09-23-2018, 08:19 AM
I think the cycling through the roundabout part is an example of how a cyclist who considers themselves to be competent and confident can still get messed up by a complex roundabout like the Homer Watson/Ottawa/Alpine complex. The truth is that she probably wouldn't have made the same mistake in her car, but the ingrained notion that you need to keep right when on a bike meant that she was improperly position coming into the roundabout.
To be clear, if you're riding in a roundabout, you need to merge in with traffic before the roundabout and claim your spot. Don't hug the edge of the lane; position yourself smack dab in the middle of it. Pick your lane before entering the roundabout. Signal your exit. This is especially critical if you are on an inside lane. Be confident and decisive, know where you are going, and make your intentions clear with your bike position, hand signals, and where you are looking. Try to maintain your speed; if you slow down, people are more likely to try passing you. If you're uncertain and nervous, practice first on single-lane local roundabouts, then progress to more complicated and bigger ones as you become more confident. There's nothing wrong with using the pedestrian-crossing sections if you are nervous about negotiating the roundabout.
To be clear, if you're riding in a roundabout, you need to merge in with traffic before the roundabout and claim your spot. Don't hug the edge of the lane; position yourself smack dab in the middle of it. Pick your lane before entering the roundabout. Signal your exit. This is especially critical if you are on an inside lane. Be confident and decisive, know where you are going, and make your intentions clear with your bike position, hand signals, and where you are looking. Try to maintain your speed; if you slow down, people are more likely to try passing you. If you're uncertain and nervous, practice first on single-lane local roundabouts, then progress to more complicated and bigger ones as you become more confident. There's nothing wrong with using the pedestrian-crossing sections if you are nervous about negotiating the roundabout.