Bicycle Driver: Cool website for urban riding skills

[thinpaperwings]

I love the site. However, I notice that the "sharp" cyclist tended to have jerky movements. A great example of this is in the Left Turn in Heavy Traffic clip. I think if I were driving my car behind him I would be worried about what he was going to do. I guess I just expect people to execute smoother movements. I understand positioning in the lane to indicate that you're going to change lanes or turn, but I think it's safer to be smoother in your movements. Did any one else feel this way?

-Sara-

[Dianyla]

I love the site. However, I notice that the "sharp" cyclist tended to have jerky movements. A great example of this is in the Left Turn in Heavy Traffic clip. I think if I were driving my car behind him I would be worried about what he was going to do. I guess I just expect people to execute smoother movements.

I thought the movements looked jerky, too. But their theory is that this makes you look more decisive to the driver, and also more noticeable. You just said it yourself that if you were in the car you'd be worried about what he was going to do. I.e. you'd be paying more attention. If you always act in a way that is more predictible and expected, you're easier to ignore.

[fatbottomedgurl]

I started signalling right with my right hand.
I noticed the jerky lane changes too. Did you see the car hit its brakes? I try to make a smooth transition. I wonder if he drives his car that way.
We have very fast speed limits in town (45-50mph!). Have to be very careful taking a lane to get to a left turn. I think I should get a mirror. Are they dorky? Guess dorky doesn't matter as much as dead.

[jobob]

If you're not comfortable with looking over your shoulder (and keeping a straight line while you do it ) then a mirror is an excellent idea.

I know many accomplished cyclists who use mirrors, so it's not a sign of weenie-dom if you use one.

I, personally, prefer to look over my shoulder. I couldn't get used to a mirror when I first tried one although there are some situations where I think it would be a good idea for me to use one. I might give it another go.

One big advantage to looking over your shoulder, though, is that you let the car behind you know that you're aware of it. When I'm driving in my car past a cyclist I like to know that they know that I'm there. I'm still on the ready for any boneheaded maneuver that might ensue, though

I prefer the point right arm straight to the right version of the right turn signal. It's legal in CA. I've seen some people do the 90-degree bent left arm where they don't raise their arm high enough to make a true 90 degree bend, and it just looks confusing.