drunkmonk74

I recently passed by Direct Access (DA) course, end Jul this year ('19) and now commute daily into town, (Regents Park), and my only regret is that I did not do this sooner. I'm kinda lucky with parking, as my work has a basement car park I can use, so I won't comment on parking. But in terms of riding in, like I said I wouldn't stop this now. You will need proper gear, (this means, helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves and boots), ideally waterproof and if you plan on starting at this time of year probably windproof and with lining(s). Please do not try and ride without the right gear. Road rash, knocks, etc happen and it doesn't matter what form of motorised 2 wheel transport you are using. Don't let others tell you you don't need it just cause you plan to use a moped. If you can get a helmet with an integrated sun visor I would recommend that, (as it comes in really handy), and some helmets, like a Shoei will also have a anti fog screen that you can fit to the inside of your visor, to help make sure your visor doesn't steam up on the inside. In terms of security I personally use Abus products on my motorbike. They are pricey but some of the best on the market. Find a good person to do your CBT with. I would personally recommend Mungo, (like some of the previous posts). When I went to him at the end of May this year, I hadn't even ridden a moped before. But I passed my CBT, spent a month riding a 125 to practise what I'd learnt, then went on a 5 day intensive course with him to pass my unrestricted A license. He is a shockingly good instructor, (also teaches diving), and will only take a max of 2 people at any one time, so you really get his attention. His experience is so vast, and he has a wealth of knowledge to share. He is also really humble and had no qualms telling me after all these years he is still learning too, (his mentor is an ex-police rider). I'm booked in for my Enhanced rider course with him in Nov, and will most definitely go to him for the Advanced next year as well. Overall, I think once you start you will just look back and think, "I should have done this sooner". Good luck and if you do start riding in, stay safe.

I live on Kelmore Grove and twice now I've had to come out to move my car and motorbike to help large articulated lorries get through. Thankfully I was at home and could help, otherwise I've no idea how they would have sorted themselves out. One time I only realised there was an issue as the lorry set off the alarm on my motorbike and I rushed out thinking someone was stealing it in the middle of the day. This is a serious issue, and to be honest, if it continues it will only be a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt, at which point something will be done, but by then it will be too late. I understand that road works/utility works need to happen, however someone should have taken the time to understand the types of vehicles that travel down Barry Road, before simply diverting all that traffic through narrow residential roads.