y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Simon from Barnes

We're trying something a little bit different for y o u b i k e l o n d o n for the next few weeks - I asked some of my great Twitter followers if they'd like to feature here and answer our usual questions.  A great way to mix up the profile of our featured cyclists as well as introduce some of the readers to one another.  This week's interviewee is Simon who has just set up an online shop which specialises in bicycle lights, called The Bike Light Shop - check it out!

Name / age?
I'm Simon and I'm 48
Where do you live / ride to?
Barnes (SW13) to Farringdon through the Kings Road (apparently the hottest bike accident spot).
What do you ride?
A very basic 88 inch fixed wheel – I bought the steel frame second hand 7 years ago for £25. It has never been cleaned (I do oil the chain!) which makes it unattractive to thieves, and a surprise for the carbonistas...
How often do you ride?

7 days a week – I do my training miles at the weekend
What's your primary reason for cycling?
It's fast efficient transport in congested streets during the week, and I ride to compete at the weekends What's your least favourite aspect of cycling?
Pedestrians – they never look when they cross and are the sole reason for my spills over the last ten years. I have never suffered any real damage except bloodied knees and bruised extremities – and no, I don’t wear a helmet.
What's your most favourite aspect of cycling?
Getting everywhere for free and arriving when I want to.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
In 35 years I have lost one bike (locked in doors at University a long time ago).  I have a number of D-locks but I only ever use one at a time (the wheels on a fixed are bolted), I think the trick is never to make your bike look appealing.
What advice would you give an aspiring cycling thinking of riding in London for the first time?
Keep away from the curb, keep looking around; buses and lorries are completely safe if you keep away from them - pedestrians are your biggest danger.
If you were Mayor for the day what would you do to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
I would plan to remove cars from the roads in central London – street by street over a period of time. No vehicles need to drive in Central London during the day except cabs, buses and emergency vehicles. Deliveries would only be allowed between 9pm and 7pm...  The rest is up to us cyclists to gain respect from pedestrians (by stopping at all lights) and learning to ride with bigger vehicles.


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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Andrew from Ealing

Name / age?
Andrew, and I've just turned 58.
Where do you live / ride to?
I live in Ealing and cycle to the Tube station.
What do you ride?
My own bike to the Tube station - it's just a hybrid.  I use the hire bikes in town.
How often do you ride?
Every day for work, and I also cycle for fun at the weekends - last weekend I brought my bike in to town on the Tube and had a very pleasent cycle around the parks.

What's your primary reason for cycling?
I've cycled all of my life, it's good fun and it keeps you fit.
What's your least favourite aspect of cycling?
Car exhausts I would say, especially the diesels like the buses and taxis.
What's your most favourite aspect of cycling?
Well, I think it has to be the convenience.  I have a car but I have to get a tax disc, then insurance, then drive somewhere to get some petrol, everything is a real hassle just to be able to get around.  With a bicycle you just pick it up and away you go.  In town with the hire bikes now it's even more convenient.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
I've had more bicycles stolen than I care to remember.  Now I have a big schackle lock, and a smaller lock for the saddle and the basket to stop people lifting that too.
What advice would you give an aspiring cycling thinking of riding in London for the first time?
Find some quiet routes, like the canals for example.  They might be hard to discover but you can cycle from West London all the way through and out to East London along the Grand Union Canal - there's no traffic, it's pleasent scenery, you see Herons and other nature, it's fun.
What could be done to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
Proper cycle lanes with raised curbs would really help.  For example, I worked in Copenhagen for a year and it's like a different world over there.  You've got dedicated cycle lanes with curbs that keep you away from the cars much of the time and where you do mix with the cars they totally respect you - you need that to make it universal, to get everyone cycling.  Plus, they tax cars really steeply over there and as a consequence cycling is the thing that you do - cycling is the normal option.

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Ilaria from Holloway

Name / age?
Ilaria and I'm 29.
Where do you live / ride to?
Holloway and I ride everywhere; to work in Piccadilly, when I'm going out, I don't use any other form of transport.
What do you ride?
A very vintage lady's bicycle.
How often?
All the time!
Even when it's raining?
Yes, even when it's raining, unless it's really really heavy and then I'll get the bus if I have to, but I'm not afraid of a little bit of rain.

Helmet or no helmet?
No, I don't wear a helmet.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
I enjoy it and I don't like the public transport in London and I feel free on my bicycle - that's reason enough for me.
What's your least favourite aspect of cycling?
The traffic!  I think sometimes it can get a little bit dangerous in London, the thing is there are not a lot of cycling routes - they need to build them more and more.
What's your most favourite aspect of cycling?
I'm not dependant on anything, anyone or any timetables - I can just get on my bicycle and go.
What do you never leave the house without when you're cycling?
Always my wallet, my phone and my backpack. A bottle of water.  That's all you need really.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
No, I haven't had one stolen.  With this bicycle no one would want it!  That was kind of the idea when I brought it, I can leave it wherever and not worry too much about it.  It's really heavy, only 3 gears, I hope it's not too desirable!
What advice would you give an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the very first time?
I always tell my friends to just enjoy it, and remember it's the best thing you can do in London - just get out there and give it a try.
What could be done to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
More bicycle routes would be really helpful, and fine the cab drivers that try to kill you or take you out every day!

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Pete & Francis from Hackney

Name / age?
Pete (left in red jacket):  I'm Pete, I'm 29
Francis:  I'm Francis and I'm 28
Where do you both live / ride to?
Pete:  We both live in Hackney and I ride to Farringdon for work every day
Francis:  I ride all around London for fun and for work.

What do you both ride?
Francis: This is my Pashley Paramount
Pete:  And this is my... what is it? It's a '70's racer of some sort.
You couldn't be more different in terms of bikes!
Pete: Nope
How often do you ride?
Francis: I think we probably both ride every day.
Helmet or no helmet?
Pete:  No helmet.
Francis:  Sometimes a helmet if my Mother's conscience is on my shoulder, but othertimes no.
Any particular reason you don't wear one when your Mum isn't looking?
Francis:  Cycling isn't a dangerous extreme sport; it's just an ordinary way of getting about and you shouldn't have to wear protective padding just to go out on to the street.
I agree
Francis:  Sometimes you fear death more though on certain days and think "I'd better wear my helmet" because I wouldn't want someone to find my helmet after I'd died and thought "If only he'd worn that!"
Hanging up on your bedroom door at home you mean?
Francis:  That's right, or maybe on my desk in the office where I've dumped it, with my work colleagues standing around looking at it sadly.
So what's your primary reason for cycling?
Francis:  It's the only sensible way of getting around London.
Pete:  It's the quickest and most efficient way of getting around and the cheapest too.
What's your least favourite aspect of cycling?
Francis:  Almost being hit by cars on a constant basis isn't great.
Pete:  Yes. Seeing horrible situations just ahead of you, like a bus going up to the pavement where you might have been; just seeing these dangers and thinking "Oh, I could have been in that spot, it could have been me."
Francs:  The lack of traffic enforcement by Police against dangerous drivers on regulated roads.
More positively, what's your most favourite aspect of cycling?
Pete:  Probably just beating everyone else, whizzing past the buses, the taxis, everyone, and being the fastest on London's roads.  Beating the Tube - not having to inhale the breath of the people stuck on the Tube is nice.  Not having to stop at any point in your journey...
Francis:  And getting to actually see where you are going and all the bits in between too.
What do you never leave the house without when riding?
Pete: I do the whole "Wallet, keys, phone" pat-down thing as I'm walking out the door.
Francis:  3D glasses, liquourice root and a tire pump.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
Pete:  I've had a million bicycles stolen.
That's quite a lot!
Pete:  Yep, unlucky me. I now have a really decent D-lock having had a range of locks from wire through to cable locks.  I learnt the hard way.
Francis:  I have one cable lock, and I also have a huge sort of anchor chain that I leave at the office to lock the bike too everyday.
What advice would you give to an aspiring cycling thinking of riding in London for the first time?
Francis:  Just do it and don't be afraid.  Assert yourself.  Come to Critical Mass - it's a good way of discovering that you can own the roads and the cars can be secondary. 
Pete:  Pretend you are car?  Be confident I guess, but just own the streets - these are our streets too.
Lastly, if you were Mayor for the day - imagine yourself as Boris Johnson now...
Francis:  I do. At night.
Ha!  ...if you were Boris what would you do to improve the city for it's cyclists?  Would you build more infrastructure? Tame drivers? Tow the whole city to Florida?
Francis:  The Police need to make all drivers respect the rules of the road; get them out of the Advanced Stop Lines.  People go on about cyclists jumping red lights but drivers are just as bad, especially when it comes to stopping in yellow box junctions which I think is one of the most stupid things you can do.  It would be nice if we could curb the unpredictable and dangerous driving.
Pete:  One thing?! God!
Yep, only one, and then I'm afraid you don't get to be Mayor anymore...
Pete:  Okay, well, I really approve of the bike hire scheme and they should expand it 'cos the more bikes there are on the road the better.  Anything that makes things safer and easier to get on the bike.  Don't be afraid to make a little more congestion 'cos it gets more people on their bikes!

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Mr Anonymous from London

Name / age?
Age? How dare you!
If I'm going to give you my opinions on cycling perhaps you should call me Mr Anonymous...
Where do you live / ride to?
I live in London and have cycled in France, Scotland... ..wherever my tours might take me.
What do you ride?
It's a Dutch roadster.
How often do you ride?
Every day.
Helmet or no helmet?
No helmet.

What's your primary reason for cycling?
Efficiency, sustainability, fitness, interaction with the wider world, fun, all those things and more.
Least favourite aspect of cycling?
London motorists, because they're always in such a hurry to get somewhere all the time.
Most favourite aspect of cycling?
Tail winds!
What do you never leave the house without when cycling?
A lock, always a lock.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
Just 2 locks, and I've not had a bicycle stolen since I started carrying 2 good locks.
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the very first time?
Be confident you can do it, you need to be confident enough to start, that's the key.
What could be done to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
They should change the law to strict liability so that if a motorist hits a cyclist they are responsible unless they can prove they are not at fault.  In London, I guess they should just encourage more and more cycling!

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Somin from Hackney

Name / age?
I'm Somin, I'm 25
Where do you live / ride to?
I live in Hackney and ride all over but usually to work.  It's much quicker than the bus.
What do you ride?
I don't know the manufacturer. It's a fixed with Campagnolo components.
How often do you ride?
5 days a week.

Helmet or no helmet?

I do own a helmet, but only use it on long distance rides.

What's your primary reason for cycling?

To save money on transport.

Least favourite aspect of cycling?

The Black Cab drivers.

Most favourite aspect of cycling?

I love to ride around London, especially at night when you see the sites and the lights.  I often go on rides with the LFGSS forum people and it's really nice.

What do you never leave the house without when cycling?
I carry a pump in case I get a puncture, and my lights.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
My first bike got stolen, this is my fourth.  I carry 2 locks on longer rides or if I know I'm going to be leaving my bike somewhere a long time.
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding for the very first time?
I was quite afraid of the road at first, but once I got used to it and how to get from A to B I learnt it's quite easy actually.
What could be done to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
The drivers should respect that cyclists also have a right to be on the roads, and get used to us being here.

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Zack from Camden Town

Name /age?
Zack, 27
Where do you live / ride to?
I live in Camden Town and work in Oxford Circus.
What do you ride?
It's a Dahon space frame from the 1980s.
How often do you ride?
Every day.
Helmet, or no helmet?

Helmet, most of the time.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
Because I enjoy it, I mean I use the bike to commute to work, but it means I now enjoy the commute to work.
Least favourite aspect of cycling?
The weather, sometimes, and the Black Cab drivers.  I've not been cycling that long and it feels that they are the most impatient drivers on the road; they get very close and it feels dangerous.  I'd prefer it if they could give us some space.
Most favourite aspect of cycling?
Everything!  I love that you see a side of London from the seat of a bicycle that you wouldn't usually experience.
What do you never leave home without when cycling?
My housekeys and my lock.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had your bicycle stolen?
Just the one, and it's not been stolen... ..yet.
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the very first time?
Just do it!  Get on your bike and get out on the road.  I thought about it for ages but I never learnt to cycle as a kid so was pretty nervous.  But I learnt to ride 4 months ago and I've ridden every day since.  It was scary, but I used the canals to learn at first, away from traffic.  My friends said, in hindsight, that was probably dangerous 'cos I could have fallen in but I figure water is softer than tarmac.  Now I ride all over.
What could be done to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
More bicycle lanes please!

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Encarna from South Kensington

Name / age?
I'm Encarna and I'm 46.
Where do you live / ride to?
South Kensington, and I ride to work on the Old Kent Road.
What do you ride?
It's an old BH sit up and beg.
How often do you ride?

Every day.
Helmet or no helmet?
I have a helmet.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
I've loved cycling since I was very young and have always ridden since, it's just natural to me.
Least favourite aspect of cycling?
The cars and the busy roads... ..there are too many cars and too many buses!
Most favourite aspect of cycling?
The freedom, the feeling of freedom is my favourite thing, you can't beat it.
What do you never leave home without when cycling?
I just go in my ordinary clothes, but during the winter I can't do without my gloves and my scarf.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
3 locks, and so far I've never had a bike stolen.  Fingers crossed!
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the very first time?
They have to try, 'cos really it's marvellous, jus get out there and try it.
If there was one thing you could change to improve the lot of the London cyclist what would it be?
We should have a day where everyone is given the day off work and everyone goes outside, takes a picnic, and just tries riding round town.  I think it would be fun!

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Happy birthday i b i k e l o n d o n!

i b i k e l o n d o n is one this week, happy birthday to us! 

I'm amazed that a little blog which I started for personal reasons one year ago has grown into something so big in my life, and astonished that the year has gone by so quickly!  I started out because all the cycling websites I found seemed hell bent on selling me 'stuff' that I didn't consider necessary to cycle, and I didn't think there was enough focus on the everyday and ordinary potential of bikes in the city, or enough attention being focused on how our streetscape can be planned and designed to help bring about the realisation of that potential.  Since those humble beginnings of scribbled thoughts and bad photo posts with just a few hits a week, the blog has grown and grown, undergoing a makeover to make it easier on the eye and picking up a loyal following of readers, contributors and friends along the way.  I'm very humbled that people from 111 countries around the world (Hello Palestine! Hi there, um, Isle of Man!)  have found the time to check in with my ramblings, and am even more excited when they take the time to join in the debate..  The comments and conversations that take place here between readers are the most gratifying aspect of the whole writing process for me. So a big thanks for visiting over the year, and don't be afraid to pitch in with your ideas!

I have great plans for the website; we'll be keeping perennial favourite our weekly interview with London's cyclists "youbikelondon", but introducing new features too as time moves on; more videos, more photographs of London's fabulous cyclists and more features on cool bikes and cool schemes designed to make our passage through the city easier.  And of course I'll be keeping up with the political shenanigans going on at Westminster and City Hall for you and making sure our leaders give cycling the priority it deserves, and calling them out when they don't.  And I really must get back to finding out what the other 76 reasons are of '101 reasons to love cycling in London'.  If you've got an idea that you'd like to see on the blog let me know.

Most Popular Posts in Year One

It can, sometimes, be a wearisome task keeping abreast of all the latest cycling developments here in London: another cyclist death at the hands of an HGV, another poorly designed cycle lane, another bike stolen...

So it gives me great pleasure to share the year's most popular blog post and to know that it was one born out of pure unadulterated fun.  If you weren't there, you missed out on a spectacular day; it's the Tweed Run 2010!

Coming up a close second and proving that the old debates are always the most contentious is 'The Myth of the red light jumping cyclist'.  Read the stats and decide for yourself on that one!

My little film made on International Women's Day last year asking "What's stopping women from cycling?" comes third, whilst the case for segregated cycling provided some of the most fantastic debate here and rolls in fourth.

Learning how to ride around HGVs in our built up city has clearly been at the forefront of many cyclist's minds as 'Know your enemies; know your limits - riding with HGVs' is in the 'popular blogs' list, whilst more positively, and just scraping in, "Love London's Cyclists" my film on why we're all fabulous and London can't do without us rounds the year's hits nicely!

Here's to another year and hopes for continued growth and success and I hope you'll all come along for the ride!

Thank you,

Mark

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Tom from Stoke Newington

Name / age?
Tom, 27
Where do you live / ride to?
I live in Stoke Newington, and I'd ride to job interviews, that is if I had any.  So in the mean time I ride all over; I've just moved here so I have been enjoying exploring.

How often do you ride?
Pretty much every day, usually.
Helmet or no helmet?
Helmet
What's your primary reason for cycling?
For enjoyment.  It's free and I like the feeling of making your own way round using just your own leg power; that's great.
Least favourite aspect of cycling?
Fixing the bike - any mechanical failure in general really - you learn as you go along of course but it doesn't exactly make it more fun.
Most favourite aspect of cycling?
The fact that it's the quickest way to go round by far.  You can feel smug beating the Tube and paying less and having more fun in the process!
What do you never leave home without when riding?
My gloves.  I use them ALL the time.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bike stolen?
Two decent locks, and I've not had one stolen yet (deep breath!)
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the very first time?
Follow me!

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Liza from Clapham

Name / age?
Liza, and I'm 26
Where do you live / ride to?
I'm just moving to Clapham at the moment, and today I rode from Brixton to Crouch End on my brand new bike!
What do you ride?
A Specialized Sirrus 2010
How often do you ride?
Every day
Helmet or no helmet?
Helmet
What's your primary reason for cycling?
Mainly as transport - it's more fun, it's green.  It's cheaper too.

Least favourite aspect of cycling?
Maintenance; I'd rather pay someone to do it for me to be honest,  I do try but it takes me a really long time to do anything - it's easier just to go to the bike shop.
Most favourite aspect of cycling?
The satisfaction of beating the Tube, it feels great!
What do you never leave home without when riding?
Lights, as I never know how long I'm going to be out so it gives me that much more flexibility not having to keep an eye on the sun going down and trying to hurry home.
How many locks do you carry, and have you ever had a bike stolen?
I've had 3 stolen in London, now I always use a cable and a D-lock.  I never saw them again and I was really angry at the time.  The third time it happened I was standing next to my bike and this litle kid just jumped on it and started riding.  I laughed at first and thought he was playing around and joking, then I realised he was basically a child thief and was nicking my bike. I was furious!
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the very first time?
Get the London Cycling Campaign maps - they're free and give you great quiet routes all round London, oh, and come on Critical Mass!  It's fun to be amongst lots of cyclists on a Friday night once a month!

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Justin from Nottingham

Name / age?
Justin, and I'm 39.
Where do you live / ride to?
I don't live in London, I live in Nottingham.  I come every month for Critical Mass; we rode down from Nottingham last week.  It's good to come down here.
What do you ride?
It's a Fuji Track Pro.
How often do you ride?
Every day, every single day.

Helmet or no helmet?
I've been hit 3 times but with the exception of when I'm on the track I still haven't put a helmet on.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
I've been riding since I was little; first BMX, then mountain bikes till I bust my knee after which I got hooked on fixed and have been riding fixed ever since.
Least favourite aspect of cycling?
Drivers that don't respect cyclists.
Most favourite aspect of cycling?
I just love to ride - there's no single one thing I can pin down - I just love it.
What do you never leave home without when riding?
I grab my tools and my bag and I go, I've got everything I need.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bike stolen?
One lock, and while I'll never say never I guess I've been lucky so far.
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the first time?
Carry a lock and stay to the left.

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Amy from Peckham

Name / age?
I'm Amy, I'm 29.
Where do you live / ride to?
Peckham, and I ride into town, and all around, sometimes to the office or sometimes for fun and sometimes for long distances.  All over really!
What do you ride?
My bike is an early 1980's Peugeot frame which we did up with new gears and wheels.  It's got 18 gears and I love it.

How often do you ride?
4 or 5 times a week.
Helmet or no helmet?
Within London I don't wear a helmet but out in the country I'll wear one.  You shouldn't have to armour up to ride in a civilized city like London, it's ludicrous.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
In one word? Independence.  When you're riding there are no public transport issues and you're free to go by your own timetable.  Also, I got mugged when out walking one night and found after that I felt safer cycling than on foot - and then I was hooked!
Least favourite aspect of cycling?
Not being able to wear all the clothes I'd like.  It would be nice to wear floaty dresses sometimes but I ride what I call a 'proper' bike so it's trousers for me mostly.
Most favourite aspect of cycling?
The total flexibility it gives you and feeling active after sitting on my arse in the office all day.  It's all about getting from A to B actively.  It's fun and I've made friends through cycling too.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bike stolen?
2 locks. 2 locks, always - a D-lock and a cable lock.  That said, despite cycling in Peckham for 7 years I've been very lucky and not had one stolen.  Touch wood...
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the very first time?
Assume everyone is trying to kill you and keep alert of them(!)  Always cycle defensively - being in the right place on the road is more important than speed or anything else.

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Chris from Whitechapel

Name / age?
My name is Chris and I'm 39 years old.
Where do you live / ride to?

Whitechapel, and I ride all over, out and about.  This year I did the Dun Run which was a nice stretch and I brought one of the dogs along too.

What do you ride?

It's a Kemper Filibus cargo bike.

How often do you ride?

Every day.

Helmet or no helmet?

No helmet.

What's your primary reason for cycling?

Mostly just to get around; it's cheaper, more fun, keeps me fit and I like cycle touring too - I've just returned from riding in the South of France which was great on 2 wheels.

Least favourite aspect of cycling?
HGVs and earth moving plant machinery.  One of them hit me about 7 years ago.
Most favourite aspect of cycling?
Meeting other people and seeing different countries by bike.
What do you never leave home without when riding?
My SPDs.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bike stolen?
Loads of times!  When I have had bikes stolen I've often ended up being able to get them back one way or another, but I'd like to hold on to this one.  This one has 2 heavy duty locks.
What advice would you give an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the very first time?
Maybe try it by borrowing a Boris Bike before buying your own, and make sure you cycle in the middle ot the road, and just get out there and enjoy it!

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Sam from Elephant & Castle

Name and age?
Sam and I'm 28 years old.
Where do you live / ride to?
Elephant and I ride all around.

What do you ride?
A Marin Redwood 12 speed
How often do you ride?
Every day!
Helmet or no helmet?
Helmet, I wear it on the main roads, but I don't wear it when I'm just pootling.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
It's cheap, liberating, I can go where I want when I want!
Least favourite aspect of cycling?
Bus sandwiches.
Most favourite aspect of cycling?
Taking a different route to work every day.  And high-5ing people hailing cabs.
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the first time?
Go to your destination with a friend who is a bit more confident the first time you go; don't be afraid to buddy up.

y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Jae from Bermondsey

Name and age?
I'm Jae, and this little fellow is Dave.  I'm far too old to be telling, whereas Dave however is 4.5 months old.
Where do you live / ride to?
We live in Bermondsey and tend to use the bike to get around the local area; in Bermondsey and along the river.

What do your ride?

A 1972 Fuji racing bike rebuilt by Foffa with Brooks bars, saddle and a Dorothy-esque basket.

How often do you ride?

Every couple of days.

Helmet or no helmet?
No helmet.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
Getting from A to B, and avoiding public transport.
Least favourite aspect of cycling?
Major road junctions and idiot pedestrians wearing iPods, or just idiot peds not paying attention stepping into the road.  I'm not a huge fan of lorries either.  Everyone has the potential to walk or drive in front of you; do what you have to do to keep yourself safe.
Most favourite aspect of cycling?
For Dave, it's the wind in his ears.  For me, it's a nice, pleasurable way to see the world.
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the first time?
Own the road!

y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Caroline from Wapping

Name and age?
Caroline, and I'm 25.
Where do you live / ride to?
I live in Wapping and I ride all over, mostly out of town into the country.
What do you ride?

A Bianchi 928

How often do you ride?

I try to get out and about a couple of times a week.

Helmet or no helmet?

Helmet.

What's your primary reason for cycling?

For fitness mainly, but of course also because I like it; it's fun!
Least favourite aspect of cycling?
City roads - they just don't compare to rides out in the country on quiet roads; to be honest I never want to ride to work, but getting out of town for a long stretch is completely different.
Most favourite aspect of cycling?
On a long ride, that point after the 15/16 mile mark when you hit that distance groove - I might be tired before that point but then I get a 'kick' and it feels great.
What advive would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the first time?
Don't wear an iPod, it seems to me to be a stupid thing to do.  You're not in the South of France cruising, you do need to pay attention.  But do enjoy it and don't be afraid to beat a path out of the city to ride. Have fun!

y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Paco from Shepherd's Bush

Your favourite Friday interview with London's many wonderful cyclists is back - after a summer break over the month of July, set yourself down, get comfortable and enjoy... It's Friday; it's youbikelondon!

Name and age?
I'm Paco and I am 32 years old.

Where do you live / ride to?

I live in Shepherd's Bush, in West London, but cycle all over the city.

What do you ride?

It's a fixed Charge Plug bike.
How often do you ride?

Every day; to go to work, but I take it everywhere.  I've lived here for 1 year and still don't know the Tube stations yet!

Helmet or no helmet?
No helmet.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
I think, after living in Madrid, London is flatter and cooler and has more opportunities for cycling within it.  That, and because I love to cycle.  It is less time to get to work in the mornings, too.
Least favourite aspect of cycling?
When its raining, but for me the most scary thing is when drivers open their car doors without looking.
Most favourite aspect of cycling?
You really get to know the city by bike - I feel so much more free here as a consequence of cycling - you can stop when you want, get off where you want, it's totally free.
What advice would you give an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the very first time?
If you are going to buy a bike, don't be worried if it is single speed or fixed, London is totally suitable for these kind of bikes, it's fine.  But try to get the very best quality that you can afford, even if buying second hand. Oh, and don't get anything too heavy!

y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Suzy from Brixton

Name and age?
Suzy and I'm 34, not that a lady should tell!
Where do you live / ride to?
Brixton and Brixton; it's where I live and work.
What do your ride?
It's a girly Mary Poppins style Ridgeback.
And how often?
Every day!

Helmet or no helmet?
No helmet.  I've always got a flower in my hair so that's a primary reason why not(!) Seriously though, I think it's safer, I'm less likely to get knocked off my bike if I don't wear a helmet.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
To get me from one place to another.
What's your least favourite aspect of cycling?
Rain.  I still go out in the rain.  I have to tolerate it.  It would be nice if I could cycle to Scotland and back without it taking so long...
What's your most favourite aspect of cycling?
Being able to go door to door, it's excellent.
What do you never leave home without when riding?
A flower in my hair!
How many locks do you carry, and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
One, and yes.  I kept getting bits of bike stolen until I gave up on it.... Although, people don't seem to want to steal my bike, maybe it's too girly?  I have a good strong D-lock and am a lot better about looking after my bike now.
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the very first time?
Do it! And do cycle training, I think it's very important and will make your riding so much safer and happier.
What could be done to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
EVERYONE should do cycle training.  Drivers, cyclists, everyone! Once everyone has experienced the view of the cyclist, maybe they'll be a bit more understanding on the road?

y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Paul from Whatney Market

Name and age?
Paul, 23
Where do you live / ride to?
I live in Whatney Market, E1, and I ride to the West End every day to work.
What do you ride?
It's a Peugeut racer.
And how often?
Every day, Monday to Friday, and the weekends just for fun.
Helmet or no helmet?
No helmet. I wore one for the first year, and then changed my mind. I sweat less now.

What's your primary reason for cycling?
It saves money, saves me £25 a week in fares.
What's your least favourite aspect of cycling?
I don't know... that's a good one... I've always said "No risk, no fun" so I quite like cycling in London.  I don't like the heat that comes out the side of the buses, when you go past the exhaust at the back, and the dust going in your eyes.
What's your most favourite aspect of cycling?
Just passing everyone and waving at the guys in their cars in the queue.
What do you never leave the home without when riding?
I always have a pump in my bag, and a puncture repair kit obviosuly.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had your bicycle stolen?
I got one stolen about two months ago, so the Peugeut is new for me.  I've not got a lock at the moment, but then I don't leave my bike outside at the either - I'm lucky 'cos during the day I can leave my bike in the basement at work, but I am looking for a really good lock at the moment.
What advice would you give an aspiring cyclist thinking of cycling in London for the very first time?
Get a lock! A good one!
And what could be done to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
I don't really know... the roads can't be widened so it's hard to make space for us, I'm not sure what the answer might be.  I think they're doing what they can and they're always building more and more bike paths - even on my route home there are more little paths now. But the roads and the lanes just get battered by the heavy traffic and every road is used so heavily; they just need to fill in the pot holes as soon as possible.