cycling?

BigDunc

Batfink wrote:

Some people here really put me to shame. I've been saying 'oh no, I can't cycle to work as its 10 miles each way'. I hardly ever manage to even drive economically as the first person that cuts me up I feel the urge to floor the accelerator

I pass some cyclists on the by-pass sometimes, they must be beyond the brave/stupid category I'm sure.

I occasionally commute from Birmingham to Coventry (20 miles each way:eek:) during the summer. As this involves cycling along the A45 dual carriageway with trucks thundering past at 60 mph I think I fall into this category.

Still, it saves £5 a day, effectively paying me to exercise. That beats spending £££ on seldom-used gym membership.

Greenwellies_2

Yay, well done you.

If you ever need a cycling buddy, give me a shout, maybe were near each other

GW

Austin_Allegro

Definitely go for it! I've been cycling 5 miles each way to work for a year now, and it's halved my commuting time, negated my travel costs and got me fit as well.

A couple of things though:

1. Get a book called 'Cyclecraft' by John Franklin. Gives great advice about safe cycling. A lot of new cyclists do daft things without realising it.

2. Ride defensively. Assume others have not seen you.

3. Remember you don't really need special gear or protective clothing, except from the elements. Cycling is statistically safer than walking (see http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,1683540,00.html) I cycle in 'normal' clothes although I wear a Sam Browne belt at night. I don't wear a helmet for various reasons, though I suggest you check out the stats at http://www.cyclehelmets.org/mf.html?1123 and decide for yourself.



http://www.cyclehelmets.org/index.html

Liney_2

I used to cycle 7 miles across North to North West London and a very hilly journey it was too (Archway Road is a killer). It took a few attempts to get used to the journey but I noticed an improvement with each day that I cycled - so don't give up after your first few attempts. Eventually it used to take 20-25 minutes.
I read a statistic once that you only have a 10% chance of getting caught in the rain on your commute and I think that's probably true.
One word of caution though - please cycle responsibly - no jumping red lights etc. and wear a helmet.
I was knocked off my bike in Kentish Town - the driver didn't stop, got away with it as the police didn't persue it as she said she didn't realise????!!! Also not one person stopped to ask if I was ok, I stood by the roadside sobbing my heart out, mainly due to shock not because I was hurt badly. The police came after about 45minutes and told me to go to A&E - but they were too busy to take me or look after my bike so I was stuck until my hubby drove 45 miles to collect me - my bike didn't fit in our car so thanks to the local firestation they said I could leave it in there... sorry rant over.
Just be as safe as you can especially in London as there are some crazy drivers and ones that just don't see you.. as the TV ad says.
Otherwise I loved cycling and wish I could still do it but now work 45 miles away from home and have just had a baby! Will be out on it again though as soon as the little man is big enough to go on the back!

Greenwellies_2

Liney wrote:

I was knocked off my bike in Kentish Town - the driver didn't stop, got away with it as the police didn't persue it as she said she didn't realise????!!! Also not one person stopped to ask if I was ok, I stood by the roadside sobbing my heart out, mainly due to shock not because I was hurt badly.

(((hugs)))
I almost stopped this morning as there was another female cyclist looking like she was having problems with her bike, then as I got close I realised she was just putting her flouresent(SP) jacket on!

It's a shame I was attacked at random in the street, no one stopped to help me either, and I was a pedestrian! I was shouting for help, no-one did.
Such a nice place we live in eh!

GW

Liney_2

Aw thanks for the hug greenwellies - shame you wern't around at the time.

I do hope you are ok after being attacked - how utterly horrid. Sending you a big (((HUG))) back. I know its a dreadful world we live in these days.

Sorry if this went off topic slightly.

overbudget

This is a great thread - I am planning to start cycling to work - 7 miles each way - with a lot of up and down. I have a couple of questions for those who have done it when they weren't already fit.... did you build up to it with shorter rides to build some fitness or just go for it? and how long might it take to do 7 miles for someone with zero level of fitness?!

We have a shower at work which is a plus but I don't want to take half the day getting there! :rolleyes:

skintflint

does anybody cycle all year round and if so does this include the snow and ice???:rolleyes:

Annie_Fanny

I cycle all year round although do stop occassionally for lashing rain and snow storms! I live in Manchester Cycling is so fab. I can't stand waiting passively for a bus and in the Winter everyone is coughing and sneezing. Yuck! I am still buzzing from cycling home today...

PeachPickle

This is making me really think about that £40 a month I spend on bus fare and the bike I've got sitting outside... I wonder how far it is to work. Does anyone know a good, detailed routeplanner online? No, I don't really know the way. Yes, I realise how stupid that sounds