Dangerous and silly. Even on the country lanes that I frequent. I know I would benefit from education. flecc, how about a "how to" on cycling with mirrors on a recumbent or trike? Perhaps gather some hints and tips, do s and donts from the more experienced recumbent/trike members? or is this simply common sense and cycling proficiency? Can you do a cycling proficiency test on a recumbent? Umm..
Yes, I like using the mirror on country lanes where car drivers approaching from the rear tend to try to overtake just before a bend, cutting in sharply when caught out. What I see in the mirror enables me to anticipate if someone is likely to do that and take evasive action first.
I haven't any experience on recumbents and trikes, but I'd guess the main uses are the same, first as above on bend approaches, also planning the approach to parked vehicles to avoid clashing with cars about to overtake, and planning right turns or lane changes. Those I've found the best uses.
Logically every bike should have a rear view mirror, since as one of the slowest moving vehicles on the road it's the most overtaken and therefore the most at risk from vehicles approaching from the rear.
Conversely, all high powered sports motorbikes have twin mirrors by law but almost never get overtaken! How barmy is that? The only use for their mirrors is watching out for the police!
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