Does anyone bike in a city that isn't very friendly to bicycles? How do you manage?

straw_hat · 1 year

Just do what you're most comfortable with. I'm not shy about using the main roads in Miami (especially if I'm going somewhere I don't know very well), but for rides that I take regularly, like my commute, I've figured out a route that stays off the main roads. Why? Peace of mind. Riding on the main roads on weekdays is stressful, and if I wanted to be stressed all the time, I'd drive a car.

maese · 1 year

Buy a rear-view mirror! A big one if possible. You know when you have to react without looking constantly back AND feel safe when you don't have to react. It's the best thing i've ever done with my city bike.

duclicsic · 1 year

I live in Manchester, England. There are plenty of cycle lanes here but they're not well recognised and usually have cars parked in them. If I could give any advice on riding busy roads it's to look over your shoulder every few seconds and try to make eye contact with drivers coming up behind you. Ride assertively and make yourself seen to be paying attention, it will ensure drivers are aware of your intentions and make them more confident in passing you knowing that you've seen them just as they've seen you. I ride mountain bikes and used to work as a courier, so I'm extremely bold when it comes to manoeuvring through traffic, been using the roads for many years now and besides a few idiots passing too close I've never even come close to a crash.

photo9 · 1 year

I live in San Antonio TX. One of the worst cities for bike riding, and it can be pretty horrible. People feel like they own the road here and you should not be on the road at all. I get honked at constantly, and a lot of cars going around 50 MPH and flying past me about a foot away. I think its a game to people to see how close they can get to me. It really is nerve racking and there isn't a very big bike community here. San Antonio is very spread out so it takes 15-20 minutes to get anywhere in a car, much less a bike. I try to advertise cycle awareness but its hard to take down that beast. I am setting up a couple fliers and things to pass out at city hall. Within 10 miles of my home, there is 1 road with bike lanes, and it lasts about a mile.

cryemoxkidcry · 1 year

You man the fuck up and pay attention.

lucasw · 1 year

Does anyone live in a city that is bike friendly? I just pretend that I'n invisable

they_are_angry · 1 year

I got really involved in the cycling community. It helped to have someone who went through the exact same thing there to talk to.

Nerdlinger · 1 year

I live in the D/FW area which was named the worst city for cycling in 2008 by Bicycling magazine, and with good reason. Cycling here absolutely sucked back then, and it really hasn't gotten much better (though there's a good core of young advocates building a good head of steam to improve things).

I just ride smart, ride carefully, and live with the shitty conditions.

Blueberryspies · 1 year

Ride offensively if you have to take busy streets. All that means is that in areas without bike lanes or an adequate shoulder you need to establish your presence on the rode. I prefer to ride nearer to the center of the right lane than at the very edge if it means people will be passing me in the left lane rather than with one-foot of clearance in the right.

sunshineyblues · 1 year

I live in Houston, TX which is just as car dependent as LA. Just imagine that all the cars (sedans and the like) are giant 4X4 trucks... with dudes in cowboy hats inside and the confederate flag on their bumpers. THOSE dudes are scary.

I always make sure someone knows when I'm going out on a ride so I have an emergency backup person to call if something happens.

aaronbyard · 1 year

Be careful in residential areas. I've most of my almost accidents in my own neighborhood. Driveways suck, and people aren't looking for bikes, they're looking for cars.

MagicTarPitRide · 1 year

In LA too. Don't be afraid to take up a lane, seriously if you are 'polite' out here, you will get hurt. Don't ride on sidewalks before going through intersections either. Bring an extra tube with you if you use a road bike because roads can be shit. Also wear extremely bright clothes, and get a flashing red light if you ride at night (I'm still a bit wary about going any substantial distance through LA after 8pm).
Also learn the roads, there are plenty of streets through LA that are more bike-friendly "bike routes" (albeit without any sort of bike lane), at least on these people are more used to bicycles.

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