9 HABITS Beginner Cyclists Must AVOID

One important thing is to carry some tools and learn how to use it. I often go on group rides where people don't carry anything ever and just depend on help from others.

I would suggest that a point missed about pedal position when cornering is that by keeping the inside pedal up, you avoid the risk of having the pedal strike the road surface.

One point of safety I believe you missed is “Gloves” I’m a firm believer in wearing them, if you take a fall the first thing you do is put your hands out, as a guitar player I’m always trying to protect my hands from falling or getting cut or scraping them, it also helps from getting sweat all over the bars and stuff.

Here's one: Don't feel like you have to buy a bike with such an aggressive stance. Being crunched over all the time is pretty miserable. If you are doing simple commutes then look for a bike that allows a more comfortable upright riding position.

Your descending tip on putting pressure on the outside foot has been super crucial in getting back my confidence after crashing and breaking my collarbone six months ago. Thanks again 👍

I just forwarded this video to my son who wants to start riding to work. He is not living in my state (USA) and though I’m an experienced cyclist, I haven’t had a ride with him in over 18 years. I very much appreciate being able to share these sound advice videos with him to ease my worries.

Good tips. I would add “wear something bright”. You can’t underestimate the average motorist.

A really good way to improve bike handling is to go mountain or gravel biking on some technical trails (preferably with some friends). It really taught me a lot and how to respect not only my bike, but also the terrain I am riding on. It also helped build my confidence when riding on the roads.

Thanks for mentioning relaxing your shoulders and elbows. This is one thing I have trouble remembering. It not only improves comfort while riding but also helps prevent you coming home with sore or stiff arms after a long ride.

In city environments, I find that a front blinking light, day or night, is at least as important as a rear light. I get much more recognition from drivers turning in front of me, from my lane or the opposing lane (s)) when I have one. I started to consistently use one when a driver approaching from the front, in broad daylight, turned right into me, and only stopped then their bumper hit my front wheel - I was turning away from them the whole time. They were focused on turning into a parking lot and claimed to just not see me.

this tip just came in after I've crashed during a corner, cycled a 100 km ride with horrendous posture, cycling with only one hot dog consumed, bike back bearing broken, thanks for teaching me

Avoid patches of loose gravel on junctions and bends; especially if braking.

Hey mate, a really important topic and well presented! The only thing I would add is to stress the importance of avoiding overlapped wheels. Also to be careful passing bikes especially if the rider being overtaken is unaware they are being passed. The clients I have been guiding lately are relatively new to cycling and the biggest problems I see are nutrition, cornering, descending but the scariest is the lack of road positioning sense. I am catching them overlapping my wheel and find they pass me when there is a need to slow down putting us all at risk.

Biggest tip for begginers, dont fall for the newbie no gloves look. wear gloves and save your palms if you land at over 30kmh.

Loved the video - especially the tips about cornering. I have a huge problem with cornering, always slowing down.

Glad you mentioned sunscreen. So many bikers skip on this and they end up aging like raisins over their lifetime (UVA sun rays account for the majority of skin aging) while also increasing thier risk of skin cancer greatly. Hat and sunglasses also is of great help, and also sun protection clothing.

That was a great video! I learned a couple of things way too late myself. Especially fueling, took me just 30 years to get it right 😂. Cannot be overstated. Also to keep safety 1st.

I appreciate you and this video! I’m a newbie to road cycling. This stuff and the comments left are very valuable. I appreciate them and those leaving them. I now need to look into getting the right clothing for warm or cool weather…

I always avoid cornering with my inside foot because the inside foot might hit the road causing an accident. Didn't know about putting weight on the outside foot to make cornering better. Guess I'll try that. Thanks.

I'm definitely guilty of #2. I learned to ride with no hands on my old steel bike, but my road bike feels so much more twitchy. Good advice to take the weight off of the arm that is left, and general push to take the time to do it. Next ride will definitely put more of a focus on one-handed riding.