There are all kinds of riders

[Snorvey]

When I took my test many moons ago my instructor told me to take my mirrors off (they were just handlebar screw ins). Reason being the tester preferred to see the rider looking back regularly (and particularly before carrying out a manoeuvre*), rather than relying on a mirror.


*Yes, I have spelt 'manoeuvre' correctly

[Stig / Major Tom]

Spelling is fine....your instructors reasoning is highly suspect.
Can't imagine an instructor advising removing mirrors.
Shoulder checks are always good....riding without mirrors is dum.
How's my spelling....
Stig

[Neil955i]

Spelling? Dumb.

[Snorvey]

Well I dunno about now, but mirrors weren't a legal requirement at the time (as with everything though, if it/they were fitted, they had to work)

It's likely that the instructor knew that the tester was quite hot on looking over your shoulder and doing regularly so might score extra brownie points. Temporarily removing the mirrors would remove all doubt.

...and it's maybe not so dumb. Relying solely on mirrors full of blind spots is dumb.

As a matter of interest, do you guys get taught to look over your shoulder before setting off in a car or before you open the car door?

[Neil955i]

Not an answer to the question you asked Snorvey, but have you come across the "Dutch reach" shoulder check?  Read up on it a while ago and what a great way to be safer when egressing a car!
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/the-dutch-reach-how-opening-car-door-like-the-dutch-could-save-lives-cycling/

[Snorvey]

Not an answer to the question you asked Snorvey, but have you come across the "Dutch reach" shoulder check?  Read up on it a while ago and what a great way to be safer when egressing a car!


Yar. I read that article too. It should be part of the test.

....although I have to admit that when I first clicked on the story link I did so with some trepidation. A 'Dutch reach' eh? only 50 Euro in Amsterdam.

[Neil955i]

It's made it over to the US it seems:

[Neil955i]

....although I have to admit that when I first clicked on the story link I did so with some trepidation. A 'Dutch reach' eh? only 50 Euro in Amsterdam.

Tsk, tsk!  To the pure, all is pure!