Does anyone bike to work in London?

[Feanor]

HI all,

I am moving to Clapham in two weeks (from zone 6, so already know London). I work in Knightsbridge. I am contemplating getting a bike and biking to work, both to save money and get some exercise at the same time!

I am a bit apprehensive, does anyone know just how dangerous it is or what it's like?

I think it would be about 4 miles each way. How long do you think this would take me?

Thanks!
x

[mrposhman]

I cycle in London. My trip is about 9 miles each way from Wimbledon into Old Street.

Its not as bad as people tell you but you have to act confident or you will be incredibly slow. A lot of cars / buses will expect you to pull out around cars but don't trust everyone. Theres plenty of morons out there too.

I take about 45 minutes each way to get to work but getting faster as I've only been doing it about 6 weeks.

I think the timing depends on how fast you think you will go but you should make it in about 30 minutes.

Does your workplace have showers as you will need 1 when you get to work!!

Your journey doesn't look too bad, no huge roundabouts, I've changed my route so that I don't have to go through elephant and castle.

Good luck with cycling

Did you know that if your workplace is signed up to a cycle to work scheme that you can save the tax on these payments effectively getting you a cheap bike??

[Feanor]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply :)

Umm nope, there are no showers at work! I guess I could take a change of clothes though. Hmm..

A friend of mine was asking about a cycling scheme the other week but it seems our company doesn't offer it! Oh well...

I have been on ebay looking for a bike !

Thanks again.
x

[mrposhman]

if you go to cyclescheme.co.uk you can actually ask your employer to join. I'm not sure whether they have to pay but I guess its worth a shot.