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Just behave like a motor vehicle, hold your line, all the usual stuff
Sound advice. Unless of course you are Copenhagenize, in which case vehicular cyclists are "testosterone-driven", cultlike and probably "hit their children"
http://www.copenhagenize.com/2010/07/vehicular-cyclists-secret-sect.html
Ahem. Anyway, I would say that if she's on the OKR there are a number of LCN routes passing through the area. These are pretty quiet and usable by even timid cyclists.
Back to the original post - I think structured cycle training with an experienced instructor would still be hugely reassuring - as has been said it's about a lot more than the lingo.
Vanneau-
copenhagenize.com/2010/07/vehicular-cyclists-secret-sect.html
Christ - what a load of strawman bollocks.
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Ahem. Anyway, I would say that if she's on the OKR there are a number of LCN routes passing through the area. These are pretty quiet and usable by even timid cyclists.
I've started using 'quiet' routes more and more (mainly because I can't stand the noise and air pollution on main roads) though it's annoying how much some are used as a rat run for impatient drivers, even when there are speed humps. These routes are also usually lined with parked cars and have poorer road surfaces and lighting, so positioning and awareness are as important. I agree though, making use of these and prompting our local authorities to make them better for cyclists is the way to go (I think we can agree Cycle Superhighways are NOT for everyone).
Regrettably, a sure way to increase fear in the timid, is to witness or take part in 'die-ins' and other ridiculous protests, purporting to represent the cycling community, like this one coming up: http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/horsedrawn-hearse-to-travel-through-central-london-in-protest-at-cyclist-and-pedestrian-deaths-9858832.html
How many people will see this on Saturday and decide never to cycle in London or let their children? And how many motorists will it piss off?
NotThamesWater
Miss_Mouse
My Polish friend is working on High Holborn, she got a bike under bike to work, a sedate upright Pashley, but she says there's no way shed ride in London. She saw a horrible road rage near her house on the Old Kent Road, a cyclist calmly remonstrated and the driver went crazy ape bonkers at him. She says its just too frightening. The thing is, I've cycled with her in Kraków. It's not that bad, about the same as London. Just behave like a motor vehicle, hold your line, all the usual stuff. I think it's to do with perception. London just scares some people.