A Reminder to Unclip and Anticipate Danger While Cycling

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In the last two days I have had dangerous situations in Geneva and Nyon when pedestrians, or cars, have failed to pay attention to the fact that they were crossing a cycling lane where cyclists have priority. The result is that in two cases I had to take emergency evasive action to avoid a collision.

For a long time I always unclipped when I thought people might cut me off. Recently I haven’t. The result is that in Geneva, when girls cut me off while I was on a cycle lane with a green light I couldn’t stop, but I didn’t want to hit them. I emergency braked, passed behind them and continued on my way.

Last night it was a car driver that ignored that he was crossing a cycle lane. If I had continued going straight I would have hit his car. I diverted and I avoided the car. I think he was yelling abuse at me. He refused priority, not the other way around. He was crossing from a road, crossing a cycle path, and pavement, to get into a 20 zone. He had no priority in this context.

This isn’t about blame, or priorities. This is about anticipating people’s actions. I should have unclipped at least one foot, ready to stop in both situations. Recently I have been riding an enormous amount, by my standards, and I have become a little lax with anticipating dangers and risks.

If you’re using flat pedals, and you’re surprised, within milliseconds you can stop. With clipped in pedals it takes milliseconds to realise you need to unclip, unclip, and then put your foot down.

Pedestrians, and cars, when they see "road" cyclists should keep this in mind.

I wear brilliant colours when I cycle. In last night’s incident I had a brilliant yellow top and a 1300 lumen white light on the front of my bike. I was clearly visible. The car refused my priority.

Invisible and Silent

When I was getting my scooter licence we had to learn that we were invisible to cars, and to anticipate danger. On a bicycle, not only are we invisible, but we’re silent. We can sneak up on people with ease. That’s why I always slow down, and say hello, on agricultural roads. I had a bell on my bike, but because I never used it I removed it. I find greeting people, after slowing down, is more convivial and friendly.

And Finally

Cycling infrastructure is designed for touring cyclists, and families, rather than road cyclists. This means that it’s important to be ready to stop instantly, if the situation requires.

As a road cyclist I would love for cycling infrastructure to be built for speed like roads are, but they’re not. They’re designed for flâneurs to get from A to B after a short bike ride in urban clothes, without a helmet.

In future I will actively make sure I unclip in situations where mistakes by drivers, and pedestrians are possible.