As the title says i'm new to these boards, recently got a new bike - seemed a good way to not rely on my parents for lifts, keep fit and a good hobby. The only thing is I haven't really ridden a bike since my early teens (i'm now 22) and i feel slightly out of practice especially as before i didn't ride on the roads. Does anyone know the best way to get used to riding on roads, are there any training courses that could help? I keep reading odd bits of info/rules/advice but i'm a learn as you do things kinda person.

Thanks Amy

Hi Amy
Glad to welcome another cyclist to the ranks.
I'm a learn as you do person as well so understand what you are saying here.
Its a difficult thing to answer as traffic is now a lot heavier than it was a few years ago. Must admit I'm not aware of any adult on road training.
Stuff I've told my daughter includes:-
The obvious thing is if there is a cycle path then use it! Sounds silly, but many times I see people on the road when they really would be much safer on the adjacent cycle paths.
Another thing is don't ride in the gutter. The reasons for this are that it gives you some "wobble" room and reduces the chances of punctures.
Ride confidently if you can so traffic doesn't see you as a "victim".
To get some practice try and go out and ride your regular routes at quieter times. This will make you aware of road conditions like pot holes(there are many!) which can cause you to wobble.
Don't ride with an MP3 player blasting your ears....when cycling your ears can save you from a nasty accident if you stay aware of traffic noise.
Do wear light coloured clothing (especially on your top half and no it doesn't have to be Lycra!). It may seem untrendy to a 22 year old but it really can help you be seen by dozy drivers.
As a new rider do wear a helmet. Again its not trendy, but it could save your life. (OK, I admit I don't but I have reasons for this which are not a subject for this reply).
Also make sure clothing fits correctly, you don't want it catching rotating things.
Make sure your bike is working properly, especially brakes to allow emergency stops with dozy drivers.
When turning right is probably the most dangerous for a cyclist, so until you are confident you may be better stopping on the left and walking the bike across(where possible). If you can't do this and have no choice but to cycle a right turn then make sure to indicate with a clear signal (ie: don't just pull across the road)
Generally you will find that the Derby cycle tracks aren't to bad (although there are some glaring missing bits of track in some locations!)
You might consider some of the organised rides listed on this site (depending where you live) so you can observe how others are riding.
If you are really stuck I normally get out on my bike at weekends so could do a gentle ride with a mix of roads / cycle tracks with you(might even get my daughter / wife to come along) I live opposite the Revive Centre in Derwent if thats anywhere near you.
And I'll stop rambling now...hope my ramblings are useful.

Pete        

Pete, I couldn't have said it better myself.

I echo the showing of confidence on the roads. When first starting road biking I remember indicating to turn right and expecting drivers to stay behind me to let me turn. This doesn't happen! So I learnt to just indicate, look around and just do it!

The other thing that I would add is to make sure you have a decent lock! (You may have seen previous posts relating to stolen bikes)

Again, if you'd like a cycling partner, I'd be more than happy. My cycling partner is no more as of this week!

Rich.

Welcome, Amy.

I agree that doing is the best way to learn, but a bit of research (such as you're doing here) can't hurt. I noticed a magazine in Sainsbury's the other week, called Cycle to Work or Ride to Work (one of the two). I didn't examine it, but (from the cover) I gather it's aimed at the beginner or near beginner. Others I've spoken to say it has some useful info. It might fill in some gaps until you find a course.

Speaking of courses, you might get some more info from CTC (worth a google). I also believe that there are new cycling officers around Derby, but I'm not sure offhand how to contact them. Have a look around this site, as I'm sure I've seen signs of them in parts of this site.

However, there's nothing like getting out there and doing it. I agree that the roads are more congested than ever, but this time of year (when some people are away on holiday, so the roads are less crammed, the weather might just be a bit better, and it's lighter longer) is as good a time as any to venture out. Set yourself a target destination that's maybe a bit further than you think you can do - 5 miles sound about right? - and just go for it. All I'd suggest you do before hand is make sure you can change an inner tube. Then make sure your tyres are well pumped up, and that you have a spare tube, tyre levers, pump and either mobile phone (if you have one) or taxi fare (as a last resort, though if you plan your route carefully, you might have a bike shop along the way that can sort you out in an emergency) off you go.

Enjoy.

Thanks for the replies guys! Just to let you know i am being safe with a helmet and all that (unfortunately i know somebody who has been in a serious accident and wasn't wearing a helmet so i always do now) and most of my clothes are quite colourful but when it gets a bit colder/darker i'm gonna invest in a hot pink high vis vest! And i always have a bag full of random stuff with me (inc phone etc).

It isn't that far to cycle to work, i've tried it a couple of times this week and am getting more confident on the roads, my main problem so far is the fact i have to go over 3 roundabouts which i'm a bit weary about.  I also agree about getting in practice now when it's quiet - come September i'll have to pass two very hetic primary schools with lots of parents parking on roads/dropping off/kids running loose etc.

I'll have a look at some of the things suggested and hopefully i'll be riding everywhere soon!

Not sure the folks at HEADWAY would agree with you there Derbymerc!

I know what you mean about the PC aspects of bike helmets but it does not take much of a thump on the head to cause

serious damage and if a helmet can reduce that risk.... I wear one!