Commuting Around Big Events

[lolli86]

Hi everyone, I've just moved to London an am an avid cycler but a bit nervous about cycling in the city. I've done my commute during an early Sunday morning when it's not so busy but with traffic and everything I haven't quite got the nerve to risk my neck (even if it would save me 20 min on my commute).

In any case, I was wondering what people do about big events on their route. For example, my mom (who panics about the idea of me cycling to work in the city) sent me this: Great British Beer Festival (at Earl's Court) which starts during the day during the week and is on my way home. Do you change your route? Do you find it's not that big of a change? Do you have big events on your route?

Thanks for the advice!

 

[zimzum42]

Generally big events like this will mean that the roads are gridlocked, they certainly get to a standstill at Earl's Court pretty quickly!

This means it's nice and safe for you, you can just filter through the traffic, it's great!

 

[domtyler]

Nervous is good, it means you'll be careful which is a good way to start off as you build your confidence. Be wary of getting overconfident before you have the skills to match and you be fine, cycling in London can be great fun once you are used to it.

 

[mr_cellophane]

Watch out for closed roads. They are the only thing likely to catch you out when there are major events.

Do a commute on a Saturday, it is much nearer a weekday traffic than a Sunday.

 

[zimzum42]

Most closed roads will let cyclists along them, I never normally have a problem, unless there's a gas leak or something

 

[Landslide]

...Great British Beer Festival (at Earl's Court)...

Generally big events like this will mean that the roads are gridlocked, they certainly get to a standstill at Earl's Court pretty quickly!

Beer and lots of traffic - there's a good combination!

 

[palinurus]

I'd like to think that most people going to a beer festival would be taking the tube.

 

[mr_cellophane]

Most closed roads will let cyclists along them, I never normally have a problem, unless there's a gas leak or something

I just meant State events, more likely around Westminster though, so it depends where the OP is travelling through.

 

[lolli86]

Beer and lots of traffic - there's a good combination!

Thanks for all the feedback - and I definitely had the same though which is why the Beer festival was particularly worrisome!

Also, thanks for the suggestion about practicing on a Saturday. I'll do that this week

 

[Sh4rkyBloke]

Living in Manchester and commuting past "The Hallowed Ground" of Manchester United is great when there's a match as it's a damn sight quicker than by car... the downside though is the sheer number of d*ckheads all over the road on their way to the match!

Police. Crowd control. Not.

 

[a_n_t]

I skirt round the eccles end of trafford park, usually ok when there's a game on!

 

[Dayvo]

Cycling to the beer festival - no problem!

Cycling back from the beer festival - you're joking, right?

 

[Ludwig]

I think it is best to avoid big events. I have worked in Cardiff alot and when the rugby internationals are on it is mayhem.