Comments on: Defensive cycling: Looking left https://cyclingchristchurch.co.nz/2014/12/07/defensive-cycling-looking-left/ Regular people riding bicycles Wed, 23 Jul 2025 21:01:36 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Andrew https://cyclingchristchurch.co.nz/2014/12/07/defensive-cycling-looking-left/#comment-1074 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 12:08:38 +0000 http://cyclingchristchurch.co.nz/?p=3645#comment-1074 Good points. I’d add that in addition to drivers not noticing people cycling in the dark, they often miss us when it’s raining. This may be because their wipers don’t clear enough of the windscreen for them to see nearby cycles.

While we’re talking defensive cycling, I also like to keep pedalling when I’m going through an intersection, especially where approaching vehicles intending to turn right might cut me off, or vehicles on a side road to my left are attempting to turn onto the main road. I keep pedalling to indicate that I’m claiming right of way, even though I’ve got my fingers on the brake levers in case I need to take evasive action. And I try to establish eye contact with the driver, as noted in the article.

Another risk factor for cyclists not being seen by motorists is speed. I reckon that cycling below about 20 km/h is safer than at 25 km/h or more. Not only do motorists have more chance to see you, but you also have more chance to stop in a hurry if needed.

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