Starting again after 20 years - routes question.

[Twanger]

I have just moved back to London after 20 years abroad. I bought a folding bike because, after all, I am now 50 and can't be expected to do the miles I used to 20 years back.

Then I discovered that sitting all sweaty in a train after cycling to Victoria was WORSE than not cycling in the first place. Victoria station has a stink which hits you when you get off a bike more than it does after the tube. Standing over your folder in a crowded commuter train with sweat dribbling down your neck is just unpleasant.

Damn it, sez I. You're only 50. It's only 10 miles. So I went out and bought myself a proper bike....don't misunderstand, the folder is very proper as a bike, but I just can't see myself cycling 10 miles on a hub gear sit up and beg effort with "Kidz bike" stamped all over the spare inner tube in my bag.

And Shrader valves.

My, what a snob I am!

Anyway, my question is this. I am coming from Crystal Palace and aiming to hit the West end. Do I go through Brixton and over Vauxhall Bridge, or through Clapham Common and Chelsea Bridge? 20 years ago, Vauxhall was easier. Is this still the case?

 

[benborp]

Hi Twanger,
I suppose a lot depends on how you like to make progress. I live just down the hill from Crystal Palace and have spent a big chunk of the last twenty years cycling through these areas and would say that I prefer the main arterial routes rather than the back roads and cycle lanes. I prefer Brixton as there are far more bus lanes on the route to allow you to keep moving moderately swiftly when the traffic grinds to a halt. Heading this way in to the West End I would have a preference for Waterloo, Lambeth or Westminster Bridges over Vauxhall which is just a bit too cut and thrust to be comfortable.

Heading through Clapham Common takes you perilously close to Streatham, which sits on the true axis of evil with Tooting and Mitcham.

 

[hackbike 666]

Where did you live abroad?

I take it you cycle commuted there?

Why did you come back here?

Just interested that's all.

 

[Twanger]

Thank you, Benborp. I hadn't thought of going as far as Westminster. I'll have to get the maps out again.

 

[Twanger]

Where did you live abroad?

I take it you cycle commuted there?

Why did you come back here?

Just interested that's all.

Turkey. 16 years Ankara, 4 Istanbul. I took a bike and rode it once. You do not cycle commute in Turkey. It is the most cycle unfriendly place I have ever been. I got fed up of continual heat and sunshine, so came back.

 

[hackbike 666]

I got fed up of continual heat and sunshine, so came back.

I like that but I understand the rest.

 

[Twanger]

Thanks again. Worked well. The Brixton route was easy and uncluttered.

 

[dellzeqq]

be prepared to be counted when I do my survey on Kennington Park Road.

I'd also recommend Westminster Bridge (although a rear light comes in handy when you go under the railway at Waterloo), but I'd turn right just after the bridge, and then left again on Horseguards Avenue or Northumberland Avenue.

Do please watch out for traffic turning across the bus lane in Brixton Road. I've seen a fair bit of motorcycle and scooter wreckage....

 

[Twanger]

So far in Brixton road I have found myself part of convoys. Safety in numbers. But thanks for the warning.

So far that is.

I have been going over Lambeth bridge, which seems just fine. Then straight across into Horseferry road followed by a right turn down Great Smith street and into St James Park. Then I wiggle through the bits between Piccadilly and Oxford street towards Baker St which is where I have to go.

I used to go over Vauxhall Bridge and then through Belgravia and Hyde Park to Paddington, which is where I was working at the time. I think it'd quicker still to go that way, coz Baker street is a stone's throw from Edgware Road, but less fun.

Feel free to count me. There will be one of me. I'll try to wave!

 

[Gerry Attrick]

No idea about your routes, living as I do in the sticks, but like you, I used to cycle in my youth, but I bet given a few months, like me you will be cycling further and further. Oh, and don't expect your wallet to be stuffed with cash either. Damned expensive this biking lark

 

[Twanger]

I can't afford a wallet.

 

[Sittingduck]

I go S>N on my commute home over Lambeth Bridge, which is ok but the skinny little cycle lane and road surface is a bit of a joke.

 

[dellzeqq]

Does Lambeth bridge still have that odd double depression as you reach the northern end? The one that makes you lurch over the handlebars.

 

[Sittingduck]

Dunno, I usually wheelie the entire length of it

Seriously though, I haven't noticed it - I'll pay particular attention this evening! I do know that the camber is screwed up on the left side (S>N)... causing anyone who ventures into the skinny cycle lane to wobble along in the dip

 

[Sittingduck]

Mission complete - no sign of any double depressions by the roundabout on the north side