TheLondonCyclist
Guest
How are you guys getting on with the night cycling, now that the sunset is around 16:30... I've noticed that cars are driving worse and less aware, but I myself as a cyclist have become more aware...
Night Cycling!
- Thread starter TheLondonCyclist
- Start date
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slowmotion
Quite dreadful
- Location
- lost somewhere
I have not noticed any difference in how motorists behave really. If anything, they are probably a bit more considerate on my commute after dark. Richmond Park after 4:45 pm is another matter. The motorists are all excluded by the locked gates but the real bastards try and SMIDSY you in there all the time. Who do those deer think they are? What a bunch of antlers...
Accy cyclist
Legendary Member
- Location
- The hills of Accrington
Get some highly reflective clothing, some decent lights even spoke reflectors and you'll feel a lot safer! You will become more aware of motorists habits(mostly bad), and learn to look out for approaching headlights, pedestrians dressed in black,other cyclists ignoring things in my first sentence(probably as dangerous if not more than vehicles) etc as you do more night cycling!
jefmcg
Guru
Yes! The first time I went through Richmond Park after dark, I thought "I'm going to go fast". But the deer come down to the road side to eat the tasty grass that they can't get during the day. Only safe time is before the park opens in summer.
slowmotion
Quite dreadful
- Location
- lost somewhere
Yes, but it's absolute magic with nobody else but your own deer friends after dark. Probably not the time to go for a personal best lap time.
OP
OP
TheLondonCyclist
Guest
I have never been to Richmond Park... I might cycle there this weekend as I have done some research and it seems like a really great place to get some speed on the bike.
Drago
Legendary Member
- Location
- Suburban Poshshire
Not ridden for 5 weeks due to illness, but I ride regularly after dark all year round, no problems. I quite enjoy it.
Aperitif
Meme bar
- Location
- ...I don't have much idea - really.
Best to try RP first thing on a Saturday morning...there's a nice friendly peloton that trundles around - about 9am or so. You'll recognise them by their 'London centric' attire. Just join in, say hi and break out the fig rolls...they might come across as a tad reserved but take no notice. They love it when you steam past them too.
jefmcg
Guru
Important thing to note: Richmond park is open to cyclists/walkers 24 hours a day except during February and November-ish - the park is closed at night for about 6 weeks each time for deer cull*. The closing details are not listed on Royal Parks website (the last time I looked) and the people who man the phones** don't know anything that's not on the website. ie they don't know the normal hours only apply to cars, and therefore have no idea about the shorter hours. The only way I know to find out is to read the signs on the gate.
Does anyone know if it is closed now?
*I was at Windsor Farm Shop on Saturday, and they were selling "Royal Park venison", so you know where it ends up.
** a couple of years ago, I rang the Royal Parks phone number, and found they were idiots, so rang Richmond Park direct, and got good answers. A short while later I rang Richmond Park and it diverted to the Royal Parks idiots.
Does anyone know if it is closed now?
*I was at Windsor Farm Shop on Saturday, and they were selling "Royal Park venison", so you know where it ends up.
** a couple of years ago, I rang the Royal Parks phone number, and found they were idiots, so rang Richmond Park direct, and got good answers. A short while later I rang Richmond Park and it diverted to the Royal Parks idiots.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Not had a problem yet. Last week I was mostly off road with big 'eff off lights, this week it's been Road with big 'eff off lights. 
Only issue was a suicidal squirrel
Last week I was mostly off road with big 'eff off lights, this week it's been Road with big 'eff off lights. Only issue was a suicidal squirrel
OP
OP
TheLondonCyclist
Guest
I actually got off work early to go to Richmond
going to enjoy the sun while it lasts.ahh fortunate for some, i wanted to go last night but the thought of the deers kinda spooked...looking a buddy for richmond thoughI actually got off work early to go to Richmond
RP is fairly easy to accomplish by ones own company
BigonaBianchi
Yes I can, Yes I am, Yes I did...Repeat.
- Location
- Iskele TRNC & Mordor UK
I stay in at night in case there is a full moon and I start howling
DiddlyDodds
Random Resident
- Location
- Littleborough
I have noticed quite a few bikes on the main road past my work with no lights on, a couple of nights ago i almost ran into a lad dressed head to toe in black on a mountain bike with no lights , i just stopped in time as he shot from one path across the road to the opposite path, good job i had std pedals and not clipped in or i would have been on the floor bike on top of me.
