y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Max from Kingston

Name / age?
Max, and I'm 27
Where do you live / ride to?
I actually live out near Kingston, but I'm a cycling instructor so I ride pretty much everywhere.
What do you ride?
Sometimes this bike, sometimes a steel framed touring hybrid thing I have, it depends.

How often?
Pretty much every day, with the job, rain or shine, I'm a bit of a glutton for punishment.
Helmet or no helmet?
Helmet.  Quite a lot of instructors don't wear them, but I do, I don't see what harm wearing a helmet can do and I know a few people who have suffered when they haven't been wearing one.
What's your primary reason for riding a bike?
Because it's fast and because it's fun.
What's your least favourite aspect of cycling in London?
Probably not knowing whether my bike is going to be there when I get back or not.  I tend to ride the Brompton more because the other bike I have is quite rare, and if that gets nicked I'd be very upset.
What's your most favourite aspect of cycling in London?
It's the impromptu races you have with other cyclists!
What do you never leave the house without when riding your bike?
My cycling gloves, because the few times I have crashed they've been a really good hand-saver.
How many locks do you carry, and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
Yes I have had a bicycle stolen, but it's generally because I haven't actually locked it - although this was never in London.  So touch wood I've not had a bike stolen in London, and I usually carry one lock.
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclists thinking of riding for the first time?
Take your time, think, be observant and don't go rushing in to it.  I would always say to people give it a go, start on a quiet street and build up to busier ones, but I think if your road sense isn't that good or if you aren't very confident do go for lessons, they'll help you understand what is happening on the road and build your confidence.
Lastly, if you were Mayor of London for the day what would you do to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
That's a very good question!  I'd probably offer free cycling tuition to everyone for one day so that people who hate cyclists - certain car drivers - can find out what it is actually like on the road on a bike for themselves and see for themselves how it feels.  It's all about co-operation at the end of the day.

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Juliet from Archway

Name / age?
I'm Juliet, and 23 years old
Where do you live / ride to?
I live in Archway and I'm not working at the moment so I'm able to ride all over the place, where I like, I'm spending a lot of time in Hackney at the moment, I'm organising the Tour de Dalston.
What do you ride?
A single speed Fuji, freewheel not fixed.
How often?
Every day, rain or shine. I was riding in the rain a few months ago and came off on a pot hole, I didn't see it, went straight through, so riding in the rain is a bit um...

Helmet or no helmet?
No helmet.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
Freedom!
What's your least favourite aspect of cycling in London?
I'd say van drivers, they just seem to be the most agressive drivers on the road, revving their engines at the traffic lights.
What's your most favourite aspect of cycling in London?
Meeting other people and other cyclists is great.
When you are out riding what do you never leave home without?
My bank card. It's easy I keep it in my Oyster holder just in case something catches my eye.
How many locks do you carry and have your ever had a bicycle stolen?
Just one, and yes, I have had a bicycle stolen.  It was on Clerkenwell Road, I left it there, went back in the evening and it was gone.  It was terrible, I was so upset.  I was lucky in that I had insurance, so got the Fuji.
So you'd reccomend insurance?
I would, absolutely, yes.
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding for the very first time?
I would say go for it, but go with someone else who is an experienced cyclist, don't just go it alone, and it's more fun that way too.
If you were Mayor of London for the day, what would you do to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
I'd add more cycle lanes, and I'd make the 1st of every month car free day here. How about it?

The Tour de Dalston was a family bike ride through London's East End in June - despite the shocking weather a fun time was had by all.  Let's hope for a return of this cracking two wheeled event next year!

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

Name / age?
Martin, and I was 43 the last time I checked.
Where do you live / ride to?
I live in Camden and I ride everywhere really, for my job, I work in hospitality so am often riding round to events.
What do you ride?
It's difficult to say... it's an old French frame, I got it years ago and it's my knocking about bike really.
How often do you ride?
Every day, come rain or shine.

Helmet or no helmet?
It depends on how safe I feel; what time I'm riding, that kind of thing.  If it's dark and raining and I'm riding in rush hour then generally I'll put a helmet on, but if I'm at leisure and not in a rush then I won't.
What's your primary reason for riding?
I like to keep fit, it is fun and I hate public transport.
What's your least favourite aspect of riding in London?
The wind!
Most favourite aspect of cycling in London?
Just the sense of freedom really, and not having a roof over your head as you get about.
When you're riding your bike what do you never leave the house without?
That's a good point actually, usually my Oyster card just in case I get caught out.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
Yes, I always carry one big lock and then another lock to lock the wheels with.  I've had 5 going so far.
That's an impressive theft rate!
I know.. half were my fault, half weren't.  The last one was a favourite, I'd built it up gradually myself and it was a real shame.
What advice would you give an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the first time?
Just stay in your lane; don't zig zag around.  Try and get used to riding again before you go out on the road.  I find, with some of the newer cyclists you see on Boris Bikes that they sometimes zig zag between parked cars and are unpredictable - being predictable and riding in a straight line is the way to go.
Lastly, if you were Mayor for the day what would you to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
I think they've done some reasonable work in south London with the blue lanes, but I'd just finish it off properly and make the bike lanes like the M25 with no breaks in it so you get to your destination as quickly as possible.

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

Name / age?
Gemma, and I'm 27
Where do you live / ride to?
I live in Clapham Common and ride to Kingston, along the CS7 and then I cut across.
What do you ride?
What is it? Um, it's a Specialized
Helmet or no helmet?
Helmet
What's your primary reason for cycling in London?
To keep fit

Least favourite aspect of cycling?
White van drivers, but as a cyclist you just have to be aware of them and cycle in a comfortable position rather than blame them for having access to the road.
Most favourite aspect of cycling?
Freedom!  It gives you independence and you're always getting fit whilst riding around rather than being stuck on a train.  And it's cheap as well!
When you're out riding, what do you never leave the house without?
It's not lights, 'cos I left those at home today...  It's my helmet, I always take it with me, that and this rather cute bell.
What is that, a ladybird?!
It's a sexy, cute ladybird bicycle bell!
But it's orange...
..It's an orange ladybird bicycle bell!  I know, it's kind of a bit wrong.
And does it fend off the white van drivers?
No, not really, maybe I need a much bigger one, or one of those big bad air horns.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
One, and none, but I am quite careful about where I leave my bike.  I'm very anal about that; indoors at home and locked indoors at work.
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the very first time?
Just go for it!  Absolutely just go for it, find a buddy who does cycle in London so they can go with you at first and empower you to start cycling alone, because I know a lot of people are afraid of traffic and the roads, just find a mate or find an instructor to do it with you a couple of times and basically cycling is just like any other thing - anyone can do it, and it's just about empowering people to be confident and to learn to love it again just like they did as a child - everyone used to cycle as kids there's no reason why they can't again!
If you were Mayor for the day, what would you do to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
I'd make the Cycle 'Super' Highways as important as roads, like cycle motorways so that people do get out of their cars, and people would get on their bikes again.  I'd separate the cars from the cycle routes and give them lots and lots more space - cycling for everyone!

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

Name / age?
Sam, aka @scsmith4 and I'm 33.
Where do you live / ride to?
Ealing, and I ride the hills to Shepherds Bush for work.
What do you ride?
A very pretty Dawes Mirage.
It looks new?
She's a year old.

How often do you ride?
Now it's getting warmer again, every day.  In the depths of winter about twice a week.  I find it's not so much that I don't want to be on the bike, it's just layers of leggings that put me off...
Helmet or no helmet?
Only a helmet when it's really icy going, if I'm feeling like I'm going to prat fall.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
Because it's fun; I feel like a four year old again.
What's your least favourite aspect of cycling?
People wearing lots of lycra; firstly because they can get away with it and I can't, and secondly because I think that the more lycra you wear the more superior you seem to be as a cyclist, and I don't like being made to feel like I still need stabilisers just because I'm not wearing it, even though I'm perfectly capable.
Do you think that sense of superiority perhaps leads to those cyclists being treated differently by other road users?
They seem to be the one's who have more people swearing at them - there's a bunch of blokes in my office, who come in the morning in their cycling gear and are a bit "Whey!", and "Hey, I've just powered in, say congratulations", and I'm thinking 'I've just cycled in.  And...?'
What's your most favourite aspect of cycling? Is it getting places quickly? A sense of freedom? Cruising through Hyde Park with flowers in your hair?
You've been spying on me!  No, seriously, I do like that I don't have to deal with other people's sweaty arm-pits on the Tube but the best thing is that I can go where I want.  I can do stupid length errands, and it's fine, it's just not a problem.
When you're riding a bike, what do you never leave the house without?
My gloves; I've got my really padded ones which stop my hands from getting sore, and then I've got my thermal ones because I'm a wuss.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
[Reaches for tree and touches wood] Not yet!
It's a shame we say 'not yet' as if it is inevitable, do you think it's inevitable in London?
Yeah, I think it is.  I think the fact that I have girly panniers and usually a big basket on the front and stuff like that perhaps puts any potential thieves off, maybe it's not hot enough to be stolen?
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding a bike in London for the first time?
Practice in your local park, pretend like you are four years old, and then just get out there and do it.  The more you try the less wobbly you get and the more confident you feel, and then it's fine.
Lastly, imagine yourself as Boris Johnson...
[Sniggers] Oh-kay...
..if you were Mayor of London for the day, what would you do to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
I would get as much legislation signed to make as many roads like the bottom of Hyde Park as possible - it's wide and you've got the choice of either a separate lane or the track where you can take on the horses, or a nice wide but quiet road - the right balance on every road.

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Derek

Name / age?
Derek, and I'm 29
Where do you live / ride to?
I live in Harringay and cycle to Tower Hamlets, to Mile End.  Recently, I've been cycling along the canal 'cos it's been really nice.  Usually I cycle down the roads, but the canal has been lovely.
How often do you ride?
Every day.

Helmet or no helmet?
Normally, no helmet unless I'm working  - I teach Mountain Biking to kids.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
It's the quickest way to get to work. And I love it. It's just great.
What's your least favourite aspect of cycling?I don't think I have a least favourite aspect... I don't like it when bikes break.  I'm a bike mechanic too, so I don't like it when they break!
What's your most favourite aspect of cycling?
Cycling is the closest thing to flying you can get.
When riding a bike, what do you never leave home without?
My glasess, wouldn't get far without them.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
One lock, a D-lock, and I've not had a bike stolen in London... yet...
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the first time?
Wear your normal clothes, buy a nice fast bike, and that's it - just get out there and do it.
If you were Mayor of London for the day what would you do to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
I'd install lots more places to lock your bike up, lots more and better bike parking.

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Siw from Islington

Name / age?
I'm Siw, and I can't believe you want to know my age!
Where do you live / ride to?
Everywhere.  I live in Islington and I cycle everywhere; for work, for pleasure, everywhere. I love my bike!
What do you ride?
It's a Ridgeback Velocity.

How often do you ride?
Every day!
Helmet or no helmet?
No helmet
What's your primary reason for cycling?
I love it. I just love it, for lots and lots of reasons.
What's your least favourite aspect of cycling in London?
Dog shit!  If you get it on your wheels it's just disgusting and the smell follows you around.
What's your most favourite aspect of cycling in London?
Going no-handed. Riding with your hands off is great fun.
Preferably not through the dog shit!  When you're riding a bike, what do you never leave home without?
My saddle bags; let's see, what's inside? A bottle of Famous Grouse...
Nice!
...a hat, a pair of gloves, and my harmonica.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
Just the one lock.  I have had a bicycle stolen, I left it unlocked... by accident... It was my own fault, an opportunist thief got it.
What advice would you give an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding a bike in London for the first time?
Just get on and do it.  The positives far outweigh any negatives.
Lastly, if you were Mayor of London for the day, what would you do to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
You know, Boris Johnson lives just around the corner from me, I know he's had a couple of bicycles stolen but I have seen him riding around quite a bit.  If I could change things, I would increase the congestion charge to £20 and I'd have the cycle paths bigger than the road paths - the cars can have the tiny bit for once and we'll have the rest!

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

Name: /age?
Chris, 36
Where do you live / ride to?

Whilst in London I commute from Cockfosters to Euston, I ride a fairly complex ‘traffic avoiding’ route. Oddly I don’t really know what parts of London it goes through but something like; round the back of Southgate, over the A406 to Bounds Green, Alexandra Palace, through some ‘lumpy’ residential streets to near the back of Finsbury Park, down into Islington then over Camden Road and along by St Pancras Station. I do this every day apart from the day I go home to Yorkshire – as a treat!
For training (when not on my rollers) I ride the lanes of Hertfordshire which I know well from a stint working in Welwyn. It is quite pleasant training without any of the sort of climbs we have back home, great for intervals and riding alone. But I live in York. I just come down to London for some days each week to work. I’m very lucky as York and North Yorkshire is quite possibly the best area in the country to ride. Sincerley, although I am biased, it is superb. I urge Londoners to put their bikes in cars or on trains and get out of the city and explore the country by bike. Your life will only be enriched by it!
What do you ride?
For work I have a Trek 29er single speed MTB which I got specifically for London commuting, before I was using my beloved 1992 Colnago Super-Pui converted to run a single free gear. But that is going back home to rest in my garage. I’m lucky I have a big selection of top bikes to ride, a Look 586, Trek 9-series Carbon MTB, Argon 18 Platinum and a Dolan TT bike etc. I’ve loved Campagnolo all my life so (apart from my MTB’s) they all run Record and Super-record.
How often do you ride?
I ride in some way or another every day. Once the racing season starts I will have a day off at some point, usually a Friday – but I always ride and normally for a minimum of 2 hours. Unless it’s the rollers then my head caves in at 45 mins.
Helmet or no helmet?
I always wear a helmet every time I ride a bike. I urge others too as well. I’m not for making them legal – cycling is about choice but I think the Government should make them advisory and VAT free.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
I’ve done it all my life and love the sport dearly. I can’t imagine my life without cycling. I’m a racer – and probably always will be in some way but I love all types of cycling. I ride to work because I don’t like public transport, well the transport bit is ok, it’s the other bit that generally annoys me...
Least favourite aspect of cycling?
Cycling in London. (Sorry to say this.) I’ve been riding for many years and have done so in many countries and London is probably the worst place to ride. It has its good points – fear not. But the traffic, not the volume, the attitude of other road users and their contempt for your life don't make for a great cycling experience. However, we cyclists could help ourselves more with our actions. We all have to get somewhere but doing it in a dangerous way does no one any favours. This fixation of riding with no brakes is also ridiculous. Time to wise up people, you only get once chance at this life.
Most favourite aspect of cycling?
My favorite aspect is either the feeling of winning a race or out on a Saturday with the lads in the wonderful North Yorkshire hills, especially in summer on the best bikes when we are all in super-shape. Love it.
What do you never leave the house without?
Tube, gas and multi-tool. Or a spare tub if I’m riding on tubulars.
How many locks do you carry, and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
One lock with a long cable extension, so far I’ve never had a bike stolen.
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of cycling in London for the first time?
Don’t be scared, be bold but not stupid. Don’t go for that half a gap that will save you a second. Don’t follow the fashion of these silly-city bikes, have one which stops quickly. Keep it well looked after. Stay alert and be obvious. Don’t run red lights. Most importantly, get out of London on your bike. Its marvelous out there, too many London cyclists I know think urban cycling is king, its not. It’s a means to an end. Transport. Use your bike for more than transport, use it to enrich your life and see some the country near by. You don’t have to be training for a race and ride round at 25mph, get into the lanes for a potter about.
If you were Mayor of London for the day, what would you do to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
If I were mayor for a day I would spend the day educating motorists on how venerable a cyclist is, and educating cyclists on how they can improve other road users perception of them by acting in a more sensible manor.  I drive 25K miles a year and it alarms me following other vehicles how little space they give cyclists, this alone would be my opening approach. I hope I'm a more considerate driver due to my time on the bike.
So my day would involve education as wide-scale infrastructure changes are unrealistic.



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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Becky from Blackheath

Name / age?
Becky, 29.
Where do you live / ride to?
I live in Blackheath. I ride to and from work in Tower Hill every day, use my bike to get around central London and ride around Blackheath and Greenwich on a weekend.
What do you ride?
Harry, an old mixte bike reconditioned by Lunar Cycles in Kentish Town. The frame is old, but the paintwork and all the fittings are new. I also have a Brompton called George.

How often do you ride?
Every week day, and most weekends.
Helmet or no helmet?
Always a helmet. Anything I can do to make cycling on London’s streets safer.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
Because I love it! It’s nice that it saves me money and keeps me fit, but even if it didn’t I’d cycle anyway. There’s no better way to get around London.
Least favourite aspect of cycling?
Living in fear of an accident. I had a collision with a white van a couple of years ago and smashed my wrist, and now I find it hard to trust other road users.
Most favourite aspect of cycling?
That getting around is a pleasure, not a hassle. It’s lovely to enjoy my commute. I get to work feeling fresh and awake, and my ride home helps me wind down at the end of the day. I never felt like that when I took the train.
What do you never leave the house without?
Two locks, lights, my helmet and gloves.
How many locks do you carry, and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
Two locks – a chain and padlock and a D lock. They’re heavy, but I haven’t had a bike stolen. I also have my saddle chained to the bike frame and put a plastic bag over it whenever I leave my bike – a tip from Lunar Cycles to hide Brooks saddles from thieves!
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of cycling in London for the first time?
1. Just do it! It’s not as hard or as scary as you think.
2. Buy a bike you love and want to ride every day.
3. Cycle like no one can see you. Make yourself nice and visible and don’t hug the curb.
If you were Mayor of London for the day, what would you do to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
I grew up in the Netherlands where cycling was just the way everyone got around. Every road, even major ones, had a separate cycle path tucked along by the side of it. And they worked. I went everywhere by bike; everyone did. Cycling wasn’t an afterthought but an integrated and important mode of transport. If the Mayor of London really wants to make a difference to London for cyclists, this is how he needs to think. He has to stop shoehorning cycling into what already exists. Make proper cycle lanes. Put decent bike parking everywhere. Make it easy for people. I’d also like to see more normal, comfortable cycling clothes for women, but the Mayor probably can’t do much about that!


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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Dan from Croydon

Name / age?
I'm Dan Benson. I'm 39.
Where do you live / ride to?
I live in NW Croydon and I work near Earls Court.
What do you ride?
A Geoffrey Butler Audax, a steel beastie I’ve nicknamed ‘the FUCIM’ (Fabulous Urban Commuter and Ironman Machine).
How often do you ride?
Every weekday, with the occasional café ride with friends on a Saturday.

Helmet or no helmet?
Always a helmet, it’s saved my bonce from more than a couple of dents over the years. That said, I can understand the reasons for choosing not to wear one.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
It used to be primarily for fitness, but I use running to maintain my weight now. Cycling is purely Point A to Point B – cheaply, quickly, efficiently. The nature of cyclommuting means that I can guarantee that tonight, without a puncture (touch wood), I will reach the childminder’s in no more than 45 minutes.
Least favourite aspect of cycling?
Negotiating queues of cars, riding in the dark.
Most favourite aspect of cycling?
The point where you and the bike are one, there’s no effort, and you become merely a pair of eyes floating above the road.
What do you never leave the house without?
Basic tools, a couple of spare tubes talc-ed up and ready to go, and eyes in the back of my head.
How many locks do you carry, and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
I have a D lock, and I’ve never had a bike stolen (again, touching wood). I tend to lock up in obvious places, detach and lock the front wheel to the frame and back wheel, and take its quick-release skewer with me. I once had a light stolen, so I take those and my speedometer off too.
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of cycling in London for the first time?
Always look around you. Get used to looking behind – the ‘lifesaver look’ – especially when pulling out or overtaking. If you’re a driver, drive your bike defensively; if you don’t drive, brush up on the Highway Code. Never overtake a lorry or a bus on the inside. Ride in the moment – forget any time goals and focus on what you are doing now (I find if I focus only on the few yards about me, without thinking about the rubbish junction ahead or the inattentive driver behind, etc., I often arrive quicker than anticipated). And remember to breathe occasionally!!
If you were Mayor of London for the day, what would you do to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
Infrastucture. I’d build new, Dutch-sized lanes and I’d take away lanes from automobiles and give them to cyclists, for two reasons: 1. More cyclists, less congestion and 2. Traffic flow studies I’ve seen recently that bear out the idea that restricting car routes has the effect of improving traffic flow, when you’d think the opposite. I used to be an advocate of ‘vehicular’ cycling but now I’ve been swayed to the idea of segregating facilities. If done properly and not as a token gesture (like today’s narrow and badly-maintained ‘paths’) it could have a revolutionary effect on London’s roads. And in 15 years, no one will remember it being any different. Given another day as Mayor, we could talk about restricting lorries to outside the North and South Circular – or even beyond – and a blanket 20mph speed limit. As a driver and pedestrian as well (get me, a triple threat!) I think all these things would do nothing but benefit our lives, making them safer, cleaner and maybe even a bit more time- and cost-efficient.

 
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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Anne from Finsbury Park

Name / age?
Anne, I'm 30
Where do you live / ride to?
I live in Finsbury Park and I ride all round London; a bit of commuting and a bit for fun but in fact I live so close to home I'm able to walk when I'm going to the office - it's nice!

What do you ride?
I ride a Trek hybrid, her name is Daisy
It's pretty!
I know right?
And TWO bottle cages?!
Ah ha, yes, that's because I cycled from London to Paris last summer for the awesome homeless people's theatre company, Cardboard Citizens.  It was an amazing experience that really got me into long distance cycling and hopefully this summer I'll be doing a 9 day trip across Poland for The Alina Foundation, which was set up by a friend.
Excellent, that sounds really exciting, and its great that such an adventure could be for cool charities too.  How often do you ride, on a day to day basis?
Now more than before, I'm taking a bit of a winter hibernation at the moment, so it's just once or twice a week at the moment I guess.
Helmet or no helmet?
Tonight I've no helmet, but that is only because it is so cold I put on a big hat, but usually I wear a helmet.
What's your primary reason for cycling in London?
I have two primary reasons; because it is better for the environment, and because it is better for my health too.
What's your least favourite aspect of cycling?
If there are loads of white vans and mini-cabs cutting me off that's never any fun...
What's your most favourite aspect of cycling?
Being able to get anywhere in town faster than the cars, it feels fantastic.
When you're riding, what do you never leave the house without?
My phone, and if it is night I have my lights.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
I carry one lock and I have not had a bicycle stolen, but I lived with someone who had their bicycle stolen from right outside our house, overnight.  He was really pissed off and annoyed, but fortunately he had it insured.
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the first time?
Don't be afraid, actually just be confident and you'll be really happy with the results.  Don't be afraid, you can do it!
Lastly, if you were Mayor for the day what would you do to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
That's a good question... Perhaps, maybe, I'd just close off more streets to motor traffic.  Not just creating the Cycle Superhighways but actually building cycle-friendly roads and ensuring cyclist rights are more widely known so that there is not such an antagonistic view that we sometimes have between drivers and cyclists.


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

Name / age?
Andy, and I'm 34.
Where do you live / ride to?
Live in Brixton and ride to and from the City.
What do you ride?
It's a Surly Cross Check
How often?
Every day I'm on my bike, or nearly every day..
Helmet or no helmet?
No helmet.

What's your primary reason for cycling?
I cycle because I find it fun.  Any hill that I have to go up I know I get to fly down the other side.  That's fun, that's what it is all about.
What is your least favourite aspect of cycling?
I think at the moment it is probably other cyclists... ..I don't think we do ourselves any favours sometimes.  I have been known to go through the odd red light, but if I do it is when there is no one else around, but there seems to be a certain type of person who constantly goes through red lights when there are people crossing or it isn't safe.
Do you think it is a specific type of cyclist who does this, or is it endemic now?
I think it is endemic.  I think we used to point fingers at the cycle couriers but now there are so many of us and many of us seem to have picked up some bad habits along the way.
What's your most favourite aspect of cycling?
My fellow cyclists!
Ha ha
You roll up to the traffic lights on Monday morning and you're feeling a bit down, then someone sparks up a conversation... that sort of thing never happens when you commute on the Tube.
What do you never leave the house without when riding?
My lock so that I can have some security to leave the bike and be able to go and do stuff.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
Yes, I've had two bikes stolen and at the moment my bike is looking battered so I only carry one lock. When it was new I used to carry two locks.  When my bike was stolen it was because I forgot to twiddle the combination lock...
Oh no!
Yes, now I'm a bit more worldly-wise.  The other bike was stolen, many years ago, from home where they just chopped straight through the lock.
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the very first time?
Go to your local bike shop, find out who is your local cycle trainer and get them to ride your commute with you.  If you are thinking of doing a commute get them to go along and give you the confidence to do it and under guidance you'll find out whether it is for you or not.
Lastly, if you were Mayor for the day what would you do to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
I think it would improve our lot as cyclists by looking after pedestrians.  If I were Mayor I'd bring in far more pedestrian areas which would then discourage far more people from using their cars and use a bike instead, but I think we have to treat pedestrians as number one in London.  We need more pedestrianised streets... central London streets could be a great place to be to go out and about but they're full of cars driving up and down, why is that?  There is no sense, and there is so much potential for a bit more cafe culture, nicer places to hang out, they could make Oxford Street a traffic free zone so that it is a safer place to walk and then maybe there could be provision for us cyclists in those measures as well.

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Alison from South West London

Name?

Alison.. like Moyet
Age?
I’m 26
Where do you live / ride to?
I live in South West London and cycle everywhere. One day I cycled to Hackney, then to Acton, then back home again. It was a whole nice day of nice things out and about by bike.
What do you ride?
I ride a Claud Butler that my friends got me for my birthday last year because my old bike – my favourite bike, the bike that was part of my soul – was written of in November 2009 by a horrible car driver turning right at a junction when I had right of way.

How often do you ride?
Everyday
Helmet or no helmet?
Helmet... unless it is the summer and I’m wearing an attractive bonnet!
What’s your primary reason for cycling?
The primary reason is because it is the most practical reason to get around London, but there are many other reasons too...
What’s your least favourite aspect of cycling in London (other than that car driver last November)?
I think.... I think it probably is either patronising bike shop people (there are patronising bike shops that are nice, but who think you are coming in to ask to change a puncture, when in fact I can do that myself) or, it is the rudeness and inconsiderateness shown by some road users towards cyclists.
What’s your most favourite aspect of cycling?
The freedom and efficiency of it all.
When you are riding, what do you never leave the house without?
My lock is the one thing I never leave my house without. And a plastic bag for my saddle at the moment, there’s a small hole in it and a bit of sponge peeps out which gets wet and if I’m not careful I end up with mildewy bottom, which isn’t nice for anyone.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
Two locks and I’ve never had a bicycle stolen, but I have had a front wheel and lights nicked before. I’ve had a debate with friends, after one of my lights got nicked, as to which was more important, a front one or a back one. I think a front one...
I think a back one.
Ah yes, but if I’m wearing a hi-vis jacket I figure cars can see me from behind, and I’m not necessarily as worried about cars in London as I am about pedestrians stepping out in front of me – I think it is more important that they see me.
What advice would you give to an aspiring cyclist thinking of riding in London for the very first time?
I’d say be confident, go with it, and maybe take a friend.
Lastly, if you were Mayor for the day, what would you do to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
I really like the City Hire Bike scheme, so I'd expand that.   I would say the thing I would like more of is better road surfaces – they should fix the potholes, the whole network.. one day is not enough!  There's so much to do!  If I could do whatever I liked, I guess I’d just ban cars – only buses and possibly the odd taxi allowed.  I love cycling so much I’ve written a song about it, as Mayor for the day I’d release my song with all profits going to cycling charities, it’s called “I don’t care for a car”.. maybe we could teach people to sing it as they ride around.
You could play on the Tube!



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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Fabien from Newington Green

It's back! After a somewhat extended Christmas break, everyone's favourite Friday London cyclist interview is back again.  Sorry for the delay, thanks for your patience and enjoy.  Some of you might know this week's interviewee, Fabien Beardsly from his blog On The Bummel...

Name / age?
Fabien / 29
Where do you live / ride to?
Generally I am to be seen pedalling from Newington Green down to Vauxhall during the regular commuting hours, and more or less anywhere else my fancy takes me during the rest.
What do you ride?
Somehow I seem to have just bought British (not out of jingo-ism I can assure you) and keep in my bicycle stable a Brompton a S2L and Pashley 3-speed Guv’nor (great bike despite being a bit like a kit-car of the cycling world!) I guess I have stumbled on a sort of combination between the old and new of the British cycling manufacturing scene.
How often do you ride?
I’m on one my steel steeds pretty much every day – unless they’re both out of action or the road conditions are blatantly unsafe.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
My initial reason for hopping back onto two wheels was that it is by far the cheapest way of travelling about town. I was a student here, and pretty much walked everywhere during those three years, but when I started working and needing to take public transport I was horrified by the cost and the whole experience of the rush hour gang bang – not to mention the lack of reliability – and subsequently took Tebbit’s advice and got on my bike.

Photo courtesy of Rino Pucci

What's your least favourite aspect of cycling?

I loathe the wet pants that result from cycling in the rain. Oh that and being undertaken by other cyclists – haven’t quite fathomed out why people do that yet. Hmmm…and seeing as I have already taken the liberty of misunderstanding the question to include two responses so far, I will throw a third into the mix as well – namely how lonesome it is sometimes. In many ways I enjoy the solitude of the road, but occasionally I do wish that I had a buddy to chat too along the way. The rare occasions where I have bumped into a chum as I am peddaling about are always special, and I do wish that it could happen more often!
What's your most favourite aspect of cycling?
By far and away it has to be the freedom and the social benefit it has brought to my life. I remember reading somewhere that with the popularisation of the bicycle in France, the nation’s average height increased. Apparently this was due to the extension of the gene pool beyond the borders of the average village as inhabitants were able to travel that bit further afield to spread their wild oats. Even if this theory is a load of hokum, I still rather like and want to believe it. London boasts an extensive transport system, but I do find that the bicycle is by far and away as useful as a mobile phone or social networking tool for maintaining contact with friends, for the simple ease it allows you to cross the length and breadth of town with minimal fuss.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
It really depends on which bicycle I have taken out. With the Brompton I tend not to carry a lock at all, which as most riders of a foldaway will recognise is one of their great conveniences. With the Pashley I usually only lug one about, as for work we have secure parking, making me feel reasonably confident leaving it leashed with only one. If I am going further afield or out of my comfort/knowledge zone, then I will inevitably pack two different types.
I have been fortunate so far not to have lost a bicycle, but deep down there is always that terrible sense of fear of coming back to an empty bicycle stand with only the shattered remnants of a lock – or perhaps worse yet the mutilated corpse of a beloved companion. I guess with cycling in London it is very much a question of “when” not “if”, and over the many years so far I have been exceptionally fortunate.
What advice would you give an aspiring cycling thinking of riding in London for the first time?
The thing that has stood me in the greatest stead since returning from childhood rides in the West Country to London’s manic commuter jungle has been the Compulsory Basic Training I took in the days when I dallied with a motorcycle. I have heard that local councils give something similar for cyclists, and would heartily recommend doing this to pretty much everyone who has not had a chance to drive a two wheeled contraption. If that is not possible, then I suppose there are five things I would suggest:


1. Never undertake an HGV – or cyclist!
2. Always try and be aware of what is around you ie checking over your shoulders (both of them).
3. Keep a good road positioning, and don’t cycle in the gutter.
4. Obey the rules of the road – it’s always amusing and worth it, even if it is just to see a pedestrian’s shocked look when you stop at a zebra crossing and wait patiently for them to step out!
5. Try and get a high five from someone trying to wave down a bus. I have always wanted to do this…

If you were Mayor for the day what would you do to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
One day would definitely not be enough! However, just as a start, I think it would be rather amusing to pedestrianise the West End on the weekends. Only bicycles and those on their two feet should be allowed. Other European cities do it, and really it makes the whole area that bit more pleasant. I think also the West End could cope without having buses running through it, as it is small enough to walk the length of in 30 mins. That would be a pleasant start…and with the plethora of hire bikes we might see a greater take up in cycling. Ah… perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub!

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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Neil from Brockley

Name / age?
I’m Neil, I’m 28.
Where do you live / ride to?
I ride from Brockley (SE4) to New Oxford Street, via The Peckham Quiet Route, The Old Kent Rd, St Georges Circus and Waterloo Bridge
What do you ride?

Currently - a Cannondale CAAD 9. Over the top for commuting I know, but bought it to compete (poorly) in Triathlons and don’t have space for a second bike. I did ride a Charge Plug (single speed) for a few years before that which I actually found perfect for the commute, but Triathlons on a single speed can be, let’s say, painful. Just ask my wife, she did the Olympic Distance London Tri this year on one - and did better times than some of the lads we were doing it with - legend.

How often do you ride?
Around 4 times a week - then some (rare) long country cycles on the weekends when the weather’s decent and longer training rides during Tri season.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
I started with the primary goal of not having to deal with Tubes. The depression on peoples faces was bringing me down, so I thought a bike was a good plan.  Now it’s fitness. I lost 20kg in the year I started cycling to work, and I put 70% of that down to cycling alone. I find it’s a simple and really fun way to include decent exercise in my daily routine.
What's your least favourite aspect of cycling?
After ‘Snowmegeddon Part Deux’ over the last week or so I’d say - the weather. It’s been interesting. I don’t so much mind rain/snow... it’s freezing wind and all the crud on the ground ruining my gears I’m not a fan of... not too mention the smell of my bag carrying my damp clothes; it’s special.
What's your most favourite aspect of cycling?
The independence. I don’t have to rely on SouthEastern trains ruining my morning before it’s even begun. I can leave and be sure I’ll be in work within 30 mins and be in a fantastic mood.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
1 D-lock. I’ve had the same lock since I started cycling 4 years ago. Once, hungover, I went to shower at my Covent Garden gym after my commute in. When I was packing up in the change rooms to leave I found my lock in my bag - I was so hungover I just didnt lock my bike up. I thought that was that and my bike would be gone, but low and behold it was waiting up against the light post I’d left it on. I think you only get one of those sorts of lucky moments, and mine's been used.
What advice would you give an aspiring cycling thinking of riding in London for the first time?
Funny you should ask - a lovely lady at my office has just signed up to the ride to work scheme based on the advice/inspirational drunken banter me and colleagues conveyed about our love for the cycle commute. My thoughts were :
Go for it, don’t be afraid. I hadn’t cycled in traffic before I started in London 4 years ago. To my surprise it was easy and not scary at all.
Start slowly, learn the ropes and give yourself time to gain confidence.
In no time you’ll be wondering how you it took you so long to start!
If you were Mayor for the day what would you do to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
Put those motorcyclists back where they belong and OUT of the cycle lane. So many times I’ve seen them come close to taking a cyclist out - it’s crazy.
Also, and as London Mayor this may be above my jurisdiction, instate the death penalty for bus drivers that stop 25 metres before the bus stop and let people out. I went straight through about 10 innocent commuters at 20km/h recently just south of Waterloo because of this and damaged myself, them, and most importantly my bike, pretty badly. The drivers response to the angry crowd - close the doors and drive away. Hang ‘em all.



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y o u b i k e l o n d o n; Alina from Balham

Name / age?
Alina, and I am 26.
Where do you live / ride to?
I live in Balham and cycle to work in Croydon or into town to meet friends and go out.
What do you ride?
A Specialized Hardrock Sport. I know it might not make the most sense to ride a mountain bike around London but I love my bike.
How often do you ride?

As often as possible. I like going on trips and during the week cycle to work whenever I can.
What's your primary reason for cycling?
Quicker, cheaper, healthier. I am not dependent on the last tube home plus I don’t have to feel guilty about adding to London’s congestion and air pollution.
What's your least favourite aspect of cycling?
Road users that don’t look out for each other, that includes cars and buses that drive up your backside, cut you off or simply think as a cyclist you are not part of the main traffic and pedestrians that just step out into the road – I did that once, was hit by a bike and thrown quite a way into the road. I deserved it.
What's your most favourite aspect of cycling?
Freedom. Plus you get to know places much better by bike and you can discover areas you might not get to see otherwise.
How many locks do you carry and have you ever had a bicycle stolen?
I have a D-lock and a cable that I use to secure the front wheel. My saddle is also attached to the frame with a small cable to prevent opportunistic theft – I got the cable after I had to cycle home without a saddle after a night out – luckily most of it was downhill. I have had two bikes stolen – that taught me to get insurance.
What advice would you give an aspiring cycling thinking of riding in London for the first time?
Be confident and don’t let cars behind you that can’t overtake bother you. You have just as much right to be there as they do.
If you were Mayor for the day what would you do to improve the lot of the London cyclist?
Create more ‘shared space’ areas. People tend to be quite reluctant towards these but evidence from the Netherlands and Germany for example shows that they are safer because different road users learn to look out for each other. I work as a transport planner with an emphasis on sustainable transport and smarter travel so I am already working on a number of projects which aim to change the mindset of people encouraging them to leave the car at home and walk and cycle. I think anything that will increase the number of cyclists on the road will make conditions safer.



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