How to cycle in London

 

To mix things up a bit i will start posting about some of the topics that relate to the Built Environment and that i fee passionate about. This may sometimes involve sharing old content of mine.

Sustainable forms of transport (t o improve the air quality of our cities) is one of those topics .

"Do you Cycle in London?

It is my favourite way to move across town, however, I am very aware that many people feel nervous about cycling in the city.

People worry about cars not respecting them, and I have to say that accidents can happen but I follow some simple tips that I have either learned or friends have shared with me. The most useful as follow :

1. Always stay visible.

Be in front of cars rather than behind them to be safer, wear bright colours and turn the lights on at night

2. Cycle along well lit quiet roads.

There are many maps that show you the best cycling routes to get around .

3. Learn to use your arms to indicate.

If you are cycling in front of a car, tell them where you are heading towards for them to adapt accordingly. Don't just change your direction.

4. Always be aware of the car stopped next to you in a junction where they can turn left. (For anyone who is not driving in the British side, same applies to the right)

Make sure they and/or you know what they will be doing before cycling parallel to them.

5. Wear a helmet.

Avoid buying one that overheats your head to avoid unnecessary distractions when the weather is hot.

Also helpful if it has some form of flap to keep the rain off your face during rainy days.

Now some common sense that is not so common:

6. Do respect the road rules.

If you choose to ignore even the bicycle traffic lights , should you have an accident , it will be your fault . Nevertheless by getting yourself run over, you could ruin a person's life : don't be an idiot.

7. Do respect other cyclists and pedestrians. Even if they are not wearing lycra.

Hope this was helpful"

Do you cycle? is so, what are your tips?