Advice for newbie cycle commuter

Norman_Castle

alexanderalexander wrote: »

Are you sure that is even true? In my area (London) cycling is explicitly permitted on canal towpaths (but the signs do say that you should give way to pedestrians, which I always do).

Cycling is allowed on towpaths.

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/cycling

Strider590

Norman_Castle wrote: »

Cycling is allowed on towpaths.

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/cycling

Except now that it's not British Waterways any more you have to be careful, I always used to carry the printable BW cycling permit for when walkers decide to have a go at you for riding "illegally" on the canal toepaths, many a lengthy argument was had and without the permit to prove them wrong it used to turn into a deadly s**tstorm of walking sticks and kendal mint cakes.

The other thing you find on canals is some people react well to bicycle bells, but some react as though your blasting a horn at them and deliberately block the path. If you don't use one, you'll almost certainly startle someone and have them shouting at you to get one.

It's pretty indicative of cycling in general and the reason I make this point is that many people see bicycles as being childrens toys and think it is their job to try to control how and where you cycle, be that on the road or off the road. You really have to be assertive or drivers will try to bully you around on the road.

elverson

I would 'practice' the route once or twice at the weekend when there's less traffic about. Confidence builds up over time so keep at it. Most important thing is to take your time and keep your eyes open for other vehicles, cycles and pedestrians.

Some local councils publish a map of quieter cycle routes on their website so try that, or have a look at the Sustrans website - https://www.sustrans.org.uk/map.

elverson

I plan group cycle rides now and again so if you want to PM me your route I'd be happy to look at it and make suggestions.

glasgowdan

Fee; free to use pavements at the roundabouts and road for the most of the trip until you get a feel for it all.