advice/thoughts on local cycling

[gingicat]

I am seeking anecdotal advice about cycling in the Somerville-Medford-Malden area. Even the amazing Susan McLucas could not teach me to ride a bicycle (I can't keep myself from looking down on a turn) so I am considering investing in an adult tricycle with or without power assist. (I can fall down and bang myself up while walking with something in my hands that throws my balance off-center, too.)

My issue is that as a motorist, I have noticed that I often don't have room to pass a cyclist. I keep pace with the cyclist until I can safely pass with two or more feet between the side of the car and the cyclist. I very much appreciate the roads painted with the indication that cyclists are allowed to ride down the middle of the car lane!

How well is this honored? Am I a typical motorist when it comes to cyclist safety?

Comments

[nacht_musik]

It varies. Many drivers are considerate and will not pass until they can do so with enough room. But a good fraction of those follow directly behind me, too close for safety - if I stopped quickly, they'd hit me before they had time to swerve or brake. So, I'm very careful to take care that I don't need to stop quickly when that's happening.

I highly recommend having some kind of rear-view mirror - on your helmet or on your handlebars - so you can track their location and proximity.

Some drivers do pass much closer than feels safe, but at least in Camberville this feels like the exception. But that doesn't mean it doesn't happen on a regular basis.