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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4 comments:

ndru said...

That's a nice bike for those in the know - luckily thieves like to steal the mainstream stuff, so it's good reasoning to buy a "dutch bike" (I did the same).

Anne said...

What a beautiful bike! I can't imagine not locking it up tight everywhere I stopped, if it were mine. It's entirely covetable.

And Ilaria looks splendid on it in her appealing outfit.

Anonymous said...

Ah such a pretty bike. I'd take it if I was a bike thief...but I'm not!

I love your profiles of everyday cyclists. :)

ibikelondon said...

I agree! I suspect Ilaria's bicycle is much more desirable than she realises!

I'm really glad people enjoy these profiles, it's so much fun getting to meet all of the cyclists and hearing their opinons too.

Thanks all for your comments!