Escape the tube: get on your bike!

Cycling in London is getting more and more popular. Every morning you can see a group of cyclists getting to work. At the front, there are the guys in skin-tight clothes riding on ultra light bikes with super-thin tyres, where the road is another place to race, to be the best. Then we have the average cyclist with sports shoes, a helmet, lights and a fluorescent jacket. But you can also see the casual cyclist – in a suit and tie, in a skirt with high heels, with a dog in a basket.

The roads are getting safer for cyclists. Plenty of roads have a separate line for bikes marked out. Also, drivers in London are more aware of cyclists as there are so many of them on the roads now.

It’s is a good time to get a bike as at the end of summer holidays there are always good sales in bike shops. Also, the government encourages employers to help anyone who wants to swap a car or public transport in favour of a bike. There is a scheme called ‘Tax-free bikes to work’ where you can take a loan for a tax-free bike and save money.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of riding to work every day?
Pros:
- quick;
-  healthy – good cardio exercise;
- cheap;
- ‘green’ – pollution free.
Cons:
- unpleasant if it rains;
- hair squashed under the helmet;
- less time for reading – if you are used to public transport.

Tips

• As the rate of stolen bikes is pretty high in London make sure you get a good, heavy lock.
• To stay safe consider others on the roads. Be careful of lorries, which doesn’t meant to hide in the gutter, but be confident, show clearly which direction you want to turn, show with your hand if you want to change lanes.
• Cycling is supposed to be fun and enjoyable so avoid road rage – if you’re polite and nice to other users of the road (i.e. drivers) they’ll extend the same courtesy to you.
• Stopping on red lights when you have a good speed can be really annoying. But going on red is dangerous and irresponsible. You can also get a fine of £30.

Join thousands of cyclists in an annual event organised by Major of London, Boris Johnson (an enthusiastic cyclist, too), a well-know cycling event – Skyride. The route will take you along the most famous and beautiful places in London. Organizers are promising that there will be lots of fun, entertainment and activities.

Read more:

Skyride Cycling event
Department for Transport
www.cyclescheme.co.uk
www.cyclingweekly.co.uk
bicycletutor.com