Lots of cycling firsts for me this week!

[rebeccaC]

But, saying that, I ended up getting the same model Trek that I have in the USA to keep here & the brakes are reversed! Not sure why they do that, but it is the same with DH's bike and the bikes that I test rode too. So that is taking a bit of getting used to. Luckily I haven't flown over the handlebars because of it, fingers crossed!

it's legally required for new bikes in the U.K. to have the front brake on the right....goes back to when people actually signaled with their right hand on left hand driving roads. it does surprise americans. it can be a benefit when you use your right hand to grab a water bottle, use computer buttons, downtube shifting etc and still have control over the rear brake......no brake fixie's ftw

enjoy london it's a great city!!!!....and even more now the back roads in upstate NY when you get back!!!!!!

[steppink]

Ahhh, so that it explains it, thank you! Ugh, now when I get back, not only will I have to make sure I stay on the left side of the road for driving/cycling, I need to remember which brake is where! Glad I will be a bit out in the country where I have a little room for error until I get back on track again :-)

[rebeccaC]

Ahhh, so that it explains it, thank you! Ugh, now when I get back, not only will I have to make sure I stay on the left side of the road for driving/cycling, I need to remember which brake is where! Glad I will be a bit out in the country where I have a little room for error until I get back on track again :-)

I have more initial difficulty with shifting with my left hand in the U.K. right side steering wheel cars than with the brakes on a U.K. bike

[OakLeaf]

when people actually signaled with their right hand on left hand driving roads.

... no "when" about it! People in cars still can't stick their arms all the way out the passenger side window ... people on bicycles still need to signal with their inside arm so that drivers behind them can see the signal. The only people left out are modern motorcyclists - now that the control configuration is a worldwide standard, I don't even know what people who live in left-hand drive jurisdictions do! Have you noticed how motorcyclists signal in the UK? I'm curious. You wouldn't want to just let go of the throttle and front brake any time you need to signal!

[steppink]

I believe in all my recent memory of motorcycles, I've maybe only seen one rider on a vintage bike use arm signals & that was in America! MC's here use the directionals on their bikes to signal :-)

[OakLeaf]

If there's another vehicle close behind me, or if I'm riding in a group, I do both, for better visibility. I keep the stock blinkers and brake lights, none of these tucked-in barely-visible lights the kids use but I always hand signal a turn or hard braking as well, to help ensure it's seen.

[steppink]

That is a good & smart thing to do, I admit that I do not use arm signals when I am on my MC. But you have made me think that I should do so in those same situations. If it alerts the driver coming towards me or right behind me that I am here, on the road, right in front of you, please do not run me over, then I am all for it!