17 Super Skill Hacks To Be A Better Cyclist

These new tips are guaranteed to make you happier, cleverer and better on your bike.

Hi I'm Garry and this is my squad. I've spent 15 years cycling around Dublin, Ireland and I promise if you read this, you'll fall off your bike less.

Mike LePage / Via Facebook: ml.photography.dublin

I've seen everything that can happen when you're on a bike.....well almost everything.

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So here are my 17 super skill hacks for safe and happy times on your bike!

1. Expect cars to turn.

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Turning cars don't always see cyclists as they are often in their blind spot. If a car is indicating do not pass it. If a car is approaching a junction do not pass. If a car is turning across a road you make sure they see you. If they don't, just stop!

2. Know where to look

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Remember these 2 numbers 100 and 30. When you are on your bike you should be aware of everything happening 100 meters away and you should be looking 30 meters in front of you ( a little further if you are descending at 70km/h! ). This simple rule of thumb will improve your ability to anticipate what is happening no end.

3. Learn to bunny hop at 50 km/h

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Ok I'm kidding, but bad road surfaces mean that you need some skills to get around. Be aware of bad road surfaces on your normal route so you can anticipate them. If you want to learn to bunny hop then watch how the pros do it.

4. Learn to drop the elbow

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If you want to look behind you, drop your opposite elbow first. That way you wont go veering out into the middle of the road. Always look behind you before you change your position on the road. It gives you a snap shot of possible danger and raises drivers attention to your move.

5. Know a trucks blind spots

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Trucks have more and much bigger blind spot than cars. The best place to cycle is in the driver's mirror so they can see you. If a truck passes you on a narrow road try and remain calm, breath out and focus on the road right in front of you. If you must stop put your foot down on the kerb side if possible.

6. Stay at home sometimes!

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The great cycling pro Sean Kelly was once asked how he knew if the weather was too wet to cycle in. His reply was typical "I check the weather, I put on my gear, I go out and do my spin, then when I’m back I decide if it was too wet or not” Unless you're Sean Kelly maybe like this guy you should stay at home when the weather is really bad.

7. Learn the "Dutch reach"

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You've been doored! We have all experienced it so what can we do? Aside from keeping a wide berth and getting in the driver's mirror, consider learning about "the dutch reach", use it and spread the word. Hopefully we can prevent more accidents before they happen.

8. Take roundabouts really easy

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On roundabouts slow down and make eye contact with drivers of oncoming cars. If they don't obviously see you, be prepared to stop or follow their line around the roundabout! Drivers often don't see cyclists as their line of site is focused on the middle of the road and not from where you are coming from.

9. Early morning rides are beautiful!

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Cycling at dawn is a beautiful time to be on your bike. There is less traffic and its a really great way to start your day. However, watch out for low sunlight especially around Autumn. Low light blinds drivers and they can's see you easily. Using flash mode on your bike light is really effective in these conditions. Also, get a pair of clear or lightly tinted lenses so you can wear them as the sun rises.

10. Put a speed limit on yourself

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Bust traffic is probably the most dangerous situations for cyclists to be in so its best to keep it slow (20-25 km/h). Look out for yellow boxes or gaps in traffic where pedestrians or cars are crossing into your path. Also pay attention to whats happening on the other side of the road as that is where danger tends to come from. Slow down and make yourself predictable to others, not like these guys here.

11. In windy weather, learn to cycle on grass

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Yes I'm kidding again....Cross winds get the better of even the pros. Look out for these especially at cross roads and higher grounds. If you encounter them break and get low and lean back on your bike, this will limit the effect a cross wind will have on your balance.

12. Avoid wet leaves

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Autumn is the worst time of the year for road conditions, wet leaves or wet metal are a real danger. If you need to cross over them ride through them, take them dead straight and sit low on the bike. Whatever you do, do not pull your breaks.

13. Don't draft

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We are getting into stupid territory here but a lot of us are guilty of this! Just don't draft any vehicles. Trucks and buses have much stronger breaks than bikes and will stop a lot quicker than you. If your too close when they break, you have a good chance of being badly hurt.

14. Ninjas, please use lights!

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Unlike cyclists Ninjas don't want to be seen at night. So get some decent USB charging lights. 200 Lumens on the front is plenty for city cycling, any more and your blinding drivers. Front and rear lights on your helmet really help your visibility to cars. Flashing lights are great but drivers cant tell how far away a flashing light is. When you are moving quicker put your light on beam (pointed slightly down at 30 yards ) and drivers will more easily be able to judge your speed and distance.

15. Know the rules of the bike

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With every sport there are things you just need to know. So know the following The Velominati Rules . Other things you should know about cycling are terms like "Fred" meaning idiot! Each country and region will have their own terms so you'll need to get down with the local lingo no matter where you are. The Velominati rules though....they stay the same

16. Don't be a "Fred" stop at red

Garry Blair

The number 1 thing that gives cyclist a bad name is not stopping at red lights. This is a respect we all should have for each other. Try not to break them I know its tempting.

17. Be like this guy (not the dog)

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Cycling is incredibly enjoyable. Use it to relieve stress, get some fresh air, get fitter. Whatever level you are at, the benefits are the same, so just get on your bike and enjoy the ride.