Increase Your Bike Safety: Ways To See What's Behind! 

It is important to develop some of these physical skills on the bike! There are some tech options as well as mirrors for helmet, goggles and bar plugs. All these aids do help👍🏾

All great tips for probably the majority of riders. Some of us wear prescription glasses. If I turn my head, all I would see is a blur as my lenses don't wrap around to cover peripheral vision; most glasses don't. So I use the next best thing, a good mirror that hooks onto the stem of my glasses. I've used my mirror for decades and wouldn't ride without it. 😊

In tactical/military training we were taught a variation of chin-to-shoulder - drop your head instead of turning it to get quick SA. It’s much faster. You can’t read a menu, but can see vehicles, dogs, other cyclists. I ride a MB, not a roadie, so I’m a lot more upright and the drop-my-head technique works well. I have tried mirrors and they are a trade off. To be useful they have to be bigger than most riders will want. Even with mirrors I was doing head checks anyway, so I got rid of the mirrors.

Your Group Ride Skills are of the Scale! Last weekend i´ve been on a 80 people gravel group ride! Your words burnt in my mind, that the most dangerrous rider is the one who stop´s pedallin! There have many newbies what is cool but ...... ! On the the first 30k on a 100k they complete blow. By lookin 4 those people how stoped pedallin i knew who to look out 4! And guess what it happend twice i was aware and been lucky not to roll over a crashed Girl! Thanks 4 the top tipp

You can also use things such as reflections from car windows store windows etc it works for yrs but practice makes perfect in any ride

Thanks. Top tips. I tend to use chin to shoulder. I’ve also been using a Garmin Varia rear light with radar, that displays cars (even bikes) approaching and the relative speed. Of course I always do a final visual check before manoeuvring.

One small addition (but NOT a replacement what you said): buy a rear light with integrated radar. It means every now and then I hear a tweedledee, and I know a fast object is coming (say a car, a scooter, another cyclist etc). I also see the green bar on my wahoo turns red and I see 1 (or 2, 3, 4) small virtual cars, so I have an idea it might be more then one.

I'am from The Netherlands -Amsterdam and like your vlogs 🚲

Luis, you are a great guy (#1) and (#2) a veteran rider willing to educate newcomers and save them years in their development as safety-conscious cyclists. I can say all that because I am considerably older than you (as in, 73) but still an ardent roadie. And though you want what is best for your fans, episodes like this one are hopelessly behind the times. I know you are a Luddite when it comes to technology, even mirrors for goodness sake, and so I know you will stubbornly disregard what I am about to say. But for others reading this, I go back to the days of toeclips, itchy woolen shorts, tubulars, and friction-based shifters. Then as now, mastery of the bike is everything, because it hones your survival skills. The group I rode with decades ago wore “brain catcher” helmets and were so confident in their riding skills, as we approached a stop light, we’d all remain in our toe clips and rest on each other’s shoulders to stay upright at over the duration of the stop. We were not showing off, we were merely avoiding the drudgery of getting out our toeclips then getting back into them again. Who, among even the most grizzled road warriors, does not accept that indexed shifting and clip-in pedals have vastly increased the enjoyment - and safety - of our sport. Meanwhile, I fully concur with you that disc brakes suck. Like you, I am leery of gizmos coming around seemingly every month, promising to make us faster and reign supreme at the coffee shop beauty contest. (Safe gizmos are rarely promoted because safety is for the Consumer Reports crowd and way uncool.) From this perspective, please acknowledge I’ve been doing this a long time, since the early 60s, and understand that these days a cyclist’s greatest danger is what is coming from behind. The dilemma about looking over your shoulder every 20 seconds, is that you are fresh meat for whatever unexpected thing goes on ahead of you in the blink of an eye. As you are aware, that is how shit happens. We are SO vulnerable and our lives are in the hands of motorists we would take pains to avoid while driving our cars. I have found a solution that enables me to ride with much greater confidence even here in the Bay Area, where the road ragers paint little bicycle decals on their fenders, one for every cyclist they crush. Okay, maybe it isn’t that bad, so just let me say that cyclists here must be super alert and street smart if they want to survive. Obeying the rules of the road is not enough to keep us safe in the current free-floating hostility that permeates our highways. We need an unfair advantage, and like many others, I have found it. Turning your head, or entire upper body, to see what’s behind places you and your compadres at risk all by itself, because it throws off your balance, and it blinds you to what is ahead for precious seconds. I know, I know, mirrors are dreadfully uncool for veteran racers, but I stopped caring what the slaves to fashion think many years ago. Recently, but not THAT recently, a breakthrough took place in spatial awareness, and it is a total game changer. The version I own is from Garmin but I know competitors are around. The product is a rear light, big and powerful, that contains an uncannily accurate rear-facing radar unit that gives you plenty of notice when a car or bike is coming up from behind. Your other object of scorn, the cell phone, brings this radar to life when connected by Bluetooth (wirelessly) to your cell phone running the Cadence app, Apple or Android. I’ve tried them all, and Cadence has no rival when it comes to providing the information the rider needs, when they need it. (Plus, if you choose post-ride it uploads your metrics to Garmin, so your riding record will not be interrupted.) Coupled with Garmin’s Varia rear facing-radar, the Cadence cell phone app informs the rider as soon as it detects an on-comer from behind with a beep, and then an icon on the cell phone’s screen that shows where the bogie is relative to you, be it car or cyclist. (At the same time, if you let, it’s rear light will flash more frequently as the car approaches.) Me, I let my Varia, which over a thousand miles plus miles I’ve learned to trust, in combination with a small convex mirror on the drop of my left handlebar. By the time my cell phone shows them to be imminent, they are coming into view on my mirror and I have time to determine if they are a threat. At that point, say, when I detect a speeding distracted driver who is unaware of my presence, I have the option of just getting off the frickin’ road lest I become one of the hundreds of grown-up, consciously careful sport riders who are killed every year by drivers who can still get away with saying, “But officer, I just didn’t see him!” Tragically, a lot of police officers share the mindset with pickup driving troglodytes that cyclists do not belong on public highways, so the killers continue to get away with it. It’s going to take something like Mothers Against Drunk Driving for enough people to get sufficiently pissed off to bring about an enlightened policy toward cyclists. For goodness sake, don’t people understand we’re in a global crisis, climate-wise? But of course the ones who kill us are the most ardent climate change deniers. In this era of toxic masculinity, no real man driving a three-ton F350 pickup with a grill the size of a Mack truck’s, will ever be charged for running over and subjecting to a hideous death some Lycra-wearing, sissified, leg-shaving self-seeker who insists on riding a kid’s toy on public highways. That’s how things are now, and they are not going to change anytime soon, not in our lifetimes (or mine at any rate). So if technology emerges that can warn me of one of these crackers barreling down on my butt in time for me to take action, hell, I’m going to acquire it and learn how to use it in conjunction with my mirror to give me confidence that nobody is going to catch up with me from behind without my being aware of their presence. Because this technology is so good, that level of justified confidence is provided to you. It’s a game changer. Just think, you could do without shoulder-checking 90 percent of the time and be safer for it! I hope that you and your thousands of fans will come to understand, rear-facing radar is not a gimmick. It’s the most important development in cycling safety since the helmet. As you always say, safety comes first. Sometimes that requires overcoming prejudices against “uncool” components like mirrors and rear-facing radar. I hate the thought of a dedicated road cyclist being run over and killed or disabled when for once technology could have provided that few precious seconds of forewarning, but the rider had written it off as a gimmick for newbs. Getting the word out via forums like your channel, which is trusted if not revered, will result in lives saved by the hundreds annually if not more. Please, Luis, give this technology a shot. (And even if you don’t, I’ll still be a fan.)

I ride in ny nj i never see so many black cyclist in one place .im really glad to see the brothers and sisters riding together.ride strong besafe

I love this channel. It is my favorite cycling channel to watch for learning and helping become a competent cyclist. Thank you so much.

Very helpful for an older cyclist whose confidence was destroyed in an accident. Thank you so much.

The line about parents dropping their kids off is so true! Subscribed!

Chano, Thank You for the additional tips..... I teach the arm on the hip and the other options are good ones to teach as well for there is a comfortability that a cyclist has to have with any technique he or she uses.

Super duper Luis! This video really needed to be produced, and you nailed it sir.

I loved the into and comment about parents driving their kids to school. Women are so rude even in the grocery stores. They will cut you off in a second and even if they do apologize it doesn't sound sincere. I won't even go shopping anymore during the hours when they are most likely to be about. As for turning my head I got the Garmin Radar to assist me with that so I kind of know when it is safe to look back because I don't do this as well as I used to. As we age we lose flexibility.

Hello from Canada! Thanks for the tips. I'm gonna have to try them out tonight!

The look under the arm is a lost art. The quick peek is key for quick rotation paceline and not that difficult. Of course the full head drop takes practice, but is more than “stylish” as once mastered you will not deviate from your line or lose your cadence/effort. Good vids. Much needed.

Varia radar rear light + Trieye sunglasses integrated mirror is an amazing combo

Woo hoo! 🎉 Thanks for the shout out! Keep the cadence! 🚴🏾👍🏾 -Warwick, Montréal, Québec

Excellent presentation and instructions with video clips and examples. Subbed!

Another great training video Luis. I guess I read your mind again. I have a video I just posted on my channel doing a training ride with my coach. We actually discussed looking back when riding in a group paceline. He mentioned looking under your arm pit, in a double paceline, always turn your head towards the inside/middle of the pace group. And use your senses like your hearing… I use the shadow of other riders…

This was a great video. This was a topic I felt needed to be addressed because typically where the head goes the body wants to follow. Especially when it's dark, because looking back into blinding headlights can be disorienting, causing a cyclist to swerve. I feel a lot of accidents are due to this very issue. Thank you for these crucial tips. 💪🏿🙏🏿🚴

LOL! Seriously going through school zones are as scary as riding with no shoulder/bike lane! Great video and IMPORTANT because looking back isn't talked about but can cause someone to wreck! I've seen a dude ride of the road and wreck because of turning the bars when shoulder checking. Also LOVE the 360 cam (if that's what you're using) it's such great footage!

Thank you from Montreal Canada Nice Video

Love the video good tips From Carl London England… my uncle is living at Florida fort launderdale..😀🙏🏿

Very simple small tear drop carbon mirror.located at the ends of ur handle bars

Hello from Langley BC Canada!

Thank you for these videos, I learn so much from your channel. I especially like the way you break down the weight shifts and leg position needed to hold a steady line. I have tried copying what I see others doing, but without knowing these little tips, I still veered off line.

Love that chin method blessing brother 😎

These are important skills that every cyclist should practice until you can do them without veering from your line. However, my advice would be to put a mirror on your glasses. That way, you can always see what's behind you without turning your head. I know, it's not what the cool kids do, but I'm more concerned about getting home in one piece than looking cool. Plus, I do a lot of my riding solo for training purposes. My other tip, which I never hear discussed on any channels is this: don't ride into the rising or setting sun. Recall driving your car into a rising sun. It blinds you and makes it hard to see anything, let alone some small cyclist. Conversely, riding away from a rising sun lights you up big time and makes you super easy to see. Always ride away from a rising sun, or have it to one side or the other, never straight ahead of you. Same with a setting sun. Stay safe out there!

Luis always delights me you explain simple but important techniques so accurately and concisely. I agree practice, practice , practice to be effective. Muscle memory also plays a large part so some work involved to make it second nature, especially chin to shoulder for an ambidextrous rear view when interchanging UK and continental riding. Great work my friend…..a winner every time 👋👋👋

Damn, now I gotta get in 22mph shape for Cafe Con Tu

Thank you Luis i wonder do you realize how valuable these videos are to so many of our young cyclists keep safe D.

Great video🤜🏿🤛🏿 got this training in my club back in the 60s, but i wear glasses or contacts; built my own mirror from bike spoke and its saved my life and the group rides from bad drivers for decades, more important today, there's Tesla and hibred cars that's so quiet only a mirror or radar works. Yes I look back for changing lanes and velodrome racing. Too many have died when a car came up from behind catching rider off guard. And whats worse, many groups don't do this type of training.

I just discovered your channel and am loving it! And even though I have been cycling since 2008, I am learning a lot from your videos. I have given up on some vanity to allow a mirror on my glasses and a Garmin Varia on my seat post. This is becoming more important as I age and find my neck flexibility diminishing. Totally on board with your group riding etiquette.

Thank you for your videos. Really helping a newbie road cyclist!

Excellent advice Luis :) great vid

Im watching from Trinidad and Tobago

Great tips. Because I have two fused vertebrae in my neck, my flexibility is reduced. I therefore use a mirror called Italian road bike mirror. It fits on the bar end, doesn't move and gives you a great view of your blind spot. Even so, when I intend to move out to the left, I always double check by turning to look. A mirror view is not sufficient. I also use the mirror when riding in a paceline to see what is going on behind, and for this purpose, it is very good.

You reminded me of a friend of mine in Las Vegas, we were in a double pace line and he braced me to look back.....he was an ex TDF rider so I had no concerns....LOL

Bro keep doing what yuh doing i don't ride but i watch yuh videos 💯 great advice

Very informative video as always!!!

Absolutely fantastic and informative videos. THANK YOU!!!!

Good stuff! Your videos are great

Thanks so much for the tips. Used the arm hip look back mostly just today. I had much more confidence too. Appreciate the video on how to unclip and dismount also! Hope to ride with you soon 5:33

recent subscriber to your channel. ENjoying it. Great production values. Excellent content. Enjoy yor teaching and humour. Thanks

Great advice with situational awareness techniques. A tangentially viewing related question for you. What do you do to prevent sweat getting into your eyes? I wear sunglasses and some times need to pull off the road to deal with this issue before I loose the ability to see what's going on.

Great video. I use a helmet mounted mirror and Garmin Varia radar. Lucky for me the radar also picks up dogs.

Very good video very informative

Great video and tips. Thanks for posting!

Hello, love your content. Very informative and education. Keep up the good work and effort you put in to these videos. Your tips have value because it's helped me and others. Thank you.

Thank you for the tips Luis! I happen to be newer at road riding so I adopted some technology to assist me. I have a Garmin computer and radar-integrated rear light, it is a game hanger when it comes to looking back. It really cuts down on the amount of times I have to look back on my ride, as it alerts me when someone approaching (even other riders). I haven’t tried helmet mirror since I use glasses, wish I had perfect vision so I could use cool cycling glasses lol. Hope to one day have the honor of riding with you in sunny Florida! ✌️ ☕️ 🚴

I used my mind perimeter sense and anything that violated the perimeter would cause me to accelerate and then throw my left hand back down 3 times and if that doesn't work stay calm until you find a safe spot to pull over. Don't be confrontational with drivers out there it might cost you your life.

Thanks for the Canada shoutout! Watching your channel from Victoria, BC. Had a chance to chill in Orlando last month, so envious of the flat-ish terrain.

Great video brother, shouting you out from Southern California. I just recently picked up a radar. It’s probably the one of the best safety investments I’ve made so far.

The 360 looks fantastic!

Great video! I practice this stuff every Spring!

My methods were a bit different than yours. 1. Never wear headphones 2. Always position yourself in the right place in a group ride. 3. Learn how to build a sense perimeter, meaning to be aware of what is going on in the perimeter, without looking around. But it all comes down to riding safe regardless of style and technique or experience. Stay safe cycling bro, like your content.

Great information and instructions. Thank you for sharing. What are your thoughts on putting your hand on the rear of the saddle to look back versus putting your hand on your hip?

Proud of you baby, great video. So looking forward on meeting everyone at ten Cafecito Ride with Lu😊⏰

Elbows Dropped Rapid Quick-Fired Glances below the armpits, my preference, effective, safe, and as you might agree to, frekin Professionally SEXY! Often we motor pace behind moving vehicles [yeah risky] and you shouldn't risk it more by looking over the shoulders! Potential disaster things: potholes, pacing vehicle stopping or slowing down, handlebar twitching, etc etc. Oh I see you didn't mention handlebar-end or helmet mirrors. Velo Harmony is a sucker for the former! And in closing, your customary refrain: Bib-Less, oops, Be Blessed!🤣

Man I wish I could make the ride keep me posted on #3. Great video, 360 footage 🤌🏿

I use the look under my arm method alot when im climbing or sprinting because I already have my head down somewhat

Good tips. Won't get on a bike without my Garmin Varia.

Love the channel Luis!!! Thank you so much!!

I was just on the (spicy) local group ride last weekend. So nervous trying to look back because these guys ride fast and basically everyone is within 18 inches of each other. I just held the double paceline until I did my pull and peeled off.

Hi Luis, nice video. And funny for me to see the things I do my whole live. But I do cycle since I was four. But here in the Netherlands(Europe) we are used to cyles when it is crowded. All my ' sensors' (ears, eyes) are on. But I am also used to look and react to the movements and reactions of other cyclists. And yes, I have fallen also from time to time. But allways silly accidents, like stopping with a group for the traffic lights, and everybody comes close. Keep up the good work. Greetings from the other side of the Atlatic🇳🇱👍🚴‍♀️🇺🇸😁

Mirrors? If not in race, why not use a mirror? They don’t weigh or stick out much.

Thanks for info! Question: are you using a 360 camera and if yes, would you share your thoughts about it?

I know a guy that wears FBI SUNGLASSES that allow you to see stuff that's behind you.

Get rear view mirrors!

Why not just have a small mirror on the handlebar?

I'm always amazed with how beautiful the girls in your videos are ^_^

Thanks, usefull video

Nice meeting you Wednesday at the Recovery ride in Weston, I was the guy with the short cranks 😂 👍