Roundabouts

[hugh_]

I've recently started commuting to uni, and bought a Trek 6700 for that and to play with offroad when I get the chance.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand; on my commute I've got 3 roundabouts to tackle, all fairly large with 2 lanes joining from each on-road. I go straight over a couple, and right at the other. I tend to stay in the left hand lane and stick my right hand out, until I'm about to turn off. Im not entirely comfortable with this because should I need to stop quickly I don't have immediate access to the front brake. How does anyone else tackle them, and do you use the right lane if you turn right?

Cheers
Hugh

[vipers]

hugh_ said:

I've recently started commuting to uni, and bought a Trek 6700 for that and to play with offroad when I get the chance.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand; on my commute I've got 3 roundabouts to tackle, all fairly large with 2 lanes joining from each on-road. I go straight over a couple, and right at the other. I tend to stay in the left hand lane and stick my right hand out, until I'm about to turn off. Im not entirely comfortable with this because should I need to stop quickly I don't have immediate access to the front brake. How does anyone else tackle them, and do you use the right lane if you turn right?

Cheers
Hugh

I tend to keep both hands on the handlebars, fingers just covering the brake levers, and as I am passing the first exit, keep looking around my right shoulder in the hope of

a) seeing any other vehicles about to go across your bows, and
b) seeing other vehicles who appreciate you are going to pass that turn off.

I feel more comfortable than using the right hand lane on a busy roundabout. Either way, extreame care is necessary. Safe cycline Hugh.

[gazzab]

I got the same bike!!! changed the brakes, gears, crank and tyres.

[trackdemon]

Given the general standard of driving in this country, I use the pavements round the outside or would otherwise avoid dicing with traffic on roundabouts. Call it self preservation if you like....

[coopers]

trackdemon said:

Given the general standard of driving in this country, I use the pavements round the outside or would otherwise avoid dicing with traffic on roundabouts. Call it self preservation if you like....

every bit of what he said.... I went for an 2 hour ride into Portsmouth and back out and i too have to tackle 1 big roundabout which leads to the motorway on one exist and people can get up to 50 even before they hit the slip road (well i do ) so the best thing was to take my road bike onto the pavement once round it back onto the road

IMO much much safer, ok you may loose a couple of minutes but least you wont loose your life if a driver isnt paying attention!!

[hugh_]

Thanks for all the advice, nice to hear different opinions on the matter.

gazzab said:

I got the same bike!!! changed the brakes, gears, crank and tyres.

I'm thinking tyres are going to have to be changed - they're fine for the off-road stuff im doing but pretty rubbish for the road stuff. Other than that I'm happy with it.

Hugh

[Matthew C]

Try not to understeer into the opposite kerb. I've nearly done that, causing myself concern at the time.

[Parrot of Doom]

I use them in exactly the way I would if I were in a car. I stay in the middle of the lane and signal to exit only.

[dubbs]

Clearly signal to traffic - they can see you and will assume you'll be off the next exit every time.

Even though I only have one hand on the bars, clear signalling is MOST important. Needing to brake that hurriedly should never happen if you are being observant and conscious of what's going on ahead and either side.