How do you keep safe when cycling in rush hour traffic?

Question

I am going to ride to and from work soon and I don't think wearing a neon yellow top, a bike helmet and red&white Christmas lights will help much..

So I thought I'd fit two Molotov bidon flasks to the frame, to fit a sawn off shot gun just above it where normally the pump would go.. To snugly put two Magnums below the steering wheel, near the gear shift paddles. And to tie an M6 machine gun to the rear, cable it to a button on the handlebar that fits the bell, and wear rounds of bullets across both shoulders. Leaving space for a Katana sword of course.

However, I found that with all this added wight I can't corner as fast as I might want to. What is your solution?

Answer 1

Just attach two long sharp metal prongs sticking out each side of your saddle. Make sure they are each long enough so that their total width is more than YOUR total width, thus any car coming too close to you will get its paintwork scratched. Of course, tie some cloth scraps to them so that it is obvious what they are - AND what they're FOR . It's surprising how much room you'll be given! ! !

Answer 2

Well I think there far too much aggresion being shown here, i mean of course car drivers are going to knock you off, so busy speaking on their mobiles, or tuning in radio two, and besides which cyclists are well known scum of the earth who dont even deserve to be seen despite wearing dayglo colours and spending a small fortune on cycle lights that you can see from outer space - no the answer is of course to wrap up like the michelin man, swaddle yourself in clothes (or bandages theyre good) and when the inevitable happens you be in for a soft landing. And of course you will be riding slow with all the weight and lack flexibility so you will be in for a soft landing - well i mean how fast can cars get in rush hour traffic.

The only other alternative i can think of is to be a police cyclist - they seem OK, or in big cities follow a cycle courier they seem to do allright!

Answer 3

Awareness is key. Even with an arsenol of weopons at your disposal it would still be possible for one to sneak their way into your blind spots and knock you off your bike and run over you repeatedly as onlookers gaze at your misfortunate experience with apathy. It seems that you've already embraced the truth of knowing that yes, people in cars are definitely out to get you. A neon yellow helmet would only serve to aggravate this. Even people who were not intending to "get you" in the first place would probably feel more inclined to do so if you were wearing one. Paint it black and attach sharp pointy spikes. Attach ,also, several small mirrors and experiment on a sunny day in ways of moving your head enabling you to deflect sunlight from your head into specific targets. Start from a stationary position and gradually work your way into doing this while in motion. Also work on riding with no hands over bumpy surfaces..
You mentioned quite the impressive list of weopons which, as you have already pointed out, can be quite cumbersome. That's just way too many weopons, dude. Ones that will serve you best are probably those that you attach to your self. I used to tour around a little and, although I carried no weopons, I do realize that the art of arranging cumbersome things on a bicycle can be a tricky task. For your purposes I'd recommend only a couple things related to your purpose and practice removing them quickly without losing control of the bicycle. I hope this he;ps you. I care.

Answer 4

Yes, traffic is a problem. But it is mostly a mental and psychological problem.

Waring all the normal protection is good and sound, but not enough.

More important that what we wear is how we "reads" traffic, and how we place ours elf among cars. Most drivers are not psychos trying to kill us. Usually they are to distracted, pissed off at traffic, tired,and frustrated. No wonder it is difficult for them to see us. A lot has to do with how we position ourselves in traffic. Some experience is needed to improve skills, but mostly common sense.

So, do not ride scared, ride cautiously.
Place yourself where you are visible to the driver. if you can see the drivers face in his mirror(s) he is going to be able to see you too. (Will not always, but your chances are high he will, you are not in the blind spot).

Establish eye contact as soon as possible. It is simple, it works!

Do not make sudden unpredictable moves and changes of direction. Be predictable and signal well and in advance.

When posible take secondary roads and strees where traffic is bound to be better and safer, even if it means a little detour, it is well worth it.

Check this sites for more information:

http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/traffic/bike-car.htm
http://www.svbcbikes.org/roadrules/avoid/ntrack.php

Most important: enjoy your rides!

Answer 5

using at night isn't safer. regardless of reflectors and lights furniture. human beings can not see to boot. With the site visitors gets crowded during the day. extra useful seem for a diverse course. wearing dark clothing and wearing head telephones is silly. probably you're no longer very courteous to different highway purchasers. that's why human beings throw bottles at you.

Answer 6

Just tell your girlfriend how many 'near misses' you have each day. She's sure to get the message across to inconsiderate drivers when she insists on following you, in her car, through tight spaces and the like! (It will be even more effective if she has PMT!)...x

Answer 7

If you ride faster than the cars are travelling it is impossible to be hit by one. Just remember to ride safely not cautiously.

Answer 8

Just pour the petrol from the Molotovs on your self, and strike a match. All the motorists are sure to notice, and I suspect that it will likewise make you pedal faster.

Answer 9

why not just ride your bike on the pavement and terrorize the pedestrians like everyone else?

Answer 10

ride on the pavement