Foot on the Curb?!

I keep reading stories from you gals about clipping out on the right so you can put your foot on the curb. I guess I'm concerned because when you stop an an intersection you should not even be near the curb! That's an invitation for cars (or cyclists) to make a right turn in front of you-- very dangerous if the light turns green and you proceed forward.

When you stop at an intersection position yourself towards the left side of the lane so they can get by you and make their right turn. (The second option is less likely to anger them!) Cars that are proceeding straight will stop behind you. When the light changes, you pull forward and to the right so cars can pass you.

If you are not used to doing this it may seem a little scary, but you need to ride like you are a vehicle so that drivers are absolutely aware of your intentions.

Ride safe and smart!

I ride in traffic everyday...lots of it. Anyway, when I come to an intersection I always turn and look at the person in the car next to me ,and smile ,or something to let them know I'm there. I try to follow the rules of the road ,but I not brave enough to ride in the same lanes as cars. Every once in a while when there isn't much traffic I go into the left turning lane ,but very carefully. I learned early not to go up against a curb. When I come to a light I stay to the front side of the car ,so they can see me. (is that right).

Suzie

Hello,

I try and always unclip my left foot so I can use my right (stronger) leg to push down on the pedal from one o'clock position to get a wobble-free start. I don't think having one's foot on the right curb is a good idea, in addition to what you said, because it puts you too close to the curb where there is usually a lot of trash.

I also try to make eye contact with the drivers of whatever vehicles are close to me and usually indicate whether I'm turning right or going straight. If I'm making a left turn I'm in the left turn lane or on the middle line -- no where near the curb. If the intersection is too dangerous to take the left lane, then I walk my bike from the corner, just as if I were a pedestrian.

I clip out on the right, but it is not to put my foot on a curb. Most of the places I ride, there are no curbs (rural paved or gravel roads, single track). I just clip out on the right because I'm used to it and I can't imagine doing it any other way. It kinda feels like if I clip out with my left foot and have to lean that way to stop, the (weaker) left leg will just crumple on impact and I'll fall flat on my left side. Completely irrational, but since I've never, ever unclipped on that side first, it *could* happen. ;)

But your point is well taken, FBG, and I completely agree. When I am riding in town and there are no bike lanes, I do take the lane. And in a bike lane, I ride very defensively, constantly scan for cars, and make eye contact. Never assume they see you!

Emily

Cycling culture cracks me up. It's like learning to live in another country. Think you are communicating effectively, and then whop! I can't ride without some kind of sunglasses/eyewear to block the wind. So, I kept thinking I was making eye contact with the people around me, only to realize I had my glasses on and they couldn't see my eyes... :) Hello Liberty! Wake up and wave! Nod your head! Smile really big!

Good point about the sunglasses. I've been thinking I need to buy some very light-colored ones, because I especially like having them on in late afternoon/at dusk because of bugs, but mine are too dark.

As for making "eye contact," I will usually turn my head slightly toward the driver and give a nod, maybe a smile. It's easy to tell if they see me because they respond. If they don't, I may wave if I'm really feeling the need to know that they see me. Also, I will hang back and not proceed if I'm unsure. (That's on lightly trafficed neighborhood streets where it's not a big deal to wait; nobody else is held up.)

As a fresh newbie on these boards I learned not to use the curb. Thanks for the great training!