Will Londoners get on their bike?

[punky]

Originally Posted by danielf

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

Not really. I think the scheme is still badly concieved but if I don't rely on it (and I won't) and its cost effective (it is for certain trips) and after the novelty has lapsed and if it still works then it might make a nice change to use it.

I still expect to turn up at a docking station to find no bikes at my origin and no spare spaces at my destination. And then the stress trying to get my bike back at a docking station before I am late for work and before I get charged.

I get no problems and no stress walking but if the scheme works and I get no stress and price is reasonable, then might as well, would be fun. Lot of ifs though. I did say once the casual user scheme is up and running I would cycle about for fun at the weekends.

---------- Post added at 20:23 ---------- Previous post was at 20:21 ----------

Originally Posted by Damien

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.

I'd be going from Liverpool St Station to near Old Street.

Originally Posted by punky

I'd be going from Liverpool St Station to near Old Street.

Ah that will be easy then. Same route I took to Shoreditch today almost! Up Bishopsgate then left (or up Moorgate).

Well I hope all you Londoners will be using it as, if successful as it seems to have been in other cities, it might possibly be something that spreads out to other large towns.

Anything that reduces traffic congestion surely has to be a good thing?

So I hope you will come back and report if you do use it punky.

[TheDaddy]

Originally Posted by Maggy J

Anything that reduces traffic congestion surely has to be a good thing?

It'll be adding to the congestion as people who would normally be on the tube may now be on the road instead...

[punky]

I don't think it will reduce traffic congestion. It will be probably do the opposite if you have 30,000 new bikes on the road.

I think it will be handy for those trying to dodge the tube for small journeys so hopefully the tube will be more comfortable.

[Derek]

Originally Posted by Damien

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

Hand signals (no not that kind!)

I find them very helpful when moving between lanes.

[Uncle Peter]

Originally Posted by Derek S

Hand signals (no not that kind!)

Never use both hands to stick the V's up at motorists, for safety's sake

Originally Posted by Derek S

Hand signals (no not that kind!)

I find them very helpful when moving between lanes.

I also think a quiet read of the highway code that applies to cyclists might be useful..Though the suggestions about going round a roundabout leave one dangerously at risk..safer to just walk round the busier ones.

[Angua]

The only other tip I would offer is - Use the cycle lanes, they are there for cyclists of whatever ability. Do find it really annoying to have cyclists on the road right next to a cycle track.

For pedestrians using shared tracks - be aware cyclists go much faster than you, so don't hog the whole width of the path.

[LondonRoad]

Originally Posted by Angua

For pedestrians using shared tracks - be aware cyclists go much faster than you, so don't hog the whole width of the path.

..... and don't walk your dog on it's extendable lead with you one side of the track and the dog 20 feet away on the other side of the track.

Originally Posted by Angua

The only other tip I would offer is - Use the cycle lanes, they are there for cyclists of whatever ability. Do find it really annoying to have cyclists on the road right next to a cycle track.

For pedestrians using shared tracks - be aware cyclists go much faster than you, so don't hog the whole width of the path.

This is awkward when I need to move to the right lane.

[punky]

I do have a question.

I'm looking at getting a bike (mainly for fitness but eventually getting around although the terrain isn't very bike friendly). I remember Angua said to get a road bike and not a mountain bike to reduce friction. But if I get a road bike with the smooth slick tyres, what is it like if I do go offroad? OK on grass but impossible through forests?

I've seen hybrids but they seem expensive. I should imagine most of my riding will be on road but wouldn't mind going through country side on it.

[danielf]

Originally Posted by punky

I do have a question.

I'm looking at getting a bike (mainly for fitness but eventually getting around although the terrain isn't very bike friendly). I remember Angua said to get a road bike and not a mountain bike to reduce friction. But if I get a road bike with the smooth slick tyres, what is it like if I do go offroad? OK on grass but impossible through forests?

I've seen hybrids but they seem expensive. I should imagine most of my riding will be on road but wouldn't mind going through country side on it.

I'd say go for a hybrid. They generally have MTB style gearing, slicker tyres than Mountainbikes, flat handlebars and no suspension. They are fine for light off-road, and faster on the road than MTBs, and don't have the drop bars that road bikes do. Not suited for downhill racing, but fine on towpaths/disused railways, light forest trails. What kind of budget do you have?

Evans do a Specialized Globe Vienna from £300 for £200. It's a nice bike. My wife has the woman's version.

http://www.evanscycles.com/categorie...s/hybrid-bikes

[LondonRoad]

Another vote for hybrids, especially if you're on mixed terrain.

[Angua]

Would also agree with hybrid. Another thing to avoid is any rear suspension, all this does is use energy which should be going to forward momentum.

As for cyclists on the road. My grumble is when there is a cycle track on the left and they are on the road immediately adjacent going in the same direction as traffic. Why