PamNY]

I think much of this is simply due to not really having to deal with lights, or really stopping at all. Even on my 50-70 mile routes from last summer, the vast majority of them have no more than 2 stop lights (if that many), and not many more stop-signs. You know, I just realized that...

I practiced stopping and starting in a park so much that another biker asked me if I was okay. I guess he thought I couldn't make the bike go very far...

[OakLeaf]

The whole idea of dismounting and walking just terrifies me, frankly, if it's the kind of intersection I think you're talking about, the kind that's typical in our neck of the woods.

You've transformed yourself from a vehicle in traffic - albeit a slow-moving vehicle - into a pedestrian, in a spot where there are no pedestrian facilities. Since there are no pedestrian facilities, you've got to be either walking in the travel lane with your back to traffic (on the wrong side, for a pedestrian - unless what you're talking about is crossing the intersection three times, facing the proper direction for a pedestrian, to get across once?), or you're back from the intersection in a place where turning and perpendicular traffic won't expect you to be and can't see you well in time to react. You've suddenly changed your mode of transport for no reason someone in a car could see. It's the exact opposite of predictable.

Never mind the stoplights probably aren't even long enough to safely cross an intersection on foot while pushing a bike - they're usually barely long enough to run across, in good walking/running shoes, without pushing anything. (I've done *plenty* of running across similar intersections in the mid-eastern states from hotel to restaurant because I refused to drive/motorcycle half a mile. It's crazy dangerous.)

Catrin, you've learned so much so fast, I think you're much safer to postpone your commute for a few months until you're confident stopping and starting in traffic. Trust that you will get there and value your safety enough to wait.

I picked an intersection at random that can't be too far from you - so these city slickers can see what I'm talking about. ;) Correct me if this isn't the kind of thing you mean.

[Catrin]

I'm assuming the light bulb moment you just had is that the vast majority of your rides don't provide much of an opportunity for you to practice stopping and starting and that works, in some respects, to your detriment in terms of improving your handling skills......In my experience, there are areas of Boone County and western Hamilton County that provide a good mix of true country roads and "city-lite" streets that aren't not terribly busy that do you require you to stop for lights and stop signs. And challenge yourself not to "finesse" your approach to red lights.

Yes, that is exactly the light-bulb moment I had while typing that post. NO WONDER I am uncomfortable starting/stopping in traffic because I rarely need to do that. You have the perfect solution, and I will also practice in Eagle Creek Park, though more realistic situations would indeed be better for me in the long run.


I practiced stopping and starting in a park so much that another biker asked me if I was okay. I guess he thought I couldn't make the bike go very far...

There is a "hidden" loop in my favorite park where I traditionally go to practice assorted things. This is a good idea!


The whole idea of dismounting and walking just terrifies me, frankly, if it's the kind of intersection I think you're talking about, the kind that's typical in our neck of the woods.

You've transformed yourself from a vehicle in traffic - albeit a slow-moving vehicle - into a pedestrian, in a spot where there are no pedestrian facilities....Catrin, you've learned so much so fast, I think you're much safer to postpone your commute for a few months until you're confident stopping and starting in traffic. Trust that you will get there and value your safety enough to wait.

I picked an intersection at random that can't be too far from you - so these city slickers can see what I'm talking about. ;) Correct me if this isn't the kind of thing you mean.

It is the same kind of intersection, but in a less populated area. There is also a bike lane in the direction I am going - traffic can be quite heavy but I try to avoid those times.. This is the light I try to finesse, and will stop doing that as it isn't helping me. Good point about what this does to my predictability...

Thanks for the advice! I will practice starting/stopping in my favorite park; will tweak my usual routes to include a more diverse range of streets and stop trying to finesse the stop lights... I actually don't have any problems starting/stopping my bike, I just need to actually DO it more often :o

I think that I will wait until I have this sorted out before my return to clipless.

[malkin]

Parking lots are good for stopping practice, because you can pick a paint line and plan to stop there--and it's ok if you miss the target by several feet either way.

[Catrin]

I'm assuming the light bulb moment you just had is that the vast majority of your rides don't provide much of an opportunity for you to practice stopping and starting and that works, in some respects, to your detriment in terms of improving your handling skills.

I'm going to stick with my previous advice. Stopping and starting is a skill you should work on and feel confident about. If your current routes don't require much stopping, then go to a parking lot and practice. Ideally, though, put yourself in some real-world situations. In my experience, there are areas of Boone County and western Hamilton County that provide a good mix of true country roads and "city-lite" streets that aren't not terribly busy that do you require you to stop for lights and stop signs. And challenge yourself not to "finesse" your approach to red lights.

I just took Indy's advice on my 30 mile ride today. I have no problem starting/stopping my bike, it isn't a mechanical problem. I think that it is a fear of getting run over as I start up when the light turns green...

Anyway, I deliberately edited my route today to incorporate parts of Zionsville after enjoying my no-traffic country roads :) I did NOT allow myself to walk my bike through any intersections, though I suspect that would have been faster. I wait until there is no doubt that I've enough time and then some :o

Of course I did fine at the red lights, though I did speed furiously through a yellow light :o but I made it :D

Obviously this unease is from not enough experience DOING it, there aren't any red lights on my country roads... I feel better after my experience today, and I will keep forcing myself to do this until it no longer troubles me. THEN I will consider more urban riding before deciding to try commuting.

[Catrin]

Had a "duh" moment when I woke up this morning. Of course I feel slow starting up at red lights and stop signs. I don't stand on the bike yet - at all. So of course I get across somewhat more slowly than a more experienced cyclist who is standing on the pedals to get across more quickly.

Am not about to even try this until I return to clipping in...

[OakLeaf]

Am not about to even try this until I return to clipping in...

Seriously, there's no reason to wait, and you'll likely feel much more secure learning to stand when you're NOT clipped in. Just make sure that you're not wearing slippery shoes and that you don't try it for the first time when it's wet and your pedals will be slippery.

How about trying this:

First, just practice standing up while you coast. Get the feel of how your weight is distributed between your handlebars and your pedals.

Then when you're ready to try pedaling while standing, find a larger lawn or a sports field that's not in use (wait for a day when it hasn't rained in a while, so you don't tear up the grass). Get going your usual way on the pavement, then ride onto the grass (use the wheelchair ramp if there's a curb). If you tip over on soft grass, it's much less likely that you or your bike will get hurt - plus the less even surface will help develop your skills. Lots of people do skills drills on grass.

HTH...

[Catrin]

Seriously, there's no reason to wait, and you'll likely feel much more secure learning to stand when you're NOT clipped in. Just make sure that you're not wearing slippery shoes and that you don't try it for the first time when it's wet and your pedals will be slippery.

Good idea, I will do this! I've been holding off because I figured I would feel more secure if I was attached to my bike. I've been planning on doing a few grass drills before the mountain bike clinic anyway.

What does "HTH" mean? I've come up with some amusing interpretations of that, but probably not it :)

[OakLeaf]

Hope That Helps. :)

[Espresso]

Are you shifting down to the right gear before stopping? Just checking, because that can make it harder to get going quickly after a stop.

[Catrin]

Are you shifting down to the right gear before stopping? Just checking, because that can make it harder to get going quickly after a stop.

Shifting isn't the problem - it is an experience issue, not a mechanical :) As Indy so correctly pointed out, since I ride on empty country roads much of the time, I am just not accustomed to dealing with red lights and higher traffic volumes - and my starting method is somewhat....unorthodox... I DO tend to start in a relatively heavy gear by preference, which isn't a problem as long as I don't have to start going up-hill.

So am dealing with it by incorporating slightly more traveled routes in my long rides each week, and trying not to finesse red lights so I must stop. I am quite good it finessing what lights I do have on my routes so I don't have to. No, I do not run them, I just slow down or speed up in order to get a green or turning signal when I get there :)

Time to go ride my lovely new bike :D