MANY would-be cyclists say fear of using roads is one of the main reasons for not getting in the saddle.

On my first practice session worries about wearing hideous lycra were replaced by more serious concerns as cars and lorries began to whiz past.

As a driver myself, I've got to be honest and say I don't pay too much attention to cyclists.

Ian Drake, boss of British Cycling, gave me a number of pointers: "Make sure you can 'see and be seen'. If you aren't sure if someone has seen you try and make eye contact until you are."

According to Ian, one of the keys to keeping safe is gaining respect of drivers.

He said: "Ride assertively and remember you are a part of the traffic.

Predictable

"Use hand signals or make eye contact to let others know what you are doing. Try to be predictable in your movements."

If you're struggling to turn, there's nothing to stop you getting off and using pedestrian crossings.

Team GB experts at Manchester's Velodrome told me one of the keys to safety was keeping a good distance from the kerb.

Ian agrees: "It's useful to stop vehicles overtaking too closely and to make clear when passing side roads that you are going straight on.

"If other road users wait behind you try to thank them for their patience with a wave or a smile."

To be fair to the good motorists of Oldham by sticking to that advice I've yet to encounter any problems. And when I get back behind the wheel I'll be paying a lot more attention to those on two wheels.

Follow Mike's progress at twitter.com/mikekeeganmen.

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