Re: Will Londoners get on their bike?
 

Seen a few people with these bikes now.

Re: Will Londoners get on their bike?
 

I read on the website that soon you can register for casual use. This means there's no monthly/annual fee but it charges you £1 extra per use which isn't too bad I suppose.

When its active, might be nice to go ride in Regents Park and Hyde Park once in a while.

Re: Will Londoners get on their bike?
 

Also ignoring red lights, speeding, not being able to ride the things properly, leaning on your car and generally being a right pain + they don't have any insurance and the moron of a mayor thinks its a great idea to congest the roads further with thousands more bikes.

Re: Will Londoners get on their bike?
 

I have to agree. Councils round here spend many thousands of pounds of our money providing cycle zones at traffic lights - 9 out of 10 cyclists ride straight through. They widen pavements so pedestrians and cyclists can share - most cyclists still use the roads.

My experience on both pedal and motorcycles is that anything that can't keep up with the general traffic creates additional risk, by obstructing other road users and when the rider tries to avoid slowing down or stopping.

However, if you can separate cyclists and motor vehicles - that'd be great!

Re: Will Londoners get on their bike?
 

Some pretty rabid anti-cyclists about here. :dozey:

As someone who tends to cycle 9 miles each way to-from work most days (and then spend the rest of the time either driving or cycling at work) along some pretty busy roads I have to say car drivers need to remember they aren't the only people using the road. I've almost been wiped out by one driver who completely ignored the road markings and the cyclist in high-viz clothing who was actually cycling in the correct lane.

Personally I think its a great idea. It gets people active and the more cyclists about the more general motorists will have to get used to them instead of screaming past shouting obscenities for them daring to use the same road as their crappy knackered corsa.

Re: Will Londoners get on their bike?
 

I used one today. Liverpool Street to Shoreditch (rather short journey but my normal route, from Bank, isn't much more than that).

Rather good. Bike is sturdy and it does an ok speed at 3rd gear. More than enough bikes to take and more than enough open slots to put one into. There are now quite a few people using one in London (at least, around the city) and a lot of people interested. When you consider it's members only for the moment then it's a success if you ask me! Only down side is the station outside my work wasn't working, hence departing from Liverpool street.

Can any cyclists give me tips for road driving? Namely, on a busy road I need to turn right and am to the left of the traffic. What is the safest way to cross to the right hand side of the traffic?

Also, when turning right, should I take the inside or outside line of other traffic turning right.

Any additional things you think I need to know would he helpful. Not cycled on busy roads much.

Re: Will Londoners get on their bike?
 

How did you use one. Did you become a member or just borrowed a friend's membership?

Re: Will Londoners get on their bike?
 

Became a member last Friday, got key yesterday with a week loaded onto it.

Re: Will Londoners get on their bike?
 

So you paid £5 + £3 for the key and now you can just top when its gone?

Re: Will Londoners get on their bike?
 

When stopped in traffic (e.g. at a light). Stand in the middle of the line. Do not move to the kerb, or you risk being run over by someone turning left. If going ahead, move towards the kerb when you've past the left lane(s) of the junction. When turning right, move to the middle of the left most lane turning right (if you go further, you'll have to get back again). Then move to the kerb after the junction. As for crossing to the right turn lane: look behind you to see if any traffic is approaching. If there is sufficient space, signal right and the cross.

That's my 2p. I generally feel safer driving as if I were a car and claim my space on the road where necessary, but that's just me. I've never cycled in London though. Oh when in doubt: try to establish eye contact with drivers. Make sure that you know that they know that you are there.

Re: Will Londoners get on their bike?
 

I might end up using the scheme actually. I was planning on walking the distance between work and the station but might look at biking it if bikes are available. And not a disaster if not I suppose.

Might wait until winter though so I don't arrive all hot and sweaty

Re: Will Londoners get on their bike?
 

Wow. That's a turnaround given your initial negative thoughts on the scheme. :)

Re: Will Londoners get on their bike?
 

Didn't think about the top up. I payed the amount you said but if this week goes ok I will probably extend it for a year.

---------- Post added at 20:17 ---------- Previous post was at 20:16 ----------

LOL. I am less likely to do it in winter because of the reduced viability in the dark and the weather! The bikes are in zone 1 at the moment, where would you be working.

Re: Will Londoners get on their bike?
 

How sturdy are the bikes Damien? :erm:

Re: Will Londoners get on their bike?
 

They can take knocks, and rough roads from what I can see. I didn't test how it deals with damage though.