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@walm
Also inspired by this thread I had 2 hours cycle training by the highly recommended WiganWill on Saturday.
I do a fair few miles commuting but wanted to iron out any bad habits and check that when I think I am doing the right thing, it is actually right!
After a discussion regarding the width of car doors ("wide") and the benefits of looking behind you VERY regularly we set off for an excellent route around Sloane Square, Victoria, Park Lane and a few laps of every cyclists' nemesis: Hyde Park Corner.
As expected his advice was extremely helpful and communicated with great examples and in real time as it happened (cars slowing for us as we clearly signalled our intentions, SUVs buzzing us, plenty of non-indicated left-turning at junctions etc...)
I had plenty of key takeaways:
Leave at least a car door's width beside parked cars ALL THE TIME.
OWN THE LANE: take the middle of the lane at junctions. Don't let cars have the chance to squeeze past.
Filter on the right when possible and leave plenty of room for U-turners, peds etc... Plus always have your escape route planned for when you need to pull back in.
Signal with a flat hand don't point.
Above all, MAKE EYE CONTACT: with drivers about to pull out on you onto the roundabout, with peds about to jaywalk, to drivers stopped at junctions, to drivers about to pull into your lane from the right... etc...
I particularly enjoyed Will encouraging me to "make your angry face" while making eye contact with suicidal pedestrians. "The normal social rules don't apply; do everything to discourage them from endangering you (and them). Shout!"
I was very pleased to discover that the zig-zags around crossings are fine for filtering (as long as you can see the crossing is clear of course) and that ignoring cycle lanes is often the best practice.
Will's technique for looking behind me (don't turn your head but lean forward and to the side with a virtually horizontal head) has instantly allowed me to look properly not just glance backwards while holding a steady line. Really helpful.
Overall I cannot recommend Will and cycle training enough. It is fun, informative and will make your riding smoother and safer. What is not to like?
Will mentioned that 90% of trainees are women which is truly amazing given my experience of a far higher ratio of men vs. women on my commute.
Swallow your pride chaps!