London Cyclist October-November 2009 by London Cycling Campaign

magazine of the London Cycling Campaign October-November 2009

Richmond's green spaces • Grass track racing • Hounslow Skyride

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RIDES CALENDAR

BIKE SKILLS

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contents 2 Newhams Row London SE1 3UZ

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2009

020 7234 9310 www.lcc.org.uk

What LCC does… ➤ Campaigns for change ➤ Supports our members ➤ Promotes London cycling LCC’s strategic aims ➤ Promote cycling to the people ➤ Redesign our streets for cycles ➤ Promote cycling to our politicians ➤ Make cycling diverse and inclusive For more info, visit www.lcc.org.uk/strategy

MASSED RANKS: on the way to Hounslow Skyride

opinion Koy Thomson Why plans for a 'BikeGrid' need reprising Zoe Williams Argues light isn't always right with bikes Steve Melia On the viability of carfree British cities Zandra Rhodes Says cycling will never go out of fashion

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news & letters News Including special feature on Cycle Superhighways Letters Your rants, raves, comment & competition entries

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features Hounslow Skyride Report on inaugural West London event Awareness training HGV drivers learn the basics of biking How To Organise your own group rides Best Rides in London Richmond's green spaces Grass Track Racing Another bike sport for all ages Overseas Using a cycle-friendly B&B network to tour Holland Technical Practice drills that can make you a better rider

19 23 27 30 32 34 36

www.lcc.org.uk For the latest news, campaigns and events information, visit the LCC website, where you can also sign up for our fortnightly e-newsletter

reviews Products Twelve weather-beating jackets reviewed Culture Recent book releases, plus a unique ﬁlm screening

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Printed on 100% recycled paper

members Members’ pages Our dedicated section for LCC members Local Group News Round-up from the boroughs Events diary Full October and November rides calendar Communities Updates on exciting local initiatives Discounts Find the best savings with our listings

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Member benefits ➤ Up to 15% off in London bike shops ➤ Free third-party insurance cover ➤ Exclusive deals on bike theft insurance ➤ Free bimonthly member magazine ➤ Free legal helpline Read more about member beneﬁts on p.45 Editorial contacts Editor: John Kitchiner; londoncyclist@lcc.org.uk Products: Matthew Moore; m.moore@lcc.org.uk Design: Anita Razak; design@lcc.org.uk Communications: Mike Cavenett; mike@lcc.org.uk Advertising contact Mongoose Media: Anthon Linton, 020 7306 0300; lcc@mongoosemedia.com Contribute to London Cyclist Please email londoncyclist@lcc.org.uk to discuss feature ideas and photography

LCC is not aligned with any political party. All views expressed in London Cyclist are those of the authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the editor, nor do they necessarily reﬂect LCC policy. Editorial content is independent of advertising. All material is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the editor. London Cyclist is printed by Wyndeham Grange on paper made from 100% de-inked post consumer waste. London Cycling Campaign is a charitable limited company, reg no 1766411; charity no 1115789.

COVER PHOTO: www.danielbosworth.com October-November 2009

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Opinion

LCC CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Koy Thomson The London Cycle Network may have fallen off the radar, but next year's Cycle Hire Scheme should be the catalyst for creating a proper route network at last n late 2007, as part of LCC’s 10-point pre-election manifesto, we asked all the mayoral candidates to commit to creating a tube-style map for London cyclists. The endgame was not the map, in fact, but the prioritisation, completion and signage of an effective London Cycle Network. Indeed, in the London Cyclist election edition in May 2008 then-candidate Boris Johnson said: “I’m particularly interested in LCC’s ideas for creating a tube-style cycle map of London, running along iconic and beautiful routes.” Sorted then? Well no, far from it. Since then the map, and the London Cycle Network, have fallen off the mayor’s list of priorities. However, the Cycle Hire Scheme is an ideal opportunity to impress on him the necessity to keep this project moving. Next year 6000 public hire bikes and 400 docking stations will roll on to London’s streets. Along with these, thanks in part to LCC’s continuous lobbying, there will be a programme of ‘complementary measures’ — not free chocolates dispensed with your hire bike, but efforts to make the zone one streets more cycle-friendly. We argued that to have the cycle hire experience fall so way short of expectations because of the poor quality of London’s cycling infrastructure would be a disaster. Now if you wanted to complete a central London ‘BikeGrid’ would you ask nine boroughs to pitch their unrelated priorities for complementary measures? Or would you attempt to set a strategic framework? Unfortunately, in a politically decentralised London ‘strategic’ is misread as ‘directive’. Therefore, the zone one improvements have no strategic framework to set priorities, rather a patchwork of local priorities which may or may not add up to something more. It reminds us of the urban myth of the canal that was started from opposite ends of the country and didn’t join in the middle. We can’t blame the Cycle Hire Team at TfL, though: their mission is to deliver the functioning hardware as instructed; not to guarantee that London streets will be welcoming and navigable. The problem is lack of political direction not lack of technical ability.

Make zone one cycle-friendly

However, if anyone in TfL thinks strategic direction of zone one improvements is their job, this is what LCC would like to see: a grid of safe, continuous, high-quality cycle routes running north-south and east-west, with one complete central circular area — this would make the hire zone instantly navigable by bike and very friendly for new users.

The way to achieve this is to work with what we’ve got. First, decide what can be done through traffic management such as a hire zone 20mph limit and widening bus lanes. Second, see what can be achieved by so-called permeability measures, returning one-way streets to two-way, allowing cycle contraflows, and creating cunning little cut-throughs and shortcuts for cyclists. Third, identify gaps in routes which almost work and fix them, and make the cycling signage uniform.

“We recommend two new urban greenways, linking the main parks and garden squares” On top of these measures, you can do the obvious quick wins such as complete routes along the Victoria and Albert Embankments, use the parks more (Regents Park, Kensington Gardens, Holland Park and Battersea Park), and improve dangerous gyratories, enhance station access, and make bridges and their approaches safer for bikes.

Connect our green spaces

For a final inspirational legacy, we recommend two new urban greenways to link the main parks and garden squares (Berkeley, Hanover, Manchester and others), reconnecting these squares to the urban realm. LCC has presented a full analysis of potential improvements, along with detailed street treatments and routes to TfL, reminding them too that many of these measures would also benefit pedestrians. London does not have a single Highways Authority for zone one, so achieving the BikeGrid will not be easy. However, given that many boroughs are quite happy to co-ordinate, LCC recommends the following: assign responsibility to one person within TfL for delivery of the BikeGrid and give them a budget. And build on the collaborative working between TfL, London Councils and cycling groups to ensure a strategic and co-ordinated approach to the BikeGrid. Make this all happen, Boris, and you won’t be able to keep Londoners off their bikes — or yours. ■ See page 7 for an idea of how the BikeGrid could look. October-November 2009 London Cyclist

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News For campaign updates, news reports and contact info: www.lcc.org.uk WIN A £500 PINNACLE HYBRID TAKE FIVE MINUTES to ﬁll in the London Cyclist reader survey and you’ll have the chance to win this fantastic £500 hybrid bike. The Pinnacle Stratus 3.0e is the perfect town ride, which comes equipped with ultra-reliable nine-speed hub gears, stay-clean mudguards and a handy rack. You can choose a standard frame or the step-through version that’s popular with many women. Both include attractive frame graphics and a suspension seat-post to iron out bumpy highways. ■ Visit http://tinyurl.com/ LondonCyclist2009

Hundreds sign up for Cycle Fridays

LCC'S BIKETUBES, returning as Cycle Fridays, have been hailed as a great success, so far encouraging hundreds of new commuters on to their bikes since the scheme kicked off in mid August. The weekly rides from six different suburbs into central London are helping novice cyclists gain confidence by riding in a group led by trained LCC marshals. These free rides leave their starting points at 8am every Friday until 2 October and riders can attend as many rides as they like. What’s more, every participant who registers on one of the rides receives promotional material encouraging them to join LCC. The rides have attracted both local and national press coverage, with LCC working in partnership with Transport for London, who continue to promote the led rides through its website.

New guide shows how to lobby councils LCC HAS PRODUCED a lobbying guide for cyclists to make sure their local council is planning the right provisions in their area. Councils have been encouraged by LCC members to include cycling provision in their Local Implementation Plans (deadline was 21 September). These plans set out how the boroughs will spend their transport budget for the following year. In a change from established practice, this year funding for cycling is no longer allocated centrally by the mayor; rather each borough must set aside a portion of its own transport budget. Lobbying can play a key role in this decision. LCC is also urging cyclists to lobby their councils to produce an up-to-date cycling strategy, which sets out how the borough will provide for cyclists over the next few years. Councils have no obligation to produce a

2008 WINNER: racked up award

Get your awards entries in now

FORWARD THINKING: help ensure your council makes cycling provisions

cycling strategy under current rules; some councils have none, while others are outdated. The Rough Guide to Local Implementation Plans' offers insider info on how to encourage councils to invest in cycling. LCC's cycling development officer Charlie Lloyd said: “It's now more important than ever that cyclists engage with council officers and

councillors to ensure there's a strategy in their area. At the very least, we must ensure we protect existing plans to implement the London Cycle Network.”

GET INVOLVED Download the 'Rough Guide to LIPs' from http://tinyurl.com/ LCCguide

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN for the 2009 London Cycling Awards. Presented by LCC, they recognise projects that promote cycling in the capital. Deadline for nominations is 10am on Monday 19 October. Download details at www.lcc.org.uk/awards. Categories this year include: Best Cycle Facility; Best Community Cycling Initiative; Best Cycling Initiative for Young People or Children; Best Workplace Cycling Initiative. The awards will be presented at the LCC's annual general meeting on 17 November.

+++ For a full calendar of led rides in your area, see page 52 or visit www.lcc.org.uk/events +++ 6

London Cyclist

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News

'BikeGrid' needed to boost Cycle Hire Scheme

■ 20mph speed limit HYDE PARK Black in the CHS zone Bridfriars ge ■ Widen bus lanes to GREEN PARK aid cyclists ST JAMES PARK ■ Introduce wideWestminster spread permeability Bridge measures Va ux ■ Fix gaps in existing ha ll B rid cycle routes ge BATERSEA PARK ■ Uniform cycle BIKEGRID: how the routes could look signage others) and reconnect the at bus, train and tube stations ■ Riverside routes: complete squares to the urban realm routes along Victoria and ■ Improve Thames bridges and See Koy’s Albert Embankments their approaches ys column on ■ Cycle-friendly central ■ Create urban 'greenways' by n page 5 for London parks linking parks and garden further squares (Berkeley, Hanover, ■ Remove dangerous gyratories comment. Manchester, Russell and ■ Improve provision for bikes Number of bike Tower Bridge

SEVERAL HGVS WERE parked in Trafalgar Square on 19 August in a high-profile attempt to spread awareness to cyclists about the dangers of lorries. The event, organised by the Metropolitan Police and supported by LCC and Transport for London, mirrored similar demonstrations in the City over the last 12 months. "In addition to these demos, LCC would like to see more emphasis placed on lorry driver training. We'd like Lambeth Council's driver-awareness programme to be implemented by every borough in Greater London," said LCC communications officer Mike Cavenett. ■ HGV feature on page 23.

Measures demanded to make the BikeGrid work:

London Bridge

CAPITAL IDEA: for awareness day

REGENTS PARK

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Squaring up at lorry demo

enough and that the project lacks strategic direction.

e idg Br ea els Ch

A COMPLETE NETWORK of central London cycle routes — a zone one 'BikeGrid' — is proposed by LCC to ensure the success of the mayor's Cycle Hire Scheme due in May 2010. The scheme will see 6,000 public bikes and 400 docking stations made available in central London, mirroring similar schemes in Paris and Montreal. The proposed BikeGrid is a network of safe, continuous, high-quality cycle routes running north-south and east-west, with one complete central ring. LCC chief executive Koy Thomson said: "To have the cycle hire experience fall short of expectation because of the poor quality of London’s cycling infrastructure would be a disaster." LCC has welcomed the provision of a pot of money for infrastructure improvements in zone one, but is concerned it's not

30k

s th now been shippe at have d to by the Re-Cycle Africa project Source: www.

Met Police ﬁgures reveal massive increase in bike theft ft BIKE THEFT IN the capital could hit 100,000 in 2009 if projections based on this year’s figures are accurate, costing Londoners at least £25 million. During the first half of 2009, theft rose 38 percent compared with the same period last year, according to figures on the Metropolitan Police website (www.maps.metpolice. co.uk/tables). Particularly high rises in some wards (up to 75 percent in the West End according to police figures) has led to speculation that thefts in these areas are being carried out by gangs. These rises are corroborated by figures from the British Crime Survey (BCS) suggesting the increase in bike theft across the UK is 22 percent. These latest figures run counter to statistics for the previous three years, during which the police reported a fall in reported theft of 17 percent. The fact that many bike thefts are never reported means the projected figure of 24,000 reported thefts in 2009 is only a fraction of the real total. Estimates are that the real total is

re-cycle.org

CYCLE CRIME: on the rise

approaching 100,000 bikes stolen per year. All this means that the cost to cyclists could be over £25 million annually. And considering that a large proportion of theft victims stop cycling, the added cost to the capital in reduced health benefits, increased congestion and emissions could be much higher. LCC chief executive Koy Thomson said: "These figures are alarming and show the need for urgent action. We know that up to a quarter of new cyclists stop cycling again if their bike's stolen."

LCC will be running a major campaign against bike theft in the autumn and calling on the mayor, himself a victim of bike theft, to pull together the efforts of the police and other agencies. LCC campaigns manager Tom Bogdanowicz said: "Existing enforcement doesn’t provide an effective deterrent to theft. Cyclists should be able to feel that their bike will be safe where they left it. And the number of cyclists 'lost' each year because of theft runs counter to all the cycling promotion policies in the city."

+++ For info and tips on women's cycling, check out the 'SheSpoke' pages on LCC's website +++ October-November 2009

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News

Sign up to support LCC’s Cycle Twelve new cycle commuter routes are planned for 2012, but we need to ensure they're fit for purpose. Sign our petition at www.lcc.org.uk/campaigns

BARNET HARROW HARINGEY

REDBRIDGE

WALTHAM FOREST

10 EALING

LAMBETH

GREENWICH

WANDSWORTH

HWA

NEWHAM

TOWER HAMLETS

HOUNSLOW

RICHMOND UPON THAMES

HACKNEY

SOUT

LEWISHAM

D MERTON

KINGSTON UPON THAMES BROMLEY SUTTON

CROYDON

PROBLEM: travelling southbound on Kennington Park Road on the A3 (route 7) cyclists must cross the path of fast-moving motor trafﬁc turning left without trafﬁc lights. SOLUTIONS: tricky, but LCC recommends an interactive design process with cyclists.

delivered, and the ambitions of those delivering the first two highways. Official reports show that we are falling disappointingly short of exemplary or visionary solutions. The mayor has set tough deadlines which are perversely making people avoid challenges and conflicts. What the mayor can do is to encourage

CAMDEN

1 TO

BRENT

ING

Completed by 2010: 3 Barking to Tower Hill 7 South Wimbledon to Bank Completed by 2011: HILLINGDON 1 Tottenham to Liverpool St 6 Penge to Bank 10 Park Royal to Hyde Park Corner 12 East Finchley to Angel Completed by 2012: 2 Ilford to Aldgate 4 Woolwich to Tower Bridge 5 Lewisham to Victoria 8 Kingston Vale to Westminster 9 Heathrow to Hyde Park Corner 11 Cricklewood to Marble Arch

ISL

There are no existing Cycle Superhighways in London. We know they will be painted blue. We also know that a gap is opening between what the mayor has said publicly should be

THE ROUTES

F R Y O STE CIT MIN ST WE

What will a Cycle Superhighway be like?

ENFIELD

N TO ING SEA NS EL ITH KE H SM &C ER AM MM LH HA & FU

THE MAYOR, BORIS Johnson, has pledged to create 12 ‘safe, fast, direct, continuous and comfortable’ cycle commuter routes from the suburbs into central London by 2012, and to implement ‘complementary measures’ to make them popular. The idea is similar to one proposed by LCC in 2000 — LCC sees the new routes as a step towards the completion of a London Cycle Network and not as a replacement. They will be built in stages, with the first two routes ready by May 2010 and the next four by spring 2011. All twelve are due for completion by the time the Olympics come to town. There’s a budget of some £5million per route which includes money for cycle parking and cycling improvements at workplaces, schools and estates along the route. The map (right) shows the proposed routes that have been chosen, many using major roads that include bus lanes used by cyclists. The Cycle Superhighways are part of the package of measures that are designed to deliver the mayor’s promise to increase the modal share of cyclists in London from two percent to five percent by 2026, which will require a three-fold increase in daily cycle journeys. Realistically, the Superhighways should be designed to handle a three-fold increase in traffic. For example, typical traffic on the A3 (route 7) is 200 cyclists per hour; the Superhighways therefore should be sufficiently inviting to increase this to 600 cyclists per hour.

PROBLEM: in the event of a collision at this point on the A202 New Cross Road (route 5) a cyclist would have no escape. SOLUTION: remove railings.

officials to bust through the barriers and use his influence to make things happen.

And the 'complementary measures'? A significant budget has also been allocated towards encouraging cycling in areas adjoining the Superhighways.

These measures will include marketing and events aimed at employers, employees, school-leavers, along with improved cycle facilities for residents and communities such as additional parking.

What is happening now? The Cycle Superhighway

+++ Stay up to date with cycling news in London, go to www.lcc.org.uk and hit the news tab +++ 8

London Cyclist

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News

Superhighway Manifesto LCCS’ CYCLE SUPERHIGHWAY QUALITY MANIFESTO The following is an abridged version of the Manifesto:

HAVERING

BARKING & DAGENHAM

1 I will have enjoyed my cycle journey not just survived it, and I will feel safe and feel it is safe for less experienced cyclists 2 I will feel that cycles have priority and that motor traffic is not dominant 3 I will have the incentive of traffic-free or traffic-light sections 4 I will not feel that buses, lorries and cars are passing too close and too fast 5 I will not have to pull out to overtake motor vehicles, nor fear being hit by opening doors 6 I will be able to cycle at the speed I want and not feel pressured to keep up or slow-down 7 I will not have to cross lanes of fast moving traffic and compete for position 8 My route through junctions will be clearly marked and respected by motorists, and I will not incur time delays if I use cycle-specific crossings 9 When crossing a minor road I will not have to give way to emerging vehicles 10 On red I will stop in an advanced position and be able to go before other traffic; where safe I will be able to by-pass traffic signals at T-junctions and left turns

D H BEXLEY

PROBLEM: cyclists travelling on the A24 at Tooting Broadway (route 7) must negotiate parked motor vehicles and narrow, congested roads. SOLUTION: peak hour restrictions on parking and loading.

London-wide cycle network. Only the easy bits will be addressed, and the critical work at junctions, roundabouts, signals, and the reallocation of space to cyclists will be dropped or postponed because they conflict with motor traffic capacity. In short, blue-wash. Best? The mayor uses his authority and vision to break through the institutional barriers, speed up decision-making and push through inspired solutions. He needs to say ‘the first two Superhighways create the brand, don’t get it wrong’.

What can you do to make a difference?

PROBLEM: cycle lanes on Cable Street (route 3) cross from one side of the road to the other across a stream of trafﬁc. SOLUTION: safe, continuous cycle routes.

planning process is in full swing, with the first two routes being designed now. LCC has put hundreds of hours of staff and volunteer time into providing Transport for London with detailed analysis and recommendations, both in respect to the first two routes, and the suitability and

potential of the remaining Superhighways. LCC is doing this because we want the programme to work.

What are the worst-case and best-case scenarios? Worst? The Cycle Superhighways will suffer the handicaps of LCN+, the project to complete a

Tell the mayor that you will not accept poor quality, unsafe routes. When we ask London cyclists what makes for a quality cycle route the same issues came up again and again. We have distilled these into a Cycle Superhighway Manifesto. The Cycle Superhighways must deliver this quality of experience, otherwise what are they for? Sign up to LCC’s Cycle Superhighway Manifesto. We will use this pressure to persuade the mayor to sign on and to empower TfL to deliver wholehearted barrier busting and genuine cycle priority. We need every LCC member to visit www.lcc.org.uk/ campaigns to show your support for our manifesto. It will take 30 seconds to show your support.

THE MAYOR’S COMMITMENTS FOR THE CYCLE SUPERHIGHWAYS “There are huge numbers of people who are simply too nervous… the idea of a daily commute is just too much. That is why we are now looking at promoting a series of routes in which cyclists know they will be safe, where cars will not howl past them at 50mph and where they will not be punished for nervous wobbling with an angry parp of the horn. That will mean thinking creatively about ‘barrier-busting’ on routes into the centre, helping cyclists to deal with the Palio-style gyratories and one-way systems.” Boris Johnson, Way To Go (February 2009, pages 24-25) “These Superhighways are central to the cycling revolution I'm determined to bring about. No longer will pedal power have to dance and dodge around petrol power — on these routes the bicycle will dominate and that will be clear to all others using them. That should transform the experience of cycling — boosting safety and conﬁdence of everyone using the routes and reinforcing my view that the bike is the best way to travel in this wonderful city of ours.” Boris Johnson, press release 283 (5 June 2009)

TRANSPORT FOR LONDON’S VISION FOR CYCLE SUPERHIGHWAYS “The Cycle Superhighways will be a set of 12 routes that will provide a safe, fast, direct, continuous and comfortable way of getting from Outer London into Central London by bicycle along recognised commuter routes.” Cycle Superhighway Inspection Meeting info pack (June 2009, page 2)

+++ You can now follow LCC on Twitter; visit www.twitter.com and sign up to London_Cycling +++ October-November 2009

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News

Cyclists left in dark over tunnel closure JK

Infrastructure Fund. Works also include repairs to the Woolwich foot tunnel. “Our aim is to keep disruption and inconvenience to a minimum and most of the work will take place while the tunnels remain open,” a Greenwich Council spokesman said. “We have met with local organisations — including Greenwich Cyclists, local traders and World Heritage Site partners — and our aim will KIDS' CLUB: proving an inspiration be to reflect the concerns they have raised.” One of the 100-yearold operator-controlled lifts will remain open throughout the refurbishment. Local LCC group, Greenwich Cyclists, has suggested using the Thames Clipper commuter boats, HEALTH SECRETARY ANDY or allowing bikes on the DLR. Burnham showed support for Boris Johnson is said to be an LCC-funded cycling project, considering allowing bikes praising those encouraging between Cutty Sark and Island young children to enjoy more Gardens DLR stations, although healthy activities. the Council cites health and safety The South Kilburn Cycling concerns around this, and says it Club, one of over 40 community is looking into funding for other projects managed by LCC via the daytime crossing options. Community Cycling Fund for Le Breton also suggested cycle London, took part in discussions racks could be installed on the on the government’s 108 bus to carry them through Change4Life healthy lifestyles the Blackwall Tunnel, highlightinitiative at an event at ing the success of similar Willesden Willesde Sports schemes in San Francisco Centre on 13 and Rotterdam. August Augu 2009. “Operators come up Burnham B y an with all sorts of rm Ge in ys rne of all jou said, "We're a n llio mi reasons why it can’t 4 made by bike — by sport-loving spor work, instead of seeing rs ute mm bike co nation, natio but how it can,” he said. Source: ADFC we're nowhere n near as aactive as we should be be." Community cycling assistant Mags Reinig said: "The government recommends an hour of driving erratically, report them daily exercise for children and to the police. If you witness, or 30 minutes for adults, though are involved in a crash, ask the currently only one third of the police if the driver has had their population achieves this. Cycle phone confiscated and ask that clubs like those administered by the records be checked to see LCC are essential for reaching when the phone was last used.” those people most in need." South The TRL study also raises Kilburn Cycling Club organises concerns about other forms of weekly cycling sessions at a local in-vehicle technologies, claimschool for beginners, plus rides ing more needs to be done to for the more experienced. understand how drivers interact with potential distractions. The review looked at four TRL MORE INFO studies conducted since 2002 and showed the need to define a level To ﬁnd out more about LCC's of distraction considered ‘safe’. community projects, check Its research estimated that driver out page 55 in the members' distraction contributes to 50 section of this issue. percent of all crashes.

Minister gives thumbs up to Kilburn project

VITAL LINK: from Greenwich to Isle of Dogs for hundreds of cyclists each day

ANGRY CYCLISTS ARE accusing Greenwich Council of leaving them high and dry over the impending closure of its famous foot tunnel. Cyclists and pedestrians say they need an alternative route to avoid being stranded during the closure, which could last up to 12 months. Lift replacement work is due to start later this year, with the main refurbishments starting in 2010. Local LCC activist and LibDem European Parliamentary candidate Chris Le Breton said: “This

critical link is being closed down without a proper consultation or recognition of the important link it is between south London and Canary Wharf. Cyclists wanting to cross the river in the absence of the foot tunnel are going to have to travel to Tower Bridge and then ride into Docklands, or use Woolwich foot tunnel.” The former involves a 10-mile detour. Greenwich and Tower Hamlets Councils operate the lifts, while the project is being funded by the government’s Community

AGM and awards date in November

Beware mobile users!

THERE WILL BE an AGM of the LCC on 17 November 2009 at 59½ Southwark Street, London SE1. Registration starts at 6pm. The agenda is as follows: a) Introduction b) Apologies for absence c) Minutes of the previous year’s AGM and matters arising** d) Board & Committee reports e) Approval of Accounts** f) Appointment of auditors g) Elections of Board members (no election this year as there are 5 vacancies and 5 nominations) h) Motions (none) i) Any other URGENT business ** Minutes and accounts are available via the LCC website and on the evening.

USING A MOBILE phone in a motor vehicle is more dangerous than drink driving, a recent research review has concluded. The Transport Research Laboratory report reveals that drivers using phones have slower reaction times than those over the legal alcohol limit. Studies used driving simulators to measure driver reaction times. According to the TRL, drivers using mobiles tend to look at the road for longer, but this is at the expense of scanning mirrors. Charlie Lloyd, LCC's cycling development officer, said: “When cycling, you must look out for drivers using mobiles. Give them a wide berth and, if they're

+++ Sign up for LCC's fortnightly e-newsletter at www.lcc.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=1305 +++ 10

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Letters Comment, opinion, rants and raves — send yours to londoncyclist@lcc.org.uk Adrian Lewis

POLE POSITION: while it's not advised to hug the kerb, one reader argues that 'undertaking' bikes can be an issue if you always ride in the middle of the road

Give me a sign

I am often confronted on roads narrowed by parked cars with motorists driving towards me, or approaching from behind, at excessive speed. Under these circumstances I want a hand signal that says: a safe distance for you to pass is this much, plus one metre for every 10mph you are driving at. Given that a right arm outstretched with one finger raised is open to misinterpretation, could LCC recommend something more appropriate? I have found that indicating a right turn often has the desired effect of slowing the motorist to a safer speed, but not always. David Vail, E5

Superhuman commuters

I was most amused to read the letter from Ann Warren in the last issue of London Cyclist in which she claims that those of us currently prepared to cycle in London are ‘physically, financially and emotionally capable of spending the weekend abseiling 12 London Cyclist

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in Snowdonia’. I had no idea I was such an Amazon. I used to think that only the brave and the mad could cycle in London, but friends of mine were doing it and seemed fairly normal. I started to observe people who were cycling and found that many were older than me, some quite old indeed. Some carried children on their bicycles. Not all of them wore Lycra. Relieved and encouraged, I bought a bicycle myself. If more people take to cycling, if cycling becomes a ‘normal’ choice for Londoners, conditions for cyclists can only improve. The suggestion that cycling in London is too challenging for most people is neither true nor helpful. I agree that it takes courage to start, that is why we should be encouraging people to get on their bikes. After three years of daily commuting by bike, and some pleasant weekend jaunts as well, I am much fitter and more

confident and have saved a fortune on public transport. I am not sure about abseiling in Snowdonia though. To be honest, I find the tour of Hawksmoor churches in the same edition of the magazine rather more appealing. Michelle Homden, NW2

Blackwall blacklist

I read the letter from Reuben Anderson in the most recent London Cyclist with interest. I used to live in Woolwich and I still live close to the junction he mentions, and I can attest to the danger that this junction presents to cyclists, pedestrians and motorists (I use it as all three). He may be interested in an exchange of emails which I have had with Caroline Pidgeon, a member of the London Assembly, who has asked a question to the Mayor over safety at this self-same junction. I have asked repeatedly for the junction to be repainted and Ms Pidgeon has taken this

matter up. Mr Anderson is very welcome to contact me over our shared concern or he may wish to contact the London Assembly member directly. Ralph Lawson, south-east London

Don’t take lorry risks

LCC may very well call for lorry drivers to be given cycleawareness training — but it's also time that cyclists started behaving sensibly in relation to lorries. My advice regarding lorries at a junction is: if you can't be absolutely certain that you can get ahead of the vehicle before the lights change, stay well behind. Otherwise, cyclists will continue to be killed. Tim Sayer, Highbury

Road positioning

Looking through an old London Cyclist (June/July 2008 to be precise), I note the advice about road-positioning on page 26. While I have no doubt that in principle it is not a good idea to hug the kerb, there is a major snag

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Letters with this advice. Basically, in keeping at least a metre away from the kerb you increase your chances of being undertaken by other cyclists. Things being what they are, I don't see any answer to this. But for myself, I find being undertaken so unnerving — and indeed so dangerous for both parties — that I'd rather stay close to the kerb than run that risk. Julian Peach, email

Time for a 'Bike Bill'?

Is it not time to have a Bicycles Act? The two main issues I would suggest are to address theft of bicycles and secondly to address road traffic rules. As far as theft goes, the law should provide that if a cycle has had its identity altered or removed it may not be lawfully sold. It should also require sellers of bicycles to check the register of bicycles at immobilse.com, and then see that the seller’s identity matches that on the register. I would hope new legislation would, of course, specifically amend those areas where the law has ignored cycling interests, but also address the issues where perhaps the law is too weak. I make this point because all too often cyclists’ problems are

exacerbated by selfish riders who are often dangerous. My view is that, for example, jumping a pedestrian light when no pedestrians are crossing would be acceptable, whereas cycling on pavements should perhaps have an increased fine. All this would certainly be a matter for heated debate, but it does seem that the ever-increasing number of cyclists demands legislation both to enhance cycling and to address the problems created by those who act dangerously. No doubt readers will have other ideas to add to this hypothetical legislation. James Birkin, SW4

Cartoon's no joke

I loved the latest London Cyclist issue — except for the cartoon that shows the 'hero' gloating about the fact that he had just whacked somebody over the head with a D-lock. Maybe I don't get the joke, but I find the idea that just because somebody nicks a bike he deserves to be beaten up utterly reprehensible. Gerhard Weiss, Waltham Forest

Cycling in the media

At last there seems to be increasing interest in cycling in

non-specialist cycle magazines. A recent article 'Saddle Up' in Time Out treats cycling as a recognised way of getting about the city rather than a specialist activity for Lycra-wearing eccentrics. However, there are some omissions. Simone Baird's central London route from the Natural History Museum to Tate Modern leaves out the cycle crossing through Wellington Arch at the Hyde Park gyratory. I would hope that journalists consult experienced cyclists from the LCC who, like me, have years of experience cycling across the capital. As an ex-cycle instructor, I'm always looking at safer ways to get 'newbies' across the city. Both ends of Tower Bridge can be awkward during the rush hours as motorists seem to want to use the northern approach at Tower Gateway as some sort of urban Brands Hatch and an excuse to push their way around. There is a regular 'white bike' chained to railings at some point on this intersection. The Wellington Arch facility took many years of hard campaigning to get installed, assisted by cycle fatalities on the Hyde Park Corner gyratory.

MASS MEDIA: take some advice

Cycle facilities like this and the one on Blackfriars Bridge should be installed after consultation with cyclists and without the perception of a carrot and stick approach prompted by injury, death or risk assessment. It's encouraging that TfL seems committed to removing such gyratories which don't cater for cyclists. Turning right on any London bridge is potentially risky, particularly if a motorist is texting on their mobile behind you and will (in my experience on two occasions) run into you and argue with a ‘you shouldn't be there in the middle of the road' attitude. Police officers don't seem to

PHOTO COMPETITION Last issue we asked for images on the theme of 'London landmarks' and, after much deliberation, we picked Matt Lucht's black and white image (left) as the winner. In BMX circles, there's no more iconic location than the South Bank — riders and skateboarders have been using its walls and ramps to perfect their tricks and jumps since the 1970s. We loved the way Matt captured this rider in silhouette, rising above the skyline.

WINNER

Theme for Dec/Jan issue: London Skyride Email your images to: londoncyclist@lcc.org.uk COMP RULES: Only digital images will be accepted. Please include your name, location and a small caption about what your photo depicts. Only one submission per member per issue will be considered — so please select your favourite image carefully! The judges’ decision is ﬁnal. CLOSING DATE FOR DEC/JAN ISSUE: Friday 23 October. THE PRIZE: Will vary between issues, but Matt wins the LCC T-shirt of his choosing.

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Letters

valid reason for getting about the place. Martin Ireland, Battersea

of the tidying up and putting away can be done while the glue is drying to save valuable time. Replacing a tube or tyre will, however, usually require wheel removal. On a bike where gears and/or brakes have to be disconnected to do this, it is good advice to put on a new tyre and wear the old one out on the front wheel where it has lighter duties and is easier to change. It is also a good opportunity for a spot of cleaning of those hard-to-reach areas. Colin Newman, Barking

Puncture repair

Golden oldie

FLAT OUT: it's not always necessary to remove a wheel to ﬁx a puncture

support the cyclists' points of view either and consider most collisions as 'accidents' which by default is somewhat biased towards motorists. However, power in numbers and increasing visibility of cyclists on London streets will gradually change public perceptions and attitude to cycling as a

CLASSIFIED FOR SALE: 1939 cycling cigarette cards, mounted ready to frame, £10; new seatpost tool pouch, £5; new large waterbottle, £1; ladies wool jersey (10) black & yellow, good condition, £10; Agusport black leather shoes with cleats (40), little used, £10; new thermal vest (12), £5. Phone Karen on 020 7701 4922. FREE: send sae for FoE book Unlocking the Gridlock; Cycle London playing cards; badges. Phone Karen on 020 7701 4922.

I'm liking the new look London Cyclist — congratulations — but I want to take issue with the myth the magazine frequently repeats. Namely that puncture fixing always requires wheel removal. This time it's in Matt Moore's review of the Pinnacle Stratus 3.0e (August-September issue) in which he says ‘the SRAM hub gear is easy to connect and disconnect if you get a puncture.’ It is not usually necessary to remove the wheel of a bike to fix a puncture and I would like to ask LC not to perpetuate the myth. To fix most punctures, just lever off the tyre (on the non-driveside if it's the rear wheel), pull out the tube, find the hole and patch it. Check the tyre for sharps inside and out, remove them and put everything back together. Looking for and removing sharps and some

First and foremost I compliment you on the ‘refurbished’ format of London Cyclist — I had no complaints on previous editions, but find the new version easy on the eye and very well put together. As an oldie coming up to 73, my views will be met with scepticism but nevertheless I will tell you what I think. I have used bikes, motorbikes and still drive a car, having gone the old fashioned way about getting my motorised licences — first on a small motorbike in 1962, and eventually for a car in 1963, both passed first time mainly due to my cycling knowledge and use (in my opinion). From 1960 in learning mode on the motorbike until 2001, I used both bikes and motorbikes to reach various parts of London from Dagenham to work in a mixed bunch of office jobs and the bike was used for most of my

social life from around 1952 until 1968; the motorised two wheels was more a means of getting to work. So you see I have sampled both sides of the current argument on bus lanes and my feelings are that it is good to allow motorcyclists in them. Of course there will always be those who are too pushy, but then so are many of the modern day cyclists. My other point is that the 20mph scheme will only work if policed — in suburbia now few drivers are prepared to even accept 30mph and I always have people in my boot because I refuse to exceed the speed limit. Many I noctice holding mobile phones whilst trying to pass me, and a good number are only just able to peer over the steering wheel of their 4x4 or MPV — they are not worried as it is unlikely a police car will be nearby and I am sure they see me as a pain, stopping them getting home, or to the school to pick up children. I agree many more people are now using bikes but we are sadly in the age of the car, an essential to many people’s everyday life, at whatever cost. There is a lot more I could say, but have probably said enough to annoy many of your readers out there already, so I’ll call it a day. Tom Pettengell, Dagenham

EMAIL THE MAG londoncyclist@lcc.org.uk

Read more online If you can't wait for the next issue of London Cyclist magazine, you can read daily doses of this subtlely subversive cartoon strip (based in a Wisconsin cycle repair shop) by visiting www.yehudamoon.com

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Opinion

COLUMNIST'S VIEW

Zoe Williams Don't be a weight-watching obsessive, says our regular LC columnist — there's more than one way to shed a few kilos and still have fun need to lose weight, what can I eat that will make me lose weight?” My brother-in-law isn’t fat. And besides, he is already married, to my sister. “If you want to trade me in, it’s your personality you’re going to have to work on,” she replied. He needs to lose weight for his bike. It is like going out with Christy Turlington, he has bought himself a steed so totally fancy, so expensive, bespoke and excellent, that he feels unworthy of it. It really dates me, I realise, that when I search my brain files for 'girlfriend out of your league', it fires back 'Turlington' (even Kate Moss would sound more modern). Yet I am not quite as old as him, so if I bought a bike out of my league, and then had to lose a load of weight to keep it interested, I would be infinitesimally less ridiculous. Couriers always point out the irritating paradox that the lighter your bike is, the more expensive, so the more likely it is to get nicked, so the better a lock you need, til you get to a point of refinement that the lock is actually heavier than the bike and you might as well have just got a no-name hybrid and been done with it. They don’t have to worry about bodyfat because they’re couriers. The rest of us make subtle calibrations when we choose our bike. Anyone can balance on any bike (unless they don’t know how to ride a bike). But you would not see David Cameron on a shiny turquoise Bianchi road bike, whereas you could well see Peter Tatchell on one. It’s not political, it’s physical.

“I

Choose your partner carefully

First, you don’t want to dwarf your bike, because that would only underline how fat your butt was. Second, you don’t want people feeling sorry for the bike. You don’t want to be the fat kid on the beach, torturing your metaphorical donkey. Third, just from a thrift perspective, you don’t want to be the person who spent £500 getting a bike that’s a kilo lighter, when you could have just lost one of your chins and worked on your upper arms. Fourth, you don’t want to be the person who doesn’t realise that’s the person they are, who has perhaps gained the kilo since they bought the superlight bike, but is too self-deluding to know it. And yet, having said all that, it would be a real shame to get some giant bike — a Giant, let’s say — to the

permanent detriment of your cycling pleasure, just because you were carrying a little holiday excess. This puts you in a quandary, which could quite feasibly result in your not having a bike at all, which is where I am now. I had a smasher before I first got pregnant, then gave it to my uncle. Then bought a hybrid, the bike equivalent of elasticated trousers, only to get pregnant again, and I gave that to my fella. So of course I now have to decide whether or not to buy another hybrid, or wait — wait, hah! — til I’m in road-bike form, and buy a road bike. In the meantime, I am stuck on the bus. You can say what you like about buses, but nobody cares how big your arse is.

Is lighter better?

There is another slight paradox, which is the lighter your bike is, the less effort it is to heft about the streets, and the less likely you are to lose weight by riding it. And yet

“The irritating paradox is that the lighter and more expensive your bike, the better and heavier lock you carry to protect it” at the same time, this light bike is the only one you could be seen dead on if you want to get in any way serious about cycling. Probably the British Heart Foundation would endorse my brother-in-law: a bike slightly too good, giving you incentive, a sense of weight loss for pleasure. The only downside really is the ongoing derision of your family and friends.

Zoe Williams is a freelance journalist and columnist who contributes regularly to publications including The Guardian and New Statesman

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GUEST COLUMNIST

Steve Melia Can you imagine a city without trafﬁc? The model exists, so it’s not as difﬁcult as you may imagine, argues the co-ordinator of Carfree UK ne and a half million adults in London — and 37 percent of households live without a car. Imagine for a moment how quality of life would improve, for everyone, if traffic were removed from parts of the city where people could choose to live without cars. Does this sound unrealistic, utopian? Did you know many European cities are already doing it? Three years ago I crossed the channel with my bike on the first of three journeys which would take me 5,000 miles around Europe, studying European carfree developments, and cycling cities. Freiburg in south-west Germany shows a good example of both; the new district of Vauban is arguably the largest carfree neighbourhood in Europe, home to over 5,000 people. If you live on one of Vauban’s carfree streets you are required to confirm once a year that you do not own a car, or if you do you must buy a space in a multi-storey car park on the edge of the district. Originally one space was provided for every two households, but car ownership has fallen over time and many of these spaces are now empty. Vehicles are allowed down the residential streets at walking pace to pick up and deliver, but not to park. In practice, vehicles are rarely seen moving on these streets, which have been taken over by kids as young as four or five, playing, skating and unicycling without direct supervision. The adults too tend to socialise outdoors far more than they would on conventional streets open to traffic.

European champions

Most of the European carfree areas are smaller and ‘purer’ than Vauban: vehicles are physically prevented from entering the streets where people live. Exceptions are made for emergency vehicles and removals vans but not for normal deliveries, which are made by hand, trolley or cycle trailer. A few peripheral parking spaces are available to buy (usually around one space for every five homes) and a few are reserved for car club vehicles. In all the examples I have studied cycling is vital, often the main means of transport for most residents. Carfree areas of this kind, with anything from a couple of hundred to over a thousand residents, now exist in Amsterdam, Vienna, Cologne, Hamburg and Nuremberg, and there's even a small one in Edinburgh. There is also another form of carfree development which is so familiar we have overlooked its potential, until recently. Most pedestrianised city or neighbourhood centres in Britain are almost entirely commercial, but a few farsighted councils, such as Exeter, have discovered the

possibilities to bring housing and residents, without cars or allocated parking, back into city centres which would otherwise be deserted after six o’clock in the evening. Groningen, the Netherlands’ capital of cycling, has the largest carfree centre in Europe: half pedestrianised, entirely closed to through traffic, with 16,500 residents, three quarters of whom have no car in the household; 40 percent of all journeys within the city are made by bike. Most large European cities have substantial pedestrianised areas, with a few notable exceptions — like London. In the city with the lowest car ownership and use in Britain, cars

“In Groningen, with half its streets pedestrianised, 40 percent of all journeys are made by bike” and traffic circulate almost everywhere — even through the parks. My PhD research found, not surprisingly, considerable untapped demand for carfree living, particularly in inner London where most people live without cars already. Carfree UK — working with LCC and others — wants to tap that demand, to mobilise Londoners to press for the same freedom of choice available in the European cities mentioned. Two public meetings will launch the new Carfree Association for London, so if you read this article in time, why not come along? If not, you can visit www. london.carfree.org.uk where we have begun collecting the evidence we need to persuade councils and developers that given the choice, many Londoners would choose a life without traffic.

MORE INFO Steve Melia is a researcher specialising in carfree urban developments, based at the University of Western England. ■ The London Carfree Association was established at public meetings in Lambeth (13 Sept) and Islington (17 Sept). For more information, and to register your support, visit www.london.carfree.org.uk

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Skyride

Hounslow Skyride: EVENT REPORT London’s first major Skyride event of the summer proved a huge success, with Hounslow welcoming thousands of cyclists onto its carfree streets Photos: JK (except where shown)

FOLLOW THE LEADER: more than 60 people joined this feeder ride from Ravenscourt Park near Hammersmith

leven thousand people hit the streets of Hounslow on 9 August for the first of two new Skyride events to be launched in the capital. Hounslow Skyride was the second in a series of five carfree cycling festivals to have taken place around the country this summer, culminating with the Mayor of London’s Skyride on 20 September. In fact the west London outing — organised by the Mayor of London and supported by LCC — was the first mass participation event of its kind to be held outside London’s zone one. Half-a-dozen feeder rides led and marshalled by LCC staff and volunteers took participants to the start of the route proper, which took in iconic local landmarks such as Syon House and Isleworth’s historic wharf. The riders enjoyed traffic-free streets and the beautiful green spaces of Osterley Park and Syon Park. In the latter, a special pontoon bridge was constructed over the lake to preserve a 17th century crossing, thought to be one of the oldest cast

CHOPPER SQUAD: marshals and riders ﬂock to the disco queen

SIGN FROM ABOVE: very welcome too

FAMILY AFFAIR: happy faces all round

LCC STAND: busy dispensing advice — and goodies — all day

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Skyride iron bridge structures in the world. Roaming entertainment and dash of celebrity also lent a carnival atmosphere to the day. Olympic silver medal-winning cyclist Ross Edgar enjoyed his day out in the sun, commenting: “It was fantastic to see so many people out cycling together and I’m sure having the unique opportunity to cycle through some of the splendid scenery in Syon and Osterley Parks was a great experience they will remember for a long while.” Mayor of London’s Director of Transport Policy Kulveer Ranger also took part in the event and said: “These Skyride events are all about giving Londoners the confidence to get on their bikes and explore the capital. They are fun, free, family days, and it has been great to see such a wide range of people taking part.” ■ www.goskyride.com

BUZZING AROUND: these two colourful bees entertained fellow riders with their kazoo conversation Belinda Sinclair

CHEERS: to a sunny day in the saddle

PILE UP: impromptu bike stands created during lunch break

ORANGE SUNDAYS: if you're a marshal

UP TO 11: 'Metal Man' rocks out

DAD'S ARMY: of little pedallers

OSTERLEY MANOR: one of several landmarks on the route Belinda Sinclair

PHOTO COMP Next issue's photo competition is on the theme of ‘London Skyride’. So if you joined family and friends — and 50,000 others — for a spin around carfree central London on 20 September, then send us your snaps from the day. Go to page 14 to find out about entry details and closing date.

FLYING THE FLAG: these LCC freebies could be seen ﬂuttering on hundreds of handlebars and saddles

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Feature

LINED UP AND READY TO ROLL: Lambeth's HGV drivers take their classroom learning outside to see how things look from a cyclist's position on the road

Lorry drivers go back to school With HGVs responsible for a rising number of cyclist fatalities, Lambeth Council has launched a new driver training initiative. Tom Bogdanowicz reports t’s faster… it saves money… you keep fit.” While a dozen Lambeth Council lorries are manoeuvring in the car park outside, lorry, tractor and van drivers employed by Lambeth’s contractor Veolia are discussing the reasons why people cycle. The eight men and three women are attending a cycle awareness training session specially designed for lorry drivers. Tod Walter, a Lambeth HGV driver, probably speaks for them all: “We’re all in the same boat — we want to get from A to B and it’s about people giving each other a little respect.” The awareness session starts with a classroom discussion that looks at what

“I

cyclists may want from drivers (several of the drivers turn out to be cyclists as well) and what drivers expect of cyclists. Not surprisingly, good communication is seen as the key issue for both parties. Comments from the drivers range from “a good cyclist will signal when changing lanes” to “it’s helpful when a cyclist knows you’ve seen them” and even “lorry drivers need to signal in good time.” Tod sums up the professional driver’s approach: “Read the road for the cyclist and not for just for yourself — leave them a little time.” Drivers gather over diagrams as the session moves on to rider strategies — what route does a cyclist

QUICK STOP: without wobbling off

take through a roundabout? Sam opts for the left lane route, Greg goes for the right — a short discussion establishes that the safer tactic for the cyclist is to stay visible to drivers and use the right lane, like a car, but it is also noted that the reality is that lorry drivers have to look out for cyclists using both routes. Sally Chandler, who drives for the Royal Parks, observes that “the more competent a cyclist is, the easier it is for us.”

Rider’s eye view

In part two of the awareness session the lorry drivers get on their bikes, or rather on the bikes arranged by CTUK, the organiser of the training. October-November 2009

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Feature

CYNTHIA’S STORY My daughter, Alex Jane McVitty (pictured above), was killed in 2000 by a left-turning concrete mixer lorry while she was cycling to her work in the City. The driver was prosecuted, but acquitted, and the judgment from the magistrates was basically ‘poor driver, had a blind spot in his mirror’, in spite of police evidence to the court that she would have been visible in at least one of the driver’s mirrors for all of the considerable time she was alongside him. Needless to say, I was not willing to accept this nonsense. I bought shares in the company, RMC then, Cemex now, and went to their AGM in 2002 to explain what had happened to my daughter and what I wanted them to do about it, namely a standard ‘health and safety’ approach, requiring the firm to investigate properly what had happened and why, and what could be done to prevent similar incidents in the future.

WHAT'S ALL THIS THEN? Drivers take to two wheels under the supervision of CTUK instructors

adding: “Expect the unexpected: look before you go, look when you’re going, look before you stop — keep checking the mirrors.” The fresh students all said they gained from the session. “It helped me understand the cyclist’s way of thinking on the roads,” said Sebastian Marek, another participant.

Leading by example

Changing ways Since then I have been involved with Cemex on a variety of fronts, both in driver training and vehicle adaptations. As it was clear that it was the left turn which posed the most dangers, extra indicators were put on their concrete mixer and tipper lorries operating in London, extra mirrors were fitted, and also proximity sensors. There are four sensors down the left-hand side of the lorry. When the driver switches on the left indicator the sensors are activated; an alarm in the cab alerts the driver to the fact that someone is alongside, and where they are. A voicebox saying “Caution Truck turning left” is also activated. There is additional safety training for lorry drivers, regular checks that the gadgets are working properly, a monthly ‘Safety Alert’ newsletter, reversing bleepers, cameras, and sideguards. I know these initiatives have worked, not only because their drivers have told me so, but because the statistics bear this out. As construction industry vehicles are disproportionately involved in fatal and serious injury collisions in London I would like other firms to adopt the same approach. Cynthia Barlow

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COUNT ON IT: lesson in 'looking back'

Starting with the basics of stopping and starting, drivers are shown exactly what it takes to ride a bike in London. “Cover your brakes, set your pedal, change down your gears, look before you signal” — instructor Lucy Nandris keeps up the stream of pointers as the drivers tackle Level 1 of Bikeability, the nationally-approved cycle training scheme. David Dansky of CTUK, who developed the sessions, says they are the central element of better drivercyclist communication. He says: “Anecdotally, cyclists report that interaction with Veolia drivers in Lambeth has improved — they even get the odd wave.” So what advice do graduates of the cyclist awareness sessions have? Kevin Graham, who has completed Level 3 Bikeability training, and is a regular cyclist as well as driver, has a cardinal point for riders. “The inside of a lorry is a no-go area,” he says. “Some cyclists think that the nearer they are to the lorry, the better the driver can see them — which is wrong. The driver can’t see you near the cab.” He also has advice for drivers,

The Lambeth training programme was the brainchild of Lambeth’s cycling officer and LCC member, Richard Ambler, who saw an HGV awareness session for cyclists at Trafalgar Square and realised that both drivers and cyclists needed awareness training. He said: “The new (Lambeth) Road Danger Reduction Manager embraced the idea with enthusiasm and took the scheme forward, working with our contractors Veolia who were also very enthusiastic. We have now extended the scheme to all of Lambeth’s ‘essential car users’.” Richard says the next step is to train some of the bus and lorry drivers as accredited cycle instructors, so that they can first of all assist the CTUK instructor and then deliver the lessons themselves.

GET INVOLVED LCC is working to ensure that all London councils and all lorry operators in London adopt similar programmes to that in Lambeth and to incorporate them in drivers’ ongoing training. The programme includes fitting a full set of safety mirrors to lorries, to give drivers the best possible information, as well as office-based and practical training sessions. If your council’s interested in starting an awareness programme we urge you to contact Charlie Lloyd, a former HGV driver, at LCC: charlie@lcc.org.uk

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How to

How to organise a ride LCC's group rides are nothing without their ride leaders. Robert Lister and Mike Cavenett explain what it takes to organise your own guided event SusanAstray@Flickr

PIT STOPS: always ensure you plan in plenty of ‘refreshments’

o you have a secret? A secret ride, that is. It might include a little-known stretch of path, a favourite place, or maybe a combination of the two that only you know about. Well organising a ride there gives you the chance to share your knowledge. LCC is proud to have had an active local rides calendar in most of the London boroughs for many years. Anyone (even non-members) can read ride details and post new rides at www.lcc.org.uk/events. All LCC rides are free to join too. But if you haven't led a ride before, being in charge of a group (large or small) can be daunting. Therefore, we've prepared this basic guide. You'll probably have considered most of these things already, but we thought it useful to have them all in one place for reference. And there’s much more useful info on the LCC website, so follow the links overleaf. If you're a confident cyclist and want to share one of your favourite routes, or have a theme in mind (style, sport, architecture, etc), why

not lead your own outing? LCC's public liability insurance means there's no risk of you being sued if someone has an accident (see page 29 for more details).

Grading a ride successfully

LCC uses a simple grading system. Easy rides are less than 30 miles, they're not particularly hilly and they're unlikely to feature any difficult terrain. Think family-friendly. Moderate rides are bit more taxing: they're either longer (up to 40 miles) or have more energy-sapping hills to contend with. There are still unlikely to be any technically difficult bits of terrain; if there are these can be walked. Difficult routes are what they say they are, featuring any combination of 50-mile plus distance, tricky ground and thigh-punishing hills. All the rides on the LCC website are graded this way, so take a look there to get an idea of how it works.

Do your homework

Most people choose a ride they know, but if you are taking a leap

into the unknown, ride the route before leading it. And if you haven't ridden it for a while, make sure there are no nasty surprises (think Olympic Park, roadworks, etc). Put as much effort as you can into finding interesting places along the way, tailoring the ride to make it as rewarding as possible. This means avoiding busy roads and junctions,

PUBLICISE YOUR RIDE ■ www.lcc.org.uk/events Fill in a simple online form; allow one week for it to appear ■ London Cyclist magazine The Events pages feature rides from the website listings; borough inserts can also feature rides, so contact your local group (www.lcc.org.uk/local) ■ Local LCC group websites Find your local group website at www.lcc.org.uk/local ■ Borough group email lists/Yahoo e-Group Find your local group website at www.lcc.org.uk/local ■ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lccrider Find your local group website at www.lcc.org.uk/local ■ Neighbourhood and cycling announcements Free newspapers, online forums, noticeboards

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How to MC

BLUE PLAQUE: include as many places of interest as possible

and taking the route along the finest paths, and finding the best places to eat and drink. However, do be sensitive to budgets and remind people that they can bring their own refreshments. Check pubs and cafés are open and can handle your group.

Another pair of hands

Recruit at least one other ride marshal. You'll be leading from the front, so you'll always need someone to keep an eye on the rear. And a rule of thumb is to have another marshal for each additional 10 people. If you are worried the ride will be too busy, ask people to register in advance. If public transport is being used, check times, prices and capacity (eg, bikes per train), and find out if engineering works are scheduled. For more details on train tactics, follow the link in the panel below. Identify potential drop-out points along the route for both planned and emergency retirements. If you’re running late or the weather turns sour, you’ll also need such options. Advertise what kind of bike the route is suitable for (mountain, road, trailers), and ponder whether larger groups can pass all sections easily. Is permission needed for any of the route? What about any tides if you’re going near the coast?

What to do on the day

Look forward to your ride: this is your chance to share your favourite places with new and old friends.

If you are forced to cancel, make sure someone is at the meeting point to warn people who don’t know. The start point should be a safe place with space for people to wait, and you should arrive there 15 minutes before advertised. Greet riders by introducing yourself and the marshals. Hand out copies of your ride guide, if you’ve prepared one; this should include the leader and marshals’ mobile phone numbers. Collect names and mobile numbers for as many of your group as possible. If there are more riders than the number of marshals can safely handle, take people by first-come, first-served, or those who registered.

Bike safety checks

All you’ll have time for is a brief bike inspection. Make sure both brakes work; there are no obviously damaged or loose components; tyres are roadworthy (not bald or flat). Do not permit dangerous bikes to ride. Conduct a ride briefing, giving an overview of the route and planned stops, plus warning of any trickier sections. Remind riders that they are always responsible for their own safety. Ask if people have read the 'Rider Guidelines' (see panel right), and provide a copy if they haven't. Tell riders about the benefits of LCC membership, especially for finding out about other rides. Explain good group rider tactics: riders should signal when they are stopping or turning to avoid crashes,

and on narrow roads riders should leave gaps so traffic can overtake. Explain that at junctions people must not progress beyond the junction until the person following can see where they're going. Count the riders regularly to avoid losing anyone. Pace it sensibly, and remember splitting the group can be an option if you have sufficient marshals.

Keep your head at all times

If a rider breaks down, help them. Consider if it's a good idea to leave one experienced rider to deal with the breakdown and for you to continue with the main group (particularly if it's wet or cold). Respect the road and conditions, be aware of your riders, and keep your head at all times. Follow these tips and you’re on the path to being a successful ride leader.

MORE RIDE GUIDE INFO ■ www.lcc.org.uk/events Find rides taking place near you — and post your own ■ http://tinyurl.com/lccPublicInsurance LCC’s public liability insurance — read the small print ■ http://tinyurl.com/lccRoutePlanning Download the LCC Rider Guidelines and adapt to suit ■ http://tinyurl.com/lccTrainTactics Lots of useful Information on arranging train transport ■ http://tinyurl.com/lccRideEquipment Reminders of essentials and useful items to take along ■ http://tinyurl.com/lccRoutePlanning A selection of tried-and-tested route-planning websites

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Best rides in London

Richmond’s green spaces The borough of Richmond has some of the country’s ﬁnest parks and manor houses — Paul Luton from Richmond Cycling Campaign leads the tour Hospi tal Br idge oad R

KEW GARDENS

ey Cherts

North Sheen 1 Richmond Hill

Roehampton

TWICKENHAM RIVERSIDE Marble Hill 6

Richmond Park Golf Club

Twickenham

CRANE PARK 5

Richmond Golf Club

WIMBLEDON COMMON

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Teddington

London Scottish Golf Club

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Hampton Hampton Rd Hill

Hampton Wick 4 BUSHY PARK

2 RICHMOND PARK

Upper Ham

ry ber aw Str

his south-western corner of London offers probably the finest leisure riding in the capital. Along with the vast expanse of Richmond Park, cyclists can enjoy many miles of traffic-free paths in Wimbledon Common, along the River Thames, and through Bushy Park and Twickenham. The area has long attracted royalty, with English kings at the manor house in Sheen from 1299, which Henry VII renamed Richmond in 1495. Later Hampton Court and Kew were royal venues, attracting a wealth of courtiers, poets and painters. Royal fondness for hunting is the reason for the area’s fabulous expanses of semi-wild parkland, which we can enjoy today. ■ For booking info, go to www. hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace

s ng Ki

West Wimbledon

Kingston Upon Thames

t Rd on C Hampt Walk your bike here

3 HAMPTON COURT

Hampton Court Palace Golf Club

Towpath

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER: via towpath to Hampton Court

1RICHMOND HILL

The view from here has been celebrated for centuries in poetry and painting, although the song ‘Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill’ seems to refer to Yorkshire. The Scottish poet James Thompson described the view in the 1740s: “To lofty Harrow now, and then to where Majestic Windsor lifts his princely brow. In lovely contrast to this glorious view, Calmly magniﬁcent” Amazingly the same can be said today, with only Twickenham rugby stadium and the ineptlynamed Regal House ofﬁce block intruding. For 200 years local authorities and residents have fought to preserve the view.

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2 RICHMOND PARK

On the left-hand bank of the river you can see 17th century Ham House. This was given in 1625 by Charles I to William Murray who, as Charles’ whipping boy, had taken his punishments as a child. William’s loyalty during the Civil War led to his being created Earl of Dysart and to his death in exile, but his descendants lived here making few changes after 1680, until presenting the house to the National Trust in 1948.

Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London, covering an area of 2,500 acres. From its heights there is an uninterrupted view of St Paul’s Cathedral, 12 miles away. It was enclosed by Charles I in 1637, taking parts of the manors of Ham and Petersham as a hunting park with herds of red and fallow deer. Pedestrians were allowed rights of way, but this has had to be defended over the centuries against Rangers trying to keep the public out. Today it is a National Nature Reserve with many ancient trees and acid grassland. Notice the way that deer browsing has pruned the lower branches of trees to a level plane. We pass the

White Lodge — a Palladian hunting lodge built for King George l and now the centre of the Royal Ballet School (as seen in Billy Elliot). Isabella Plantation is a spectacular garden of clearings, ponds and streams established since the 1950s. Recently an off-road path for mountain bikers and walkers has been created, but it has a 10mph limit and gets very congested on Sundays.

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8/9/09 22:14:29

Best rides in London

Lunch stops

pton

ottish ub N

There are many options in Kingston and also the Tiltyard at Hampton Court, The Visitors Centre at Bushy Park and at Orleans House. The Royal Parks also afford many pleasant spots for a picnic.

FACTFILE Distance: 18 miles Location: south-west London Terrain: mostly on good surfaces, much off-road Gradient: there’s a steep climb from the station to Richmond Hill and another in the road past White Lodge, but some good descents and the second part of the ride is fairly ﬂat. Time: 2.5-6 hours, depending on stops Get a map: http://www. bikely.com/maps/bike-path/ Best-Ride-Richmond

RIVERSIDE 6 TWICKENHAM

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST

5 CRANE PARK

■ In contrast to Richmond, Kingston grew up as a market town and the centre has been substantially rebuilt in the last century so items of interest are less obvious. Seven AngloSaxon kings were reputed to have been crowned in the 10th century on a stone now positioned outside the Guildhall. Kingston Bridge replaced a medieval timber construction in 1828 and was widened in 1914 and again in 1999. ■ Strawberry Hill is a bit off route, but Horace Walpole invented Gothic Revival with his “little plaything house” here from 1747. (It will be open to the public from summer 2010). ■ Twickenham parish church has a medieval tower but the body collapsed in 1713 and was rebuilt in brick to a design by the architect John James. ■ Richmond Bridge is the oldest surviving Thames bridge downstream of Abingdon. Constructed in 1774 (the commissioners included ‘Capability’ Brown, David Garrick and Horace Walpole) it was widened and ﬂattened in 1937.

On the other side of a picturesque bridge is Eel Pie island, a renowned location for jazz and the rhythm and blues boom of the early 1960s. The Rolling Stones (who played their ﬁrst gig at what is now the Bear pub opposite Richmond station) were regulars at Eel Pie along with The Who and many others. Marble Hill is a perfect gem of a Palladian Villa built in 1724 for Henrietta Howard, Countess of Suffolk, to a design by the Earl of Pembroke and Roger Morris. She had been Mistress to George II whilst maintaining a

Crane Park is in the flood plane of the little river Crane, flowing from North London to the Thames at Isleworth, that was kept free from housing until the 20th century as the water was used to power gunpowder mills which occasionally exploded. A little way upstream an 18th century tower remains that was certainly used to give warning of fires and possibly also in the manufacture of lead shot. The area of the gunpowder mills here is now a nature reserve. Downstream the park is formalised as ‘Kneller Gardens’ named after Sir Godfrey Kneller. Born Gottfried Kniller in Lubeck,

3 HAMPTON COURT

Hampton Court was begun by Cardinal Wolsey, Chief Minister of Henry VIII in 1514, but when Wolsey fell from favour in 1529 he thought it politic to present it to the King. Henry enlarged the palace further and the western end, much as he left it, is the best surviving British example of a royal palace of the 16th century. The eastern court was rebuilt for William and Mary by Sir Christopher Wren from 1689, in emulation of Versailles. This is the part that we see ﬁrst from the riverbank through the wroughtiron screen (Jean Tijou) and across the recreated 17th century privy garden. We swing round to the front of the palace which

good relationship with the Queen and was the centre of a literary circle including Pope, Swift, Gay and Walpole. The house was the inspiration for many American Colonial houses and is now run by English Heritage with elegant 18th century interiors.

Germany, and a pupil of Rembrandt, he was appointed Principal Painter to the Crown by Charles II. He built a house locally on the site now occupied by the Royal Military School of Music — Kneller Hall.

4 BUSHY PARK

appears typically Tudor although the Gatehouse was originally two stories taller. After the mid 18th century the palace went out of use as a royal residence and became the tourist attraction that it remains today. We walk through the gardens past the tiltyard restaurant and the maze which features in Three Men in a Boat.

Bushy Park was enclosed by Henry VIII, obliterating existing farms and again there remain herds of red and fallow deer. Charles I had the Longford River dug to bring water from the River Colne 12 miles away. As part of the William and Mary rebuilding of Hampton Court, Wren laid out the Chestnut Avenue, aligned on the great hall of the palace, and installed the Arethusa fountain from Somerset House in the centre of a large circular pond. (this is currently being restored). At a similar period Bushy House — still convincingly 17th

century despite incorporation into the National Physical Laboratory — and Upper Lodge (now rather mangled) were built for aristocratic residents. Work has recently been carried out to restore part of the Upper Lodge water gardens created in the early 18th century by the Earl of Halifax, borrowing water from the Longford River.

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London Cyclist

8/9/09 22:15:23

Grass track

JERSEY BOYS: young race aces in a close sprint ﬁnish

Grass roots racing comes to Hackney Inspired by the track heroics of Olympians like Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton, a stripped-down version of the sport is thriving in east London. Philip Moore visits on race day ycling Club Hackney (CCH), which was formed to promote cycling and cycle sport in east London, launched its first grass track league at Hackney Downs on Sunday 2 August. Cyclists of all ages and abilities, their families and friends, local bike shops and other Hackney denizens gathered for the inaugural races, lending the day a relaxed and informal vibe. Perfect conditions then for fostering Britain’s next crop of track racers. As Olympic and world champion Victoria Pendleton has acknowledged, her successful career was nurtured with an introduction to grass track racing by her father at the tender age of nine. A relatively new club, CCH’s first grass track racing

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event was held on May 1 2008 on Well Street Common during its very first year. The nearest proper track to Hackney is the Herne Hill velodrome in south London. However, organisers realised that Hackney, like much of the capital, is replete with parks or open spaces — a few wooden

BACKGROUND Cycling Club Hackney was awarded £2,900 from the Community Cycling Fund for London in early 2009. The start-up funding financed an initial five bikes and equipment to set up the Hackney grass track league. Geared towards resident families, the league offers weekly events during the summer for children and adults. Thanks to the success of the project, further funding has already been secured.

stakes in the ground, some hi-vis flagging tape and, hey presto, they'd built themselves a grass track. Keir Apperley, key CCH organiser and promoter, said: “I was aware of grass track racing, and Hackney is blessed with numerous parks with enough space to contain a cordonedoff grass track, so I thought why not do it in our parks?” Grass track racing is an ideal coaching environment and Hackney Downs has proved a perfect setting for the events. Apperley added: “I thought grass track racing would be a good way of promoting our club and cycle sport directly to local people. It is safe because speeds are slower; in the event of a rider going to ground the consequences are much less significant. When setting up we

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Feature

ONE GEAR, MANY SPEEDS: the inaugural league meetings attracted riders of all ages

need not travel far and the equipment needed is minimal.” The second league day, on Sunday 9 August, attracted 25 participants, with many others lending their voice of support. Mags Reinig, of the LCC community team, and involved in helping on the day, said: “Entry’s free and everyone, experienced or beginner, can join in. You can bring your own bike or hire one from CCH when you get there.” And there are some nice bikes indeed. With the help of Sgt. Varley of Hackney Police and London Fields Cycles, ten Genesis Flyers — singlespeed, steel training bikes — were provided to be used as part of Hackney’s youth for schools training and, of course, the grass track days. The grass track league (GTRL1) on Hackney Downs was a first for CHH in this format. Previously, a number of one-off GTR events in five Hackney parks were held with a view to developing a league format. As Apperley said: “In August there was an obvious enthusiasm for the grass track league among young people. I was expecting to see riders from the fixie scene too — next time maybe.” The league, despite being largely

youth orientated did however have competition from a mix of ages and backgrounds. “Cycling and bicycles are popular in Hackney with all types of people. They come to try out racing on grass because it’s convenient and fun,” said one organiser. With the help of funding from the LCC via the Community Cycling Fund, and support from The Learning Trust (Hackney’s education authority) and Hackney council, staff, coaches and volunteers are drawn mostly from the local area. With the final instalment of the grass track league completed on 23 August, CCH members and friends then descended on Herne Hill velodrome at the beginning of September for a different sort of track day. Twenty riders, few of whom had ever been on a proper circuit before, enjoyed training and races. With the enthusiasm of the CCH team and the dedication of so many volunteers, you wouldn't bet against a Hackney rider lining up at the 2016 Olympics. Victoria Pendleton watch your back!

CONTACT INFO The club is open to anybody, regardless of age or location. Club runs meet at 10am on Sundays at the Lea Valley Ice Centre, Lea Bridge Road, E8. Contact: Keir Apperley, keir@cyclingclubhackney.co.uk

GET INVOLVED

THREE: the magic number

Grass track racing is simple, fun and free. Open to all ages and abilities, you can bring your own bike or hire one from the club. The next grass track event is on Saturday 26 Sept at Mabley Green, Hackney as part of the Hackney Wick Festival. For more details and updates: www.cyclingclubhackney.co.uk

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London Cyclist

8/9/09 23:43:33

Overseas O verseas Liz Harwood

CANAL CULTURE: live-work barges in Monieckendam

Going Dutch Looking for a 'credit crunch' busting cycling break? Then why not join a network of like-minded people on the Continent, says Liz Harwood ycling into the office on a Monday morning, have you ever dreamt of swerving past your usual bike rack? Maybe pedalling towards Docklands, past the new Olympic stadium and along the River Lea into the countryside north of London and off towards the Great Beyond? As regular London commuter cyclists, my husband and I loved the idea of an overseas cycle trip. However the prospect of packing our bikes for a flight, and difficult negotiations with a discount air operator, filled us with trepidation. Also with the impact of the credit crunch and a strong euro, we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

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want to spend a fortune on our holiday. In the event our first overseas trip with our hybrids could not have been easier. We simply loaded our panniers, wheeled our bikes out of the front door and headed north over London Bridge, sparing a thought for the busy commuters hastening towards the City. NCR1 provided a scenic route out of town towards East Anglia and from there we caught the overnight ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland. Bikes were first off the ferry and we immediately became aware that cyclists are 'king of the road' with dedicated cycle lanes, often away from cars, clearly highlighted with

distinctive red-on-white signage. The courtesy shown by drivers also reminded us that most people behind the wheel in the Netherlands are also cyclists themselves, especially for shorter journeys, and the only Dutch cyclists wearing helmets were the Lycra-clad greyhounds on racers. The locals tend to use heavy 'city' bikes, well equipped with sturdy panniers for their shopping and seats for the kids on the front and the rear.

Hooked on Holland

We saw some amazingly bizarre cargo on bikes, including a lady with an outstretched arm clutching a beautiful hanging basket full of flowers.

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8/9/09 21:46:46

Overseas However the bravest rider we noted had a garden fork strapped to his crossbar with no apparent concern about being impaled in the event of an accident. From Hook of Holland it was a short pedal across the polders, passing traditional windmills to the medieval town of Delft, famous for its blue and white ceramics. Here we had a choice of two campsites within a 10-minute ride of the heart of town. Leiden, a compact university town, is only a few hours’ cycle ride to the north. Appreciated by the locals as 'Amsterdam without the tourists', it has many canals and a magnificent selection of museums covering natural history, Egyptian mummies and a working windmill. While entry fees are not cheap, we bought an annual museum pass which offered fantastic value during our stay. Our journey continued via Haarlem to Amsterdam. There are eight campsites all within easy reach of central Amsterdam for those who want to see the bright lights. Cycling round the canals is a memorable experience, as well as offering a speedy and free method of transport around this vibrant city.

Friends united

Having witnessed first-hand what it's like to ride round this vibrant city where nearly a third of all journerys are made by bike — compared to a couple of percent in London — we headed north following the edge of the Zeiderzee, the inland sea created in the 1930s, via Monnikendam, Volendam and Edam — beautiful villages popular with daytrippers, but easy to appreciate from your bike. For those who like a quieter pace of life, Texel and the

Author Liz near the windmills of Kinderdijk Friesian Islands off the north coast are highly recommended; beautiful sandy coasts provide a traditional seaside holiday retreat and a pace of life that is much slower. Our return route took us east, crossing the 30-mile barrage across the Zeiderzee. Although Holland is flat, strong winds can provide challenges for cyclists. We continued through Leeuwarden, Grongingen (a charming university town) and Giethoorn — a village with no roads, only canals — the “Dutch Venice”. As the weather turned against camping we took advantage of the excellent Friends of the Cyclist organisation, where thousands of fellow riders offer bed and breakfast accommodation. The maximum charge is a reasonable €18.50 per person which generally includes inclu a very comfortable room even m (sometimes (so including inclu udin a separate sitting room m or kitchenette) and a delicious delicciou Dutch-style breakfast breaakfa of ham, cheese and d bread. bre However, the real treat How is h having the opportunity havi to meet mee fellow cyclists who wh ho are a happy to suggest good provide go ood routes, r secure seecure accommodation for fo or your yo bike and understand cyclists. unde u Kind Kind offers of beer on K arrival, aarriv or snacks to send you on your way s in the th morning, were commonplace too. com Our O return route brought us via bro Utrecht, and back Utr

s cheese Don't miss the famou market in Hoorn

In-spired! The ancien t cathedral in Antwerp through h h the h b beautiful f l Belgian l towns of Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges. We crossed the channel via Dunkirk to Dover. After cycling on the flat, the White Cliffs of Dover seemed quite a challenge as we rode home along NCR1 back to London. At the present time there are only eight Friends of the Cyclist B&Bs in Britain. Hopefully, as cycling continues to grow, this will expand to allow many more people the chance of a credit-crunch busting bike break at home — and to make new friends into the bargain.

FACTFILE ■ Transport Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry operated by Stena Line (www.stenaline.co.uk). A single fare including a bike is approximately £30; a two-berth en-suite cabin costs roughly £42. ■ Dunkirk Dover ferry operated by Norfolk Line (www.norfolkline. com). We paid €18 each for the two-hour crossing which included our bikes. ■ Accommodation Friends of the Cyclist – www.vriendenopdefiets.nl Annual membership fee for a family is only €9, with 3,700 addresses in Holland and Belgium providing B&B for cyclists and hikers only. If you want to be a member of Vrienden op de Fiets, send an e-mail with your details to: aanmelden@vriendenopdefiets.nl ■ The Museum card A 'museumkaart' allows free entrance to over 400 museums in the Netherlands, including Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, the National Maritime Museum in Den Helder where you can tour a recently decommissioned submarine, as well as some very quirky local museums. The annual card costs €39.95.

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8/9/09 21:47:02

Technical

OVER THE SHOULDER: regular glances back have many beneﬁts

Practise skills to improve road safety David Dansky from Cycle Training UK explains the beneﬁts of looking over your shoulder regularly and communicating with the driver behind ook over your shoulder more often. Be aware of what is approaching from behind” is a recurring top tip for cyclists cited by professional (lorry, bus and taxi) drivers during cyclist awareness sessions. Many cyclists, on being asked how often they look back, say that they mainly look back before turning, but they always listen out for vehicles behind. Frankly, that's not very useful. You can't hear other cyclists, electric vehicles or judge a driver's speed and distance from you, especially in a noisy environment. A further disadvantage of relying on hearing (or on handlebar mirrors for that matter) is that the rider is not communicating with the driver behind and letting them know that the rider is aware of

“L

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them. A glance back, showing a face to the driver, making eye contact where possible, these all function to draw the driver’s attention to the rider and to initiate human communication. Drivers will know that the rider knows that they are behind (which is reassuring for the driver and helps to minimise conflict). Regular looking back while riding on a straight road is a powerful tool. It may encourage drivers to give the cyclist more room when passing and also to pass at slower speeds. A longer look back may prevent a driver overtaking where it may be risky, such as approaching narrow road sections or junctions.

over both shoulders for a couple of seconds without wobbling. Practise this off-road. Ride in a straight line and when it's clear ahead, look back over each shoulder and challenge yourself to gather some information (such as the colour of the building behind you). If you find yourself wobbling aim to keep your hands still, compensating for your turn (like doing ‘the twist’). Start by glancing back using only your neck muscles. Touch your shoulder with your chin to see further around. When you can do this and ride straight, try and stare behind longer, twisting your waist and shoulders.

Technique

The obvious time to check back over your right shoulder is when moving into the traffic stream.

Before riding on the road, cyclists should be confident in looking back

Looking right

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Technical

EYES RIGHT: get used to looking back on the move, as well as when stopped

You should also look behind when: ■ setting off ■ moving right to overtake a parked car or slower moving vehicle ■ you wish to move across a lane to turn right ■ moving into the middle of a lane on approaching a junction. Looking back early on these occasions will give drivers a chance to react and even slow down, letting you move in front well before reaching a possible obstacle or hazard. Looking back early also informs you of whether to signal. If there is no traffic or pedestrians, there is no need to signal. When riding along glance right every few seconds, this helps minimise surprises and reassures drivers (as mentioned above). It is good practice to observe every driver that overtakes you, noting how close they pass. Move left if you feel they are passing too close.

Looking left

When moving to the left to pull into the kerb or to turn left, looking over your left shoulder will communicate your intention. You will also be able to check whether the space you're moving into is clear. (An assertive cyclist, riding a car-door's width away from parked cars or in the

middle of a bus lane, leaves room on their left for a faster less assertive rider to pass.) In order to get to the front of a queue at lights, it is often less risky to overtake to the right of the line of waiting cars than to pass on the left. If the lights change while you're doing this you will need to move left into the traffic stream. Look left making eye contact with the driver, signal, then move left and through the lights in the traffic stream.

Final check

A good instinct to develop is a glance back immediately prior to any turn. Known as the 'life-saver check', this look recognises the fact that things change very quickly on the road and that even though all was clear when you looked earlier, someone may have sped up to the place you're moving into. Seeing, being seen and communicating is key to low risk cycling. Over-reliance on hearing restricts communication. Drivers are much happier to ride behind (and often stay behind) a rider who looks back regularly. Riders who are constantly aware of who is on the road with them can ride more confidently and experience fewer surprises and much less conflict.

HOW MANY FINGERS? Practice drills will hone your skills

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS Whether you're new to cycling or an experienced rider, you can improve your skills with Bikeability cycle training available free or subsidised in many London boroughs. ■ Contact www.cycletraining.co.uk for further information or visit TfL’s website.

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8/9/09 22:20:08

Products

Cycling jackets No matter what sort of cycling you enjoy, a decent jacket's an essential — we look at a dozen options to keep you warm and dry this winter

P bikTe jacIP TO kets are er most

Montane Litespeed £50

Rememb , designed to technical pieces of kit ng system — eri work as part of a lay cycle jersey. or er lay se eg with a ba rmance if You won't get full perfo or suit irt sh n tto you wear a co . ath rne de un t ke jac

www.montane.co.uk This jacket is the minimalist’s dream. Weighing in at a mere 165g, it’s reputed to be the lightest windproof on the planet and compacts down into its own stuff-sack (provided) the size of a Granny Smith. Made from Pertex Microlight ripstop fabric it’s soft to touch and so breathable you barely notice you’re wearing it; it also provides perfect protection on windy riverside

Product editor Matt Moore organises our ongoing reviews schedule. Contact: m.moore@lcc.org.uk

rides and staves off short showers. An ‘active’ cut suits both sexes, with an elasticated drawcordd them for further draughtring of prooﬁng, plus a spattering Scotchlite dots create a 360-degree reﬂective effect for night-riding. Available in more outdoor shops than bike shops, it’s worth hunting down if you want that

carry-anywhere coverage. Sizes XS-XXL; also in red, ink or graphite. JK

Sombrio Wingman £70 www.sombriocartel.com

Swrve Milwaukee Hoodie £95 www.swrve.co.uk

Lowe Alpine Velocity £90 www.lowealpine.com

Much like Brits, they know a thing or two about variable weather in Vancouver — and this is the latest hi-tech windcheater designed by famed local freerider Dave Watson for his cycling fashion label. There are men’s and women’s versions of this jacket available which retain the same styling, though each has a speciﬁc cut. The fabric’s from the S-Tek series which is essentially a densely woven and durable polyester which has been treated with a water-repellent coating; there's no taped seams so it’s not fully waterproof but it coped with 20-minute downpours surprisingly well. Like only one other jacket reviewed here, the Wingman reverses into its own chest pocket and can be hung from a belt for easy portability. Lightweight, stylish and good value. Sizes XS-XL, also in malachite green. JK

A relatively new name on these shores, Swrve is gaining a reputation for cold-weather cycle-speciﬁc clobber that’s low on the dork factor — but would this be enough to persuade the Fonz to ditch his battered leather? Well, the look’s suitably understated, while materials and construction are exemplary, however the cut is super-generous so sizing down’s a good idea. Many softshells aren’t waterproof but this gets the full Gore-tex treatment, the downside being extra weight. Details like the pit eyelets, two-way front zip with stormguard, meshed inner phone stash, and pair of rear pockets make this an eminently practical as well as fashionable item. Get the sizing right and you’ll have found a partner for cooler winter days, but don’t expect top-draw breathability. Sizes XS-XL; also in grey, green or midnight blue. MC

If you’re after one jacket that works well on the bike and which is also versatile enough to be used for myriad other activities, you’ll be hard pushed to find a better all-rounder than the Velocity. At just 330g it’s the second lightest of all the genuine waterproofs tested here and doesn’t skimp on features. Mesh-lined pockets double as vents to regulate your temperature, but will also receive the stuffed jacket for stowage. You get adjustable cuffs, drawcord hem, full-length stormflap and the best-fitting hood of this bunch. On fast-paced commutes and off-road epics, the proprietary Triplepoint fabric breathes like a dream, keeping you bone dry too. You’ll need additional reflectivity at night, otherwise it's the top performer. Sizes S-XXL; also in storm blue, dusky green and black (women’s version also available). JK

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Products WOMEN'S

Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier £53

Madison Stellar £69.99

Altura Sirrus £99.99

Salomon Azimuth £150

www.pearlizumi.com

www.madison.co.uk

www.zyro.co.uk

www.salomonsports.com

This sits at the lighter end of jackets we've come across, due mainly to its use of single-layer Elite fabric. It provides some protection against the elements, though the lightness of the fabric and lack of taped seams make it more suitable for showers than storms. The jacket looks more fetching than most, and has some nice details such as the patterned zip ﬂap and matching rear and sleeve reﬂective patches. There's also a rear zip pocket, soft-feel collar lining and elasticated cuffs. No, not the most robust jacket around, but a good-looking hoodless option that will pretty much squeeze in your pocket. Sizes S-XL; also in yellow or black. LL

Unveiled earlier this year, the Stellar is part of mega distributor Madison’s all-new line-up. Constructed from soft-touch M:Tec5000, the shape is great for riding with scooped hem, articulated sleeves and high, ﬂeece-lined collar; the size 12 came up a little big on our testers though. It’s got taped seams for keeping out the rain and a mesh liner to help transmit sweat the other way; pit-zips and a rear venting panel also help prevent clamminess. There’s a waterproof-zipped chest pocket, two-way main zip and an abundance of Scotchlite detailing. At night this was the most visible of all the jackets tested. A lot of protection for the money. Sizes 10-16; also in black. EL

Much like the Dhb men’s jacket below, the Sirrus is a pared down, lightweight waterproof, only instead this uses a breathable three-layer React Extreme material to great effect. The fabric feels incredibly smooth, making it super comfy in the saddle; the unfussy yet sleek design — no hood, pit-zips or additional venting — is also a winner. You don’t miss what you’ve not got. It does, however, feature two zipped handwarmer pockets and another at the rear. There subtle reﬂectivity too, along with matching adjustable cuffs, and toggle-tight collar and waist. For space-savers this is the one — it'll pack down into any rucksack or pannier. Sizes 12-16; also in black. LL

This is the snowsports brand's slimfit softshell made from Gore Windstopper fabric. Neither the material or its construction makes it waterproof, but that’s missing the point; it’s a tailored ‘active fit’ top that’s designed for cold and windy weather. Having said that, we have worn it through on-off drizzle without getting soaked through. It weighs only 300g, can be stuffed in a rucksack pocket and has decent reflectivity both front and back. Two hip pockets hide the hem adjuster cords and the neck has a chinguard to prevent ‘zip chafe’. If you want warm rather than waterproof, then this is the comfiest jacket you’ll find. Sizes XS-XL; also in black. EL

Dhb Wickham £119.99

Bspoke Holborn £129.99

Endura MT500 hooded £149.99

Gore Fusion £269.99

wwww.wiggle.co.uk

www.bspoke.cc

www.endura.co.uk

www.gorebikewear.com

Topping a highly rated own-brand clothing range is this classicly shaped, nigh-on bombproof jacket. It’s success is its simplicity — a great choice of fabric married to streamlined design. A super lightweight three-layer eVent shell, with fully taped seams and waterproof zips, meant we stayed completely dry in summer deluges but avoided boil-in-the-bag clamminess thanks to eVent’s excellent breathability. The adjustable drop-tail protects from rain spray, while the high, ﬂeece-lined collar keeps out the chill. It very nearly matches Gore-tex Paclite’s performance, but for signiﬁcantly less money — and that’s no mean feat. Sizes XS-XXXL; also in black. JK

The Holborn’s street styling means you’ll find pockets everywhere; three side handwarmers provide plenty of storage and sealed zips ensure your belongings remain dry. We also liked the internal MP3 and mobile phone holders. Reflective areas on the pack-away drop-tail and sleeve fasteners provide some visibility at night, but attaching the hood obscures the collar’s reflective area. Riding home in this seam-sealed 100 percent polyester shell during a storm, however, proved a clammy experience, despite keeping the pit-zips open. For short, occasional rides it's worth a look, but you’ll need a specialist jacket for real performance. Sizes M-XXL; also in stucco. MM

In mountain biking circles the MT500 is something of a seminal piece of kit. Off-road is certainly where its heart lies, however, it’s so well specced that other types of rider would be advised to try it. The Cordura shell makes it a middleweight here and it’s been more than a match for the Highlands this year; the roll-down hood's been a godsend, likewise the waterproof zipper and pit-zips — the Napoleon pocket even contains a handy glasses wipe on elastic. The main pockets are easily accessible with a pack on and have internal routing for MP3 'phones. Internal knit cuffs are great in freezing winds and the cut is spot-on. A tad more reﬂectivity would make it perfect. Sizes S-XXL; black only. JK

Although it comes at a very hefty price, the Fusion ranks as one of the best performing jackets we’ve tested. Underarm and back venting works with highly breathable Gore-tex to ensure we never got too sweaty. It’s a slim ﬁt but the ‘Comfort Mapping’ design is where it wins, putting different combinations of fabrics at various points on your body, eg the back and the rear of the arms are more breathable, while there’s extra waterprooﬁng on the front. And when the heavens opened, the integrated hood and stow-away drop-tail have been very welcome. Waterproof zips keep the contents of two roomy back pockets dry too. Our big bucks choice. Sizes S-XXL; also in bright green. MM

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Products

Fixtures and fittings With a few simple tweaks or additions you can make your bike more comfortable, convenient and safe Bikebin £35.50 Park Tool PCS10 Home Mechanic Repair stand £149.99

www.bikebins.com

www.parktool.com A proper, professional-style workstand allows you to fettle with your bike in comfort and it’s a sound investment if you’re partial to a spot of regular tinkering. The Park PCS10 will grip your bike at the pressure and position you want; the jaw covers are removable and won’t damage your bike's paintwork by clamping brake and gear cables against the frame. It even folds down so you can store and transport it easily.

Delta Airzound 3 Horn £26.99 www.ﬁsheroutdoor.co.uk

The Bikebin is a robust alternative to cloth panniers for less than half the price. Using the same 2.5mm polyethylene as many rubbish bins means a rigid construction that’s waterproof, lockable and easier to pack than a pannier. The sturdy mountings are quick and secure to use, though we weren’t quite as convinced by the build quality of the lid catches — one continually popped open while riding.

Be heard above the rush-hour racket with the ‘world’s loudest bike horn’. Adjust the volume from a quiet toot to a deafening 115-decibel blast and you’re sure to wake up the doziest bus and HGV drivers. And there’s no need to carry cartridges or batteries; you can pump up the volume to get over 30 blasts from air-drive Airzound with a Schrader bike pump.

Shimano PD-M324 pedals £54.99

Lumicycle LED3 spot £249.98

www.madison.co.uk

www.lumicycle.com

Which to choose — the convenience and ease of a flat pedal or the extra power and efficiency of a clipless SPD? Shimano’s sturdily constructed M324s give you the best of both worlds, meaning you can ride with cleats or normal shoes. The adjustable cleat tension is great if you’re just learning to ride clipless, and the Allen key fixing means you don’t need a pedal spanner.

This off-road lightset performs just as well around town, with even the lowest ‘commuting’ setting outshining one mainstream safety light; the ‘glow ring’ around the edge also gives extra side-on visibility. Battery life ranges from three hours in boost mode to 88 hours in ﬂashing mode, with three other modes available. If you really want to see and be seen, run two lamp units (£159.99 for another lamp) from a two-lead battery.

San Marco SKN £54.99 Madison G16 saddle £24.99 www.madison.co.uk Getting the right saddle is a matter of personal preference, but it’s one of the easiest ways to make your ride instantly more comfortable. There’s a huge choice available, but the San Marco is a stylish budget race saddle with a ‘love groove’ to protect your sensitive areas, but there’s little cushioning so you’ll need padding for longer rides. The Madison G16, on the other hand, offers the comfort of a gel saddle for leisure riding at a really attractive price.

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London Cyclist

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Culture From obsessive bike builders to pedal-powered cinema, we've got it covered Custom Bicycles: A Passionate Pursuit IF YOU EVER show this book to a bik bike enthusiast be sure to insis insist they wear a bib. Custom Bicycles is unadulterated drool material — photo after photo of the e most exotic, expensive and wo innovative work that the world’s custom builders’ deliver Titanium and exotic ex can deliver. steels feature prominently; British brand Atum22 even includes the atomic number of titanium in its name, and for a price that’s not mentioned you can have your logo or name engraved on a frame too. A few pages further on are the extraordinary bamboo bikes made by Craig Calfee in California. And from Colorado there's the jewel-like decorative precision of Columbine cycles which makes British ‘fancy lugged’ bikes of the ﬁfties and sixties look like restrained minimalism.

HEARTY DETAILING: on seat-stay bridge

Christine Elliot & David Jablonka

Released by an Australian publisher the book reveals some of the ﬁne craftsmanship from down-under including Llewellyn’s ornate cut-outs. And, of course, there are the paint jobs; the individually hand-painted frames of Italy’s Pegoretti are a hard act to beat but some will prefer the rich colours of Richard Sachs or Signal Cycles. Curiously the book includes very few British builders — perhaps there’s an opening for someone to document the vintage British THEREIN LIES MADNESS: bicycles that have become cult Calfee's bamboo bike objects on the ﬁxed and singlespeed scene?TB with genuine steerhorn bars

TOO GOOD TO RIDE: fancy seat-tube lugwork

Bicycle Diaries David Byrne £14.99 DAVID BYRNE IS familiar to many as the singer and creative muscle behind Talking Heads, the American band who lit up the ’70s and ’80s with their avant-garde brand of rock and world music. But Byrne is something of a polymath (musician, composer, photographer, artist and ﬁlm director), so it’s no surprise that he’s a pretty useful scribe too. The subject of this non-ﬁction work is the world as seen from his folding bicycle during numerous world tours. Cycling isn’t so much the subject as the prism through which Byrne sees his surroundings. As well as describing his bike journeys, he ruminates on the social and economic history of the urban landscape, as well as the odd assortment of people he meets there. Always entertaining, often enlightening, the Bicycle Diaries (is that a hat tip to another two-wheeled traveller Che Guevara or another New Yorker Jim Carroll?) are an accessible collection of global ruminations from this cycling anthropologist. As Byrne says: “Cities are manifestations of our deepest beliefs and our often unconcious thoughts.” Remember that next time you’re 42

London Cyclist

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£35

charging around Elephant & Castle roundabout. MC ■ 50% off for LCC members via www.faber.co.uk (use code LCC at the checkout)

BYRNE DONATION: this summer the author/ musician kindly auctioned off his folding bike on eBay, with all proceeds going to LCC. It raised £1,370 — many thanks David.

CROWNING GLORY: Columbine head-tube

Cycle Tour Cyc Mike W Wills £14.50 THIS B BOOK IS a celebr celebration of the mass Cape AArgus Cycle Tour in Sou South Africa, known affecti affectionately in roadie circles as simply ‘the Argus’. gus’. What began as a prote protest about the lack of facilities for cyclist cyclists on Cape roads inn the late 70s has ﬂourished ouris acts more than and now attracts 40,000 each March. In fact it sparked a revolut revolution in a country not reknowned for its bikesports to such an extent that it now boasts a Tour de France stage winner and mountain bike world champ. This beautifully shot book takes you on a ﬂy-by journey of the 109km course from old Cape Town to Table Mountain National Reserve, introducing the characters who turn up annually — 1,800 who've completed more than 15 tours are name-checked at the back — documenting their thrills, spills and odd steeds. Read it and change those L'Etape du Tour plans. JK

October-November 2009

8/9/09 23:40:49

Culture

Josie Dew

Two Wheels Matt Seaton £7.99 TO READERS OF the Guardian or the excellent Rouleur magazine, Seaton will be a familiar name and this paperback is essentially a ‘best of’ compilation of his columns for the broadsheet, supplemented by other essays and comment pieces. He is arguably one of the most influential writers on cycling today and here you’ll find his thoughts on everything from transport policy and urban cycling challenges to the mainstream sport and his rural adventures. But running alongside his campaigning commentary, it’s good to find admissions of geekiness in chapters like ‘Because we love the hardware’, or discussing ‘bike porn’

with a stranger at a classical concert, or giving vent to his feelings on current cycle culture and fashion. ed his observational style I’ve always liked und myself nodding in though and found recognition and agreement regularly, cursing occasionally, then smiling at something fairly innocuous. Like many of us, he's a man convinced that "the bicycle is truly an idea whose time has come (again)". And I've now got more room for a new one since I've decluttered those old cuttings. JK

Pedal powers ﬁlm night at Laban

IN EARLY AUGUST 100 people, including local MP Joan Ruddock (pictured above), turned out at the Laban Theatre in Deptford to watch The Age of Stupid, starring Pete Postlethwaite. What made it unique, however, was that the screening, hosted by Oxfam, was entirely pedalpowered — riders producing at least 200 watts at all times generated enough energy on turbo-trainers for the ﬁlm to run without a hitch.

Let Me Out: How to enjoy the school run Ann Kenrick £8.99 THOSE ACQUAINTED WITH the author (as a member of the LCC board) will know that she’s a strong advocate of sustainable transport and a parent of teenagers. Therefore it should come as no surprise that she’s written a guide to persuading parents to transport their kids to school without using a car. How many of us have had the desire to effect a change in our neighbourhood that we know is right, but are vexed by either apathy and objections from our peers, or an unfathomable bureaucracy? Well, this book is a comprehensive campaigning tool, giving any of one of us the ability to change school-run habits for the better. Starting from the premise that

ho would have thought that a bike trailer for carrying children would rate as a trend-setting object of desire? But earlier this summer in the Sunday Times Style magazine, a bike trailer, or 'toddler box', as they called top of the ‘Going Up’ list beating waistcoats (‘the new it, hit the to denim or leather’) and Sea New York (a ‘so-hot-it-hurts blazers in d new label aas seen on Chloe, Alexa et al’). According to Style, a toddler box is ‘the green way to do the school run’. spent the past couple of years dragging Molly, my two-yearI’ve spen old daughter, all over hill and pothole in one of these toddler boxes — well, a two-berth Burley d’Lite with flow-through mesh seat, rear cargo area and elastomer suspension, to be precise. This wonderful canvas contraption of a chariot has been the perfect way for carting Molly (and ten tonnes of toddler paraphernalia) about in all weathers and all seasons. I know mothers who, anxious to get their offspring asleep, strap their children into car seats and drive aimlessly around the neighbourhood until they get the desired result. But with a bike trailer, Molly gets to have her sleep while I get to have my much needed cycle. What could be better?

Diving right in

I’ve always been a big fan of bike trailers. I bought my first one when I was 14. It was called a Shuttle and was bright orange, made of fibreglass and came from Saffron Waldon in Essex. When I was 16 I set up a small cooking company and used it for transporting weighty crates of catering equipment and three-course meals to businesses all over central London. On the side, I would transform my trailer into a Bagel Buggy — and sell hot fresh bagels to swarms of shoppers in Camden Market and captive audiences, waiting in long winding queues outside cinemas in Leicester Square. Most of this Bagel Buggy selling was unlawful as I didn’t have a license, but that’s the advantage of a bike: if I spotted a copper coming to move me on, I’d flop down the lid of the trailer, jump on the saddle, and away I’d go. Once I even had to hide inside the trailer itself — luckily when it was food-less. I had pulled up alongside a skip at night and was helping myself to some old shelving turfed out of an office when two policemen rounded the corner of the street. Despite the recycling element, I knew you could get nicked from pinching from a skip, so with no time on my side, the easiest thing seemed to be to simply disappear inside my bike. I pulled down the lid and hid. The Plods plodded past and then I was back into the skip and two days later I had a raft of free shelves adorning my bike shed. ■ www.josiedew.co.uk

sustainable transport ‘works’, it explains how to sell the concept to sceptical parents and to tackle each potential objectionn in turn, using unﬂinching logic. It goes on to unravel plans the mysteries of school travel plans, along with all manner of other useful advice, such as strong communication and use of the media. The typography is a little basic and the photos haven’t come out that clearly, but these are small beer compared to this book's usefulness. MC October-November June-July 2009

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members’ Our new section provides everything you need to know about how to get the most from your LCC membership

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP OFFER You can now extend your Individual LCC membership to your whole family for only £12. Family membership usually costs £55, so you make great savings, while your family receives the same fantastic money-saving benefits and insurance cover as you. To apply, call LCC on 020 7234 9310 or visit www.lcc.org.uk/ membership

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP LCC is a campaigning charity significantly funded by your membership. We work to improve conditions for cyclists and to promote cycling throughout London.

INSURANCE & LEGAL: Third-party insurance If you cause damage to a person or their property while cycling, they may make a claim against you. As a member of LCC, you are covered for up to £5 million. If such an incident occurs, phone the LCC office for immediate advice and assistance.

Free legal advice If you need any legal assistance on cycling-related issues, please phone the LCC office and we will put you in touch with a cyclist-friendly solicitor.

pages

INFORMATION & CAMPAIGNING: Local groups LCC has a local group in every borough, plus the City of London. Groups campaign on local cycling issues, and also organise events, meetings, workshops and rides. See page 40 to find out what your local group is up to.

Maps LCC, in partnership with Transport for London (TfL), has produced free cycle maps that cover all of London. These can be ordered by phoning Transport for London on 020 7222 1234.

London Cyclist magazine This magazine is sent to members every two months. It is packed with news, features, cycling tips, product news and all the latest on our campaigns. It has been voted the number one benefit by our members.

How to join LCC If you like LC but you are not a member, why not join the campaign to receive the magazine every two months? Members also receive other benefits listed on this page. You can join on 020 7234 9310 or via www.lcc.org.uk/join

MINI CONTENTS 46-51 52-53 55 56-57

HOW TO HELP LCC GROW: Gift membership A gift membership to LCC will enable your friend or relative to enjoy year-round benefits. You will also receive a limited edition LCC T-shirt (while stocks last) — keep it for yourself or give it away as part of the gift. Call 020 7234 9310, and quote ‘gift membership’.

Theft and damage insurance

Volunteer with us

The new LCC urban cycling theft and damage insurance comes with a benefit unique to LCC members. If your bike gets stolen, vandalised or accidentally damaged, there is up to £50 ‘getting you home’ cover. Theft insurance costs about 10% of the value of your bike. For a quote, see www. urbancyclinginsurance.co.uk or call 01514 279 529. Have your membership number to hand.

Much of LCC’s work would not be possible without volunteers. Much of our membership, administration and campaigning work is carried out by volunteers — if you have any spare time and and would like to put it to good use, phone Matthew on 020 7234 9310. LC also relies on voluntary contributions — see www.lcc.org.uk/ londoncyclist

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Local group news Events calendar Community cycling Discounts listing

London Cyclist

9/9/09 12:24:28

Groups Groups

Local Group News Find out more at www.lcc.org.uk/localgroups Paul Hayward

BARKING & DAGENHAM www.stibasa.org.uk

As I write, the restoration of full access for cyclists to/from Ripple Road/Station Parade (Blakes Corner) in Barking is tantalisingly close. Access has never been fully taken away; I think B&D council simply forgot to exclude cyclists when they pedestrianised Barking town centre in the early 90s, though the one-way restrictions applied equally of course. Over the years, the council has made several attempts to ban cycling, and even put up ‘no cycling’ signs (which they then had to take down as they weren't backed up by traffic orders) a couple of times. Anyway, the recent restoration of two-way access is part of the East London Transit (ELT) 'bus that you mustn't call a bus' project. I'm afraid I can't give you a list of other benefits to cycling from this project. In fact, Sunningdale Avenue has been made no-entry at the Ripple Road end and other modest opportunities for improvement have not been taken — for example the re-opening of Park Avenue at its junction with Fanshawe Avenue (the council said it was for ELT to sort out and vice versa) and the junction of Fanshawe Avenue and Tanner Street where there's big build out, now all paved, with plenty of space for a cycle track across it. It wouldn't be a prize-winning cycle facility but every little would help. Ironically, the cutbacks in the spec of the ELT scheme under Boris means fewer of the originally planned anti-cycling measures have gone in. There might have been some new one-way flows and ‘no entry except buses’ restrictions to contend with if the original plans had been followed through; it seems the recession has proved an ally to cycling here, by default. MEETINGS: check website CONTACT: colin.newman@ stibasa.org.uk BLOG: www.stibasa.blogspot.com E-GROUP: http://groups.google. com/group/stibasa2 46

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NORTH BOUND: Brent Cyclists on a summer ride to Mill Hill

BARNET www.barnetlcc.org

Unfortunately it’s now time to prepare for winter, so do come along to our October evening meeting (Thurs 29) when we’ll have a talk/demonstration on lights and reflective gear to help keep you safe cycling through the winter dark. If that is too gloomy, come along to our November evening meeting (Thurs 26) to recall the summer sun with ‘Travellers Tales II’, where members give talks about their summer cycling holidays/ expeditions. This is a follow-on to ‘Travellers Tales I’ earlier in the year where topics included masochistic cycling in the Pyrenees and cycle camping in the UK. MEETINGS: last Thurs of the month, 8pm at Trinity Church Hall, Nether Street, N12 7NN. CONTACT: Jeremy Parker, 020 8440 9080.

currently — but we need people who know about bikes and would like to donate their time. ➤ Also in August we were recruiting and spreading the message at Brent Respect Festival, and by the time you read this we will have done similar at the popular Queens Park Festival. ➤ Do take the opportunity to take part in our Brent and Harrow mass ride down to the Skyride on 20 September — we'll even bring you back. Details on our website. MEETINGS: 7.30pm (preceded by business meeting at 6.30pm) on Tues 6 October, Weds 4 November & Tues 1 December at Samaritans Centre, 1 Leopold Road, NW10 9LN. CONTACT: Ben Tansley, 07941 050161; coordinator@brentcyclists. org.uk

exciting cycling venues. Club contact details on the website. ➤ Bromley BikeTube has been running on Tuesday mornings in September, departing Bromley South Station at 7am for Trafalgar Square, riding on the publicity generated by Cycle Fridays. ➤ The Women's Cycle Ride continues on Monday mornings at 9am from Alexandra Junior School, Penge. Andrew Fergar and team lead excellent longer tours around Kent — check website. MEETINGS: 7.30pm, second Weds, venue details on website. Other Weds meet at Bromley South Station for an easy ride to a pub and return — the 'Weekly Wander'. CONTACT: Charles Potter, 07951 780869; coordinator@bromley cyclists.org

BROMLEY

EALING

www.bromleycyclists.org

www.ealingcycling.org.uk

There will be a led ride on the proposed Cycle Superhighway Route 6 on 27 September, departing Crystal Palace Park cafe at 11am, making notes as we go, and having lunch together at the end of the Superhighway. ➤ The three new Go-Ride cycling clubs for children are expanding this school year, firstly by adding years 7 and 8 to the existing years 5 and 6 at The Priory School, Orpington; secondly, adding a Saturday club in December at The Priory. The other three clubs resumed from the beginning of this term and are open to new riders, with plans for visits to

A great summer of cycling events is drawing to a close. Our programme of family rides was very well attended by parents and children of all ages, helped by some glorious weather. Our social rides included the now legendary trip to Southall to sample the flavours of the Indian subcontinent. We also held a Dr Bike and information stall at Windmill Park’s Community Day in August and have been invited to West Ealing Community Day and Brentford Festival in September with a similar format. ➤ On 9 August we led two rides to Hounslow Skyride. We set off

BRENT www.brentcyclists.org.uk

Our coordinator for the past four years, Ben Tansley, has decided to step down. The work he has done in this time has really established Brent Cyclists as an active and sometimes influential local group, and he has our thanks. ➤ We held a small maintenance event in August which was well-received and we hope to be able to put this on a more regular footing, as there is little of this nature in this part of London

RACE HEADS: keen competition at the Bromley Go-Ride Bike Bash

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Groups Groups

HANDS UP IF YOU LOVE YOUR BIKE: happy faces at Bromley's Go-Ride Bike Bash in July

from the Town Hall with over 75 cyclists, and from Barra Hall Park with 50 cyclists, with more joining along the way. ➤ It has been a busy summer on the campaign front too. We've conducted a survey of cycle parking facilities in the borough’s stations and found insufficient parking at nine out of 24 of them. Providing cycle stands alone is not enough, though: if they are not well sited, cyclists use alternatives. ➤ We have suffered a set-back in the long campaign to secure wheeling ramps at Ealing Broadway station — First Great Western has turned down the project, citing safety reasons. How they expect people to access the proposed cycle stands within the station is anyone's guess... ➤ Cycle Superhighways have found their way onto our campaigning agenda. We're ignoring a sense of déjà vu and formulating ideas on how these might work for us out west. ➤ Social ride: first Sunday of the month, meet 10am at Ealing Town Hall, details on website MEETINGS: ﬁrst Weds, venue details on website. CONTACT: David Lomas, info@ ealingcycling.org.uk; David Eales, 07880 797437.

free. If you don't work for the council then why not encourage your own employer to offer a cycle to work scheme. And if you have some spare time, why not email your MP and ask them to apply pressure to the government to make this tax-free cycle scheme open to everybody, not just those fortunate enough to work for a cycle-friendly employer. ➤ Enfield Cycling Campaign — and sister organisation Edmonton Cycle Club — have a packed programme of rides and events through the autumn. Our local rides list can be found at www. edmontoncyclingclub.fsnet.co.uk MEETINGS: Thurs 1 October, 8pm at Winchmore Hill Cricket Club, Firs Lane, N21 3ER. Thurs 5 November, 8pm at The King William IV pub (upstairs), 192 Hertford Rd, Edmonton, N9 7HH. CONTACT: Richard Reeve (020 8363 2196, r.reeve@blueyonder.co.uk)

for the best blackberries and eventually filled our boots at Crossness. There was an open day at the steam engine pumping station, but still no access from the riverside which loses them scores of potential visitors. We took lunch in the rose garden of The Leather Bottle in Belvedere, where the birdcages now stand silent but the water fountain still trickles the memory of elegant if eccentric times past. We returned via the heights of Bostall Wood to Plumstead, pausing in Woolwich to admire the first phase of Gordon Square’s redevelopment — a gigantic television screen — and causing much merriment to a drunk reclining on a bench. Hope to see you all next time. ➤ Next rides: our feeder rides into London Skyride on 20 Sept. MEETINGS: see website. CONTACT: Anthony Austin, 07740 434078.

GREENWICH

HACKNEY

www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk

www.hackney-cyclists.org.uk

On Sunday 23 Aug, we enjoyed a ride from Cutty Sark Gardens along the Thames Path searching

“Not on the A10 unless you scrap the gyratory!” That's the message Hackney Cyclists is sending to

ENFIELD www.lccenﬁeld.fsnet.co.uk

We were delighted to hear that, following pressure from Enfield Cycling Campaign, the London Borough of Enfield's ‘Cycle 2 Work’ scheme is now up and running. That's good news for employees of Enfield Council (including schools and teaching staff), who will now be able to buy a new bike and accessories tax

EALING COMEDY: ECC Skyride marshals with SpongeBob SquarePants

Transport for London in response to the proposal for a Cycle Superhighway between Tottenham and the City. With the Stoke Newington gyratory still in place, a high capacity route is simply not feasible. TfL rejected removing this abominable one-way system last year, but must reconsider its decision now. You only have to look a couple of miles south for inspiration, where the scrapping of the Shoreditch gyratory in 2002 vastly improved conditions for walking, cycling and buses. ➤ At our monthly meeting on Wednesday 7 October, we will be holding elections for co-ordinator (chair), secretary, treasurer, and other committee posts. If you're an LCC member living in the borough, please consider getting involved and taking on one of these positions — volunteers are the lifeblood of the campaign. Contact the current co-ordinator to find out more. ➤ Finally a warm Hackney Cyclists’ welcome to London Cycling Campaign's HQ, which is moving to Shoreditch. It's very appropriate for LCC to be making its new home in a borough where cycling levels are four times the London average and growing faster than anywhere else in the country. It's a pity LCC wasn't able to make Bermondsey Street two-way for cycling during its stay there, but no need to worry about Eagle Wharf Road — we had that returned to two-way working a couple of years ago. MEETINGS: ﬁrst Weds, 7.30pm at Marcon Court Estate Community Hall, near corner of Amhurst Road and Marcon Place E8. CONTACT: Trevor Parsons, 020 7729 2273, info@hackneycyclists.org.uk

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London Cyclist

8/9/09 00:15:34

Groups Groups Trevor Parsons

HACKNEY CARRIAGE: a vintage Indonesian rickshaw being ridden around a sun-drenched London Fields

E-NEWSLETTER: send blank email to hackney-lcc-subscribe@ yahoogroups.com

HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM www.hfcyclists.org.uk

There has been a consultation on introducing a shared space along the river by the Old Ship pub. Let's hope that this design comes to fruition and legitmises what is currently a ‘de facto’ shared space. The route is widely used by leisure cyclists and families at the weekend as well as by commuters. ➤ The bridge from Westfield over the A3220 to the Edward Woods Estate is expected to open in September or October of this year. But what about the steps/ramp on the eastern side. LBHF will look at this after it has opened; at the moment it’s like an alpine descent with hairpin bends. Will this really be suitable, safe and fit for purpose? MEETINGS: ﬁrst Tues, see website for details. CONTACT: John Grifﬁths, 020 7371 1290 or 07789 095748; john@truefeelings.com

within the council; review road schemes; offer help with bike maintenance. ➤ We also have an email group which you can join via http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ harrowcyclists MEETINGS: second Weds, 7.30pm at The Village Inn, Rayners Lane, HA5 5DY. CONTACT: Colin Waters, 07799 537504; waters.colin@gmail.com

ISLINGTON www.icag.org.uk

Do you cycle along the canal towpath in Islington? Are you interested in trying to ensure that all towpath users are treated with due consideration and respect? If so, perhaps you would like to get involved with the ‘Two Tings’ campaign that British Waterways is running, which we've been part of since it started several years ago. Please get in touch to find out more. ➤ ICAG has been invited to join to the Highbury Fields Management Committee which

chiefly aims to deliver the priorities set out in the report A Vision for Highbury Fields, produced in July 2007. Do contact us with any suggestions you have for this area. ➤ Is the A1 a suitable route for one of the mayor's Cycle Superhighways? We wonder if the money might be better spent improving other more suitable roads and welcome your views. MEETINGS: 7.30-9.30pm on second Weds (14th October, 11th November, 9th December) at Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD. CONTACT: Alison Dines, 020 7226 7012; alisondines@clara.co.uk

KINGSTON www.kingstoncycling.org.uk

The new experimental contraflow cycle lane on King Charles Road bridge is proving to be a little controversial with some drivers. It took nearly 15 years to get to this stage — it would be a shame for it to be taken away. We’d urge you to write or email Cllr Frances Moseley and Cllr Yogan Yoganathan (co-chairs of the Surbiton neighbourhood) in support of the scheme. See the news page on our website for contact details. ➤ We’ve seen proposals to make Albert Road in Kingston mostly two-way, so we asked why not provide a contra-flow bike lane and make all of it open to cyclists? Seems the council is still thinking of a reason why not. Nearby, the issue of cycling across the Fairfield has reared its head. We’re asking why, if councillors okayed it, the council haven’t implemented it? ➤ Surbiton railway station is due to get a compound with entry

HARROW www.lcc.org.uk/localgroups

This autumn the Harrow Cyclists group is being re-launched. Our first goal is to increase our membership, so if you live in the area and can offer time to do any of the following please do get in contact: design flyers advertising the group; edit a newsletter; build the group website; deliver flyers to bike shops & local community groups to attract new members; lead group rides; build contacts 48

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AT LAST: after 15 years' campaigning for it, Kingston Cyclists celebrate the opening of a contra-ﬂow cycle lane at Surbiton

restricted to registered bike owners. Quite how much this will cost users isn’t yet clear — let's hope it works. ➤ The fire gate at the junction of Skerne Road and Down Hall Road was recently replaced with some bollards. Unfortunately the council neglected to re-design the entry to the cycle track there which risked leading bikers onto the wrong side of the road. We alerted them and it’s due to get some better markings. ➤ At the time of writing the local neighbourhood committee was considering LCN+ proposals for cycle lanes between the Fountain Roundabout and the A3 Malden Junction. Also up for approval are side road entry treatments to slow vehicles as they turn off and onto Kingston Hill. Again, this would be paid for through LCN+ funding if approved. ➤ We have a one-day basic maintenance course on 7 Nov — contact Kingston Adult Education to enrol (020 8547 6700). See website for more news. MEETINGS: 8:30pm on 12 October and 10 November at the Waggon & Horses pub, Surbiton Hill Rd. CONTACT: Rob James, 020 8546 8865

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA www.lcc.org.uk/localgroups

By the time you read this you’ll hopefully see that our next meeting will be a joint one with Westminster LCC. Both groups have been alternating meetings, which has proved very successful — all are welcome! Note our new venue for November' meeting. ➤ Our next ride will be ‘Parks of North London’, continuing the popular theme of riding the capital's parks. This will be about 26 easy-paced miles — meet Kensington Gardens Broad Walk by café, 09.00am on Sunday 4 October; return by train from New Barnet. MEETINGS: Weds 7 October (with Westminster LCC group), 7.00pm at 53-54 Haymarket SW1Y 4RP (check their website: www. westminstercyclists.org.uk). Also Mon 2 November, 7.00pm at Market Restaurant, upstairs at The Barkers Building, 63-97 Kensington High Street, W8 5SE. CONTACT: Philip Loy, 07960 026450; philip_loy@yahoo.co.uk

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Groups G roups

LAMBETH

LOCAL GROUP IN FOCUS

www.lambethcyclists.org.uk

LEWISHAM www.lewishamcyclists.net

Saturday 11 July saw the Annual Lewisham People's Day and although the sun did not shine all day, our very own Paul Taylor had plenty of helpers to plug Lewisham Cyclists. Together with the police and HGV campaigns, it was an holistic approach to promote cycling across the borough. ➤ Don't forget to check out our rides and events on the website. MEETINGS: ﬁrst Weds, venue details on website. CONTACT: katie.williams@ lycos.com

MERTON www.mertoncyclists.org.uk

The Mayor of Merton is going to attend and get cycling in Morden Hall Park at the ‘Mayor of Merton Charity Cycle Ride’ on Sunday 11 October, which lasts for about four hours in the afternoon. ➤ Perhaps by then we shall all know the future of Martin Way; strange how authorities can

Lionel Shapiro

It was a relatively quiet August but we still managed to get some interesting ideas about ‘social networking’ discussed at our monthly meeting. We kicked off another set of popular bike maintenance classes in September, with another to follow in November — if you’re interested, get in touch! ➤ Around this time of year we also start thinking about a rides programme for next year. Our Architecture Rides have been phenomenally successful and have even been emulated by others. If you have ideas for rides and might even like to lead one, get in touch. You’re always welcome to our monthly meetings in The Priory Arms in Stockwell (see below); they’re open to all and friendly, with a social drink afterwards. Don’t forget our monthly rides, see website for details. MEETINGS: third Tues (20 October and 17 November), 7.30pm upstairs at The Priory Arms, 83 Lansdowne Way, SW8 2PB. CONTACT: Philip Loy, 020 8677 8624; lambeth_cyclists@hotmail.com

Camden www.camdencyclists.org.uk

‘Permeability’ isn’t an easy concept to explain until you see how it works from the saddle. A new link for cyclists and pedestrians between Agar Grove and Camley Street, NW1, opening up a traffic-free route from the north to Kings Cross/St Pancras stations is a defining example of ‘permeability’ in practice. After long years of campaigning, CCC was delighted to see Camden council opening the new 150-metre link on 7 August. The new route between east Camden and St Pancras Station siphons cyclists off busy roads and shortens the route to the City. It also allows footpath access for walkers to the Camley Street Nature Reserve, the British Library and St Pancras Church gardens. To join the link northbound, go to the top end of Camley Street and to join it southbound, go to the point where Murray Street meets Agar Grove — the entry is on the south side of Agar Grove, opposite the Murray pub. Making streets ‘permeable’ to cyclists is usually seen in terms of small measures — two-way cycle routes on one-way streets, dropped kerbs and so on — but this ambitious project unstops the blockage caused by a five metre height difference between two streets which goes back 150 years almost to the building of the railway. The £500,000 scheme has been finished to a high standard and allows for separate two-way paths for cyclists and pedestrians, divided by a white line. From Camley Street it rises along the edge of the embankment, supported on deliberately put up something that does not meet their standards, and at the same time fret over the health and safety aspects of a Charity Cycle Ride route. ➤ We have had a flurry of activity over the A3/A24 Cycle Superhighway proposals which has been the subject of ‘consultations’ between TfL and LCC, our Hugh Morgan bearing the brunt of the work for Merton Cycling Campaign. But at least

FIRST TIMERS: sampling new link

I NOW DECLARE: open season

CROSS THE TRACKS: the new 'Agar Link' shortens journeys into the city

a cantilevered structure. Our only small complaint is the antimotorcycle barriers at each end which are over-speciﬁed and annoying for cyclists. The map on the Eurostar website shows the importance of this link — www.eurostar. com/pdf/stations/SPI_Cyclist_ routes_map.pdf. Before it was opened, it was necessary to use a trafﬁc-heavy diversion via Barker Drive and St Pancras Way. ➤ Camden Cyclists are coordinating the Cycle Fridays from Swiss Cottage and until 2 October we will be leaving at 8am from Swiss Cottage tube station (Hampstead Theatre) and MCC were at the scenes of the CRIM (Cycle Route Inspection Meetings). ➤ Not much sign of the new sinusoidal speed cushions, but they do make cycling over traffic humps (and maintaining an assertive position) much more comfortable. MEETINGS: check website. CONTACT: Charles Barraball, 07590 077445 or 020 8949 0708; charles@barraball.com

heading for Holborn and the City. ➤ We have completed our response about changes on the segregated cycle lane at Torrington Place. Based on email discussions and a user survey we have rejected the proposal that cyclists should give way, instead proposing turning restrictions for motorists. MEETINGS: our next meetings are 12 Oct and 9 Nov at Primrose Hill Community Association, 29 Hopkinsons Place (off Fitzroy Rd), NW1 8TN. CONTACT: Stefano Casalotti, 020 7435 0196; stefano@ lamsam-casalotti.org.uk. Or Jean Dollimore, 020 7485 5896.

RICHMOND www.richmondlcc.org.uk

The technical working group met with some officers from TfL’s Centre of Cycling Excellence who gave us a list of their current and proposed schemes for Richmond. They included changes to most of the roundabouts on the A316, moving the toucan on Clifford Avenue, a crossing on the A316 at

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London Cyclist

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Groups OTHER GROUP CONTACTS BEXLEY Contact: Frances Renton, 01322 441979; f.renton@gol.ac.uk Website: www.lcc.org.uk/localgroups CITY CYCLISTS Website: www.citycyclists.org.uk CROYDON Contact: info@croydon-lcc.org.uk Website: www.croydon-lcc.org.uk HARINGEY Contact: R White; robert.hcc@virgin.net Website: www.lcc.org.uk/localgroups HILLINGDON Contact: Sarah James, 020 8868 2912, or Steve Ayres, 01895 230 953 HOUNSLOW Website: www.lcc.org.uk/localgroups

COPY DEADLINE For Dec/Jan issue: 23 October Send your copy and photos to: editorlondoncyclist@yahoo.com

CONTACT: Barry Mason, 07905 889005; info@southwarkcyclists. org.uk

www.cyclismsutton.org.uk

Trevor Lenthall wants to meet members, so let me know when you can come if meeting in central Sutton. ➤ Consultations open til second week Sept concern (i) Brunswick Rd Cycle Lane, and (ii) Local Safety Scheme — High St. Sutton ( Crown Rd to Angel Hill). ➤ Elsewhere, Wandle Trail’s signing is complete, so we need feedback on any corrections; Brunswick Road contra-flow and Carshalton Park Road cycle gap should be finished 2009; tendering for the Hackbridge railway bridge is now on; we’re still campaigning for Mile Road bridge to be opened for cyclists; and in Sutton propose route 2 should use High Street southbound and Greenford Road northbound; more cycle parking planned for the High Street. ➤ LIPs — need to go for big flexible projects. Cycling to be put into corridors and neighbourhoods, eg Wallington. Next year’s schemes include Mellows Park and Redford Ave contra-flow, and Elm Road West Rec cycletrack. MEETINGS: second Tues, from 8.30pm at the Robin Hood Pub, at junction of Robin Hood Lane & West Street. CONTACT: Chris Parry, 020 8647 3584; cyclism@blueyonder.co.uk

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We continue to be involved with the progress of the pilot Cycle Superhighway project (East End/ A13) — this is being championed for LCC by Rik Andrews, who is valiantly attempting to get TfL to recognise that to make a difference some bold steps are required. Tower Hamlets council has produced a bold statement too, with a draft paper ‘Cycling Connections’ which contains their vision for the next 10 years. We reviewed and commented on the document and were generally impressed by what we saw. ➤ We are also responding to various Olympics-related projects, the latest being improving the link between the Greenway and Victoria Park. ➤ Over the summer we've been busy Dr Biking, and have had some tough days trying to get the youth of Tower Hamlets back on the road. The kids' bikes round here seem to come with two flat tyres and only one brake block (and no cable to pull it with), but we think we're making progress. Our monthly workshop continues, on last Saturdays at Limehouse Town Hall, and very happily caters for all-comers, not just the youth. ➤ Our rides programme continues, with well-supported trips recently to Brighton, the Crossness Sewage works (we know how to show people a good time), and the Wheelers classic canal jaunt to the Ace Cafe. MEETINGS: second Weds, from 7.30-9pm at St Margaret's Hall, 21 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green. CONTACT: Owen, 07903 018970; enquiries@towerhamletswheelers. org.uk

WALTHAM FOREST www.wfcycling.org.uk

www.southwarkcyclists.org.uk

www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk

SUTTON

SOUTHWARK Our reborn newsletter — The Needle — now goes to every Southwark councillor, library and

TOWER HAMLETS

Aneeta

Meadway and many others. We gave our comments and hope they will be taken on board. ➤ Lots of new parking popping up around the borough — send your opinions to the council’s cycling officer, robert.parsey@ richmond.gov.uk. ➤ A new maintenance workshop has started up, it runs bi-weekly from Wednesday 2 September from 8-10pm at the Long Room, All Hallows Church, Erncroft Way, Twickenham TW1 1EW. Come along and fix your own bike under the supervision of a qualified mechanic. All are welcome; more details on the blog or email for info. ➤ The Cycle Ambassador Scheme is still running (more details are on the blog), with a prize draw for all who enter. For details of our rides, to take part in the campaign or just to say hello, come to our meetings. MEETINGS: second Mondays, 8pm at The Ship Inn in Richmond. CONTACT: 07976 294626; info@ richmondlcc.co.uk WEBSITE: www.richmondlcc.co.uk GENERAL BLOG: http://richmond cc. blogspot.com/ RIDES BLOG: http://richmondcc rides.blogspot.com/

most bike shops. Five hundred tasty flyers went the same way as 27 August saw the first of our paid-for year of small ads in every Thursday's unmissable Southwark News. ➤ October's looking mellow fruitful with our Afterworker to Cycle Systems' Dr Bike School on 1 October, Fright Ride Three led by Chris Roberts of One-Eyed Grey fame on 29 October, our Whitstable sleepover weekend on 3/4 October, Annual Meeting and elections as we all get fired and voted in/out on 14 October, our almost-monthly-always-full fourth Tuesday maintenance classes at On Your Bike starting both 29 September and 27 October. Plus there’s our short Afterworker to Jeremy Harte's ‘Keep Death Off The Road’ talk to the south-east London Folklore Society on 8 October which is about outcast burials (up creaky stairs at the Kings Head in the heart of outlaw Southwark). ➤ More and more partners then so that, for example, Rotherhithe's Brunel Museum (the eighth wonder of the world) opened up its shaft for people to climb into for the first time ever on Open House weekend — but as we were preoccupied at lovely Bermondsey Festival and Skyride they opened specially to us on the Thursday beforehand for our Afterworker. And yes, we will be helping to push bike polo locally. MEETINGS: second Wednesdays, 6.30pm at Better Bankside, The Community Space, Great Guildford Street/Zoar Street corner, London SE1 0TF.

DR BIKE: one of several dozen sessions held with LCC groups this summer

Although the summer in Waltham Forest has been quiet, we had some good events and have prepared for a hectic September and October. The annual Green Fair attracted many people despite the wet weather and our stall was as busy as ever. ➤ We have produced a report following our Movers & Shakers rides during Bike Week, convinced that new relationships

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Groups Owen

BEACH BUMS: members of Tower Hamlets Wheelers relax after their summer ride to Brighton

formed with councillors and officers will bear fruit. ➤ On the cycle facilities front we now have a resurfaced Markhouse road. The layout there is somewhat experimental and we welcome any feedback people want to give. The oddly-shaped cycle lanes and misplaced cycle logos are yet to be fixed and officers and engineers are very supportive. ➤ For the first time we have teamed up with the fabulous E17 Art Trail, demonstrating cycling as by far the best way of getting to any of the 180 exhibitions. Participants have been encouraged to decorate their bikes, with the lucky winner receiving a years' free LCC membership. ➤ Due to lack of volunteers we have decided to focus on the carfree day festival in Leytonstone (20 September) and not lead feeder rides to the Skyride. ➤ Our rides coordinator Tony Fincham has worked hard to come up with exciting autumn rides. Brace yourself for 'The Battle Of Barnet' (11 Oct), The 'Wat Tyler Meet' (15 Nov) and the legendary 'Cycling Santas' (5 Dec). We will also have our first big social, the 'cycleXchange' on 22 Oct at Ye Olde Rose & Crown in Walthamstow. Everyone is welcome. MEETINGS: second Wednesdays, 8pm at the Hornbeam Centre, E17. CONTACT: Robert Vaughan, 020 8520 8858; wfcycling@wfcycling. org.uk

WANDSWORTH www.wandsworthcyclists.org.uk

We had a busy summer with our ‘Ting Ting Tooting’ project — where we focused on encouraging cycling in Tooting by manning stalls, running a poster campaign and organising social rides for those new to cycling. As part of the project we also persuaded the encouragingly committed staff and students of St George’s Medical School and of Graveney School to join us on our ride from Tooting to the London Skyride on 20 September (follow-up details in next issue). This route follows the proposed first Cycle Superhighway in London — it’s planned to run through Tooting from May next year. Fingers crossed. ➤ We’re also in touch with Wandsworth Council over its approach to cycle training, trying to persuade them to follow the lead of other local boroughs, who pro-actively encourage one-toone training at a time to suit the person seeking training. ➤ The summer social meetings were held in some new pubs this year, to keep everyone on their toes, and as usual were extra-well attended. This autumn we’ll be getting more involved in the 20mph campaign, as well as keeping an eye on roadworks that affect local cyclists, particularly those on Queenstown Road and on the suggested bus/cycle contraflow on Prince

of Wales Drive. MEETINGS: see website. CONTACT: Simon Merrett, 020 8789 6639; coordinator@ wandsworthcyclists.org.uk

WESTMINSTER www.westminstercyclists.org.uk

Rather like buses, you can wait years for a new cycle scheme in Westminster and then three come along at once. Cyclists are now allowed to turn right at Parliament Square from Bridge Street into Parliament Street; this means a quicker and safer journey for cyclists riding from Westminster Bridge towards Whitehall, who previously had to go the whole way round Parliament Square. And after many delays, work has now started on a cycle crossing of the Bayswater Road just west of Marble Arch, replacing the zebra crossing at that point. In addition, a cycle contra-flow is being installed along Long Acre from Bow Street to Drury Lane, opening up a new route from the Leicester Square area to Lincoln's Inn Fields. ➤ Look out for more Dr Bike sessions around the Royal Parks in the week beginning 5 October. MEETINGS: Weds 7 October, 7pm at Heart of London Business Alliance, London House, 53-54 Haymarket, SW1Y 4RP. CONTACT: Colin Wing, 020 7828 1500; cyclist@westminster cyclists.org.uk 51

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Events Your bimonthly guide to the best rides and events around the capital IN BRIEF Dreams On Wheels comes to City Hall As part of London’s summer of cycling, an exhibition has been unveiled at City Hall exploring contemporary urban cycling culture in London and Copenhagen. Dreams on Wheels is organised by the GLA and the Embassy of Denmark and is designed to share knowledge between the two cities where cycling is celebrated, and to encourage more people to try out two wheels. The London incarnation, which runs until 2 October, is part of the prologue to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen later this year. London's mayor, Boris Johnson, said: “There's more rain in Copenhagen than in London, yet cycling there has become part of the fabric of the city, whereas here many are yet to join the cycling revolution. I hope this exhibition will get more people in the saddle.”

LISTINGS: RIDES & EVENTS ➤ ➤ For the latest info on cycle rides and events, updated daily, visit www.lcc.org.uk/rides Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September ➤ 'Build Moore' London to Paris Ride: 3-dayer in aid of Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research. Contact: Emma Harris (020 7438 5577); emma.harris@cancer.org.uk Sunday 27 September ➤ Bread Pudding Challenge Ride: 10.30am Kingston Market Place. Easy paced. Contact: John Dunn (020 8397 1875); johnedunn@blueyonder.co.uk Monday 28 September ➤ Women's Cycle Ride: 9am, Alexandra Junior School, Cator Road, London SE26. Approx 1.5hrs. Contact: Charles Potter (07951 780869); cyclovic@yahoo.co.uk Tuesday 29 September ➤ Bromley BikeTube: 13-miler to Trafalgar Square for new commuters. Met 7am, Bromley South Station. Contact: Charles Potter (07951 780869); coordinator@ bromleycyclists.org.uk Saturday 3 October ➤ Just Bike Ride: 50km or 100km mountain bike ride across Marlborough

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Film fest rides again THE LONDON LEG of the Bicycle Film Festival returns from 23-27 September and looks set to attract record numbers of avid movie-goers. Launching with an east-to-west ride on Wednesday evening, followed by an afterparty, the films themselves kick off on Thursday and continue on through to Saturday. As usual the festival mixes celluloid action with a range of other SHOWING SOON: Where Are You Go? documents a 7,000-mile expedition across Africa cycle-related activites, including a Rollashown over the four days, all at paluza competition on Festival's London event and they the Barbican Centre and tickets Friday night, and a Rapha Ride are looking for volunteers to help are available at www.bicyclefilm and BMX street jam on Saturday run the valet bicycle parking and festival.com. morning. There’s also a bike polo sell raffle tickets. Kryptonite will comp on Sunday morning — ➤ Re-Cycle, the charity that be organising things and bringing anyone interested should register ships used bikes to Africa (www. all the equipment, even supplying at polo@bicyclefilmfestival.com. re-cycle.org) is again the chosen t-shirts. So if you can help, A total of eight films will be contact rita@re-cycle.org. charity of the Bicycle Film Downs, from Coate Water Country Park, Swindon in aid of Unicef. Contact: cycling@ unicef.org.uk Sunday 4 October ➤ Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice Ride: 12 or 24 miles for local charity. Starts 9.30am from three points: Greenwich (Cutty Sark), Woolwich Arsenal and Erith (Morrisons). Contact: Howard King (020 8319 9230); howardking@gbch. org.uk

Black Park Country Park, Bucks. Multievent 'challenge' day with ex-Scotland rugby player, Kenny Logan. Contact: tristan@sparks.org.uk

10.30am Kingston Market Place. Easy paced 25-30-miler. Contact: John Dunn (020 8397 1875); johnedunn@blueyonder. co.uk

Sunday 11 October ➤ Bread Pudding Train-Assisted Ride: 9.45a, Surbiton Railway Station. Easypaced ride into Hants countryside. Contact: John Dunn (020 8397 1875); johnedunn@ blueyonder.co.uk

Sunday 1 November ➤ Burnham Beeches: 10.45am, Richmond station. Contact: Paul Luton (020 8977 4016); paul@pluton.eclipse.co.uk

Sunday 4 October ➤ Wandle Wander: 10.45am, Richmond Little Green (by library). Contact: Paul Luton (020 8977 4016); paul@pluton.eclipse. co.uk

Sunday 17 October ➤ Coffee at the Palace: 10.45am, Mortlake Green (lower end). 8-miler along Thames to visit Fulham Palace. Contact: Paul Luton (020 8977 4016); paul@pluton. eclipse.co.uk

Tuesday 6 October ➤ Hackney Cycle Workshop: 7pm, The Kings Centre, Frampton Park Baptist Church, Frampton Park Road, E9 7PQ. Contact: Adam (07940 121513); hackneybikeworkshop@googlemail.com

Tuesday 20 October ➤ Hackney Cycle Workshop: 7pm, The Kings Centre, Frampton Park Baptist Church, Frampton Park Road, E9 7PQ. Contact: Adam (07940 121513); hackneybikeworkshop@googlemail.com

Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October ➤ Essex/Suffolk Weekend Away: based in bunkhouse near Manningtree, choice of two rides each day. Cost £55, includes b&b plus one communal evening meal. Contact: Caroline Fenton (07967 139491); caroline@wheelers.org.uk

Saturday 24 October ➤ Sutton basic bike maintenance course: 9.45am-noon at Sutton West Centre, Robin Hood Lane, SM1 2SD. £10 per head, with family discounts. Contact: 020 8647 3584; cyclism@blueyonder. co.uk; www.cyclismsutton.org.uk

Saturday 10 October ➤ Logan's Challenge: 9am registration,

Sunday 25 October ➤ Bread Pudding Challenge Ride:

Tuesday 3 November ➤ Hackney Cycle Workshop: 7pm, The Kings Centre, Frampton Park Baptist Church, Frampton Park Road, E9 7PQ. Contact: Adam (07940 121513); hackneybikeworkshop@googlemail.com Sunday 8 November ➤ Bread Pudding Challenge Ride: 10.30am, Kingston Market Place. Medium paced 30-miler. Contact: John Dunn (020 8397 1875); johnedunn@blueyonder.co.uk Tuesday 17 November ➤ Hackney Cycle Workshop: 7pm, The Kings Centre, Frampton Park Baptist Church, Frampton Park Road, E9 7PQ. Contact: Adam (07940 121513); hackneybikeworkshop@googlemail.com Sunday 22 November ➤ Bread Pudding Autumn Special: 10.30am and 2pm, Kingston Market Place. 2 easy-paced half-day rides. Contact: John Dunn (020 7397 1875); johnedunn@ blueyonder.co.uk

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Events

West End treasure hunt CYCLE CLOTHING AND accessories brand Cyclodelic celebrated its website launch with a photo-themed treasure hunt in central London in late August. The evening event visited Selfridges, Regent’s Park and The London College of Fashion, ending with an prize ceremony at Velorution bike shop in Bloomsbury. The hunt involved the 40 or so participants working in teams to complete a series of tasks — for example, photographing fellow Londoners, creating their own decorative badges, and completing a timed bicycle polo course. Competitors were encouraged to dress up for the event and prizes were given for the most stylish attire and most creative photograph taken during the evening.

MALLET MAYHEM: on polo course

Cyclodelic founder Amy Fleuriot said: “It wasn't a race, just an excuse to get outside, meet new people and have some fun.” Look out for more London cycle-themed extravaganzas on the new website at www. cyclodelic.co.uk.

Discounted Cycle Show tickets for LCC members ALL LCC MEMBERS (including corporate affiliates) are eligible for discounted tickets to this year's Cycle Show. If you buy them in advance (use the code LCC at www.cycleshow.com), you pay just £10, a fiver's saving on the door price. The Cycle Show takes place at Earls Court from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October. This year you’ll get the chance to try out 2010 commuter and mountain bikes on the test tracks; take part in a new indoor time trial; check out the latest clothing, shoes and accessories in the Cycle Store; watch spectacular stunt displays on the BMX street course. And, if you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot cycling celebs such as

Victoria Pendleton, Eddy Merckx, Jamie Staff, Nicole Cooke and the Atherton family. Fresh from his recent victory in Canberra, new mountain bike world champion, Steve Peat, is also hoping to put in an appearance. ➤ LCC is organising a femalefocused guided ride to the Cycle Show from a central London location. Everyone who takes part in the ride will get discounted entry to the show and will have the chance to win some great prizes, including a brand new bike. Find more details on www.lcc.org.uk/events.

Get spooked at the Hill WITH HALLOWEEN FALLING on a Saturday this year, the guys at Rollapaluza have decided to hold a ‘Muddy Hell’ cyclocross event at Herne Hill stadium. It’s their first event in a different cycling discipline and the course has been planned to run through the bar tent. There’s £1,000 in cash prizes up for grabs

in the racing, plus prizes for fancy dress, youth events, apple bobbing, mulled cider, beer, BBQ, hot drinks and waffles. If you want to compete but don't hold a British Cycling licence there will be a specially priced event just for novice riders. The fun starts at 5pm and is being sponsored by Tour de Ville. For more details, go to www.rollapaluza.com October-November 2009

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London Cyclist

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Community cycling Updates on key local projects around the capital CC is influential in spreading cycling culture to harder-to-reach communities in London. We work closely with Transport for London and the Big Lottery Fund to

manage the Community Cycling Fund for London, a scheme that awards deserving groups grants of up to £5,000 from an overall total of nearly £250,000.

Bikeworks wins Special Olympics accreditation

EVANS ABOVE: participants get ready for a long day in the saddle

Townmead team tackles latest Evans challenge ■ PROJECT Townmead Youth project, Hammersmith & Fulham ■ PURPOSE Get young people and their community cycling ■ AWARDED £2835 ■ ACTIVITIES Cycle training, social rides & workshop sessions THIS MONTH A group of young people from Townmead Youth project headed to the Evans Cycles ‘Ride It’ event in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire. Community cycling assistant Mags Reinig said: “They were horrified at the thought of having to arrive at the club at 9am on a Sunday, but they made it on time nonetheless.” The early start was needed to allow time to reassemble their bikes, get route maps and ID cards before setting off on the

15- or 30-mile circuits. The Ride It! events are organised by the bike shop chain across the UK, and this was the first time an LCC community project had tackled one of the challenging courses. Reinig added: “The youth club gives these kids a great chance to get away from the city environment for a day, and solve all kinds of problems like fixing broken bikes, and climbing big hills. “Seeing the sun shine as the riders cycled up the final hill and high-fived each other gave us all a warm glow. Some of these kids come from tough homes, so it’s great to know we’ve helped them to be inspired by simply riding a bike.” ■ www.evanscycles.com/ride-it

COMMUNITY CYCLING PROVIDER Bikeworks has received official accreditation to the Special Olympics Programme, allowing more athletes with learning disabilities to get active. Based in the East End, Bikeworks has created a structured training programme for potential athletes, providing them with an opportunity to take part in sport, regardless of ability. Individuals are invited to twice-monthly Saturday sessions for the opportunity to compete at regional or national events. The initiative is being partly run through the Tower Hamlets ‘Healthy Borough Programme’. Bikeworks already encourages cyclists with disabilities through

its LCC-administered All Ability Club, providing adapted bicycles, tricycles and recumbents. The club also offers maintenance and recycling, funded by the Community Cycling Fund for London (CCFfL) and the Big Lottery Fund. The Special Olympics Great Britain is a member of the Olympics Family and is recognised by the International Olympics Committee.

FOR INFO Contact the Community Cycling team: ■ 020 7234 9310 (option 4) ■ community@lcc.org.uk ■ www.lcc.org.uk/community

BIKEWORKS? Yeah, we know it does

There are up-to-the-minute listings about local maintenance classes at http://tinyurl.com/LCCmaintenance

Photo JasonRogersFooDogGiraffeBee@Flickr

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Member discounts Get a great deal at more than 120 high street and online bike shops JUST SHOW YOUR membership card at any of the bike shops on these two pages — or quote your membership number online — and you qualify for a discount of up to 15% on bikes, accessories, parts or labour. Simple scan the listings below, ordered alphabetically by borough, to find out which shops offer you the best discounts in your local area. At the end of the listings, you'll find several online retailers that also provide discounts. Otherwise visit www.lcc.org.uk/membership where you'll find a clickable map (shown right) to help you hunt down the best savings. If there are any shops in your area that don't offer a discount, email details to office@lcc.org.uk and we'll speak to them. LOCATION

CONTACT DETAILS

BIKE SHOP DISCOUNTS (%)

BOROUGH

BIKE SHOP

ADDRESS

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BARNET

Bike and Run Broadway Bikes Central Cycles Cyclelife Shorter Rochford Shorter Rochford The Cycle Store Cycle King Sparks Bigfoot Bikes Bromley Bike Co. Luvbikes.com Action Bikes Bikeﬁx Chamberlaines Condor Cycle Surgery Cycle Surgery Cycle Surgery Evans Cycles Evans Cycles Paul's Custom Cycles Simpson’s Cycles Bike Hut Evans Cycles Bikes Plus Cycle King Evans Cycles Evans Cycles Woolsey of Acton Top Riders Cycles UK Bike Yard East Brick Lane Bikes London Fields Cycles Two Wheels Good Evans Cycles Evans Cycles Mend-a-Bike SBR Sports Two Wheels Good Cycle King Chainlink Cycle Centre Bikewise Action Bikes Moores Cycles Wizzbike.com Bike Mech Cycle Surgery Cycle Surgery Finsbury Cycles Ltd Holloway Cycles Mosquito Bikes S&S Cycles Cotswold Outdoor

125 High Rd 250 West Hendon Broadway 64 Ballards Lane 8 Bittacey Hill 27 Barnet Rd 65-67 Woodhouse Rd 201 Woodhouse Rd 173 Hillside 5 Bank Buildings, High St 50 Hayes St 27 Widmore Rd 173 -175 Widmore Rd 23-26 Embankment Pl 48 Lambs Conduit St 75-77 Kentish Town Rd 51 Grays Inn Rd 3 Procter St 44 Chalk Farm Rd 275 West End Lane 178 High Holborn 86 Chalk Farm Rd 38 Mount Pleasant 114-116 Malden Rd 3-4 Ave Maria Lane 1 Farringdon St 429 Brighton Rd 26-40 Brighton Rd 5 London Rd 548-550 Chiswick High Rd 281 Acton Lane 210 Baker St 135 Creek Road 1a Goldsmiths Row 118 Bethnal Green Rd 281 Mare St 165 Stoke Newington Ch. St 240 Watford Way 13-15 Jerdan Place 19 The Arches, 33 Munster Rd 917-919 Fulham Rd 143 Crouch Hill 451-455 Rayners Lane 140 Hornchurch Rd 61 Swakeleys Rd 176 Chiswick High Rd 3-5 St Johns Rd 113-114 High St Castle Climbing, Green Lanes 200 Pentonville Rd 70 Holloway Rd 185 Seven Sisters Road 290 Holloway Road 123 Essex Road 29 Chapel Market 23-26 Piccadilly

N2 8AG NW9 6BG N3 2BU NW7 1LB N6 2QX N12 9ET N12 9AY NW10 8LL NW10 4LT BR2 7LD BR1 1RW BR1 3AX WC2N 6NN WC1N 3LJ NW1 8NY WC1X 8PP WC1V 6DW NW1 8AJ NW6 1QS WC1V 7AA NW1 8AR WC1X 0AP NW5 4BY EC4M 7AQ EC4 7LD CR2 6EU CR2 6AA CR0 2RE W4 5RG W4 5DH EN1 3JY SE8 3BU E2 8Qa E2 6DG E8 1PJ N16 OUL NW4 4UB SW6 1BE SW6 4ER SW6 5HU N8 9QH HA5 4ET RM11 1DP UB10 8DQ W4 1PR TW7 6NA TW8 8AT N4 2HA N1 9EN N7 8JG N4 3NS N7 6NJ N1 2SN N1 9EN W1J ODJ

020 8815 1845 020 8931 3925 020 8346 2046 020 8346 5784 01707 662 332 020 8445 9182 020 8368 3001 020 8965 5544 020 8838 5858 020 8462 5004 020 8460 4852 010 8460 0433 020 7930 2525 020 7405 1218 020 7485 4488 020 7269 6820 020 7269 7070 020 7485 1000 020 7431 4300 020 7836 5585 020 7229 3253 07960 987 887 020 7485 1706 020 7332 4160 020 7248 2349 020 8763 1988 020 8649 9002 020 8667 1423 0870 060 5489 020 89946893 020 8363 8618 020 8692 3148 07949 764 631 020 7033 9053 020 8525 0077 020 7249 2200 0870 142 0108 020 7384 5550 020 7371 5867 020 7731 5005 020 8340 4284 020 8868 6262 01708 470 007 01895 675376 020 8994 1485 020 8560 7131 020 8326 2891 07762 270 616 020 7713 1312 020 7697 2848 020 7263 0007 020 7700 6611 020 7226 8765 020 7278 1631 020 7437 7399

bikeandrun.co.uk broadwaybikes.co.uk centralcycles.co.uk cyclelife.com shorter-rochford.co.uk shorter-rochford.co.uk thecyclestore.co.uk cycleking.co.uk sparksonline.co.uk bigfootbikes.com bromleybike.com luvbikes.com actionbikes.co.uk bikefix.co.uk chamberlianecycles.co.uk condorcycles.com cyclesurgery.com cyclesurgery.com cyclesurgery.com evanscycles.com evanscycles.com paulscustomcycles.co.uk simpsoncycles.co.uk bikehut.com evanscycles.com bikeplus.co.uk cycleking.co.uk evanscycles.com evanscycles.com woolseyofacton.co.uk topriders-cycles.co.uk cyclesukgreenwich@blogspot.com bikeyardeast.com bricklanebikes.co.uk londonfieldscycles.co.uk twowheelsgood.co.uk evanscycles.com evanscycles.com mend-a-bike.co.uk sbrsports.com twowheelsgood.co.uk cycleking.co.uk actionbikes.co.uk moorescycles.co.uk wizzbike.com bikemech.co.uk cyclesurgery.com cyclesurgery.com finsburycycles.moonfruit.com mosquito-bikes.co.uk mountainbikelondon.co.uk cotswoldoutdoor.com

BRENT BROMLEY

CAMDEN

CITY CROYDON

EALING ENFIELD GREENWICH HACKNEY

HAM & FULHAM

HARINGEY HARROW HAVERING HILLINGDON HOUNSLOW

ISLINGTON

KEN & CHELSEA

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Discounts LOCATION BOROUGH

KINGSTON LAMBETH

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MERTON

REDBRIDGE RICHMOND

SOUTHWARK

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WANDSWORTH

WESTMINSTER

KENT SURREY ONLINE MOBILE

BIKE SHOP

CONTACT DETAILS ADDRESS

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Cyclopedia Cyclesurgery Cyclopedia Evans Cycles Evans Cycles Evans Cycles Pitﬁeld Cycles Brixton Cycles Evans Cycles Evans Cycles Herne Hill Bicycles Compton Cycles Finches The Bike Shop Action Bikes Mike’s Bikes Moose Cycles Smith Brothers Triandrun Cycle King Action Bikes Action Bikes Cowley Security Moores Cycles Moores Cycles Prologue Edwardes Evans Cycles London Recumbents On Your Bike ReCycling Robinsons Cycles Wilsons Bicycle Magic Cotswold Outdoor City CycleSurgery CycleSurgery Evans Cycles Evans Cycles Evans Cycles Wharf Cycles Bike Shack Ditchﬁelds Heales Cycles Cycleworx Evans Cycles Evans Cycles Luciano Cycles Psubliminal Putney Cycles Siecle South Bank Cycles Stratton Cycles Action Bikes Cavendish Cycles Cycle Surgery Dial-A-Bike Evans Cycles Velorution Sidcup Cycle Centre Crayford Cycles Corridori Evans Cycles online Old Bicycle Trading Co Bikes R Us

262 Kensington High St 186 Kensington High St 256 Fulham Road 320 Vauxhall Bridge Rd 106 Westbourne Grove 48 Richmond Rd 137 Kingston Rd 145 Stockwell Rd 77-81 The Cut 111-115 Waterloo Rd 83 Norwood Rd 23-25 Catford Hill 25-29 Perry Vale 288-290 Lee High Rd 221 The Broadway 27 Aberconway Rd 48 High St 14 Church Rd 53 Wimbledon Hill Rd 1088-1090 High Rd 437 Upper Richmond Rd 54-56 Whitton High St 146 Colne Rd 214 Kingston Rd 61 London Rd 232 Upper Richmond Rd 221-225 Camberwell Rd 6 Tooley St Rangers Yard, Dulwich Pk 52-54 Tooley St 110 Elephant Rd 172 Jamaica Rd 32 Peckham High St 4-6 Greatorex St St Clements Hse, Leyden St 12-13 Bishops Square Strype St 1 Market St 30 South Colonade 5 Cullum St 21-23 Westferry Rd 621 High Rd 792-794 High Rd 477 Hale End Rd 20-30 Buckhold Rd 167-173 Wandsworth High St 65-79 Clapham High St 97-99 Battersea Rise 17 Balham High Rd 337 Putney Bridge Rd 789 Wandsworth Rd 194 Wandsworth Rd 101 East Hill Dacre House 136 New Cavendish St 400 Oxford St 30 Strutton Ground 51-52 Rathbone Pl 18 Great Titchﬁeld St 142-146 Station Rd 3 Empire Buildings 203 Fir Tree Rd, Epsom Internet bike/parts Internet parts/servicing Mobile repair

W8 6ND W8 7RG SW10 9EL SW1V 1AA W2 5RU KT2 5EE KT3 3NX SW9 9TN SE1 8LL SE1 8UL SE24 9AA SE6 4NU SE23 2NE SE13 5PJ SW19 1SD SM4 5LN SW19 2BY SW19 5DL SW19 7QW RM6 4AB SW14 7PJ TW2 7LT TW2 6QS TW1 19JF TW1 3SZ SW14 8AG SE5 0HG SE1 2SY SE21 7BQ SE1 2SZ SE17 1LB SE16 4RT SE15 5BP E1 5NF E1 7LL E1 6EG E1 7LQ E1 6AA E14 5EZ EC3 7JJ E14 8JH E10 6RF E10 6AE E4 9PT SW18 4WW SW18 4JB SW4 7TG SW11 1HW SW12 9AJ SW15 2PG SW8 3JQ SW8 2JU SW18 2QB SW1H 0DJ W1W 6YD W1A 1AR SWIP 2HR W1T 1JP W1W 8BD DA15 7AB DA1 4JJ KT17 3LB n/a n/a n/a

020 7603 7626 020 7368 5188 020 7351 5776 020 7976 6298 0207 229 3253 020 8549 2559 020 8949 4632 020 7733 6055 020 7928 4785 020 7928 2208 020 8671 6900 020 8690 0141 020 8699 6768 020 8852 6680 020 8540 0313 020 8640 1088 020 8544 9166 020 8946 2270 020 8971 2065 020 8597 6834 020 8876 5566 020 8894 0174 020 8894 1212 020 8977 2925 020 8744 0175 020 8878 6266 020 7703 3676 020 7403 4610 020 8299 6636 020 7378 6669 020 7703 7001 020 7237 4679 020 7639 1338 020 7375 2993 020 7655 466 020 7392 8920 020 7375 3088 020 7426 0391 0870 164 4037 020 7283 6750 0845 806 2373 020 8539 2821 020 8527 1592 07970 615 171 020 8877 1878 020 7720 4139 020 7228 4279 020 8772 0707 020 8785 3147 020 7622 3069 020 8874 1381 020 7799 2233 020 7631 5060 020 7318 2448 0207 233 4224 020 7580 4107 020 7637 4004 020 8300 8113 01737 373 227 01293 574 900 020 8306 0060 020 8882 8288

cyclopediauk.com cyclesurgery.com cyclopediauk.com evanscycles.com evanscycles.com evanscycles.com brightcycles.co.uk brixtoncycles.co.uk evanscycles.com evanscycles.com comptoncycles.co.uk ﬁnches-ski.com bikeshoplewisham.co.uk actionbikes.co.uk moosecycles.com triandrun.com cycleking.co.uk actionbikes.co.uk actionbikes.co.uk moorescycles.co.uk moorescycles.co.uk prologuebikes.com evanscycles.com londonrecumbents.co.uk onyourbike.com re-cycling.co.uk bicyclemagic.com cotswoldoutdoor.com cyclesurgery.com cyclesurgery.com evanscycles.com evanscycles.com evanscycles.com cycleshoplondon.com ditchﬁelds.co.uk www.healescycles.co.uk cycleworx.co.uk evanscycles.com evanscycles.com lucianocycles.co.uk psubliminal.co.uk putneycycles.com waltoncycles.co.uk actionbikes.co.uk cavendishcycles.wordpress.com cyclesurgery.com dial-a-bike.com evanscycles.com velorution.biz sidcupcycles.co.uk corridori.co.uk evancycles.com oldbiketrader.co.uk bikesruslondon.com

BIKE SHOP DISCOUNTS (%) BIKES ACCESS. PARTS LABOUR 10 10 10 10 5 10 10 10 5 10 10 10 5 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 5 10 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 5 10 10 10 5 10 5 10 5 10 10 -

5 10 5 10 10 10 5 10 10 10 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 15 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 15 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 15 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 5 10 10 -

10 10 10 10 5 10 10 10 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 -

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 5 10 10 10

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London Cyclist

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Interview

MINI INTERVIEW

Zandra Rhodes The famed fashion queen has been promoting cycling for years. As both her and her business are close neighbours of LCC, we sent Koy Thomson round for a quick chat Zandra Rhodes CBE is one of Britain's most sought-after designers, having made outfits for high-profile figures like Princess Diana, while also creating the stage look for rock stars Freddie Mercury and Queen. Out on a bike she makes hi-vis jackets seem drab and we were keen to know how she sees the coming together of the fashion and cycling worlds... I won’t ask you whether you ride to work since you live and work in the same building, but do you find time in your hectic fashion schedule to cycle regularly? When I was in Bloomsbury, Bayswater and Hammersmith I would cycle far more regularly. It was lovely, and providing you don’t have to look great when you arrive, it is great to feel the rain on your face. I last went out cycling with the artist Andrew Logan, on a trip to the National Gallery. I’ve always cycled, way before it was fashionable. As children our parents cycled with my sister and I on the back of their bicycles in special seats. My father used to race cycles in the 1940s, mainly hill climbs in Kent. What is it you love about cycling in London ? It is such a joy. You see far more when you're cycling than when you are in a car. It gives you time to clear your thoughts. You see things in a totally different way, dodge down alleyways and discover places like Lincoln’s Inn Fields. You can look into people’s windows and gardens and you can spot the best magnolias and camellias in Holland Park. What’s your favourite London ride? I once got up at five o’clock one autumn morning to go cycling along the river. It was wonderful to see the sunrise on the Houses of Parliament and the Thames. Are you worried by the traffic? Not too much at all. My bigger problem is organising my wardrobe and what I need to carry for the different meetings. Do I need a rucksack, how good do I need to look, where’s my chain and lock? It takes a lot to calculate your stuff. What do you think of this new movement bringing together cycle-specific fashion designers and cycles as fashion objects in themselves. For example, Cyclodelic? What these kids are doing is very special, beautiful. Had you thought of designing clothes especially for cycling? I would if I thought I could sell it. It would have to be on the less expensive end which I'd need to do with a sportwear company — I am open to offers though! But it is a fabulous idea. Is choice of cycling wardrobe a challenge for you? One time I was cycling in Kensington in a horrible woolly 58

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PINK LADY: watch out for Zandra on the streets of Southwark

“You see far more when you're cycling, than in a car... it gives you time to clear your thoughts” hat and tracksuit bottoms and a huge car went past with two lovely ladies in Ascot hats, and they were waving furiously at me. Years later when I was fitting Princess Diana she said: “Are you still riding your bike Zandra?” It was only then that I realised it was Diana and Fergie waving at me on their way to Ascot. So I do have to watch my wardrobe — you never know who might spot you!

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