(AMollitor) said:I hope to spend a week in London in mid-November. I suspect the weather won't be great, but would
like to try one cycling experience while there.
I've seen the web site for the London Bicycle Tour Co., and that seems convenient. Has anyone had
experience with them?
They're located on Gabriel's Wharf, on the South Bank, as far as I can remember. See their bikes
around; I haven't seen too many obvious out-of-town tourists off the river. Doesn't mean they don't
exist--but the city intimidates many people from riding on the roads who aren't already confident in
their skill on the bike.
Quoted message said:
I've read a few issues of "Cycling Plus" magazine (WAY better than our sorry "Buycycling"!), and
drool over the St John St Cycle ads in the back, but as far as I can tell their shop is pretty far
from London. Is there another great shop in town?
Evans' Cycles main shop is by Waterloo Station; they're pretty big.
Cycling in London is an experience. If you ride in traffic, it's not much different to any other big
city. They drive on the Other Side there, of course, so left turns are kind of hairy.
Most confusing to the neophyte may be the traffic signals. The yellow will flash before the
green goes on. And sometimes it's dififcult to tell which lane has a red light in some
situations. Roundabouts are easier: wait your turn and join with the rest of the
traffic--nothing could be simpler.
In the City of London, proper, I find it's actually a lot easier than the volume of traffic might
suggest. Most of the drivers are black cabs, and therefore are not dumb, even if they can be a bit
aggressive. They will by and large respect your lane space. Ditto red buses, but be advised of the
large blind spots &c.
London's flat and very easily navigable by bicycle, if you don't lose your nerve. Buy a good pocket
A-Z map--the sort that folds out to show Central London is better than the pocket-atlas type--and
knock yourself out. My favourite moment is going from Trafalgar Square down Horse Guards--from total
traffic chaos to relative silence....and then pedal your way to either Kensington Palace or
Buckingham Palace.
-Luigi
