Quote Originally Posted by staceysue View Post
I've been riding on the shoulder going the opposite direction from the traffic, so that I can see the drivers and make sure they've seen me - and also so I can see if it's a logging truck or not and be prepared to keep my balance. When the shoulders disappear through town, I just continue slowly on the sidewalks (watching out for pedestrians).

A few miles after town, I get off onto the old highway, which is slower (avg 55mph) but very curvy and doesn't have a shoulder. I ride in the right hand lane, but switch lanes on the very sharp curves so that I remain visible to traffic coming toward. I'm afraid if I stayed in the lane where they couldn't see until they were right up on me, I'd get hit.

Am I doing it right?
NO NO NO!!

Ride in the direction you are going!!! Always. Please! Riding going opposite traffic is unsafe on so many levels: Cars expect bikes to go with traffic, you can disrupt bikes going in the correct direction and pose a danger to any cyclists who are doing what they should be doing.

I can't even imagine switching lanes mid curve That requires you to cross the road - with cars possibly coming up behind you.

Please ride on the RIGHT side of the road (assuming you aren't in the UK) - as far to the right as it is safe to be.

Sidewalks are not meant for bikes, but it's a heck of a lot safer than riding on the wrong side of the road.