picture via elycefeliz
In the main, cycling in the city is not a social sport. You will probably not be conversing at length with other cyclists, much in the same way that motorists tend not to converse with each other from car to car even if they are able to. City cycling is a very functional phenomenon and many of the other cyclists on the road will be simply trying to get from one place to another. As such, it is an individual and solitary pastime. However, a certain degree of communication is essential for maintaining happy cyclists and safe cycling through the city context.
Audio communication
Some of the communication that you will use between yourself and your fellow cyclists may well be verbal. It may take the form of a quick exclamation to alert them of your presence, or perhaps a quick ‘thanks’ as you sail past someone who has pulled in a little to allow you to pass. But this is about the extent of the verbal communication between city cyclists in general.
Other audio forms of communication include the use of a bell, which is highly recommended. Try and acquire a single-ringing bell rather than the older telephone-style. As a point of etiquette it does, for some reason, sound much more polite; it also takes up less space on your handlebars. The bell should be used fairly sparingly, in much the same way that the car’s horn is seldom heard in free-moving traffic. It is a value-free sound; that is to say, it doesn’t mean ‘get out of my way’, nor does it mean ‘thanks’ – it means what you make it mean in the right context. A friendly ‘bing bing’ as you pull out to overtake is often very much welcomed by a cyclist who may have been considering turning right without looking.
As an aside from this article, a bell can be very useful in communicating with pedestrians. These are a strange breed of human who choose to walk on their legs and feet instead of utilising the much more efficient bicycle. They do not, for some reason, have any sense of fear at stepping out in front of a bicycle, and seem not to be aware of any dangers that a reasonably heavy contraption of mostly metal rolling towards them at 30mph might pose. But that’s another article.
Visual communication
Far more common in the context of city cycling is the visual communication. Signalling is a large part of this; clear, precise and courteous signalling will go a long way to on-road harmony. Signals should be given in good time, with careful regard to your surroundings – remember, unlike a car’s indicator (unless you have an old Morris Minor or suchlike!), the cyclist’s signalling arm increases the width of his or her vehicle very significantly.
Remember too that when turning right, your primary brake hand (the right hand) is away from the primary brake (the front brake) and you will need to compensate for this by either reducing speed early where appropriate, or signalling early, braking, then signalling again. Lane positioning is also key in this situation, and clear, consistent positioning will greatly aid your fellow road-users.
Checking your shoulder
By far the most important and notable communication is the existence, placement and movement of the cyclist and his or her bicycle. Be clear and precise with your movements if you can, and always aim to manoeuvre in a predictable manner. This will help prevent all kinds of accidents. Don’t forget to check behind you before undertaking any manoeuvre; a cyclist gaining quickly but quietly from behind may have no idea of the movements you are about to make.
Fitting a mirror may be a good idea, but try not to rely on these too much as you may not be able to see a cyclist in an unusual position. Nothing beats a good direct look over your right shoulder. Bear in mind, however, that this motion usually causes a rightward swerve, so be prepared to compensate – and don’t look behind you for too long!
Keeping your distance
Be aware that other cyclists may not be as clear in their movements as you are. Keeping a good distance behind any cyclist where possible will give them scope to make sudden manoeuvres or mistakes if necessary.
At the end of the day, the best advice is, as it were, simply to say what you mean and mean what you say.
Your turn
Share your thoughts on this. What do you find works for you whilst cycling in the city or commuting and communicating with other cyclists?
Happy Cycling :)