cycling in London

Donaway

The_ICT_Engineer wrote: »

Your more likely to get killed or injured cycling along a country lane than cycling in London.

+ 1

i have cycled tens of thousands of miles in london and only ever had one acident and there was not a car in sight when it happened because it happened in a cycle lane when a fool walked out in front of me i braked hard and was thrown over the handlebars

My advice to you on your commute always be carefull and there are places where you have to be extra carefull do these and you will be fine

userman

what about cycling when the weather is bad?

the few days I stayed in London, it didn't rain, so I don't have an idea about cycling in London when raining or snowing


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marky_p

It is incredibly convenient and can save you a lot of money.

It's also quite safe if you are confident, assertive and if you keep your wits about you.

I have come across a lot of bad driving, some of it dangerous. I have also come a lot of terrible cyclists, just the other day I saw a guy on a fold-away go straight through a red light onto the Strand whilst on the phone, couldn't believe it.

userman

while there is a database maintained of all cycling accidents in London (you may google it), unfortunately there are no statistically deduced statements, like:

if you wear helmet you survive 90% of a collision
if you wear lights you avoid 100% of a night accident
etc
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Weird_Nev

userman wrote: »

while there is a database maintained of all cycling accidents in London (you may google it), unfortunately there are no statistically deduced statements, like:

if you wear helmet you survive 90% of a collision
if you wear lights you avoid 100% of a night accident
etc

What on earth?
You're trolling, right?

Cycling in London can be safe, fun and is the best way to see and learn the City.
My top tips would be:
1) Never, ever, ever, get alongside a long vehicle, inside or outside.
2) Plan your route carefully to avoid main roads and busy routes. Look for quiet side roads and you'll be safer and have more fun.
3) Ensure you are confident and competent on a bicycle before you start out. It's a place to use your cycling skills, not learn them.

Marco_Panettone

userman wrote: »

while there is a database maintained of all cycling accidents in London (you may google it), unfortunately there are no statistically deduced statements, like:

if you wear helmet you survive 90% of a collision
if you wear lights you avoid 100% of a night accident
etc

Weird_Nev wrote: »

What on earth?
You're trolling, right?

Cycling in London can be safe, fun and is the best way to see and learn the City.
My top tips would be:
1) Never, ever, ever, get alongside a long vehicle, inside or outside.
2) Plan your route carefully to avoid main roads and busy routes. Look for quiet side roads and you'll be safer and have more fun.
3) Ensure you are confident and competent on a bicycle before you start out. It's a place to use your cycling skills, not learn them.

To be fair to Userman I read the post (the 2nd time I read it) as meaning "despite there being a database of cycling accidents (I haven't checked), it won't tell you that 'wearing a helmet/using lights will make you 100% safe.'

No trolling, just a misunderstanding. I agree with your tips too!

Big_G_RC

I tend to use my lights even in the daytime when cycling in the city centre. I can't say I've ever cycled in London, but other large cities I have. There are quite a few on the market that recharge via USB so I just top it up when off the bike.

Always wear gloves! Your palms won't hurt after a ride and if you do have the misfortune of coming off you shouldn't graze your hands either.

If a car looks like he's about to pull out look directly at the drivers eyes.

Lizling

Keep an eye out for potholes. There are some real craters out there at the moment, and if they're full of rainwater you won't be able to see how deep they are.

userman

Any comment about cycling with bad weather?

Marco_Panettone

userman wrote: »

Any comment about cycling with bad weather?

Yes - man up!

Mudguards are good for keeping you dryer, and depending on the sort of riding you do there are plenty of good options. Waterproofs are ok if you don't overheat, otherwise you just get wet from the inside. I tend to stick to lycra as it dries quickly and keeps me warm.

I avoid riding on icy roads, although in London that's very rare - twice a year probably. Stick to the main bus routes and it'll be gritted.