Cycling instructor Eric instructs Fiona McAuslan how to perform an emergency stop in the safety of Greenwich Park
In a weekly series Time Out's Fiona McAuslan looks into all things cycling, and shares some top tips
Cycling instructor Eric instructs Fiona McAuslan how to perform an emergency stop in the safety of Greenwich Park
The right way is the wrong way
Should more local councils allow cyclists to travel the wrong way down residential streets?
Motorbikes in cycle lanes
Is Boris's first bit of road legislation a recipe for suicidal disaster for London's cyclists?
Tykes on bikes
Is exposing children to the perils of London's traffic too dangerous?
Evading kamikaze jaywalkers
How to kick absent-minded pedestrians back to the kerb
How cyclists can beat the elements
Surely when the heavens open, it's time to leave the bike at home?
Why we need more cycle lanes
The Olympic Development Authority will be pumping ‘multi millions’ into new cycle lanes - but does the capital really need them?
Why headphones are for headcases
Why you need all your senses on two-wheeled trips around the capital.
How to beat bendy buses
Nothing strikes fear into the hearts of London's cyclists like Ken's bendy buses. Here's how to beat them.
To helmet or not to helmet?
It's unlikely to save your life in a full-on collision – so why bother?
Feature continues
How to cycle under the influence
Should there be a legal limit for cyclists?
Should cyclists pay road tax?
The state of London roads is diabolical - so should two-wheelers contribute to their maintenance?
How to ride the tube with a bike
The folding bikes that won't cause fuss on the underground
Why bike cops need to get busy
Hot-wheeling fuzz: eco-friendly patrol or overgrown prefects in gym kit?
What to wear on your bike
With sweat-proof merino wool tops, stylish headgear and reflective ankle
cuffs, are London's cyclists trendier than ever?
When to jump red lights
Can running lights preserve a cyclist's safety?
Avoiding the couriers
Of the various cycle tribes in London, none are more wilfully offensive than cycle couriers. Learn their tricks.
When to ride on the pavement
Cycling on the pavement in London is illegal, but with so few cycle lanes and increasingly aggressive motorists, why adhere to a law that endangers you?
Where to leave your bike
With too few bicycle racks for too many cyclists, isn't it time the capital's pedal pushers we're allowed to lock their bikes to London's many railings?
How to ride the canals
How to beat the drinkers, dealers and dog walkers on London's canal paths.
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6 comments
'Why adhere to a law that endangers me?' (re illegal pavement cycling) The same stupid selfish comment could possibly be made about knife-carrying. Get off the pavement, you selfish git - even if people say nothing to you don't take it as tacit acceptance, it's probably because they're frightened. Read letters in the local press and reports of local community and police meetings - it's you and others like you who are making the pavements in London a no-go area for old, disabled and vulnerable people. What a stupid and irresponsible article for Time Out to endorse - I will not be purchasing it again.
I was with a cyclist who was catapulted off her bike in an accident last week. She landed on her head and shoulder. Result: Helmet severely dented, concussion, face had a nasty case of road rash, broken collar bone. Without a helmet I think it could have been much worse.
Re: amazing statistics - the trouble with accident statistics is it is impossible to measure all the accidents that don't happen...
Did the writer really mean;
'Anarchic behaviour under the guise of protest is selfish and self-defeating.'
Or perhaps;
Selfish behaviour under the guise of protest is self-defeating.
Or maybe;
Selfish behaviour under the guise of anarchy is self-defeating.
Clean up on the stereotypes mate.
I ride through that road system most days and, as I've found generally with cycling in London at all times of day and night, if you ride with your wits about you, it isn't a problem. A cycle lane past Central St. Martin's would be safer and there's loads of pavement but in the mean time the author should grow a pair and use the road.
LB 's Southwark and Lewisham provide free Adult Cycle Training for all those who live, work or study in the borough. Available via www.cyclinginstructor.com. Online Booking!
Statistics show that amazingly cyclists who wear helmets have more accidents than cyclists who don't. This is because, the study says, drivers of cars and other vehicles tend to take it "slightly easy" when they see a cyclist wearing a helmet as opposed to when a cyclist is unprotected. A model Catch-22 situation innit?