Posted Mar 5, 2009 by Vip
As a cyclist I try to use the cycle paths where possible, but I do draw the line at roundabouts- I always rejoin the main carriageway and go round the roundabout properly. I do this because it seems a lot safer to me than trying to cross the road with my bicycle.
Does anyone else have an opinion?
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Posted Mar 5, 2009 by minorvogonpoet
It may depend on how much traffic there is  . My own view is that, if you are trying to turn right (I'm talking UK here) it's probably safer to join the right hand lane, if you can and go round on the inside of the roundabout, because that's what car drivers expect you to do.
If there's so much traffic that it's impracticable to move out into the right hand lane, it may be safer to get off and find a safe place to cross each road in turn.
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Posted Mar 7, 2009 by jollyrationalist
There is an idiotic practice of painting cycle lanes around the outside of roundabouts. While I'm sure this was well-intentioned, I'm pretty certain that 'the powers that be', never bothered to ask cyclists' groups for their views, or consider the consequences of corralling cyclists to the outside of roundabouts.
Cycling around the outside of a roundabout confuses motorists; it places cyclists where motorists may incorrectly assume the cyclist is intending to leave the roundabout; and it places the cyclist at risk from traffic repeatedly crossing their path. It's dangerous! Don't do it! Clearly, if there is a cycle path OFF the roundabout that is suitable, then use that.
Any cyclist will know that motorists as a breed seem to be infected with the mind virus otherwise known as 'I must get past the cyclist at all costs'. When this leads to the motorist crossing the cyclist's path, this can involve considerable danger for the cyclist.
In consequence, I believe the safest path through a roundabout is that which is used by the other traffic. For details, see the Highway Code, but take some of the stuff about cycling with a pinch of salt. Most of it is really good, but remember the HC was written by people who drive and clearly do not understand the needs of cyclists!
Act like a motor vehicle
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070338
CYCLE ASSERTIVELY - Maintain heightened awareness;
Observe and clearly signal your intention clearly;
Adopt the correct lane for entry;
Attempt to enter roundabout without stopping by adjusting your speed to time your arrival with a suitable gap; [but be prepared to stop if necessary];
'Take' the appropriate lane on the roundabout [primary position = centre of lane];
Observe and clearly signal your intention to exit;
Maintain appropriate lane position on exit.
Remember cycle lanes are not compulsory!
Note many cycle lanes are too narrow for use [see below]. In which case, use the primary [centre of lane] or secondary position [~ 1 metre from kerb] as appropriate.
Rule 63
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069837
For the bizarre world of cycle lanes [Google 'cycle facility of the month'].
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