Advice for nervous new cyclist

[rendelharris]

JohnL Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> rendelharris Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> -----

> > Just to note re something I mentioned above, I

> had

> > a response from Greenwich today saying that

> though

> > they are working to change the bylaws it's a

> > lengthy legal process and so cycling is still

> not

> > permitted in the foottunnel, but it will be -

> no

> > word on when though!

>

> Everyone used to scoot along with one foot on the

> pedal

> when I lived there 10 years ago.

>

>

> That place could be so lonely after midnight :)

Spooks me out very early mornings sometimes - 6AM in the summer - when it's empty. Good place to practise opera singing though!

It's a matter of great debate on many cycling fora as to whether that sort of "side saddle" style makes one a pedestrian! Don't think it does, it'd make an interesting legal case though.

Did they have lift attendants when you were there? I can't for the life of me pinpoint the time the lifts became automated - I do remember though that if they saw someone cycling they wouldn't let them in the lift, so the time saved by cycling through was lost having to carry a bike up the stairs.

[Annasfield]

Cycling to work is great. You'll love it

I only started 2 years ago but I'm addicted now. It's a great way to start the day.

Just take it steady and learn to build your confidence. If you don't want to a junction on a bike get off and use the tragic lights like a pedestrian.

[rendelharris]

Annasfield Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Cycling to work is great. You'll love it

>

>

> I only started 2 years ago but I'm addicted now.

> It's a great way to start the day.

>

> Just take it steady and learn to build your

> confidence. If you don't want to a junction on a

> bike get off and use the tragic lights like a

> pedestrian.

Are tragic lights the ones one crosses while soliliquising ;-)? Good advice, and when you get to know the rhythms of your chosen route you might well find there are certain junctions where it's actually quicker to dismount and walk across than wait for the lights to change.

[sorchamr]

I dont cycle I go by bus look like cyclist round by Elephant are all very assertive and fast - it looks so scary

[rendelharris]

sorchamr Wrote:

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> I dont cycle I go by bus look like cyclist round

> by Elephant are all very assertive and fast - it

> looks so scary

Presumably you're talking about cyclists who remain on the road to mix with other vehicles (as they have every right to do if they choose!)? It's now possible to ride all round Elephant in both directions without ever having to share space with motor vehicles.

[guzzler]

Update from OP: I had my first cycle home yesterday after picking up my bike. Felt confident enough to go across Tower Bridge, then made my way through the back streets to Burgess Park, before weaving my way through to Camberwell Grove and then up the hill. Thoroughly enjoyed it and a very quiet route (although it being the Easter holidays may have something to do with that).

Only thing was that it was quite bumpy on my new road bike - lots of potholes and speed bumps. Will experiment with routes as the weeks go on. Might even join the bike train from DH once I'm back from holidays in a couple of weeks.

Really glad I made the leap. Couldn't cycle today because I have an event I need to go to, but enjoyed it so much last night that I was actually quite sad not to be cycling in this morning.

Thank you all for the advice and support!

[rendelharris]

Good to know, well done! Fitting 700x28 tyres or even bigger if your frame can take it can do a lot to soak up the bumps. Great to hear you're enjoying it.

[katanita]

Great @guzzler! Come back if you want any more route tips etc.

[Applespider]

sorchamr Wrote:

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> I dont cycle I go by bus look like cyclist round

> by Elephant are all very assertive and fast - it

> looks so scary

You are right. It does look scary but that's partly due to it being unfamiliar. As you gain experience - and those free coaching sessions help enormously - it soon becomes normal. Naturally you keep your wits about you but it does end up being far less stressful than public transport.

[zerkalo]

I am also a new cyclist in London (and new to this forum too!)

I recently signed up for the excellent free training provided by Cycle Confident. I did my first round trip from East Dulwich to my new office near the Barbican on Sunday with the help of the instructor. I would highly recommend this training to anyone thinking of taking up cycling in London. Can?t wait to start cycling to work now on my little Brompton!

[Sally Eva]

Applespider Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> sorchamr Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> -----

> > I dont cycle I go by bus look like cyclist

> round

> > by Elephant are all very assertive and fast -

> it

> > looks so scary

>

> You are right. It does look scary but that's

> partly due to it being unfamiliar. As you gain

> experience - and those free coaching sessions help

> enormously - it soon becomes normal. Naturally you

> keep your wits about you but it does end up being

> far less stressful than public transport.

And you don't have to go round the E&C the way the buses do. I don't. There is a cycling bypass all round the E&C (that you can't see from the bus so not the segregated lanes) used by hundreds of non-assertive cyclists every day. You don't have to wear Lycra or go fast. You can be safe all the time.

Start on a social ride -- escorted by experienced riders along quiet backstreets and parks. This one starts from canada water (take your bike there on the train) https://southwarkcyclists.org.uk/events/healthy-ride-canada-water-to-london-eye-along-the-south-bank/

[Applespider]

Congrats guzzler and zerkalo!

[Annasfield]

rendelharris Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Annasfield Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> -----

> > Cycling to work is great. You'll love it

> >

> >

> > I only started 2 years ago but I'm addicted

> now.

> > It's a great way to start the day.

> >

> > Just take it steady and learn to build your

> > confidence. If you don't want to a junction on

> a

> > bike get off and use the tragic lights like a

> > pedestrian.

>

> Are tragic lights the ones one crosses while

> soliliquising ;-)? Good advice, and when you get

> to know the rhythms of your chosen route you might

> well find there are certain junctions where it's

> actually quicker to dismount and walk across than

> wait for the lights to change.

Ha! Whoops....

[TomHall]

Just be confident and pay attention to the road.