I was wanting you sage like opinions of wether or not i should ride to work on monday.

I got my bike saturday gone, and have been riding round my quiet sub urban area getting the hang of gears (didnt quite manage it in a day on my CBT having never ridden/driven anything with gears).

Pootling round my area i have felt fairly safe in Jeans, Sturdy walking boots, a thick coat and my helmet.

Ive not had any distasters yet, only mildly embaressing situations like stalling when pulling out of a junction etc..

Would you say its safe to ride to work? Its a trek from Oakwood, to Leeds city centre, daylight on the trip to work, night time on the way home. Bearing in mind i haven't got a armoured jacket? I do have a High Vis vest though for the night time.

Ta

Rich

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You passed the CBT, though, which means your instructor thought you were competent enough to be allowed out on the roads. And the bottom line is that your machine skills and road sense will only improve through use, which means taking them to the streets. No point in taking unnecessary risks, so it is best to make trips you feel comfortable with making, if that makes sense. I don't know the area at all (BD probably does, hailing from around those parts) but I would consider what the traffic levels are like, particularly towards the centre, at the times you'd be going through and whether there are any particular hazards (roadworks or whatever) on the way.

If it was me - and assuming that it's a lot quieter on a Sunday evening than Monday morning - I'd do as much pootling as possible over the weekend and ride the commute there and back again after dark on the Sunday. No pressure to go all the way if you're not comfortable, but if you do you'll have an idea of what conditions to expect for Monday. If that goes well enough and you don't reckon the traffic'll be a problem, go for it. If not, don't rush it - take as long as you need to get more familiar with the bike.

If you do ride, then don't worry about doing it, or let yourself get intimidated or flustered by other road users: keep calm if you do make a mistake (such as stalling) and just take it steady with what you learned on the CBT.

Safety clothing is only an issue if you're planning to fall off: and, in any case, it doesn't have to be "bike" gear as long as it's impact and abrasion resistant enough to keep your skin and bone off the tarmac. Budgetary constraints meant I spent my step-thru days in an army greatcoat, jeans and para boots - personal preference means I still wear jeans even now, even knowing they're not really up to the job of crash protection. Again, if you're aware of the possible consequences, are comfortable with them and ride accordingly, it shouldn't be a problem.

Hope that helps!

>> ex silens nox noctis <<

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Thanks for the advice guys! Its a shame I have had a fatal accident due to BD's reply being late

Seriously though, i'm loving commuting to work. No problems so far. Far too many traffic lights for my liking, but I suppose they are there for a reason *sigh*

Your right thought BD, confidence does go along way, monday was alot more nerve wracking when i wasn't exactly sure of my route and lanes. Now i know where i'm going i'm finding that i'm dictating where i want to be in the road more.

Rich

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