CharlieB
Junior Walker and the Allstars
- Location
- Therivermeadowatthepileofstones
I know there have been countless threads on this very topic, but I just thought I'd add my own thoughts to the forum.
I started cycle commuting 7 weeks ago, after years of being fed up with being confined to London Underground trains for 3-4 hours a day .
Living 28 miles out of London, a folding bike was the answer because I reasoned it would have to travel with me at least part of the way, and at the moment I'm doing 10 miles each way, planning to up this when I've gained a bit more experience and seen more varying weather conditions.
Before I started, I gained a lot from the varying opinions and experiences passed on by the regular and not-so-regular contributors here, and for that I will be eternally grateful.
To cut to the chase, I think this is one of the best decisions I have ever made!
Plus points:
We cyclists talk to each other!
I've lost over a stone in weight.
I feel immensely healthier.
The PBs still improving, both on the commute, and my two regular leisure routes, because let's face it, you can't help but push it even on a commute.
95% of motorists are fine and good mannered, the few exceptions as noted below.
Minus points (which are of course transient in nature):
The motons don't like being stuck in traffic when you're obviously in a position to go a lot faster, so you often see the odd vehicle doing the ever-so-subtle (not) edge toward the kerb so that you can't get past. (Should I be passing on the outside in that situation?)
I've heard the comments 'you don't pay no road tax' (more than once), and more bizarrely ''you don't pay no insurance', in every case from White Van Man.
From what I've seen so far, the rude and impatient motorists in descending order of offensiveness drive:
1 Huge German vehicles
2 Large German vehicles
3 Medium German vehicles
4 White Vans
Despite all the rhetoric that is seen in the commuting threads here I remain convinced after seven weeks I am the only cyclist in London that religiously obeys all red lights. I seem to sit there like a lemon while everyone else sails past if the route is clear. Please feel free to refute my exclusivity here.
Sorry this is such an essay, I felt there was such a lot of stuff I wanted to pass on, but to sum up:
It's been said before in another thread we're a smug bunch. Of course we're smug, it's immensely satisfying to fly past the endless queues of stationary traffic, knowing you're in control and not the vehicles ahead of you!
If you're considering starting to commute by bike - It's enormous fun. JUST DO IT!
I started cycle commuting 7 weeks ago, after years of being fed up with being confined to London Underground trains for 3-4 hours a day .
Living 28 miles out of London, a folding bike was the answer because I reasoned it would have to travel with me at least part of the way, and at the moment I'm doing 10 miles each way, planning to up this when I've gained a bit more experience and seen more varying weather conditions.
Before I started, I gained a lot from the varying opinions and experiences passed on by the regular and not-so-regular contributors here, and for that I will be eternally grateful.
To cut to the chase, I think this is one of the best decisions I have ever made!
Plus points:
We cyclists talk to each other!
I've lost over a stone in weight.
I feel immensely healthier.
The PBs still improving, both on the commute, and my two regular leisure routes, because let's face it, you can't help but push it even on a commute.
95% of motorists are fine and good mannered, the few exceptions as noted below.
Minus points (which are of course transient in nature):
The motons don't like being stuck in traffic when you're obviously in a position to go a lot faster, so you often see the odd vehicle doing the ever-so-subtle (not) edge toward the kerb so that you can't get past. (Should I be passing on the outside in that situation?)
I've heard the comments 'you don't pay no road tax' (more than once), and more bizarrely ''you don't pay no insurance', in every case from White Van Man.
From what I've seen so far, the rude and impatient motorists in descending order of offensiveness drive:
1 Huge German vehicles
2 Large German vehicles
3 Medium German vehicles
4 White Vans
Despite all the rhetoric that is seen in the commuting threads here I remain convinced after seven weeks I am the only cyclist in London that religiously obeys all red lights. I seem to sit there like a lemon while everyone else sails past if the route is clear. Please feel free to refute my exclusivity here.
Sorry this is such an essay, I felt there was such a lot of stuff I wanted to pass on, but to sum up:
It's been said before in another thread we're a smug bunch. Of course we're smug, it's immensely satisfying to fly past the endless queues of stationary traffic, knowing you're in control and not the vehicles ahead of you!
If you're considering starting to commute by bike - It's enormous fun. JUST DO IT!
