London Commuters--Advice for Newbie?

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Howdy,
I used to commute in Marin County and San Francisco, now I'm living in London and want to ride to college. I just finally picked up a bike after 3 months (!) not riding, and I can't wait to get back out there. I know my way around on foot pretty well but I have never cycled here and the traffic looks way more dangerous than I'm used to. Hell in parts of Marin there's probably more of us than there are drivers.
I will have two main commutes after the winter holidays. My main ride will be from Stepney Green to Curtain Road (between Old Street & Liverpool St. Station). The other is from Stepney Green to Oxford Circus. I want to stay as far away from busy roads as possible, and I'm willing to take a more circuitous route if I can ride on bike-only paths. I'd really like some advice/recommendations from more experienced London commuters.

Hi,

you can get free cycling maps of london from the transport for london website here:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/cycles/routes/london-cycle-guides.shtml

It shows routes on quieter roads and shortcuts that cars can't use. Its also worth looking at the london cycling campaigns website.

http://www.lcc.org.uk/

The traffics not so bad once you get used to it... honest. It's usually going so slowly that you just go around it in any case. It's much more fun than taking the tube, that's for sure. Just make sure you don't ride too close to the kerb and that you're not going too fast to take evasive action if you need to.

Howdy,
I used to commute in Marin County and San Francisco, now I'm living in London and want to ride to college. I just finally picked up a bike after 3 months (!) not riding, and I can't wait to get back out there. I know my way around on foot pretty well but I have never cycled here and the traffic looks way more dangerous than I'm used to. Hell in parts of Marin there's probably more of us than there are drivers.
I will have two main commutes after the winter holidays. My main ride will be from Stepney Green to Curtain Road (between Old Street & Liverpool St. Station). The other is from Stepney Green to Oxford Circus. I want to stay as far away from busy roads as possible, and I'm willing to take a more circuitous route if I can ride on bike-only paths. I'd really like some advice/recommendations from more experienced London commuters.Cycling in London is straightforward and not especially hazardous. Ride on the road and obey all the laws, follow the Highway Code and you'll find it quick and safe and won't give cyclists a bad name. Be seen: wear yellow and have lots of bright lights after dark.