New road cyclists often have to navigate through a fog of confusion regarding the appropriate etiquette and rules of cycling. These rules are not written down, (apart from in the highway code regarding traffic offences and perhaps when racing), yet nevertheless are crucial in maintaining order on the bike paths and in the bunch.
So, to clear up any confusion of what you can and can't get away with we have created a list of ten things you must absolutely NEVER do on a bicycle of any type (unless of course you really have to)....
BikeRoar's 10 things you should NEVER do on a bike:
1. Answer your phone
We all carry our phones with us everywhere we go, but if you're on a bike at least stop first before fishing it from your pocket. Riding and talking on the phone is similar to doing the same in a car - the distraction makes you dangerous to others.
2. Iron your pants
Running late for work and no time to remove those creases? "Extreme ironing" was just a bit of fun and should never be included as part of your daily bike ride or commute.
3. Carry a ladder
The people who carry ladders on their bikes are experienced professionals. You are NOT a window washer you are a cyclist, put the ladder down and back away slowly.
4. Join the outlaw motorcycle gang
If you do rock up in your best lycra to join the gang just make sure you have a spare bike and jaw at home because one could be wrapped around the other before you can finish the sentence "your bike's made from steel? Ha! You've been ripped off mate, mines carbon fib........"
5. Carry your whole family including dog
Although common practice in some parts of the world this is definitely a bad idea in your local neighbourhood. It takes true commitment to ride a bike carrying your wife, two kids, grandma and grandpa, uncle Bob and spot the dog down to the shopping mall for a browse and bite to eat. Take the car.
6. Go to the toilet
When you begin riding in the World Tour you are excused, before that it is just bad, bad form. Find a tree at the very least mate.
7. Wear short skirt and stilettoes
Being a guy I don't have a huge issue with this, but really, what were you expecting wearing a mini skirt and high heels on a bike? Appropriate attire please ladies.
8. Get married
Actually, skip that. Getting married while riding a bike sounds awesome. The hardest part would be finding a priest or celebrant capable of riding backwards and reading at the same time. If you find one, can you let me know?
9. Sew on a button
While riding a bike wearing a jersey it will be more like repairing a zipper, but either way you should have thought of it before you left home. In saying that, is there a better place to carry a travel sewing kit than a wedge pack?
10. Ride through a drive thru and order dinner
My wife actually tried this one and they were really NOT happy at all! Apparently drive thrus' are for cars not bicycles. Shame. The person who invents the bikethru will do well.
I think that covers everything. Next time you go riding, respect others and take care, and never, ever do any of these...unless you really have to...or its a dare...or a bet...
