Get on your bike

Traffic in the morning rush hour, is now slower than before the congestion charge was introduced in February 2006. (Evening Standard. Oct 2007) So, GET ON YOUR BIKE.

FACT: Cycling is the fastest, most efficient way of getting around London. In addition, you will getter fitter, leaner and all round healthier going to work this way. No more getting caught in the school run traffic, the endless gridlock on the M25 or taking unknown detours to avoid yet more road works.

If you are using public transport, the misery is over. No more tube strikes, bus delays and “leaves on the track”. No need to plan an alternative journey. The only planning you will need to do is to find the most direct route to your destination.

FACT: Cycling is cheaper than any other form of transport. With the price of petrol going up and up, it’s time to dust off the handlebars and get on your bike. Bicycle shops offer a choice of bikes, at a range of prices. Once you have bought your bike and accessories, the maintenance costs far outweigh having to pay for petrol, for parking, Oyster cards, and the “oops I forgot again” Congestion Charge.

According to figures released by CTC, the UK’s national cycling organisation, more than 4 million people in the UK use their cars to drive less than 3 miles to work! It makes sense that if more people cycled these shorter distances to work, we would be well on the way to reducing carbon emissions and making the nation fitter.

Before you brave the traffic in London, you may want to enrol in a cycle training course to improve your skills, make you more aware of the requirements to ride on the road, and boost your confidence. Contact your local borough to see what they offer or go to http://www.lcc.org.uk/ - the website of The London Cycle Campaign. Have a look at the “advice” section. It offers some great tips to the new and the experienced cyclist.

Don’t forget to wear a helmet at all times, to use a headlamp and wear a fluorescent jacket to ensure you are visible to motorists – and bendy bus drivers.

All that’s left is to GET PEDALLING.

Useful links:
http://www.cycletraining.co.uk/
http://www.gopedal.co.uk/