Sure, quiet cycle paths are lovely, but they don’t always go where you need to go. A roads often offer the shortest and most scenic routes through valleys or along coastlines. Have you ever tried following a winding B road that adds ten miles to your trip? Exactly. Sometimes the A road is your ticket to actually getting there.
Plus, the surface on A roads is usually super smooth—no potholes, no gravel, no surprise tree roots. It’s like trading a dirt path for a freshly paved driveway. Your tires will thank you, and so will your backside after a long ride.
The Real Concern: Traffic and Speed
Here’s where it gets interesting. A roads have cars zipping by at 50 or 60 mph, which sounds terrifying. But most experienced cyclists will tell you that visibility and predictability are your best friends. You ride a foot or two from the edge, take the lane when necessary, and make yourself seen with bright lights.
Compare it to walking through a busy shopping mall. You don’t freeze up when someone rushes past you; you just hold your line and keep moving. Same deal on an A road—stay steady, and the traffic flows around you like water around a rock. It’s surprisingly intuitive once you try it.
And here’s a fun comparison: riding on an A road is a bit like being a salmon swimming upstream. The cars are the current, but you’re the fish that knows exactly where to go. You’re not fighting them; you’re dancing with them.
Road Cycling for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide
