Will Londoners get on their bike?

Seen a few people with these bikes now.

[punky]

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.

[TheDaddy]

Originally Posted by Stuart C

In fairness, I think Arthur isn't moaning about motorcyclists, more those on bicycles. I've seen a lot of cyclists who seem to think they are the only person with any right to be on the road (or on the payment, ignoring the nice cycle lane, which winds me up as a pedestrian), and take stupid risks in the name of saving 30 seconds.

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.

[Pauls9]

Originally Posted by TheDaddy

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.

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!

[Derek]

Some pretty rabid anti-cyclists about here.

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.

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.

[punky]

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

Originally Posted by punky

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

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

[punky]

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

[danielf]

Originally Posted by Damien

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.

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.

[punky]

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

[danielf]

Originally Posted by punky

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

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

Originally Posted by punky

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

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 ----------

Originally Posted by punky

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

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.

How sturdy are the bikes Damien?

Originally Posted by Maggy J

How sturdy are the bikes Damien?

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