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@sem
Did 2hrs today with Will. Started out on some basic bike checks, positioning, emergency stops, getting onto the road away from the curb. He pointed out that I had a bad 'scooting' habit that I hadn't even really thought about before....scooting along with my right foot instead of just setting off with my left at 10'oclock. Seems obvious but I've been doing that a fair bit totally unconsciously.
Then we checked out my ability to look behind me without wobbling, with an exercise reading how many fingers he was holding up. All fine!
Went down the road to discuss junctions. I learned that I am too defensive and even though I thought I don't hug the curb, I still need to be even more central in the lane. Some really good common sense advise about road-positioning that seems to have evaded me due to bad habits such as not always taking the lane, and not paying enough attention to visibility of traffic beyond parked cars etc, but was nice to learn I have some good habits too, checking behind enough, holding my line....
We then went down through Parliament Sq, on to Whitehall. Here was what I wanted to learn the most about : Roundabouts. I just do what I think I am meant to do but was always unsure about lane changes etc and I don't drive so have never had any formal 'rules of the road' knowledge. Was good to learn that I am doing it right, although he emphasised that I need to be looking more at roads joining the roundabouts, and making more eye contact with drivers. I definitely shy away from making eye contact with drivers and have fallen into lazy signalling habits too, and after this two hours, I saw and experienced the the benefit of very assertive riding.
We went through the underpass towards Knightsbridge, and again I got to practice taking the lane, planning ahead and clear signalling.
We ended up in Hyde Park corner, did one loop of the roundabout which was negotiated through eye contact with drivers and instead of waiting for ages I managed to get into the lane I needed to be in much quicker than I usually feel I do. We sat down and had a chat about the lesson. In all it was a great experience, it was good to have someone suggest areas I need to pay attention to, and also to have confirmation that I am a relatively competent cyclist and that sometimes aggro is just aggro, and not to take it personally (as I tend to do, which spoils an otherwise enjoyable ride home!)
I think it's definitely a good idea for anyone to try this, and Will was an extremely knowledgeable and likeable teacher, with an easy manner, clear instructions, and good banter.
:)