First cycle commute for many years

[deckertim]

I haven't commuted on my bike for many years, but the weather forecast was looking great today and I recently was able to obtain a parking spot in our underground garage. Having lurked in this forum for some time hearing the tales of left hooks, close passes, irate motorists I wasn't really sure to expect as I have become a weekend cyclist.
I have to report that the journey was very pleasant and I only had too close passes (I.e. less than 2 feet), one was a lady who was clearly in a hurry and the other was a London Taxi driver, who was playing with his phone, so clearly couldn't be expected to take too much much notice of a bright orange clad cyclist. I even had a river trip, courtesy of the Woowich Ferry, which was really great, I overtook all the cars and lorries in the queue and got on the ferry just before it departed.

The overall trip was 27 miles and at least 10 of those were on good quality cycle tracks and did it in around 2 hours. Because of the distance I won't be doing this every day, but it is a nice way to get some miles in during the summer.

 

[upsidedown]

That's a serious commute ! Bet you're ready for your sandwiches ! The vast majority of commutes are fine i think, but if you look at the accumulated mileage done by people on here every day it's not surprising that there are a few incidents most days.

Never been on the Woolwich ferry but it sounds a nice way to start your day.

paul

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I love the Woolwich Ferry. It's one of those places that really highlights the benefits of commuting by bike - traffic all backed up, and the bikes just filter through, getting on first and getting off first. Cyclists are treated simply as working people - like pedestrians - who don't deprive bigger road users of room on the ferry so there's no feeling of competing for road (or ferry deck) space.

 

[Beebo]

Blimey, did you cycle from Rochester?

My usual route home takes me past the south terminal of the woolwich ferry, but I am almost home at that point, only 3 miles to go.

 

[fossyant]

Long commute that, add in the return, but when the weather is good, go for it. You could always look into driving part way ? Or indeed just one or two days by bike..pick and choose !

 

[deckertim]

journey home was a bit more eventual. Had to ask a lady not to overtake and then cut me up just before stopping at a roundabout. Had a kid deliberately jump out at me when I was on a cycle lane, then got very closely overtaken and beeped for no reason. Still got home in good time, even though the wind was in my face.

 

[johnr]

 

[Mad at urage]

journey home was a bit more eventual. Had to ask a lady not to overtake and then cut me up just before stopping at a roundabout. Had a kid deliberately jump out at me when I was on a cycle lane, then got very closely overtaken and beeped for no reason. Still got home in good time, even though the wind was in my face.

Welcome to our world

Mostly it's not bad, but you get used to that sort of random irritation