Start here · Essential guide
How to Read the Road Ahead on a Bike
Learn how to scan ahead, spot hazards early and plan a line before you need it, so surprises on the road or path become easier to handle on a bike.
Riding Skills
Reading the Road and Trail
Seeing hazards early and choosing where to ride.
How to Anticipate Drivers and Pedestrians
Learn the common situations where drivers and pedestrians may not see a cyclist, such as turning vehicles and opening doors, and how to leave space.
How to Judge Speed and Distance on a Bike
Learn how riders estimate gaps, closing speeds and stopping room on a bike, why those judgements are often imperfect, and why extra margin helps.
How to Plan a Safer Route
General principles for planning a safer bike route: choosing quieter streets, paths and crossings, and checking the route before you ride it for real.
How to Read a Trail and Pick a Line
Learn how to look ahead on trails, judge roots, rocks and ruts, and choose a line that suits your ability, with a safety-first approach for newer riders.
How to Read Wet and Slippery Surfaces
Learn the visual clues that suggest a surface may be slippery, including leaves, metal, paint and shiny patches, and how to adjust your riding in response.
How to Ride Past Parked Cars Safely
Learn why riders are often advised to leave space beside parked cars, what the door zone is, and how to position yourself predictably when passing them.
How to Ride Predictably Around Traffic
Learn how a steady line, clear signals and avoiding sudden moves help drivers and other road users understand what you plan to do when you ride near traffic.
How to Shoulder Check Without Wobbling
Learn how to look behind you on a bike while holding a straight line, with simple drills to practise the shoulder check in a quiet place before using it in traffic.
How to Spot Road Hazards Early
A guide to common road hazards for cyclists, including potholes, drain covers, gravel, painted lines and debris, and how each can affect a bike.
How to Use Your Eyes for Better Balance and Steering
Learn why looking where you want to go helps your steering and balance on a bike, and try simple, low-risk drills to build better visual habits.
Related topics
More in riding skills
Balance and Control Staying upright, steering, braking and cornering. Riding Confidence Building calm, capable riding on real roads and paths. Group Riding How to ride safely and smoothly with other cyclists. City Riding Traffic, bike lanes, shared paths and bike share skills. Bike Computers and GPS Using cycling computers, sensors and navigation. Commuting Skills Skills and habits for riding to work and back every day. Cornering How to take bends on road and trail with control. Hands-Free and Limited-Control Riding No hands, one hand, feet and vision skills made safe. Advanced Skills Why advanced skills help in traffic, commuting and groups. Handling Variations Handling skills with different hands, brakes and seats. Riding Technique Body position, pedalling, braking and line-holding fundamentals. Advanced Riding Skills and tricks for experienced riders, with sensible limits. Style and Mastery Polishing skills, style and flow through deliberate practice. Speed, Agility and Flexibility Drills for quicker handling, faster riding and a more supple position. Handling Different Bike Setups How bar width, tyre size, stance and loaded bags change the way a bike handles. Practical Riding Fixes Riding straight, coping with a broken chain and riding well on little money. Falling and Crashing Safely Understanding falls, reducing their risk and what to do afterwards. Gears and Cadence Using the gears smoothly and finding a comfortable pedalling rhythm. Etiquette and Signalling Riding courteously and clearly with others.