Bike modifications against side winds I am cycling on the highway these days, dealing with tremor of my handlebars or a slight loss of control resulting from either oncoming vehicles or the high winds. 

I'm wondering how pro cyclists manage, especially if my bike could be modified and the suitability of mountain biking versus road biking against these conditions.
Some things to try to make your bike  less susceptible to wind gusts.


Maintenance - check your headset is not loose and has no discernible play.  Ensure your bike frame is true so that the front wheel leads the back wheel precisely and that the fork is not bent at all.  Check your wheels are true and that your wheel bearings are smooth with no wobble.   All these things minimise the bike's reaction to a sudden gust.
Get more aero in your body.  Sitting up will catch more air than getting bent over.
Get less aero on your wheels.  Deep section aerodynamic wheels are getting better, but classic old box-section wheels are best at coping with side winds and gusts.  Good for the training bike
Geometry changes to your bike - longer wheelbase is more stable at speed but corners worse.  Fiddling with Rake and Trail in the fork can change the feel too.
Be more visible - gusts are worse as the vehicle gets closer.  So at the very least wear a high vis top (not black!) and run a blinking Daytime Running Light on the rear of the bike.   This helps vehicles to see you and take avoiding action.
Be less on the road.  Consider moving a small amount to the kerb.  That's not the same as ducking way-over into the road detritus and rocks. 
Likewise if you are forced to take the lane (and your location legally allows this) then clearly take the entire lane.  Don't half-it and let a driver think they can squeeze through.  Of course if you do take the lane then get up and go - its good road manners to minimise the delay.
(michael) Wider handlebars help with adding leverage.  You can control a swerve faster as your hands are further apart.  HOWEVER this makes you less aero and more likely to catch-22 wind.
(andyp) More tight fitting clothing, lower volume tyres (big sidewalls catch more wind), and removing mudguards
Finally, be NOT on the road.  If you have an isolated/protected cycle lane, then use it.   If you have a side street that isn't quite as tight as the main road then consider it.   Going 10% further is a good trade for a safer road.




Longer term, look into supporting local bike advocacy to get those protected cycle lanes and shared roads.