But by riding in the gutter you are more likely to encounter hazards, such as broken glass

or drain covers, and it may encourage motorists to try and squeeze past you when there potentially

might not be enough space. When riding on the road there are two positions to use.

Your default riding position is about a third of the way into the lane or approximately

inline with the nearside of a car. If you are intending to turn right ahead or need

to prevent cars from overtaking at any point you should take control of the lane, riding

where you can be easily seen. This gives motorists the message that you don't want to be overtaken

as it isn't safe. Ensure you look behind to check it's safe to move into this position.

On side roads if you are passing a side road on your left you should move out to take the lane.

This will increase your visibility to traffic joining the road from the junction.

Give you more room to manoeuvre and prevent impatient motorists behind from overtaking

and then sharply turning left in front of you. On busier roads, with multiple side roads

it might not be practical to take the lane for every junction. In this situation you

should glance behind you, make eye contact with the driver following and edge out slightly.

This should be enough to make yourself more visible to the driver behind you so they know

that you don't want to be overtaken. When passing parked cars the same principles apply

as passing side roads although you should keep yourself it least a door's width of space

or more if possible in case a door in opened. Take a look in the mirrors of the vehicle

to see if you can see a face or look for a light in the car to see if the driver could

be ready to open the door. If you're riding with others it's perfectly acceptable to ride

two abreast with the outside rider approximately in the centre of the lane. However on narrow

roads or if you are aware of a build up of traffic behind you should single out when

safe to do so to let them pass. Blind bends are another situation where singling out is

advised in case of oncoming traffic crossing the white lines in the middle of the road.

Observation, anticipation and negotiation should be your watch words when riding out

on the road. You should always know what's going on around you. Where possible making

eye contact with drivers and other road users. Looking well ahead. Anticipating what the

traffic ahead is going to do. Adapting your riding accordingly and negotiating when necessary

with the drivers around you should become second nature. This all helps contribute towards

a smart commute.