New commuter

[Blurb]

On the security issue. You could quick release the front wheel and take that with you if you've only got one lock. It's a nice bike and the lack of a wheel should reduce it's attraction to any passing pond life.

 

[Jezston]

Not sure what your local council is but many offer free cycle training at all levels. Really worth doing and wish I had the option when I first started commuting by bike - confidence, assertiveness and awareness are probably the most useful skills riding a bike in London and all three come with each other - cycle training will fast track those traits.

 

[jonny jeez]

Hi All,

I'd like to stay off the main roads as much as possible until I've got a few miles under my belt and more confidence.

Does anyone travel along this route or can anyone recommend a particularway in? Many thanks for your help.

P.S - I've already downloaded the beginners commuter guide that you guys produced which I'm sure will prove to be invaluable.

Hi and welcome.

As far as routes are concerned, Like Ian I ride the A21. Don't fall into the trap of thinking quiet roads equal safe roads...they don't.

It may sound counter intuitive but big busy roads like the Old Kent road (A21) can often be far more cycle-friendly. They are chock full of riders, drivers are very bike aware and huge bus lanes tend to separate you from the throng.

Compare that to small back streets with tons of stops, cars pulling out of drives, parents dropping kids to schools, people darting in and out of parking spaces, no other bikes.... all in a confined environment.

I'll take a good busy road like the A21 any day.

Perhaps we'll see you on the Old kent Road some time

Oh and check out the essential guide, its on a sticky in this very forum.

 

[Davidsw8]

I would just say, watch the potholes anywhere near Liverpool Street station. There's plenty round London generally but they seem especially bad round that area.

 

[Blurb]

I would just say, watch the potholes anywhere near Liverpool Street station. There's plenty round London generally but they seem especially bad round that area.

Report those buggers - http://www.fillthathole.org.uk/

 

[joeallpress]

Hi and welcome.

As far as routes are concerned, Like Ian I ride the A21. Don't fall into the trap of thinking quiet roads equal safe roads...they don't.

It may sound counter intuitive but big busy roads like the Old Kent road (A21) can often be far more cycle-friendly. They are chock full of riders, drivers are very bike aware and huge bus lanes tend to separate you from the throng.

Compare that to small back streets with tons of stops, cars pulling out of drives, parents dropping kids to schools, people darting in and out of parking spaces, no other bikes.... all in a confined environment.

I'll take a good busy road like the A21 any day.

Perhaps we'll see you on the Old kent Road some time

Oh and check out the essential guide, its on a sticky in this very forum.

Thanks for the advice. Yeah, I guess it makes sense to stick to the 'bigger' roads especially in London. I'll be using the route that Ian kindly mapped for me, so we'll see how it goes.

Oh, and I've already printed off and read the essential guide. Very useful indeed and a great resource.