Yank going to London for four months

Bingman

My next assignment may be for four months in London, starting in January. My home is in Atlanta, Georgia.

I've been to London once before, but didn't bike. I've never ridden lefty. I don't race - I'm a recreational rider. I'll be bringing my Bike Friday.

I'm staying near the Finsbury Circus, near the Bank of London and the stock exchange.

I did find a comprehensive help site on London cycling:

http://www.lcc.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=37

However, I'm interested in personal experience and advice from natives.

Thanks for any help.

Don Shipp

Cycling in London has changed considerably since the conjestion charge was brought in. Motor traffic is now lighter, but faster, and there are lots of cyclists.
However, many cyclists (including those who used to drive before the charge was introduced, and should know better) ride like anarchists, endangering themselves and annoying everyone else. If you want to ride safely and be accepted as part of the traffic; then ride on the road, stop at red lights, obey all the laws and follow the highway code. And remember, in England we ride on the left.
I find that I have no problems riding in London, I have certainly cycled in worse places, and you absolutely can't rely on the tube to get you anywhere on time.

__________________
"Boudreaux pissed me off, what should I do?"
"Nothing, just shut up and take his advice."

Bingman

Thanks for your response. A couple of quick questions:

Does one need any kind of license or registration to ride?

Is it common for office buildings to have shower and/or locker facilities? Either gratis or for lease.

Thank you.

Don Shipp

No licence is required. Bikes are not registered.

I think that in most office buildings, there are no showers except perhaps for the upper echelons of management. Probably not lockers either, but as cycling becomes more popular and campainers more insistant, these things are being introduced.

__________________
"Boudreaux pissed me off, what should I do?"
"Nothing, just shut up and take his advice."

Roy Gardiner

A UK forum could be helpful to you, try http://www.veloriders.co.uk/phpBB2/portal.php. It's pretty active and you'll get help. And leg-pulling....

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Roy Gardiner, Hainault Roads Club

matt23

Try not to travel between the 'rush hours' of 7am-10am and 3pm-7pm.

Unless of course you can find nice quiet roads to cycle on!

ESheldon

I was in your hometown at the end of last year

You may like to try this site:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/cycles/

Transport for London can send you free maps. A must for any Londoner!

My advice would be to insure yourself and your bike. If you already have insurance perhaps they can give you advice in this area. If you need any further help or links just zoom me over an email, I'll be glad to be of any help