As a bit of a nervous cycler myself, who's recently moved to London from the countryside, it's great to get some tips on claiming enough space for yourself. On the Time Out website, we've got some further information about cycling safety - wearing helmets, what to wear on your bike etc - that I thought you might be interested in:

http://www.timeout.com/london/features/1711.html

You can have your say on any of the issues raised and enter the debate.

Thanks

Use lots of eye contact when approaching anything that could constitute a hazard, such as a car pulling out, a taxi doing a turn in the road, etc. Turn around and glance at the driver in the car behind you or ahead of you. By doing that you've established a connection which makes the driver notice you that little bit more.

Use hand signals liberally. Car drivers feel more confident that you are going to act predictably and will give you room.

While observing all other trafiic rules, I would slow down a little and stretch my arm forward before reaching a busy junction to indicate (to motorists intending to make a turn) that I was moving straight on. On many occasions they stopped and waved me on.