Theory: ride smarter, ride safer

Before we get into the rules, take a moment to think about what makes you nervous on a bike. Naming the worry is the first step to managing it.

We'll work through the strategies for managing these risks together as the session goes on.

Mark as done

Know the rules and best strategies to reduce your risks and ride with confidence. A quick, simple roadworthy for your bike is the ABCDQ check.

• A: Air for your tyres. Keep the pressure within the range written on the tyre sidewall.
• B: Brakes working and not rubbing or with pads worn down.
• C: Chain is not dusty, rusty or stiff. Wipe down and lube if it is, or replace.
• D: Drop and listen for rattles. Tighten any loose parts.
• Q: Quick releases must be in the closed position (wheel axle fastenings, seat post clamp, etc).

A helmet only protects you if it fits. Get these three things right:

• It should sit two finger-widths above your eyebrows.
• The strap should have about a finger space under your chin.
• Adjust the side buckles to make a “V” that meets just under your ears.

Cross traffic

The main causes of serious crashes for riders are drivers crossing their path. The number one risk is the right cross, a driver from the opposite direction turning right across you. Always scan for this, and don't proceed past a gap in stopped traffic without scanning for a car coming through, even if someone waves you through.

The number two risk is cross traffic simply not seeing riders. Try to make eye contact with any driver crossing your path. If you can't, slow down and be prepared to give way.

Work with traffic

Motorists get confused when riders swerve around parked cars or pop out of bike lanes that end. Instead, scan ahead, then check, indicate and merge to the right well before the obstacle. When passing intermittent parked cars, ride in a straight line to the right of them rather than weaving back and forth.

When a street is too narrow for a car to pass, remove the temptation for them to try and move into the centre of the lane. Move back to the left when there is room again.

Bell and voice

To let someone know you're overtaking or crossing their path, use your bell or your voice. This goes for other riders and pedestrians on a shared path.

“Passing” is a commonly used call, and “Hello” does the job too. “Coming through” is effective as well. What is not effective is “On your right”: it tends to confuse people and can make them step into your path. Calling out “Stopping” is useful to prevent riders behind running into you, especially if you stop in a hurry.

Signalling

The only signal riders in Australia are legally required to make is the right-turn signal. But to keep traffic flowing and avoid collisions, it's a really good idea to signal turning, changing lanes, overtaking and pulling over: basically everything that isn't riding straight ahead. Signal stopping too, especially for riders behind you.

Make a clear signal with a straight arm, held out for a couple of seconds. Often it's necessary to signal a second time, such as at an intersection where you have to give way.

Road positioning

Your road position is body language. It tells others where you're going and whether you're confident. The default is to keep left, but that isn't best in every situation. Signalling a right turn from the left is confusing; and where the road is too narrow for a car to safely pass, manage your own safety by moving into the lane.

Choose a hook turn

Hook turns may seem weird at first, but they're a great risk-reduction tool for riders turning right. You keep left and you don't have to indicate, cross into the middle of the traffic lane or cross multiple traffic lanes, and you avoid sitting in the middle of an intersection waiting for a gap. You make the turn in two stages. Bike riders can make a hook turn at any intersection unless signs specifically prohibit it.

Roundabouts

For everyone's benefit, move to the centre of the lane on approach to the roundabout, the earlier the better. Indicate clearly and take your turn with confidence. If you're not confident, pull over before the roundabout, dismount and walk through as a pedestrian. Avoid double-lane roundabouts; dismount and walk if you come across one.

Overtaking on the left

Riders can overtake on the left but must give way to drivers turning left. If a rider and driver arrive at an intersection side-by-side, the one in front has right of way and the one behind gives way. Remember it can be difficult (sometimes impossible) for drivers to see a bike on their left, so be prepared to give way even if you believe you have right of way.

Vehicle blind spots blot out far more road than most people realise: areas a driver cannot see even with mirrors. A 2011 RACV study found that in some vehicles a cyclist as close as nine metres away couldn't be seen because of a side blind spot.

Blind spots and trucks

Large vehicles occupy the space riders normally use to pass on the left. When sharing the road with them, the left side is a highly risky place to be. The major blind spots are directly behind and to the side.

• Right-hand blind spot: dangerous when overtaking: you may not be seen if the vehicle pulls out to the right.
• Don't move in front of a truck (even into a bike box) because the blind spot under the windscreen can stretch more than two metres ahead.
• Left-hand blind spot: the greatest risk. As a large vehicle turns, the space inside closes up where the trailing wheels cut in tight to the kerb.

Sadly, conflict and road rage can be common for bike riders. It's often caused by poor infrastructure, congestion, or a misunderstanding of riders' rights. Here's how to handle it.

Don't engage or retaliate

As tempting as it is to vent, retaliating doesn't achieve anything. Don't approach the other person or touch their property: it can be seen as aggression and put you in danger. Keep your emotions in check; telling someone to “relax” can inflame things. Watch your tone and body language, and be the bigger person. Someone yelling at you wants you to engage. Don't.

Stay calm and get the details

After an incident your words and actions matter. Try to get the other person's details. If a driver is uncooperative, get their registration number, but don't put yourself in danger. If there are witnesses, get their details too. You can't get too much information.

Report it

Report an incident to police straight away. Even if the person isn't charged, police may still issue a warning. If it isn't reported and there's no property damage, there are no repercussions and behaviour won't change.

Everyone could use a bit of extra oomph sometimes, and that's exactly what an e-bike provides: up to 250 watts more power, roughly doubling what your legs put out on their own.

In Australia, e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 25 km/h. That allows 80–100 km of riding range on one charge. Lower assistance levels use less battery, while hilly terrain and under-inflated tyres make the motor work harder and drain the battery faster.

Keep fresh, and it's not cheating

People with e-bikes ride 2–3 times more than those without. You still have to turn the pedals to get moving, and you decide how much assistance you want, from Eco all the way up to Turbo. It's not about replacing the “pushie”; it's another healthy way to get around.