City riding
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 633
Likes: 1
From: Sterling Heights, MI
City riding
I just moved to Michigan from Alaska and rode in W.V when I was a teenager but have never had to deal with city traffic and crowed interstates. How long is it going to take me get comfortable in this riding enviroment? I'll have to admit I'm a little tense out there.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 633
Likes: 1
From: Sterling Heights, MI
RE: City riding
74_Ironhead, I believe your right you never get use to it I thought I was going to rip my handlebars off at one point the other day, I had a$$#oles pulling out in front of me and damn near riding me down.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 892
Likes: 0
From: Central, IN
RE: City riding
I assume that you're in southeast Michigan. I moved from there to the counrty in Indiana. Freeway riding just takes more awareness. Get out of the city and you'll find Michigan a great state.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 1
From:
RE: City riding
Like 74_Ironhead said, you get used to it.
I used to take a different way home on the bike from work, than I would take in the truck because of the heavy traffic. It would take 20 minutes longer and was debatable wether or not it actually was less risky. Slower traffic, but a hotter bike and ride because of it.
Now I just jump in the mad house with the rest of them. I'm not comfortable really, but there are several other cyclists on the road. In fact yesterday, I had one of those Ford Econoline work vans right on my rear. I could see the young guy inside was frustrated and just wanted to get home like everyone else, but he was making me nervous.
I slid onto the shoulder to let him by, but then a Toyota Tundra was on me doing the same thing. Finally I resolved to flash my brakelights early and leave myself a cushion in front in case they couldn't stop like I could. While worrying about the tailgaters I passed 3 people on my left (different cars) who were reading magazines, books, etc.)
I used to take a different way home on the bike from work, than I would take in the truck because of the heavy traffic. It would take 20 minutes longer and was debatable wether or not it actually was less risky. Slower traffic, but a hotter bike and ride because of it.
Now I just jump in the mad house with the rest of them. I'm not comfortable really, but there are several other cyclists on the road. In fact yesterday, I had one of those Ford Econoline work vans right on my rear. I could see the young guy inside was frustrated and just wanted to get home like everyone else, but he was making me nervous.
I slid onto the shoulder to let him by, but then a Toyota Tundra was on me doing the same thing. Finally I resolved to flash my brakelights early and leave myself a cushion in front in case they couldn't stop like I could. While worrying about the tailgaters I passed 3 people on my left (different cars) who were reading magazines, books, etc.)
Trending Topics
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
RE: City riding
It's best to be on guard an steering ahead at all times. I try to leave my anger back at home, like they say don't ride when you are angry. But be prepared city riding will make you angry. Yesterday this lady was staring right at me and decided to make a left in fron of me anyway. I honked and yelled at her. Oh well, at least I didn't get hit.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From:
RE: City riding
I live in Boston and work outside of the city. Both getting in and out of the city and the ride up rt 1 to my job are filled with the dangers and pitfalls of driving in traffic. Rt 1 itself is a 6 lane highway (3 each way) with business lined all the way where cars have to cut you off just to get on the road. You have to be very careful and pay attention. I always keep it in gear at lights until everyone is settled in around me. I've only been on the bike 2 months now and couldn't even image what it would be like not having to deal with it every time I jump on my bike. I guess I'm pretty comfortable since it's all I know. But that doesn't mean I'm not careful and aware.