Cycling Tips
Bad dogs | Sheep
| Horses | White
Lines
Tip 1: Dog Eat Dog
So what do you do if you are harassed by a dog? A certain
bike book once advocated either ramming your bike pump or clenched
fist down the dog's throat; or sprinkling pepper on its nose.
The British RSPCA had this advice removed from later editions.
In any case how often do you carry a pepper pot in your top pocket?
A dog ran off with a friend's pump connector - serve him right
for trying to whack the dog on the nose with his pump!
In my experience the easiest and most effective method of dog
control is your voice.
If you let the dog know that you
are the boss, you will always win the argument.
As you approach farm buildings (the dog's home territory), clear
your throat and be ready to shout. If a dog comes out, first gently
speak to it, say "Hello boy"
(this is often all you need to do). If the dog appears to be agressive,
shout a strict command such as "STAY"
in a deep rough voice. It does not really matter what words you
shout, as long as you sound assertive. Appear confident - don't
let the dog know that your knees are knocking and you need your
mum to wipe your bum.
Be the boss, and
even the biggest and most scary of dogs will stop in its tracks,
turn around and run away. No dog is going to pick a fight that
it might lose. Also, most dogs in country areas are working farm
dogs trained to obey a command, so sound just like a farmer.
Don't try to out-cycle dogs. They can always run faster than
you think, and they're likely to do a 90° turn straight across
in front of your wheel. It is better to slow down and shut at
the dog. If necessary, get off your bike and place it between
you and the dog, like a fence.
Never turn your back on a strange dog, it's taken as a sign of
weakness, and you may get your ankles nipped (that's what farm
dogs do to cows and sheep). If there is more than one dog, don't
turn your back on any of them!
Note: dog psychologists say you should never make eye contact
with a dog, it's an aggressive act. My advice is to always keep
an eye on the dog without winding it up into a frenzy by staring
straight into its eyes (although the staring technique could be
used, as long as you are confident enough to back it up with some
very assertive shouting). Just remain confident and you will be
okay.
Tip 2: Sheepish Behaviour
There are more sheep than people in Wales, so you will probably
encounter some on the road sooner or later. Sheep panic, run alongside
you, then suddenly turn 90° and cut across in front of you.
Never try to out-run sheep.
My advice is to shout "BAAAAH"
(I don't know what it means, but they understand it) as you approach
sheep. This startles them so they do their panicky manoeuvres
well before you get there.
Tip 3: Horsing About
If you encounter horse-riders on the road, speak to the horse
(or the rider) as you approach. Say "Hello" or something.
This lets the horse know that you are human, and not some strange
animal with wheels. Horses can easily be spooked if you come upon
them suddenly from behind, which could cause an accident.
Likewise, let pedestrians know you are coming with a discreet
cough (if you don't have a bell).
Tip 4: Crossing the Line
Don't let drivers bully you into the gutter when overtaking
you on a main road with double white lines. Many drivers don't
realise that they can cross the double white lines when overtaking
a cyclist if it is safe to do so. Crossing the double white lines
means they give you plenty of space instead of driving too close.
Rule 129 of The Highway Code states:-
Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid. This
means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless
it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side
road. You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road
is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal
cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling
at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.
Spread the word about Rule 129 of The
Highway Code to your friends.
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