I know there are a lot of people that like the idea of cycling to work every now and then, but dont because they are a frightened of the cars, dont know the easiest way, or dont think they’d be able to make it.
The days are nice and long and warm at the moment, and its a perfect time to start biking to work, so as such I’d like to offer my services as a guide to take anyone who is interested in a ride towards London in the morning. I’m happy to go a bit out of my way (Barbican is my daily destination at the moment) if anyone needs a specific route.
I dont have any particular qualifications, other than I’ve been riding a bike for around 40 years and know my way around the various cycle routes into town.
If anyone is interested, comment below or contact me and we can work out a meeting place/time.
What a lovely idea an offer @comoed That’s what I like to see.
I agree the roads can be an intimidating place, especially early days, but a little co-existence and all is not so bad.
So great to see someone offer help with overcoming the early day jitters, and showing how rewarding it can be.
The little cycling group is also planning some morning weekend rides in town too, so you can get the idea of a route, and how it’s not that hard really, without the stress of the traffic, then build yourself up to it.
I am keen but my other half would rather I didn’t. I got taken out by a drunk driver in 2008 and spent nearly a year off work as a result. I was on a motorbike and she feels a bicycle is more dangerous.
This is a really positive idea, and thanks for kicking this off @comoed.
As a note to new SE23.lifers: there is an opt-in category for deeper chat on cycling, which you can join by replying to our “Calling all Cyclists” topic.
IMO @comoed’s topic about cycle commuters should remain publicly visible here in “Fitness/Health,” rather than being squirrelled away in the opt-in “Cycling” category.
I can understand that feeling. Lost a few friends on motorbikes on the road.
And having been victim of one of the scum of the roads, drunk drivers, I imagine it is even harder to see someone you love go out.
BUT…
There are so many variables these days of what, who, if, when, that worrying too much about everything just makes you worse off.
I have to confess I drive my commute to work, purely because its only a short ride otherwise, and I would spend more time getting ready and changed either side of the commute.
But casual road riding is fantastic, and a great place to start out on the road to commuting. Got a bike @Londondrz ? lol
Only if it is all one outfit, and popular team branded @Londondrz
There are some great deals out there on all sorts of bikes these days.
Dare I ask your height (not weight lol) I might have something you can borrow to come on a fun ride with us to get the juices flowing so to speak.
That is extraordinarily kind anon64893700. I dont have any bike gear so will pinch a pair of my wifes tights and put a T-Shirt on from when I was a lot thinner!
@Londondrz if you get sorted for a ride, it would be nice to meet you and show you a fun way of getting to work. In the meantime, or for anyone else who is interested - here is a list of things that might help you get ready for cycle commuting. There are also some decent hints in the comments below the article.
I also do a daily commute to Victoria so if anyone wants to start cycling in that direction I’d be more than happy to take you for a ride. The journey to Victoria is relatively pleasant and you can pick up the Cycle Highway from Oval. Dog Kennel Hill is also a great way to get the heart pumping in the morning!
@Nomis46 I have done a commute that takes in Dog Kennel Hill every morning, but depending on where you live in Forest Hill - there is an easier way to get to Victoria (and dare I say more pleasant?) that doesn’t require you to get out of your saddle!
I’d like to offer some assistance too, I ride into Oxford Circus and happy to take anyone in that direction.
My current route is:
Forest Hill -> Honor Oak Park -> Peckham -> Camberwell -> Oval -> Vauxhall -> across Lambeth Bridge -> Charring Cross -> Soho -> Oxford Circus
Also don’t mind a little deviation in the route for a pick up or drop off.
Nice one @sol great of you to join in the spirit of things. Sounds like a fun ride indeed. I started one of my rides that sort of way recently. Good if it’s the right time of day for sure.
When I cycle to Oxford circus I head right before the oval and up and across waterloo bridge. I’m not a big fan of cycling through Vauxhall and think the timings are roughly similar. Have you tried that route too @Sol?
I have fairly recently started cycling- I aim for once a week. I go to London Bridge and there is a quietish route via Peckham Rye, Rye Lane, Sumner Road etc. I leave around 6am. The worst bit is Rye Lane on the way back between 5pm and 6pm. Pedestrians!!!
That’s what I like to see.
