jocelyn

Yes I had to take a back street cycle route around OKR today too and consequently got lost - there were loads of forensic people around and a massive white police investigation truck. Although the weird thing was as I cycled down into a little alley into one of the estates a group of black teenagers shouted out to me: "Hey look at that white girl! How funny is it that she has to cycle round these black man estates cos of the road closure." Did not really know what to think about that but just smiled at them and carried on...

Potentially a fun fair! I hope so!

I think it is nice in there - the coffee is lovely and the whole cafe is pretty calm and clean. Think there is something of a weird clinical atmosphere though - or maybe that was my hangover kicking as I felt pretty rancid compared to all the clean, lovely looking families in there!

Holborn - Live on Marmora Road and can get to my office off Kingsway by bike in about 35mins. Beats the 63 anyday. What is this secret way around the E and C people are talking about though? I just get in there with the buses which is pretty scary!

I'm really getting into the cycling to work thing but I feel a bit of a newbie given I am still using a mountain bike! Anyone any idea on how much it would be to get some road tyres fitted? I'm hoping that will speed up my 40 mins to Holborn.

So you hate gays and children? I can't think where to live in London to avoid both I'm afraid.

Of all parts of London I know the kids in ED are always beautifully turned out and well behaved when I have seen them in shops and pubs. I think it is nice the area has such a family vibe. I'm not a mum yet but could definitely see the benefits in bringing up kids here.

Yeah a box in hand each, rouged stained lips, filthy shouting at anything! Just a normal night out then!!!!

What about a vineyard? Wine and trees together in unison?

Tree smee - who cares about a tree in a roundabout - ridiculous waste of money bringing it over from Chile - could they not just use a British one if one at all. I vote the Black Cherry idea - perfect solution! Fag to your hearts content in and amongst the road rage of SE22 - would be enough to make you want to give up. How dodgy are the pedestrian crossings there though! Always feel sorry for people when cars zoon by pretending not to see..

I found it particularly odd to see a child shout to it's mother in the health food shop (yes why bother when you drink like a fish) "Mummy we need more organic blueberries!" It's just not right!!!

An interesting thread. The main reason I moved to the area was for the mix of young single people like me as well as the families and older people. I like the idea of a mixed community and couldn't face living in a "youth" area like Clapham where I would only be surrounded by people like me. I must say though the comment about private school is a bit harsh. Not everyone who has been to private school (remember it's the parents choice not the kids often) comes out an arrogant twat. I think I am pretty considerate to prams, kids etc... Even when they are screaming their heads off!

Haha had a horrific experience on Brixton Hill the other day so am learning "bike" rules instead of "car" rules now. I actually now believe you are better off by bike!!

Silly question maybe as I see so many people doing it - but just working out my new route to work via bike and wondered whether it's ok to use the bus lanes?? Don't want to get totally ridiculed along old kent road by scary buses!

Spotted - a few times this week bunch of kids wandering around Forest Hill Road area every night about 6 ish with black pit bull looking dog. I'll see whether this may be the culprit!

Thanks for the advice people. I've gone back to the "crime scene" and checked it all out so shouldn't make the same mistake again now.

Paid my fine today - that was a pricey car journey! So can anyone explain to me where that road by the Nags Head that you are supposed to go down actually goes? Just not that familiar with Peckham! I am a bit scared to go down that way again unless I know exactly where I am going!

I know the guy you mean but he always seem really friendly and the dog is so cute called Bobby I think. Even so not seen the dog poop/the man clear it up before though. It's not something I look out for though!

It's true Marmora is littered by dog poop! I don't see many dogs around though but I will keep my beedy eye out now to see who the cuplrit may be!

Yeah well I am new to the area and new to driving in London so all this bus lane malarky is taking a bit of getting used to. Out of interest I was on the bus earlier and saw 2 cars ahead of me making the same mistake so maybe it's a bit of a blackspot!

What do you get 3 points too?

Eh?

Sometimes you can't help being boxed in a bit that was all I meant and yeah maybe I could have been a bit close. I'll pay it cos I know that I was in the wrong all I am saying is "HOW BLOODY ANNOYING!!!" - it's not like it's a deliberate no entry street where you know you can't go down it - it's a matter of 3 metres of road. Won't be making that mistake again! It's basically like pouring money down the drain and I work in media for Christ sake - we earn very little!

So many cars go down that way I bet they make a mint each day. It's a disgrace. You can't see road markings at night at all and if a bus is closely in front of you it's a bit tricky to see road signs. I am officially annoyed as if the council don't charge us enough council tax anyway. It's hardly a dangerous driving conviction yet it's the same as a speeding ticket.

Thanks for the responses on this. It's so tricky when you move to a new area and are not too sure on the roads. Really gutted about this as I always obey the law! Never mind hopefully my angry dad can post me the letter so I can pay it in time to get the discount.