Cycling UK Forum

Law should insist that bicycles are fitted with a convex rear-view mirror of the appropriate curvature.

The Sunday Times article of November 29, discussed elsewhere in this forum, argues that cyclists who listen to IPods are a menace. (Largely to themselves, presumably). The CTC newletter, discussing the article, concludes:

"... you should not solely rely on your hearing to know when a vehicle is behind you, cycle training states you should regularly look over your shoulder too."

Looking over your shoulder takes time. Time you're not looking ahead. In most UK traffic situations you need to monitor continuously what is around you - front and back. Being able to hear helps a little, but cannot and must not be relied upon. (A Prius or Tesla could creep up on you and you'd never know.) Car drivers can hear very little, but they have three mirrors. Cyclists should have at least one.

The appropriate curvature of the mirror is crucial. I found a flat mirror was useless, as the vibrations transmitted through my Brompton shook the image so much that I couldn't distinguish a thing. Too curved and the items in the mirror are too small. I am happy with the one I have now and rely on it completely, but I found it hard to get more for my kids' bikes. They are also ludicrously over-priced for what they are (a few bits of black and shiny plastic).

Mandating that a kite-marked mirror should be fitted to every bike as standard should bring down the cost to mere pennies and improve availability. I expect this will significantly enhance cyclists' safety.

You could try dipping the 'nose' of the saddle down at a light angle. That keeps it out of the way of the prostate (or whatever bits you've got down there). I have my saddle set up like that and people think it very odd. But it works for me.