Cycling London - Urban Commuting by Bike

We Get What We Pay For

2011-07-14T15:15:00.006+01:00

When it comes to cycling as a lifestyle component, Britain leads the way. We lead the way in the most creative use of band-aids to patch a woefully absent establishment attitude towards cycling infrastructure the developed world has ever seen.Top marks for ingenious public announcements and public policy recommendations, Simon Cowell would bequeath a Hollywood smile and a thumbs up for Britain's

Your Bike Security in London

2008-10-03T17:25:00.003+01:00

Out and about in London, let’s take a look at how you actually lock your bikes, highlighting the good and bad examples of how to lock your bike.This conspicuous rider has decorated their bicycle in yellow and black hazard warning tape. A very novel idea, and no, it is not a nomination for this year’s Turner Prize.A hideous work of aesthetic-butchery it may be, and for this reason it scores

Yellow Vest With Speed Display

2008-09-23T23:18:00.003+01:00

The Speed Vest is a high visibility yellow cycling vest, with reflectors and a large inbuilt speedometer display, which broadcasts the cyclist’s speed to following traffic.The inventors Brady & Mykle pitch this vest worn over your cycling jersey as a road safety tool, supposedly impressing drivers by demonstrating that any cyclist can ride at 10mph to 15mph.No. Drivers stuck behind cyclists are

Roads Closed For London Freewheel

2008-09-21T19:39:00.010+01:00

Cyclists of all ages made their presence known this Sunday, as an environmentally friendly yellow snake made its way leisurely passed some of London’s major attractions. Around 50,000 cyclists enjoyed an ideal cycling environment; 100% free from motorised transport, experiencing only the sound of celebratory horns and excitement, and only the taste of cleaner

Part III - Bicycle Security: Conclusion

2008-09-19T23:32:00.014+01:00

Concluding this three part guide on the topic of avoiding bike theft, which started with; Part I - Bike Theft Choices, this article also looks at bike parking locations and decisions.Statistics show that, depending on who is consulted;“A bike is stolen every 71 seconds in the UK”(Source)“A bike is stolen every 65 seconds in the UK”(Source)Neither choice makes for

Part II – Stolen Bikes: Prevention

2008-09-16T00:41:00.006+01:00

Following on from Part I – Bike Theft Choices, part II concentrates on actions to prevent bike theft.Consider things from a bike thief's point of view; perhaps driving around in the inconspicuous white van, or concealing tools in a jacket pocket, a known hot spot is checked for today's pickings. The criminal will select one or more owners to upset, based on logical

Part I - Bike Theft Choices

2008-09-11T23:30:00.010+01:00

Knowledge and informed decisions are the two things that will reduce the risk of getting your bike stolen in London. Here is a three-part guide to beat the bike thieves. Part I considers the strategical choices made which lower the risks of becoming an inconvenienced statistic.Security ChoicesDo not believe the hype. - Lock manufacturers proudly ascribe gleaming

London Cycle Chic?

2008-08-27T23:46:00.005+01:00

Where will all these fashionable young things be when summer is over?Riding through a wind-swept autumn in Primark’s finest, doesn’t cut it. For comfort, it is hard to beat clothing designed specifically for the task of cycling; the coats with extra tuck-under and ventilation zones with aerodynamic considerations. The cycling socks which keep you bone dry. The high-visibility colours which fight

RSS Feeds = Blog Theft

2008-08-22T23:54:00.005+01:00

Having been around for two and a half years, this site; Cycling London, Urban Commuting by Bike, has gained some unwanted attention.A few sites have taken to automated stealing of the original content, word for word. I spend the time creating, writing and editing the content, then they steal it instantly and publish it as their own.It's quite disheartening, and Google don't have a grip on it yet.

London Cycling Competition

2008-08-19T20:41:00.003+01:00

Cycling in London offers an eclectic array of sites, visions and landscapes which are probably taken for granted if ridden past every day.For anyone not living in London, there may exist a curiosity about what the tarmac pounding and green living actually looks like, in and around Old Father Thames.A nice idea is to document what we see from the handlebars of London, and share it.TfL are also

Rent Bikes in London

2008-08-18T20:05:00.004+01:00

Thinking of renting a bike? A number of London cycle companies supply bicycle hire by the hour, or by the day. This method offers a very accessible way to try cycling in London. Motivations to rent a bike: Sightseeing tourists seeking a healthier, more engaging way to tour London; by bike. Drivers and train commuters investigating the feasibility of cycling,

Part II - Baggy Cycling Shorts

2008-08-15T15:19:00.015+01:00

Continuing from Part I - Lycra cycling shorts; what if the aerodynamic efficiency of revealing Lycra attire does not appeal? Do you feel too much like Borat in a mankini? Baggy Cycling Shorts On paper, baggy cycling shorts shouldn’t sell: They are loose clothing which flaps in the wind, causing some unnecessary drag. However, it’s not all bad, on hotter days, such air intakes are a welcome

Part I - Lycra Cycling Shorts

2008-08-13T22:05:00.015+01:00

Aside from the saddle, and frame ergonomics, cycling shorts are the most important clothing surface influencing bike riding comfort. What are the best types of cycling shorts? Starting at the lower end of the market, the term misleadingly describes plain close-fitting stretchy shorts, traditionally worn by colour-blind members of the 1980’s. £5 on such an item, will gain you an audition for

Car, Tube, & Bike London

2008-08-09T18:53:00.005+01:00

Riding a bike in London could be considered a daunting prospect, by those who haven’t tried it. In reality, it’s very accessible to anyone seeking a more enjoyable and less stressed method of urban travel.Take three typical London journeys, by bike, by car and by tube. What’s a day in the life, like? Tube Traveller One trillion people use the London Underground every day, and most of them

Yellow Triangle

2008-07-25T15:22:00.004+01:00

A heart-warming tale from the CTC’s updates, which reports a mother’s story about her son’s management of Asperger’s Syndrome. “My son Will has Asperger’s Syndrome which for him manifests itself with deep depression and anxiety. Earlier this year at an appointment with his psychotherapist, he asked Will to express himself by colouring-in paper to convey his feelings. He coloured the whole

Better Off By Bike

2008-07-24T14:35:00.010+01:00

Transport for London recently released the statistic that one in three adult Londoners has access to a bicycle, but only half of those used it at-all last year! Hang on, people buy bikes starting from the £70 to £99 price range. That means practically everyone can afford a bike. So revise TfL's statistic to read "three in three" people have access to a bike. Pretty much 99% of London can

London Bike Ride and Bike Routes

2008-07-19T11:23:00.023+01:00

Quick jump:1) Commuting bike rides2) Leisure bike rides3) Bike ride - route mapsCommuting bike ridesWhat’s the best bike ride in London? Most of us perceive the limitation of bike routes as being restricted by how far we can cycle from our home base in London.Actually, I am always impressed by hearing other cyclist’s distances. When people tell me they commute a 60 mile bike ride to London, I am

Bike to Work - Companies

2008-07-17T15:49:00.005+01:00

Continuing from the main Bike to Work article, if you have decided you want to take up this tax incentive and save potentially 50% tax-free, then you'll want to know where to look next.If you work for a large company, the chances are that a bike to work scheme will already be set up, because it has been running (although not very well publicised) since about 2005.The bike to work scheme can be

Bike to Work Scheme

2008-07-17T12:27:00.012+01:00

“Cycle to Work” is a UK government tax incentive encouraging employees to bike to work, reduce their engine pollution and dramatically improve their health and wellbeing. Britain loses about £12 billion due to sickness and absenteeism at work as recorded by the Health and Safety Executive. Driving in London is an absolute joke. By the time we’ve paid for the congestion charge, the

All Good Things...

2007-06-22T17:22:00.000+01:00

It has been a pleasure to share my cycling thoughts with you over the last 1.3 years, but sadly I will not be posting any updates here for the foreseeable future. This is because of changes to the demands on my time, which includes learning another language and intensive re-training for a new career.As I mentioned on Cycling London's first birthday, I really appreciate the comments and the

Artistic Cyclists Required

2007-06-03T11:43:00.000+01:00

In September, Brighton sees a performance of the National Theatre's Bicycle Ballet, which is described as a spectacular choreography on bicycles.The organisers are looking for cyclists to join in the performances.Take a look at their site http://www.bicycleballet.co.uk.Looks kinda fun.

Cycling Image

2007-04-21T16:05:00.000+01:00

Interesting video talking about the changed image of cycling, and its increased relevance in mainstream transport now.http://quickrelease.tv/?p=43

Another Little Poem

2007-04-07T14:19:00.000+01:00

Bank Holiday weekends seem to come with high expectations. If it is sunny like it has been so far in London, I feel tremendously guilty if I pass by the rare opportunity to get out on an entirely free day off.So anyway I took a pleasant little mood-enhancing spin locally, and all was well.Parts of the ride, although urban, reminded me of this I wrote;Gaining momentum by friendly gradient,Exciting

Nike Abandons Cycling

2007-04-02T22:36:00.000+01:00

The US company is to cut its relationship with Trek and may drop its whole cycling line.Bike BizWho cares.

Average Car Drivers Don't Intend To...

2007-04-01T00:47:00.000+01:00

With increasing numbers of commuters cycling on our roads, what needs to change and why?Stripped to its raw elements, motor vehicles and bicycles in any conceivable altercation, produces only one victim. Logically, separate travel routes for each mode would, in theory be safer, by reducing relative speed, and inequalities of risk (i.e. if two cyclists crash head on, they both get injured,

Going Green

2007-03-31T13:09:00.000+01:00

Interesting list of opinions about going green.Why going green is good for your health.Air travel is the big one in my opinion.

"Stop Before You Die" She Barks...

2007-03-26T00:12:00.000+01:00

From the USA's Tallahassee.com in Florida, comes this tête à tête debate in the letters pages."Advice to cyclist: Stop before you die" barks some extremist - pessimist - alarmist...If Joe Barnett really wants to live, I suggest he either relocate his residence closer to his periodontal practice or open an office in Killearn Lakes....She threatens.I mean really, c'mon. She is probably also the

Good News Story

2007-03-25T12:57:00.000+01:00

Amongst the avalanche of groaning daily news stories, it is refreshing to uncover a good news story. It is pleasant to hear examples of charitable humanity, no matter how basic. Simple? Yes. Insignificant? No.One recent Saturday on the Chaires group ride, I had a flat tire about 4 miles from the end of the ride. With no spare tube, I started walking. A young man named Ryan stopped with his truck

Bike Theft Tracked!

2007-03-22T13:43:00.000Z

The recent snow in parts of the UK provided this little gem of a story from yesterday, which occured near Newcastle Upon Tyne:Reports were received by police around 1.20am on Wednesday that a shed had been broken into, with two bicycles stolen.Fresh evidence lay under police noses when they noticed a trail of footprints, captured by the heavy snow, leading to a property only a few hundred yards

Cycling London Updates

2007-03-19T23:16:00.000Z

"1st on your right, and down a bit more guv!"If you haven't yet noticed, consider this a custard pie to the face infomercial - Cycling-London now features some "don't call us, we'll call you" ability, where the random unpredictability of new posts are now thankfully in your control, not mine, because you can have them delivered in to your Atom or RSS reader.Or, if like me, you assume "RSS Reader"

Read Between The Lines

2007-03-18T18:26:00.000Z

It's not like it was an emergency stop, the eejot coasted up to the lights, then drove a bit further for our benefit - just to confirm any suspicions that yes; "I drive a 4x4 on urban roads and I AM a complete twat, thankyouandgoodnight!"I give up on humans sometimes...

Free Cycle Training

2007-03-18T11:48:00.000Z

A not highly publicised bit of information, is the free (and practically free) cycle coaching available in London. Certain London Boroughs have subsidised cycle training to help anyone who wants some expert advice or confidence building tips for the urban riding environment.BrentAnyone who lives, works or studies in the borough is entitled to 2 hours of subsidised training at the cost of £5 per

Global Warning

2007-03-12T12:05:00.003Z

This photo comes from the BBC Weather photo of the day. Aside from the intense energy it displays, I absolutely love the parallels it can represent regarding global warming: Here is a ferocious sea, wildly rampaging the coast; and the drivers attitudes are probably something like: "Oh just ignore that, I'm not seeing the waves spray my car, cover my ears; la la la, keep driving."

Chocolate Slave

2007-03-11T15:29:00.000Z

Watching the BBC's Heaven & Earth TV program today, raised the topic of slavery and people trafficking. Amongst the interesting issues was the buying and selling of children to work in one of the world's main locations of cocoa production. Full background and campaign here - Stop The Traffik.orgWhat has this got to do with cycling? Pass. The most tenuous links I can find, are that chocolate can

The Powerful Urge...

2007-03-11T14:48:00.000Z

A great little piece lifted from the Telegraph Magazine: Click to enlarge.What amazes me more than the 4x4 owner's decision to buy one, is the unbelievable restraint shown by the rest of society, to resist the powerful urge to graffiti insulting reflections of the driver, on various 4x4 body panels! But there are always the "accidental" car-parking dents, I suppose...

Spring Cycling Poem

2007-03-03T23:53:00.000Z

Somewhat of a diversion, a few poetic lines to welcome the Spring. (The great thing about the internet is you can post this stuff and nobody can ACTUALLY throw eggs at you for being a geek :-) hehehe! )Spring is dawning, the globe is warming,Flowers confused, with random blooming, Snow has gone, hopefully that’s itOur one-day cold snap has been and hit, What is next, we can only

Cycling-London Blog Is ONE!

2007-02-28T22:16:00.000Z

On 28th February 2006 I decided to wheelie in to the blogging world and start writing. Today celebrates Cycling-London’s 1st birthday!Despite having increasingly less time to contribute to Cycling-London, I really enjoy creating new blog posts and sharing the thoughts of the moment. It is also an appropriate time to give a big thank you to the regular visitors who read Cycling-London! Thank

What A Plonker!

2007-02-25T15:41:00.000Z

Standing at a crossroads (not metaphorically), I observed a highly populated cycling commuter route at 6pm on a Tuesday evening.Firstly what struck me was the immense frequency of cyclists passing through this junction, and I was impressed by the scale of allegiance to pedal power. Good to see that us Brits have adopted a hardy weatherproof attitude, facing whatever the climate-changed winter can

Do You Value Life?

2007-02-16T22:09:00.000Z

What a big question that is. What criteria to use? In who’s opinion? How is it demonstrated?It is a given that most people value their own life – there are inbuilt human mechanisms for survival. For example getting nervous when climbing high ladders is the body’s message to be careful or face DEATH! Or alternatively why babies give a cringing expression of bitter taste and spit out food which

Road Pricing A Good Idea?

2007-02-15T21:54:00.000Z

There's been lots of fuss about pay-as-you-drive proposals recently. Is this because drivers are being bullied by the tax man? Or is there a justifiable reason to put a price on motoring?Road Pricing sounded like a welcome mechanism to abate the increasing sprawl of traffic and traffic jams, when it was suggested a while back.With the emergence of proposals in the national road pricing scheme,

Still Here...

2007-02-12T23:37:00.000Z

Although my appalling lack of posts suggest otherwise, I am still here. Bike & rider are doing just fine!Managed to scrape 5 minutes to scribble this, because I am swamped with some large activities which are dominating my free time, to the displeasure of this blog!I hope to post some stuff in the near future.

Do They Really Believe It?

2007-01-04T21:13:00.000Z

Company cars are often a financially valuable part of a benefits package, but something is very wrong with they way they are handed out...Importantly, where I work the scale is DEFINED by CO2 emissions.Say there are 5 levels of company car grades, A, B, C, D, E."A" is for the CEO & directors cars, and "E" is for the trainees and new starter's cars.Entry level grade "E" is restricted to company

Harmonious

2006-12-26T12:52:00.000Z

Harmony, balance, ying this, yang that...Out on the bike over the christmas holiday, to stretch my legs, to keep the fitness up - and to avoid ending up lazing about, scoffing mince pies while watching endless film re-runs on TV.Cycling away from urbania, traffic lights became infrequent and open stretches stretched for longer. The weather was not particularly inspiring - 8oC, dry, overcast grey

Drivers Goodwill?

2006-12-12T22:56:00.000Z

Is it me, or are London's drivers warming to some seasonal goodwill?Today I experienced zero incidents, no-one passed too closely, no one cut me up, no one knocked me off. Maybe I was riding defensively, maybe vehicles were all impotently knotted in traffic jams, or maybe the thought of Christmas presents and happy faces has relaxed everyone, as we all wind down before Christmas.Compounding the

Disturbing & Suspicious Story

2006-12-08T19:09:00.000Z

Bob Breedlove, a champion endurance cyclist and respected orthopaedic surgeon from Des Moines, Iowa, USA, was killed when a pick up truck collided in to him.The driver had no licence and was 15 years old.He got probation, 24 hours of community service and paid $200, as the "consequence".The family was unhappy with the "hometown favouritism" of the local

Five Items...

2006-12-06T15:46:00.000Z

Five items, so geekily luxurious that questions have to be asked of the buyer!From worst to worst:1.\ Personal Number Plate.Buying a personal number plate registration for your car.Nobody cares about your initials - who's ever asked?!?We're not interested in your life story, that maybe you made your fortunes by retailing office stationary, hence the registration plate "P.CL1P" / "ST4PL4" / "B1R0

So True...

2006-12-06T15:26:00.000Z

...And a good laugh.Brilliantly honest viral video doing the rounds:What does your car say about you?

Who Benefited The Most?

2006-11-30T15:36:00.000Z

Which road users have benefited from the most infrastructure development?Consider the Roman roads, well engineered but built for only specific road users - soldiers.With the technology available the Romans made their roads fit for purpose, meeting the needs of that road user.Road Evolution To NowIt is easy to take for granted the evolution of Britain's roads, from foot, to horseback, to packhorse

Cycling Banned!

2006-11-25T12:35:00.000Z

Guangzhou, Capital of Guangdong in Southern China has banned use of the electric bicycle, in favour of cars which are growing in number by 150,000 per year.Riders caught using an electric bicycle, are to be fined and bike confiscated.Authorities cite untrained riders and disposal of the battery as the reason for the ban.Ahem, don't cars have batteries too? What a lame argument!If the riders are

My Favourite Time

2006-11-21T20:51:00.000Z

Now is one of my favourite times of the year to cycle, specifically; in temperature.Today was 5 Degrees Celsius. Passengers waiting outdoors on the train platforms are re-wrapping their scarves tightly, and clenching their gloves impatiently, searching heat.Cycling the dry fresh mornings in this kind of temperature, are just the best!Practically the benefit is having to answer the question "how

Less Police, More Deaths

2006-11-09T20:57:00.000Z

Britain is 'lagging behind Europe in cutting deaths on the road'Salient points from this Times article:The last decade has seen a 16% drop in traffic police. (Effectively superseded by the "incompetently-non-multi-taskable" speed cameras)From 1998 to 2004, police roadside breath tests decreased from 816,000 to 578,000.From 1998 to 2004, drink-drive road deaths increased from 410 to 520.When I was

Radical Gran

2006-11-07T22:06:00.000Z

Why do mobility scooters have trolley wheels at the back?I know electric motors can generate a lot of torque, but even with a Radical-Gran terrorising UK pavements; SURELY, this thing can't do wheelies?Perhaps it's politically-correct equal-opportunity, so if Radical-Gran wants go and tear up the local skate park with the kidz. She can.Rock it Gran! Show 'em how it's done.My gran was never like

Trundling Vs Pootling

2006-11-03T20:55:00.000Z

Some drivers seem to think cyclists hold them up.Some drivers appear to maintain whatever illegal speed they are obliviously trundling along at, regardless that they also have to safely pass a cyclist somehow, within a tight & hazardous urban landscape.It is then, by logic and self-preservation, that cyclists arrive at the conclusion the whole lane must be necessarily taken, to deny opportunity

Just... Why?

2006-11-01T22:06:00.000Z

Aaahahaha! You have got to see this new invention!Treadmill BikeMake sure you watch the promotional video, and enjoy the painfully bubbly "Treadmill Bikers" extol all the WONDERFUL! OH MY GOD! AMAZING! benefits of possibly the worst idea ever.The Full SP Start with two wheels and a handlebar. Fit embarrassing gangsta spinners, as wheels (like anyone is going to do a drive-by on this thing!).

Back On The Road

2006-10-30T22:30:00.000Z

First proper commute back on the bike today. Although both AM & PM rush hours seemed, well, not very rushed, and pretty quiet - traffic wise. I was under the impression the big-mac-through-railings brigade were going back to school today, after half term? Maybe I'm mis-informed.I have to admit the knock on 09.10.06 has influenced my riding outlook a bit, in the sense that all the big scary cars,

Who Will Buy...?

2006-10-27T22:17:00.000+01:00

My Scabs on ebay! Hahaha!People have flogged worse.Are you frickin serious!?!?!Anyway this is frickin living-ART baby!(Attentionseeking, & Ridiculously Tasteless)I currently have baby-scabs underneath the friction burns (grazes) I received on 09.10.06. But the big protective scabs have finally just dropped off.So naturally, rather than binning them like a sane human, I'm putting them on eBay,

Got Me Bike Back!

2006-10-25T20:23:00.000+01:00

Lunch time yesterday, I jumped on Ken's finest red and took a trip to collect my bike.It actually looked better than I left it; visually obvious that it had received £100 of professional loving.Got a bonus tip as well - apparently elastic bands tied on the brake levers, slowly bleeds the hydraulic system for air, when left for a few days. (This could also double as an elementary security device,

Quick Update

2006-10-23T22:25:00.000+01:00

Should be getting my bike back tomorrow. I've not been riding at all since 09.10.06 because the parts of my body affected were all mainly on moving joints - knee, hip, elbow.The limping leg straight after the crash has faded away now, but I haven't given my legs a thorough physical grilling workout yet. I expect everything should be fine. Although I guess my fitness will be off-peak when I start

Ninja Cyclists

2006-10-21T16:58:00.000+01:00

The clocks go back an hour this year on 29th October confirming the end of British Summer Time. The weather has already begun signalling its intention to steal away daylight from some of our commuting journeys. But you wouldn't have imagined it's getting darker earlier, judging by some of the idiot cyclists and their choice of attire. I can understand the argument for

Crap Driver Explains All

2006-10-17T21:38:00.000+01:00

This stuff just writes itself!I had to whip the camera-phone out when I saw this battered old car parked up.I was first drawn to the dents, scratches and parking scrapes...Then the bumper-sticker just cracked me up!...Who needs driving skill, when you've got PRAYER POWER!!!

Radio-Ga-Ga

2006-10-16T22:35:00.000+01:00

Well, bike is in the shop, I should go & get it soon. About £100 worth of damage. Hopefully that should all be reimburesd through the driver's insurance in time.I'm at work ok, but it's such a bore not cycling in! I'm driving in to work, which is just dull 1st-gear 1 mph traffic jam queuing, surrounded by equally bored drivers in our little isolated cages, breathing each others exhausts.As soon

Contemplative Questions

2006-10-13T23:22:00.000+01:00

I'm keen to get cycling again, but currently am having a contemplative period while I wait for my bike to be fixed, and my body to repair itself.There are questions hovering around my brain, about what, if anything, might be different post-crash.I mean this is my first ever road traffic accident I've been involved in. So if there will be any paradigm shift in outlook, now is when it's likely to

RTA - After Effects

2006-10-11T20:09:00.000+01:00

Still very stiff today, hobbling about as my right hip seemed take a solid knock when I was sent down on Monday. Compounded by the zip on the pocket of my shorts, which dug in to the hip leaving a noticeable gash. It was probably the point-load of the zip which caused the bruising around the hip area, making my walking speed now akin to a 90 year old man who just downed a bottle of whisky.

Balance

2006-10-10T20:13:00.000+01:00

Think you're quite good at balancing on your bike?Well I adjusted my opinion after watching this!Crazy BikeOf which, 1.2 million other people have watched so far.Wow, just amazing skills!Technorati Tags: Bike Video

How Does It Feel To Be Run Over?

2006-10-09T22:21:00.000+01:00

Like this. ^Statistics, don't you just love 'em. I read somewhere that on average a regular cyclist only has an accident once in 20 years. So in fairness I was overdue my statistical obligation for a while now.What Happened?There is a monstrous roundabout on my way to work, it is challenging enough in a car, so needs rider confidence and road presence to ride it well on a bike. I've ridden the

Spyware Baddies

2006-10-08T22:00:00.000+01:00

Where have you been!?!?Well, unfortunately, I've been having a bit of trouble with some spyware / malware / trojan / general baddies infecting my PC.After a week of scanning, and techie advice, I think the threat is now gone, which is a relief because like most people I rely on internet services quite a lot, e.g. banking, shopping, etc.So I can't recommend highly enough investing some time to

Rent A Bike In London

2006-09-26T21:19:00.006+01:00

Not everyone owns a bike. Fortunately a number of London cycle companies provide bicycle hire for a day. This rental approach makes it accessible to try cycling in London. See 2008 Update: Rent bikes in London. I can think of a range of scenarios for bike rental: Tourists in the capital on holiday, for some bike riding recreation. Commuters wanting to trial

Proven: 4x4 = Arrogant Tossers

2006-09-22T22:20:00.000+01:00

News from: Alliance Against Urban 4x4s cites research published in the British Medical Journal studying 41,781 vehicles in London. Identifying a shocking trend in illegal mobile phone use while driving. Quote:What is already known on this topic:Using a hand held mobile telephone while driving is associated with a fourfold increase in the risk of having a road crash.It is now illegal to use a hand

We're All Pedestrians Here, Right?

2006-09-21T21:19:00.000+01:00

Dear Pedestrians...You can't speed, illegally park, or kill people by crashing in to them, so your scope for disorder is pretty minimal, but you do a hell of a job at messing up!You only have one main task - cross the road if it's safe. This sounds patronising, because it is SUCH a simple concept and it was taught to you at primary school!!!! The green cross code - remember?You are the SLOWEST

Train Up London Today

2006-09-20T22:24:00.000+01:00

I used to commute by train up to London everyday, god I don't miss it at all!I had a course today in North London, so experienced the extensive London underground and overland train "experience" as a rare one-off, because most other days I'm cycling in to work elsewhere.Being overused and under-cleaned, I recall that train smells were dominated by mild aromas of piss and stale body odour.

Kimbofo

2006-09-18T21:18:00.000+01:00

A quick plug for a fellow cycling blog, also in the UK's Capital.Click here, after you've read everything on this site!Technorati Tags: Bicycle Blog / Cycling London

Busses & Bus Drivers...

2006-09-16T12:17:00.000+01:00

Bus DriversIn my experience I’ve found most bus drivers to be considerate, patient, and sensible on the roads. Which is to be expected, considering they are piloting a 10 or 20 tonne death-wagon if it were involved in even the smallest of accidents with a cyclist.What I admire about bus drivers, is even though every day they face the constant flow of ignorant, thoughtless, and un-co-operative

Fitness Costs: Gym Vs Cycle Commuting

2006-09-12T21:10:00.000+01:00

Gyms and Cycle Commuting. Both contribute to a fit & healthy lifestyle, but how much do each cost?There are 1,420,000 gym goers (source) which is great, because the gym is engendering fit, energised, motivated, people.But strip away all the whizz-bang gadgets, TV's, high-tech equipment, and brand image, exposing the raw purpose of visiting a gym is just: to exercise.Considering some gyms are

Chav-Mum

2006-09-10T20:07:00.000+01:00

Underneath the baby-on-board window sticker pleasantries, lurks an unintentional menace feared by cyclists everywhere!Frequently encountered on the school run, often in a menstrual panic on a chaotic mission to drop their sproglings off at school. Meet the chav-mum.source Identification:Pony tail hairstyle, smokes fags, often blonde of hair, "blonde" of nature.Car plate ~ 1985 to 1995, typically

You Don't See That Everyday!

2006-09-07T22:52:00.000+01:00

Probably the most odd cycle commute in to work I've had so far...It was only yesterday that I was talking about;Upgrading my patience, in preparation for the random oddities which these crowded circumstances can throw up.How's this: Perfect weather, 18 Degrees C, dry, sunny, begun cycling, everything as normal, except for some unusual incidents.Charity Ride1st I got held at a main junction by

Enjoying The School Run: Cycling In

2006-09-06T21:37:00.000+01:00

Little Johnny's back! In the flipside to my post Enjoying The Non-School-Run, this week kids go back to school. So what changes?We return to the status quo of me cycling past stationary traffic all the way to work! Well, almost all ;-)Noticeable?Is it noticeable that schools are back? Definitely! Particularly for the drivers delayed in traffic, rammed bumper to bumper, trading rear exhaust fumes

TfL Share The Roads - Will It Work?

2006-09-05T21:11:00.000+01:00

"Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in London are all being encouraged to Sharethe Road - the title of a new and ongoing Transport for London (TfL) campaign" Source: TfL"London's roads are crowded - we can behave like caged rats and fight with each other for space, or we can behave like human beings and cooperate with each other." Source: Institute of Advanced MotoristsWill it work?Asking people

Speed Humps, 20mph Zones, & The Future

2006-08-29T22:47:00.000+01:00

Many councils have ongoing policies which each year introduce new 20mph zones in to residential areas. From a cycling point of view: Who cares? & Do they work?20mph zones are more enjoyable to cycle, for exactly the reasons of relative speed posted about here. Two and four wheeled traffic generally flow more harmoniously in these traffic calmed areas.When first introduced to my local area, there

Best Cycle Route In London?

2006-08-27T16:37:00.000+01:00

One legacy of the infamous Millennium Dome on the Greenwich peninsula, is a quality stretch of National Cycle Route Number 1, which passes through it.The cycle route around the dome really is the complete antithesis of bad cycle lanes. As shown in the pictures, the design is wide enough for overtaking, riding in pairs & talking, and allowing a safe gap between oncoming cyclists, (something many

Media Attack On Cyclists Justified

2006-08-22T20:10:00.000+01:00

Cyclists are like badly behaved toddlers running around the ankles of shoppers, as adults navigate their trolleys around other trolleys in a supermarket. The bicycle is a vehicle; riders share the road space with a variety of other vehicles. A gruesome recipe of flesh & metal is only avoided because of the compromise and co-operation that is set-out in the Highway Code.To arrogantly disregard the

Surrey Quays This Thursday

2006-08-21T22:51:00.000+01:00

Just a quick plug for anyone who knows some fresh cyclists looking for some inspiration / assistance / riding tuition in and around the SE16 area of London.It's an event on Thursday 24th August (11am - 7pm) called "Bike Magic Day" at Surrey Quays.Offering stunt shows, simple local bike rides, and help with basic maintenance issues.Perhaps the most attractive offer, for anyone considering

Enjoying The Non-School-Run

2006-08-09T20:38:00.000+01:00

The biggest development was when the schools broke up for summer. Immediately, I noticed traffic jams shorten, and traffic flow reduce.I recall reading various reports which assert the dreaded school run, is to blame for something like 33% to 50% of rush hour traffic. On my ride, it's VERY noticeable, especially during the morning journey.This bliss of quieter roads & less cars, has got even

Speed, Speeding, or Relative Speed? Huh?!

2006-08-06T18:14:00.000+01:00

While motorists are constantly under threat of being caught speeding, this cyclist is interested in a different kind of speed.The TheoryLet's say a car turns a bend and gets first look at a cyclist in front, who is 50 meters down the road.If the car is travelling at 30mph, and the bike is stationary (0 mph). The car will be where the bike is, in 3.728 seconds.If the car is travelling at 30mph,

Hmmmm :-\

2006-08-03T22:10:00.000+01:00

So I left it until I woke up this morning, to decide whether to commute by bicycle / car / train today. Not the best time for decisions for me, as I barely have enough cohesive brainpower some mornings, to put milk & cereal together!In my corner of London, the sky looked grey. Plump with moisture ready to drop, swaggering in the same way we school-kids used to wield bouncy water bombs.Potentials,

Average, Uneventful, Daily Cycling

2006-07-30T17:03:00.000+01:00

In the quiet periods between posts, the reason is essentially that nothing untoward is happening.When frequently commuting on only a select few routes, it becomes plain where all the hot-spots are, and over time can learn what actions are necessary to enjoy another uneventful, safe ride.E.g. moving to the middle of the road in good time, before passing through natural pinch points such as traffic

Is Cycling Dangerous? - Debate

2006-07-26T20:20:00.000+01:00

Recently I entered in to a debate on whether people should cycle at all. The primary topic was the question: Is cycling dangerous? And goes on to explore the associated issues.The parties are; Urban Commuter, and Broken Leg Man who (all by himself) fell off his bike, and believes because he fell off, everybody in the world ought to stop cycling. Now!The debate starts like this:Broken Leg Man said

July 06 Heatwave Commuting

2006-07-20T21:23:00.000+01:00

Although it's hot, I much enjoy having the breeze constantly caress me, attempting to wick the heat from my body as I'm rollin' rollin' rollin'.Having a wide choice of transport options available to me for commuting, my choice to cycle in to work, was ratified by reading about the alternative experiences:London UndergroundCommuters facing journeys on London's Tube network reportedly faced

Jaguar XK: Nice Car, Shame About The Driver

2006-07-13T20:50:00.000+01:00

Sometimes you spot a car in traffic and even though you travel at different speeds, you meet more than once on the same journey.I was riding down the road as normal, say 15-20mph with cars overtaking me conventionally - at a steady speed with plenty of room between bike & car. Set in a built-up, urban, 30mph area.All of a sudden I hear a roar of a 4.2 litre V8 engine, and some num-nut in a

The Best Things About Cycle Commuting

2006-07-11T20:00:00.000+01:00

Here are my personal top 5 most pleasurable reasons why I enjoy cycling and commuting by bike.5) The ability to stay in bed longer, because the journey time cycling to work is shorter than by car, by bus, and by train, in my urban environment.4) Relaxed, steady filtering past long lines of queuing traffic jams, taking just a few minutes on the bike, which I KNOW takes 20 or 30 minutes to drive

Near-Miss Peugeot 206

2006-07-07T22:53:00.000+01:00

After a recent spell experiencing civility, co-operation, and sensible driving while I've been commuting by bike, I saw a head-on near-miss today.I was riding in a cycle lane, no problems, a bus ahead pulled in to its bus-stop conventionally. Again no problem, either wait or overtake it. Just before this, an old peugeot 206 went passed me, and some dizzy passenger mumbled something out her window

Council Cycling Update: Camden

2006-06-29T22:36:00.000+01:00

Following my article evaluating local council cycling websites, I thought I'd start the ball rolling, and inform a few councils of what's being written about them.I picked out the specific champions for transport and cycling, and sent them this message:Dear (person), London Borough council websites have been compared and judged against each other, regarding the online services provided for

Powerband

2006-06-12T22:52:00.000+01:00

There is a feeling in my legs, at a certain high rpm, when the muscles are glowing and the heart is pumping, where I seem to be able to magic up a boost of energy from expended resources.Perhaps it's like how an afterburner works on a jet? Something with lactic acid, who knows...My powerband phenomenon only occurs rarely. Usually when energy supplies are starting to dwindle, & a last hard push,

All London Borough Councils - Cycling Online

2006-06-01T23:18:00.000+01:00

London has 33 boroughs. Every council has a website. Not every council likes cycling! SourceIn this post we look at the hugely different coverage of cycling, within each London borough's website.Every council website was evaluated on their online local cycling information, content, real actions reported, and statistics. An overall score was then generated, of either: good, fair, or poor.

Where Do London's Cyclists Live?

2006-05-21T12:02:00.000+01:00

Cyclists are seen on the roads, making good progress with their high average speed in London. But where do they come from?An interesting insight to such questions, is provided by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) 2001 Census results below: HeadlinesThe results show a ringed zone of boroughs surrounding central London, where a higher percent of employed people choose to commute by bicycle,

London Bus Lanes - Bikes, Taxis, & Busses

2006-05-16T20:04:00.000+01:00

Making bus lanes available to busses and cyclists is a good choice. For the transport bods in a meeting-room somewhere, it's a cheap decision; because it saves them having to genuinely think about designing a new and functional cycle path nearby. But there are other points to consider...SaferAt their best, bus lanes are superb when they're empty, often providing a safer cycling position to filter

Cycling Travel Sweat: No Sweat

2006-05-11T21:16:00.000+01:00

It's not the end of the world if someone arrives at work with a bead of sweat on their forehead.Sweat occurs on most forms of transport:1) Walking on the streets, red hot pavement, wearing a black suit, sunshine radiating heat down on you. There's no getting away from it, you're gonna break a sweat, whether you like it or not.2) Encased in a train carriage, windows that only open about 3mm,

Summer vibe

2006-05-10T22:59:00.000+01:00

Commuting today was fine. A refreshing 11 Celsius for the morning leg, and a warm 19 Celsius for the return ride home. Dry, not too much wind, nice temperatures: I can't ask for better conditions!Bye bye coat & leggings, hello shorts & t-shirtNice to see loads of people making good use of local parks as well; chilling, reading, playing, cycling. All good stuff. The summer vibe is deffinitely

Bicycle: Guinness World Records

2006-05-08T23:37:00.000+01:00

A selection of bicycle related Guinness World Records. For a change of topic, and a bit of fun. Some are unbelievable!Fastest Speed: 167mph!At Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, USA, on the 3rd of October, 1995.Guinness world records - Fastest SpeedWorlds Longest Wheelie!2,840 Miles from Hollywood, California, to Orlando, Florida, USA, between the 13th of April and 25th of June, 1999.Guinness world

Why Cycle Commute In London?

2006-05-07T16:50:00.000+01:00

Bullet point list of why tempted newbies should consider commuting by bicycle in London.Feel-good exercise. Long-term health benefits. Cheap to buy & maintain. Predictable journey times. Very accessible to get started. Traffic jams cause minimal delay to cyclists.Increase awareness & road skills. No fuel costs. No parking fines or parking meters. Bicycles emit zero emissions: No Sulphur Dioxide,

Independent Motoring: Cycling Is Best

2006-05-06T15:34:00.000+01:00

(This is a guest post I wrote for ecostreet.com)The Independent newspaper ran an interesting article listing greener motoring choices. But unsurprisingly, glossed over one of the most accessible and eco-friendly solutions.Cycling received a tiny and almost hidden mention:"Cycling is best of all, of course."And it is understandable that any commercial organisation with vested interests in the