I broke my cardinal rule . . .

[new2ride]

On Sunday, I really wanted to take a ride. I usually haul my bike on a Swagman to trails and ride. Couldn't do it on Sunday cuz my hubby took the SUV that has the hitch. I was in quandry on what to do. It was early enough so I decided to ride from my home around the area.

Did I happen to mention the speed limit on the county road in which I reside is 45 mph (and that's the minimum). Most drivers think the posted speed limit is a suggestion . I have vowed I would never ride anywhere where the speed limit is higher than 35 mph, especially when the speed limit is not obeyed. I live in very rural area and no one pays attention to the speed limit. Hubby gets aggravated with me cuz I do observe the speed limit.

I have to say I was apprehensive, but it was early enough that not many motorists were out. When I ride the roads, I don't pay attention to how hilly they are. On my bike I really I noticed how hilly the roads are. I rode about 10 or 11 miles and it took me about 30 minutes (because of the hills), but I made it back home safely. I have to admit when the motorists zoomed by me, I was scared cuz I know they were traveling more than 45 mph. Where I rode, it's only 2 lanes. Most motorists moved into the other lane to pass me when they could. I hugged the white line as much as I could.

I was relieved when the ride was over and proud of myself for doing it. Don't know if I'll do it again. I cannot wrap my mind around the speed limit.

[OakLeaf]

On lightly traveled roads, the main thing that car speed affects is reaction distance. So your job as a cyclist is to make sure that drivers see you at the soonest possible time. That means wearing bright, solid colors that contrast with road, sky, grass and trees; wearing a light or lights and plenty of reflective gear in low light conditions; and NOT "hugging the white line." Stay far enough into the traffic lane that drivers behind you will be able to see you. Use a rear view mirror.

On narrow rural roads, it is appropriate to ease toward the right side once you're sure that there's no oncoming traffic in the opposite direction and it's safe for the traffic behind you to pass. But it's really important to stay visible.

You might want to see if there are club rides in your area that you can join - I do believe there's safety in numbers.

And 20-22 mph is a VERY respectable average speed in hilly terrain. You might think about joining a racing club!

[westtexas]

and NOT "hugging the white line." Stay far enough into the traffic lane that drivers behind you will be able to see you.

+1 to this.

I regularly ride on roads for long periods of time with speed limits of 70+ mph. That's the choice out here, or you don't ride. I will admit I am pretty fearless, but I ALWAYS take the lane. It forces the cars to actually pass you as if you were a moving vehicle (which you are, but they try to avoid seeing you as) and they cannot squeak by you in a tight spot and almost kill you. I've had a couple of close calls with some large trucks when I was hugging the white line and that's why I always take my fair share of the road. You have to make sure it's within the boundaries of your state law however. In Texas you only have to ride in the shoulder if it's reasonable and safe, and none of ours here are as they are full of trash and flat-tire-inducing debris. The same goes for taking the lane - you just have to ride as far right as is reasonable and safe. Taking the lane is safer than not, I firmly believe it.

The other key to dealing with traffic is to always act in a predictable manner. Cars expect us to misbehave - run reds/stop signs, swerve or generally be a nuisance on the road. But if you maintain a consistent speed, follow a straight line, take the lane and signal - it makes it much easier for them to predict your behavior and thus take you seriously (meaning, they won't make a sudden and dangerous/speedy move to get around and away from you as quickly as possible).

Be proud of yourself for facing cars on a fast road! It's not easy and definitely not for the faint of heart!

[new2ride]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I never thought of it that way, taking the road. I thought hugging the white line would be OK, but there's no where to go on the right of that white line. It's either down a cliff or in the woods or ditch. I do wear extremely bright colors when I'm riding, like neon pink, yellow, green, orange, etc., with reflective strips. I have lots of reflectors on my bike and I do have a headlight and a flashing red light to attach to my jersey. I do not ride at night, always in the day time.

I ride in the parks, but the park roads are not much better. The asphalt is crumbling which makes for a bad ride. The motorists in the park are not very kind to cyclists either. I usually get so frustrated with the crumbling asphalt and the motorists that I move to the multi-purpose trail. Of course, the trail has its hazards too.

@westtexas -- riding on roads where the speed limit is 70+ or better -- you're a better person that I am. I would totally freak if cars passed me at that rate of speed. Although, on the country roads where I ride, I'm sure they are passing me at upwards of 55+ mph.

I've thought about installing a mirror on my helmet or handlebar. Thoughts? Would the mirror on the helmet be too distracting?

I love to ride -- guess I'll have to build my courage up to the country roads around me. Plus, I'm getting tired racking my bike on the Swagman just to get a ride in.

[Desert Tortoise]

I agree with what is said above, be seen and be predictable. I understand what you mean about riding on rural roads. I live in a rural area and there are times motorists make it very clear they do not like bicyclists.

About visibility, in addition to the bright, contrasting colors I also use a very bright rear light and head light if the sun is past it's peak. For example, before 8am and after 5pm. But if there is cloud cover then I extend the times. Now I live in So AZ so the sun VERY bright and I adjust my times accordingly. The point is it's about being seen. And as a motorist, I sure appreciate it when cyclist do this.

Ah, just saw your reply post. You are already using lights.

Way to go on the hills!

[Bethany1]

I ride in a rural area as well with cars going 60+. I was scared at first but it's the only place to ride. I can only ride a ten mile round trip as it's one straight five mile hill but riding down it at 30mph is a huge rush.

The only thing that is hard is the semi trucks blowing past you so fast. Oh..and the combine tractors that ride the shoulder. Eek. Thankfully that was only once and he moved over to pass me.

I agree with being highly visible and being aware of your surroundings. I also look for places that are "crash" worthy if I need to bail out from a crazed car.

I always carry a cell phone.

Congrats on conquering the road.

[zoom-zoom]

To be honest, where I live the drivers in the rural, 2-lane areas are SO much kinder and more accommodating. It's those rides I do on slower roads in towns that make me FAR more nervous. That's where the jerks are in higher concentration and lacking in patience. Farmers in trucks are much more likely to give me room than moms in mini-vans. YMMV.