Traffic frequency estimates as you go?

[gar]

How do you estimate the heaviness of traffic on the bike as you ride along?

I am thinking of a rule of thumb for ALL roads so that you know the measure of danger you are putting yourself to, in going along particular roads, any kind of road A/Trunk/B/busyC anything.

[Andy Tallis]

Look at the map first. Avoid primary dual carriageways absolutely as much as possible. on't go on primary single carriageway A roads more than you have to unless you know they're OK. Otherwise I'm generally fine.

[gar]

Yes but how do you COUNT the traffic as it goes past so that you know either not to take the road again, or to use it when it is quieter?

If your speeds vary and the rhythym of pedalling
interrupts counting and the speed of the traffic varies, how do you estimate the number of vehicles going past?

An egg timer attached to the handle bars might help.

[Andy Tallis]

I just decide whether I like the road or not (I realise if I don't as it tends to involve some scary moments) and whether there is a better alternative. E.g. A5 - generally few traffivc problems west of Lalngollen, barely any West of Capel Curig and goes through Lwyn Ogwen to buy a coke at a friendly warden station so I use it.

[gar]

By the way how do you deal with dehydration on your longer journeys? Do you carry those sucker
containers, on the back?

They look rather effective in terms of time economy.

[Andy Tallis]

2 water bottles. One on the down tube, one on the seat tube. Each 800ml which will go about 2 hours in summer (more in winter.) I can get to the down tube one easily while riding and change them over when I stop.

I get them refilled in shops etc but carry chlorine tablets (very lightweight) to permit use of slightly less trustworthy sources when necessary.