By Jack Vaughan<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Cycle-friendly cities are not exempt from crashes\u2019 warned The Times in an article published in August. In an analysis of the most dangerous commuter routes for cyclists in Britain earlier this year, Oxford (alongside Cambridge) enjoyed the unenviable position of topping the list. There is, of course, a degree of context to consider here \u2013 as cities that emphasise active transportation, the sheer number of cyclists on the roads naturally leads to a higher incident rate. Nevertheless, figures don\u2019t lie. Oxford sees a proportionally greater number of accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whilst the most dangerous routes in the city don\u2019t come as a surprise \u2013 The Plain roundabout near Magdalen Bridge, which is confusing for cyclists (and drivers) at the best of times \u2013 this roundabout is not alone in striking fear into the hearts of both experienced and new cyclists alike. Indeed, any junction can seem daunting as you approach it surrounded by buses, buses, and, as we\u2019re in Oxford, more buses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fear not however, tackling junctions doesn\u2019t need to be as difficult as winning the Tour de France on a balance bike. With a few simple tips, and a healthy dose of common sense, you too can navigate junctions correctly and, most importantly, safely. Read on for the DOS and DON\u2019TS of junctions whilst cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DO<\/strong> indicate early. Making your intentions clear can go a long way to avoid an untimely meeting with the tarmac. If drivers know what you\u2019re doing, they\u2019ll be more likely to give you the space to do it. By indicating early, you will have time to navigate the junction focusing on the road you\u2019re merging onto, instead of quickly needing to manoeuvre in front of a car to get into the right position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DO<\/strong> take a dominant position on the road. Cycling near to the kerb can result in drivers passing you closely. The police have attributed close passes to 25% of serious collisions between people riding bikes and those behind the wheel of larger vehicles. Improvements to infrastructure notwithstanding, moving into the middle of the lane as you approach a junction will help lower the risk of being passed closely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n