London Cyclist October-November 2009

magazine of the London Cycling CampaignOctober-November 2009

CYCLESUPERHIGHWAYS

Sign the petition at

www.lcc.org.uk/campaigns

(news story p8)

LOCAL GROUPS RIDES CALENDAR BIKE SKILLS PRODUCT REVIEWS

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

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LCC’s strategic aims➤ Promote cycling to the people➤ Redesign our streets for cycles➤ Promote cycling to our politicians➤ Make cycling diverse and inclusiveFor more info, visit www.lcc.org.uk/strategy

Member benefi ts➤ 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 helplineRead more about member benefi ts on p.45

Editorial contactsEditor: John Kitchiner; [email protected]: Matthew Moore; [email protected]: Anita Razak; [email protected]: Mike Cavenett; [email protected]

Advertising contactMongoose Media: Anthon Linton, 020 7306 0300; [email protected]

Contribute to London CyclistPlease email [email protected] to discuss feature ideas and photography

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

Printed on 100% recycled paper

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 refl ect 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.

What LCC does…➤ Campaigns for change

➤ Supports our members

➤ Promotes London cycling

2 Newhams Row London SE1 3UZ020 7234 9310 www.lcc.org.uk

opinionKoy Thomson Why plans for a 'BikeGrid' need reprising 5Zoe Williams Argues light isn't always right with bikes 15 Steve Melia On the viability of carfree British cities 17Zandra Rhodes Says cycling will never go out of fashion 58

news & lettersNews Including special feature on Cycle Superhighways 6Letters Your rants, raves, comment & competition entries 12

featuresHounslow Skyride Report on inaugural West London event 19Awareness training HGV drivers learn the basics of biking 23How To Organise your own group rides 27Best Rides in London Richmond's green spaces 30Grass Track Racing Another bike sport for all ages 32Overseas Using a cycle-friendly B&B network to tour Holland 34Technical Practice drills that can make you a better rider 36

reviewsProducts Twelve weather-beating jackets reviewed 38Culture Recent book releases, plus a unique fi lm screening 42

membersMembers’ pages Our dedicated section for LCC members 45Local Group News Round-up from the boroughs 46Events diary Full October and November rides calendar 52Communities Updates on exciting local initiatives 55Discounts Find the best savings with our listings 56

COVER PHOTO: www.danielbosworth.com

contents

MASSED RANKS: on the way to Hounslow Skyride 19

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2009

3 October-November 2009 London Cyclist

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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

In 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. Th e endgame was not the map, in fact, but the

prioritisation, completion and signage of an eff ective 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 eff orts 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’. Th erefore, 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. Th e problem is lack of political direction not lack of technical ability.

Make zone one cycle-friendlyHowever, 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.

Th e way to achieve this is to work with what we’ve got. First, decide what can be done through traffi c 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 contra-fl ows, and creating cunning little cut-throughs and shortcuts for cyclists. Th ird, identify gaps in routes which almost work and fi x them, and make the cycling signage uniform.

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 spacesFor a fi nal 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 benefi t 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.

“We recommend two new urban greenways, linking the main parks and garden squares”

Koy ThomsonLCC CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Opinion

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NewsFor campaign updates, news reports and contact info: www.lcc.org.uk

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. Th e weekly rides from six diff erent suburbs into central London are helping novice cyclists gain confi dence by riding in a group led by trained LCC marshals. Th ese 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.

Th e 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.

London Cyclist October-November 20096

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

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 encour-aged by LCC members to include cycling provision in their Local Implementation Plans (deadline was 21 September). Th ese 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

cycling strategy under current rules; some councils have none, while others are outdated.

Th e Rough Guide to Local Implementation Plans' off ers insider info on how to encourage councils to invest in cycling. LCC's cycling development offi cer Charlie Lloyd said: “It's now more important than ever that cyclists engage with council offi cers 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.”

New guide shows how to lobby councils

FORWARD THINKING: help ensure your council makes cycling provisions

WIN A £500 PINNACLE HYBRID

TAKE FIVE MINUTES to fi ll 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

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. Th e awards will be presented at the LCC's annual general meeting on 17 November.

Get your awards entries in now

2008 WINNER: racked up award

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

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News

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. Th e scheme will see 6,000 public bikes and 400 docking stations made available in central London, mirroring similar schemes in Paris and Montreal.

Th e 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 Th omson 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

enough and that the project lacks strategic direction.

Measures demanded to make the BikeGrid work:■ 20mph speed limit

in the CHS zone■ Widen bus lanes to

aid cyclists■ Introduce wide-

spread permeability measures

■ Fix gaps in existing cycle routes

■ Uniform cycle signage

■ Riverside routes: complete routes along Victoria and Albert Embankments

■ Cycle-friendly central London parks

■ Remove dangerous gyratories■ Improve provision for bikes

at bus, train and tube stations■ Improve Th ames bridges and

their approaches■ Create urban 'greenways' by

linking parks and garden squares (Berkeley, Hanover, Manchester, Russell and

others) and reconnect the squares to the urban realmSee Koy’s

column on page 5 for further comment.

SEVERAL HGVS WERE parked in Trafalgar Square on 19 August in a high-profi le attempt to spread awareness to cyclists about the dangers of lorries. Th e 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 communica-tions offi cer Mike Cavenett.■ HGV feature on page 23.

BIKE THEFT IN the capital could hit 100,000 in 2009 if projections based on this year’s fi gures are accurate, costing Londoners at least £25 million. During the fi rst half of 2009, theft rose 38 percent compared with the same period last year, according to fi gures 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 fi gures) has led to speculation that theft s in these areas are being carried out by gangs. Th ese rises are corroborated by fi gures from the British Crime Survey (BCS) suggesting the increase in bike theft across the UK is 22 percent.

Th ese latest fi gures run counter to statistics for the previous three years, during which the police reported a fall in reported theft of 17 percent. Th e fact that many bike theft s are never reported means the projected fi gure of 24,000 reported theft s in 2009 is only a fraction of the real total. Estimates are that the real total is

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 benefi ts, increased congestion and emissions could be much higher. LCC chief executive Koy Th omson said: "Th ese fi gures 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 eff orts of the police and other agencies.

LCC campaigns manager Tom Bogdanowicz said: "Existing enforcement doesn’t provide an eff ective 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."

Squaring up at lorry demo

ST JAMES PARK

BATERSEA PARK

Westminster Bridge

LondonBridge

TowerBridge

BlackfriarsBridge

Southwark

Bridge

REGENTS PARK

Chelsea Bridge

HYDE PARK

GREEN PARK

Vauxhall Bridge

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

'BikeGrid' needed to boost Cycle Hire Scheme

Met Police fi gures reveal massive increase in bike theft

CAPITAL IDEA: for awareness day

CYCLE CRIME: on the rise

y sn

ft

30kNumber of bikes that have now been shipped to Africa by the Re-Cycle projectSource: www.re-cycle.org

BIKEGRID: how the routes could look


Sign up to support LCC’s Cycle


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

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. Th e 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.

Th ey will be built in stages, with the fi rst 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. Th ere’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. Th e map (right) shows the proposed routes that have been chosen, many using major roads that include bus lanes used by cyclists.

Th e 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 fi ve 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 traffi c. For example, typical traffi c on the A3 (route 7) is 200 cyclists per hour; the Superhighways therefore should be suffi ciently inviting to increase this to 600 cyclists per hour.

What will a Cycle Superhighway be like?Th ere 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

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News

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

PROBLEM: travelling southbound on Kennington Park

Road on the A3 (route 7) cyclists must cross the path

of fast-moving motor traffi c turning left without traffi c

lights. SOLUTIONS: tricky, but LCC recommends an

interactive design process with cyclists.

delivered, and the ambitions of those delivering the fi rst two highways. Offi cial reports show that we are falling disappointingly short of exemplary or visionary solutions. Th e mayor has set tough deadlines which are perversely making people avoid challenges and confl icts. What the mayor can do is to encourage

offi cials to bust through the barriers and use his infl uence to make things happen.

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

Th ese 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?Th e Cycle Superhighway

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.

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Hill7 South Wimbledon

to BankCompleted by 2011:1 Tottenham to

Liverpool St6 Penge to Bank10 Park Royal to

Hyde Park Corner12 East Finchley to

AngelCompleted by 2012:2 Ilford to Aldgate4 Woolwich to

Tower Bridge5 Lewisham to

Victoria8 Kingston Vale to

Westminster9 Heathrow to

Hyde Park Corner11 Cricklewood to

Marble Arch


Superhighway Manifesto


News

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

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BEXLEY

BARKING &DAGENHAM

HAVERING

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 confi dence 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)

PROBLEM: cycle lanes on Cable Street (route 3) cross from one side of the

road to the other across a stream of traffi c. SOLUTION: safe, continuous

cycle routes.

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.

planning process is in full swing, with the fi rst 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 fi rst 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? Th e Cycle Superhighways will suff er the handicaps of LCN+, the project to complete a

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 confl ict with motor traffi c capacity. In short, blue-wash.

Best? Th e 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 fi rst two Superhighways create the brand, don’t get it wrong’.

What can you do to make a difference?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. Th e Cycle Super-highways 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 whole-hearted 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.

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

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 traffi c is not dominant3 I will have the incentive of traffi c-free or traffi c-light sections4 I will not feel that buses, lorries and cars are passing too close and too fast5 I will not have to pull out to overtake motor vehicles, nor fear being hit by opening doors6 I will be able to cycle at the speed I want and not feel pressured to keep up or

slow-down7 I will not have to cross lanes of fast moving traffi c and compete for position8 My route through junctions will be clearly marked and respected by motorists, and

I will not incur time delays if I use cycle-specifi c crossings9 When crossing a minor road I will not have to give way to emerging vehicles10 On red I will stop in an advanced position and be able to go before other traffi c;

where safe I will be able to by-pass traffi c signals at T-junctions and left turns

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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 candi-date Chris Le Breton said: “Th is

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.” Th e former involves a 10-mile detour.

Greenwich and Tower Hamlets Councils operate the lift s, while the project is being funded by the government’s Community

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

USING A MOBILE phone in a motor vehicle is more dangerous than drink driving, a recent research review has concluded. Th e 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 offi cer, said: “When cycling, you must look out for drivers using mobiles. Give them a wide berth and, if they're

driving erratically, report them to the police. If you witness, or are involved in a crash, ask the police if the driver has had their phone confi scated and ask that the records be checked to see when the phone was last used.”

Th e TRL study also raises concerns about other forms of in-vehicle technologies, claim-ing more needs to be done to understand how drivers interact with potential distractions. Th e review looked at four TRL studies conducted since 2002 and showed the need to defi ne a level of distraction considered ‘safe’. Its research estimated that driver distraction contributes to 50 percent of all crashes.

Beware mobile users!

Minister gives thumbs up to Kilburn projectHEALTH SECRETARY ANDY Burnham showed support for an LCC-funded cycling project, praising those encouraging young children to enjoy more healthy activities.

Th e South Kilburn Cycling Club, one of over 40 community projects managed by LCC via the Community Cycling Fund for London, took part in discussions on the government’s Change4Life healthy lifestyles

initiative at an event at Willesden Sports

Centre on 13 August 2009.

Burnham said, "We're a sport-loving nation, but

we're nowhere near as active as

we should be."Community cycling assistant

Mags Reinig said: "Th e govern-ment recommends an hour of daily exercise for children and 30 minutes for adults, though currently only one third of the population achieves this. Cycle clubs like those administered by LCC are essential for reaching those people most in need." South Kilburn Cycling Club organises weekly cycling sessions at a local school for beginners, plus rides for the more experienced.

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) Introductionb) Apologies for absencec) Minutes of the previous year’s AGM and matters arising** d) Board & Committee reportse) Approval of Accounts** f) Appointment of auditorsg) 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.

initiative at anWillesde

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we should beCommunity cycling

9%of all journeys in Germany

made by bike — by 4 million

bike commutersSource: ADFC

KIDS' CLUB: proving an inspiration

JK

MORE INFOTo fi nd out more about LCC's community projects, check out page 55 in the members' section of this issue.

Cyclists left in dark over tunnel closure

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

Infrastructure Fund. Works also include repairs to the Woolwich foot tunnel.

“Our aim is to keep disrup-tion 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 be to refl ect the concerns they have raised.” One of the 100-year-old operator-controlled lift s will remain open throughout the refurbishment.

Local LCC group, Greenwich Cyclists, has suggested using the Th ames Clipper commuter boats, or allowing bikes on the DLR. Boris Johnson is said to be considering allowing bikes between Cutty Sark and Island Gardens DLR stations, although the Council cites health and safety concerns around this, and says it is looking into funding for other daytime crossing options.

Le Breton also suggested cycle racks could be installed on the 108 bus to carry them through the Blackwall Tunnel, highlight-ing the success of similar schemes in San Francisco and Rotterdam. “Operators come upwith all sorts of reasons why it can’t work, instead of seeing how it can,” he said.

AGM and awards date in November

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12

LettersComment, opinion, rants and raves — send yours to [email protected]


Give me a signI am oft en 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 fi nger raised is open to misinter-pretation, could LCC recommend something more appropriate? I have found that indicating a right turn oft en has the desired eff ect of slowing the motorist to a safer speed, but not always.David Vail, E5

Superhuman commutersI 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, fi nancially and emotionally capable of spending the weekend abseiling

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. Th e 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.

Aft er three years of daily commuting by bike, and some pleasant weekend jaunts as well, I am much fi tter and more

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

Blackwall blacklistI 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 risksLCC may very well call for lorry drivers to be given cycle-awareness 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 positioningLooking 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

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

Adrian Lew

is

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13October-November 2009 London Cyclist

with this advice. Basically, in keeping at least a metre away from the kerb you increase your chances of being undertaken by other cyclists. Th ings being what they are, I don't see any answer to this. But for myself, I fi nd 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? Th e two main issues I would suggest are to address theft of bicycles and secondly to address road traffi c 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, specifi cally 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 oft en cyclists’ problems are

exacerbated by selfi sh riders who are oft en 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 fi ne. 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 jokeI loved the latest London Cyclistissue — 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 fi nd the idea that just because somebody nicks a bike he deserves to be beaten up utterly reprehensible.Gerhard Weiss, Waltham Forest

Cycling in the mediaAt 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. Th ere is a regular 'white bike' chained to railings at some point on this intersection.

Th e Wellington Arch facility took many years of hard campaigning to get installed, assisted by cycle fatalities on the Hyde Park Corner gyratory.

Cycle facilities like this and the one on Blackfriars Bridge should be installed aft er 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 offi cers 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.

Theme for Dec/Jan issue: London Skyride

Email your images to: [email protected]

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 fi nal. 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.

WINNERWINNER

MASS MEDIA: take some advice

Letters


14 London Cyclist October-November 2009

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

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

Puncture repairI'm liking the new look London Cyclist — congratulations — but I want to take issue with the myth the magazine frequently repeats. Namely that puncture fi xing always requires wheel removal. Th is 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 fi x a puncture and I would like to ask LC not to perpetuate the myth. To fi x most punctures, just lever off the tyre (on the non-driveside if it's the rear wheel), pull out the tube, fi nd the hole and patch it. Check the tyre for sharps inside and out, remove them and put every-thing back together. Looking for and removing sharps and some

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

Golden oldieFirst and foremost I compliment you on the ‘refurbished’ format of London Cyclist — I had no complaints on previous editions, but fi nd 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 — fi rst on a small motorbike in 1962, and eventually for a car in 1963, both passed fi rst 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 offi ce 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. Th ere 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

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

Letters

1414 London Cyclist OOctctoboberer-N-Novovemembeber r 20200909

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

Read more online

EMAIL THE [email protected]

CLASSIFIEDFOR 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.



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

“I 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 fi les for 'girlfriend out of your league', it fi res 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 infi nitesimally 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 refi nement 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. Th ey don’t have to worry about bodyfat because they’re couriers. Th e 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.

Choose your partner carefullyFirst, 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.

Th ird, 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. Th is 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 fi rst got pregnant, then gave it to my uncle. Th en 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?Th ere is another slight paradox, which is the lighter your bike is, the less eff ort it is to heft about the streets, and the less likely you are to lose weight by riding it. And yet

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. Th e only downside really is the ongoing derision of your family and friends.

“The irritating paradox is that the lighter and more expensive your bike, the better and heavier lock you carry to protect it”

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

Opinion

Zoe WilliamsCOLUMNIST'S VIEW

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Can you imagine a city without traffi c? The

model exists, so it’s not as diffi cult as you may

imagine, argues the co-ordinator of Carfree UK

One 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 traffi c 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?

Th ree years ago I crossed the channel with my bike on the fi rst 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 confi rm 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 fi ve, playing, skating and unicycling without direct supervision. Th e adults too tend to socialise outdoors far more than they would on conventional streets open to traffi c.

European championsMost 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 fi ve homes) and a few are reserved for car club vehicles. In all the examples I have studied cycling is vital, oft en 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.

Th ere 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 aft er 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 traffi c, 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

and traffi c 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 traffi c.

“In Groningen, with half its streets pedestrianised, 40 percent of all journeys are made by bike”

Steve Melia GUEST COLUMNIST

MORE INFOSteve 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

Opinion

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Hounslow Skyride: EVENT REPORT

Eleven thousand people hit the streets of Hounslow on 9 August for the fi rst of two new Skyride events to be

launched in the capital.Hounslow Skyride was the

second in a series of fi ve 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 fi rst 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. Th e riders enjoyed traffi c-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

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

Skyride

CHOPPER SQUAD: marshals and riders fl ock to the disco queen FAMILY AFFAIR: happy faces all round

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

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 show

n)

SIGN FROM ABOVE: very welcome too

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Skyride

PHOTO COMPNext 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 fl uttering on hundreds of handlebars and saddles

ORANGE SUNDAYS: if you're a marshal OSTERLEY MANOR: one of several landmarks on the route

PILE UP: impromptu bike stands created during lunch break DAD'S ARMY: of little pedallers

Belinda S

inclair

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

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: “Th ese Skyride events are all about giving Londoners the confi dence to get on their bikes and explore the capital. Th ey are fun, free, family days, and it has been great to see such a wide range of people taking part.”■ www.goskyride.com

Belinda S

inclair

UP TO 11: 'Metal Man' rocks out

CHEERS: to a sunny day in the saddle

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23

Lorry drivers go back to school

“It’s faster… it saves money… you keep fi t.” 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. Th e 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.”

Th e awareness session starts with a classroom discussion that looks at what

With HGVs responsible for a rising number of cyclist

fatalities, Lambeth Council has launched a new driver

training initiative. Tom Bogdanowicz reports

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

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 viewIn 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.

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

October-November 2009 London Cyclist

Feature

QUICK STOP: without wobbling off

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Feature

24

Feature

adding: “Expect the unexpected: look before you go, look when you’re going, look before you stop — keep checking the mirrors.”

Th e 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 exampleTh e Lambeth training programme was the brainchild of Lambeth’s cycling offi cer 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: “Th e 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 fi rst of all assist the CTUK instructor and then deliver the lessons themselves.

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 driver-cyclist 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. “Th e 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. Th e driver can’t see you near the cab.”

He also has advice for drivers,

GET INVOLVEDLCC 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: [email protected]

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 daugh-ter 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.

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

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

COUNT ON IT: lesson in 'looking back'

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How to

How to organise a rideLCC's group rides are nothing without their ride leaders. Robert Lister and

Mike Cavenett explain what it takes to organise your own guided event

Do 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. Th erefore, 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 confi dent 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 successfullyLCC uses a simple grading system. Easy rides are less than 30 miles, they're not particularly hilly and they're unlikely to feature any diffi cult terrain. Th ink 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. Th ere are still unlikely to be any technically diffi cult bits of terrain; if there are these can be walked.Diffi cult 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 homeworkMost people choose a ride they know, but if you are taking a leap

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

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 eff ort as you can into fi nding interesting places along the way, tailoring the ride to make it as rewarding as possible. Th is means avoiding busy roads and junctions,

PUBLICISE YOUR RIDE■ www.lcc.org.uk/eventsFill 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 websitesFind your local group website at www.lcc.org.uk/local■ Borough group email lists/Yahoo e-GroupFind your local group website at www.lcc.org.uk/local■ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lccriderFind your local group website at www.lcc.org.uk/local■ Neighbourhood and cycling announcementsFree newspapers, online forums, noticeboards

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29

How to

October-November 2009 London Cyclist

MORE RIDE GUIDE INFO■ www.lcc.org.uk/eventsFind rides taking place near you — and post your own■ http://tinyurl.com/lccPublicInsuranceLCC’s public liability insurance — read the small print■ http://tinyurl.com/lccRoutePlanningDownload the LCC Rider Guidelines and adapt to suit■ http://tinyurl.com/lccTrainTacticsLots of useful Information on arranging train transport■ http://tinyurl.com/lccRideEquipmentReminders of essentials and useful items to take along■ http://tinyurl.com/lccRoutePlanningA selection of tried-and-tested route-planning websites

and taking the route along the fi nest paths, and fi nding 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 handsRecruit 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 fi nd 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 dayLook 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.

Th e 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 fi rst-come, fi rst-served, or those who registered.

Bike safety checksAll 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 fl at). Do not permit dangerous bikes to ride.

Conduct a ride briefi ng, 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 benefi ts of LCC member ship, especially for fi nding 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 traffi c 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 suffi cient marshals.

Keep your head at all timesIf 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.

MC

BLUE PLAQUE: include as many places of interest as possible

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The borough of Richmond has some of the country’s fi nest parks and manor

houses — Paul Luton from Richmond Cycling Campaign leads the tour

Richmond’s green spaces

This south-western corner of London off ers probably the fi nest leisure riding in the

capital. Along with the vast expanse of Richmond Park, cyclists can enjoy many miles of traffi c-free paths in Wimbledon Common, along the River Th ames, and through Bushy Park and Twickenham.

Th e 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

Uppe

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Rd

Hampton Rd

Hospital Bridge Road

Strawberry Vale

Hampton Ct Rd

Kingston

Hill

Richmond Golf Club

5

BUSHY PARK

RICHMOND PARK

KEW GARDENS

HAMPTON COURT

WIMBLEDON COMMON

Kingston Upon Thames

Teddington

TwickenhamRichmond Park

Golf Club

Hampton Court Palace

Golf Club

London Scottish Golf Club

Roehampton

West Wimbledon

North Sheen

Hampton Wick

HamptonHill

6

1

4

3

2

Richmond Hill

Towpath

CRANE PARK

Marble HillTWICKENHAM RIVERSIDE

Chertsey Rd

Walk your bike here

Best rides in London

1RICHMOND HILLThe 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 whereMajestic Windsor lifts his princely brow.In lovely contrast to this glorious view,Calmly magnifi cent”

Amazingly the same can be said today, with only Twickenham rugby stadium and the ineptly-named Regal House offi ce block intruding. For 200 years local authorities and residents have fought to preserve the view.

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.

2 RICHMOND PARKRichmond 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.

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER: via towpath to Hampton Court

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4 BUSHY PARKBushy 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.

5 CRANE PARKCrane Park is in the fl ood

plane of the little river Crane, fl owing 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 fi res 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,

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.

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3 HAMPTON COURTHampton 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 fi rst from the riverbank through the wrought-iron screen (Jean Tijou) and across the recreated 17th century privy garden. We swing round to the front of the palace which

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.

Best rides in London

FACTFILEDistance: 18 milesLocation: south-west LondonTerrain: mostly on good surfaces, much off-roadGradient: 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 fl at. Time: 2.5-6 hours, depending on stopsGet a map: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Best-Ride-Richmond

Lunch stopsThere 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.

6 TWICKENHAM RIVERSIDE

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 fi rst 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

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.

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST■ 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 Anglo-Saxon 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 fl attened in 1937.

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Grass track

32

Grass track

Grass roots racing comes to Hackney

Cycling Club Hackney (CCH), which was formed to promote cycling and cycle sport in east London,

launched its fi rst 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 fi rst grass track racing

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

event was held on May 1 2008 on Well Street Common during its very fi rst year.

Th e 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

JERSEY BOYS: young race aces in a close sprint fi nish

BACKGROUNDCycling 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 fl agging 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 cordoned-off 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 signifi cant. When setting up we

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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. Th ey 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 Th e Learning Trust (Hackney’s education authority) and Hackney council, staff , coaches and volunteers are drawn mostly from the local area.

With the fi nal 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 diff erent 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!

need not travel far and the equipment needed is minimal.”

Th e 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.

Th e grass track league (GTRL1) on Hackney Downs was a fi rst for CHH in this format. Previously, a number of one-off GTR events in fi ve 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 fi xie scene too — next time maybe.”

Th e league, despite being largely

Feature

THREE: the magic number

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

CONTACT INFOThe 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, [email protected]

GET INVOLVEDGrass 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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Overseas

34

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Going Dutch

Cycling into the offi ce 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 fl ight, and diffi cult negotiations with a discount air operator, fi lled us with trepidation. Also with the impact of the credit crunch and a strong euro, we didn’t

Looking for a 'credit crunch' busting cycling break? Then why not join a

network of like-minded people on the Continent, says Liz Harwood

want to spend a fortune on our holiday. In the event our fi rst 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 fi rst off the ferry and we immediately became aware that cyclists are 'king of the road' with dedicated cycle lanes, oft en away from cars, clearly highlighted with

distinctive red-on-white signage. Th e 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. Th e 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 HollandWe saw some amazingly bizarre cargo on bikes, including a lady with an outstretched arm clutching a beautiful hanging basket full of fl owers.

CANAL CULTURE: live-work barges in Monieckendam

Liz Harw

ood

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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 fl at, 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 off er bed and breakfast accommodation. Th e maximum charge is a reasonable €18.50 per

person which generally includes a very comfortable room (sometimes even including a separate sitting room or kitchenette) and a delicious Dutch-style breakfast of ham, cheese and bread.

However, the real treat is having the opportunity to meet fellow cyclists who are happy to suggest good routes, provide secure accommodation for your bike and understand cyclists. Kind off ers of beer on arrival, or snacks to send you on your way in the morning, were commonplace too.

Our return route brought us via Utrecht, and back

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 magnifi cent 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 off ered fantastic value during our stay.

Our journey continued via Haarlem to Amsterdam. Th ere 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 off ering a speedy and free method of transport around this vibrant city.

Friends unitedHaving witnessed fi rst-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

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.nlAnnual 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: [email protected]■ 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.

Overseas

through the beautiful Belgian towns of Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges. We crossed the channel via Dunkirk to Dover. Aft er cycling on the fl at, the White Cliff s 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.

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In-spired! Th e ancient cathedral in Antwerp

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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 fi nd 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.

Looking rightTh e obvious time to check back over your right shoulder is when moving into the traffi c stream.

David Dansky from Cycle Training UK explains the benefi ts of looking over

your shoulder regularly and communicating with the driver behind

Practise skills to improve road safety

“Look over your shoulder more oft en. 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 oft en 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

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 confl ict).

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.

TechniqueBefore riding on the road, cyclists should be confi dent in looking back

OVER THE SHOULDER: regular glances back have many benefi ts

TechnicalTechnical

FINAL_036037_tech.indd 36FINAL_036037_tech.indd 36 8/9/09 22:19:448/9/09 22:19:44


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.

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

TechnicalTechnical

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

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 oft en 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 traffi c stream. Look left making eye contact with the driver, signal, then move left and through the lights in the traffi c stream.

Final checkA 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 oft en stay behind) a rider who looks back regularly.

Riders who are constantly aware of who is on the road with them can ride more confi dently and experience fewer surprises and much less confl ict.

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 traffi c 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 leftWhen 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

HOW MANY FINGERS? Practice drills will hone your skills

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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

Cycling jackets

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 specifi c 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-specifi c 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 fi nd 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 stormfl ap and the best-fi tting 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 refl ectivity 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

Sombrio Wingman £70 www.sombriocartel.com

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

Lowe Alpine Velocity £90 www.lowealpine.com

Montane Litespeed £50 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

rides and staves off short showers.

An ‘active’ cut suits both sexes, with an elasticated drawcord hem for further draught-proofi ng, plus a spattering of Scotchlite dots create a 360-degree refl ective 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

Product editor Matt Moore organises our ongoing reviews schedule. Contact: [email protected]

Products

d t-ring of aeffect for carry-anywhere

TOP TIPRemember most bike jackets are

technical pieces of kit, designed to

work as part of a layering system —

eg with a base layer or cycle jersey.

You won't get full performance if

you wear a cotton shirt or suit

jacket underneath.

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Products

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 fl ap and matching rear and sleeve refl ective 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

This is the snowsports brand's slimfi t 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 fi t’ 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 refl ectivity 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 comfi est jacket you’ll fi nd. Sizes XS-XL; also in black. EL

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, fl eece-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 hand- warmer pockets and another at the rear. There subtle refl ectivity 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

Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier £53 www.pearlizumi.com

Salomon Azimuth £150 www.salomonsports.com

Madison Stellar £69.99www.madison.co.uk

Altura Sirrus £99.99 www.zyro.co.uk

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 stream-lined 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, fl eece-lined collar keeps out the chill. It very nearly matches Gore-tex Paclite’s performance, but for signifi cantly less money — and that’s no mean feat. Sizes XS-XXXL; also in black. 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 fi t 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 waterproofi ng 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

The Holborn’s street styling means you’ll fi nd 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. Refl ective areas on the pack-away drop-tail and sleeve fasteners provide some visibility at night, but attaching the hood obscures the collar’s refl ective 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 refl ectivity would make it perfect. Sizes S-XXL; black only. JK

Dhb Wickham £119.99 wwww.wiggle.co.uk

Gore Fusion £269.99 www.gorebikewear.com

Bspoke Holborn £129.99www.bspoke.cc

Endura MT500 hooded £149.99www.endura.co.uk

WOMEN'S

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With a few simple tweaks or additions you can make your bike

more comfortable, convenient and safe

Fixtures and fi ttings

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.

Park Tool PCS10 Home Mechanic Repair stand £149.99

www.parktool.com

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.

Bikebin £35.50www.bikebins.com

Delta Airzound 3 Horn £26.99www.fi sheroutdoor.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.

Products

Shimano PD-M324 pedals £54.99www.madison.co.uk

Lumicycle LED3 spot £249.98 www.lumicycle.com

Which to choose — the convenience and ease of a fl at pedal or the extra power and effi ciency 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 fi xing means you don’t need a pedal spanner.

San Marco SKN £54.99Madison G16 saddle £24.99www.madison.co.uk

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 fl ashing 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.

FINAL_041_product.indd 41FINAL_041_product.indd 41 8/9/09 21:35:218/9/09 21:35:21

From obsessive bike builders to pedal-powered cinema, we've got it covered

Culture

IF YOU EVER show this book to a bike enthusiast be sure to insist they wear a bib. Custom Bicycles is unadult- erated drool material — photo after photo of the most exotic, expensive and

innovative work that the world’s custom builders’ can deliver. Titanium and exotic 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 fi fties and sixties look like restrained minimalism.

Released by an Australian publisher the book reveals some of the fi ne 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 bicycles that have become cult objects on the fi xed and singlespeed scene?TB


Cycle TourMike Wills £14.50

Bicycle Diaries David Byrne £14.99

THIS BOOK IS a celebration of the mass Cape Argus Cycle Tour in South Africa, known affectionately in roadie circles as simply ‘the Argus’. What began as a protest about the lack of facilities for cyclists on Cape roads in the late 70s has fl ourished and now attracts more than 40,000 each March. In fact it sparked a 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 fl y-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

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 fi lm director), so it’s no surprise that he’s a pretty useful scribe too.

The subject of this non-fi ction 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

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

gus’. What began asof facilities for

n the late 70s hasacts more than

IF YOU to a bikto insisCustomeratedphoto most e

innovative work that the wocan deliver Titanium and ex

Custom Bicycles: A Passionate Pursuit Christine Elliot & David Jablonka £35

HEARTY DETAILING: on seat-stay bridge TOO GOOD TO RIDE: fancy seat-tube lugwork CROWNING GLORY: Columbine head-tube

THEREIN LIES MADNESS:

Calfee's bamboo bike

with genuine steerhorn bars

CycMike W

THIS BcelebrCape Ain Souaffecticirclesa protecyclistfl ouris40,000revolut

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.

FINAL_042043_culture.indd 42FINAL_042043_culture.indd 42 8/9/09 23:40:498/9/09 23:40:49

June-July 2009 London Cyclist

W 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

it, hit the top of the ‘Going Up’ list beating waistcoats (‘the new blazers in denim or leather’) and Sea New York (a ‘so-hot-it-hurts new label as seen on Chloe, Alexa et al’). According to Style, a toddler box is ‘the green way to do the school run’.

I’ve spent the past couple of years dragging Molly, my two-year-old daughter, all over hill and pothole in one of these toddler boxes — well, a two-berth Burley d’Lite with fl ow-through mesh seat, rear cargo area and elastomer suspension, to be precise. Th is 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 off spring 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 inI’ve always been a big fan of bike trailers. I bought my fi rst one when I was 14. It was called a Shuttle and was bright orange, made of fi breglass and came from Saff ron 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 fl op 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 offi ce 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. Th e 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

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 pedal- powered — riders producing at least 200 watts at all times generated enough energy on turbo-trainers for the fi lm to run without a hitch.

Pedal powers fi lm night at Laban

Josie Dew

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

sustainable transport ‘works’, it explains how to sell the concept to sceptical parents and to tackle each potential objection in turn, using unfl inching logic. It goes on to unravel 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

Let Me Out: How to enjoy the school run Ann Kenrick £8.99


Culture

■

n in turn, usingIt goes on to unravel

school travel plans

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 infl uential writers on cycling today and here you’ll fi nd 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 fi nd 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. I’ve always liked his observational style though and found myself nodding in 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

Two Wheels Matt Seaton £7.99

it, hit the toblazers in dnew label atoddler box

I’ve spen

culture and fashion. ed his observational style und myself nodding in

FINAL_042043_culture.indd 43FINAL_042043_culture.indd 43 8/9/09 23:46:378/9/09 23:46:37

p54.indd 54p54.indd 54 26/8/09 23:39:0926/8/09 23:39:09

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP OFFERYou 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 MEMBERSHIPLCC 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 insuranceIf 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 adviceIf 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.

Theft and damage insuranceThe 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.

INFORMATION & CAMPAIGNING: Local groupsLCC 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.

MapsLCC, 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 magazineThis 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 HELP LCC GROW:Gift membershipA 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’.

Volunteer with usMuch 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

members’pagesOur new section provides everything you need to know

about how to get the most from your LCC membership

45October-November 2009 London Cyclist

MINI CONTENTS46-51 Local group news

52-53 Events calendar

55 Community cycling

56-57 Discounts listing

How to join LCCIf 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

FINAL_045_members.indd 45FINAL_045_members.indd 45 9/9/09 12:24:289/9/09 12:24:28

GroupsGGrroouuppss


BARKING & DAGENHAMwww.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 traffi c 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 benefi ts 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. Th ere might have been some new one-way fl ows 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 websiteCONTACT: [email protected] BLOG: www.stibasa.blogspot.comE-GROUP: http://groups.google.com/group/stibasa2

BARNETwww.barnetlcc.org

Unfortunately it’s now time to prepare for winter, so do come along to our October evening meeting (Th urs 29) when we’ll have a talk/demonstration on lights and refl ective gear to help keep you safe cycling through the winter dark. If that is too gloomy, come along to our November evening meeting (Th urs 26) to recall the summer sun with ‘Travellers Tales II’, where members give talks about their summer cycling holidays/expeditions. Th is 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.

BRENTwww.brentcyclists.org.uk

Our coordinator for the past four years, Ben Tansley, has decided to step down. Th e work he has done in this time has really established Brent Cyclists as an active and sometimes infl uential 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

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; [email protected]

BROMLEYwww.bromleycyclists.org

Th ere 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. ➤ Th e three new Go-Ride cycling clubs for children are expanding this school year, fi rstly by adding years 7 and 8 to the existing years 5 and 6 at Th e Priory School, Orpington; secondly, adding a Saturday club in December at Th e Priory. Th e other three clubs resumed from the beginning of this term and are open to new riders, with plans for visits to

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. ➤ Th e 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

EALINGwww.ealingcycling.org.uk

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 fl avours 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

Local Group NewsFind out more at www.lcc.org.uk/localgroups

Paul H

ayward

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

NORTH BOUND: Brent Cyclists

on a summer ride to Mill Hill

FINAL_046-051_Groups.indd 46FINAL_046-051_Groups.indd 46 8/9/09 00:15:088/9/09 00:15:08


GroupsGGrroouuppss

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 insuffi cient 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 suff ered 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: fi rst Sunday of the month, meet 10am at Ealing Town Hall, details on websiteMEETINGS: fi rst Weds, venue details on website.CONTACT: David Lomas, [email protected]; David Eales, 07880 797437.

ENFIELDwww.lccenfi eld.fsnet.co.uk

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

free. If you don't work for the council then why not encourage your own employer to off er 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. ➤ Enfi eld 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.ukMEETINGS: 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, [email protected])

GREENWICH www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk

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

for the best blackberries and eventually fi lled our boots at Crossness. Th ere 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 Th e 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 fi rst 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.

HACKNEYwww.hackney-cyclists.org.uk

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

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 fi nd 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: fi rst Weds, 7.30pm at Marcon Court Estate Community Hall, near corner of Amhurst Road and Marcon Place E8.CONTACT: Trevor Parsons, 020 7729 2273, [email protected]

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

EALING COMEDY: ECC Skyride marshals with SpongeBob SquarePants


GroupsGGrroouuppss


E-NEWSLETTER: send blank email to [email protected]

HAMMERSMITH & FULHAMwww.hfcyclists.org.uk

Th ere 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. Th e route is widely used by leisure cyclists and families at the weekend as well as by commuters. ➤ Th e bridge from Westfi eld 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 aft er it has opened; at the moment it’s like an alpine descent with hairpin bends. Will this really be suitable, safe and fi t for purpose?MEETINGS: fi rst Tues, see website for details.CONTACT: John Griffi ths, 020 7371 1290 or 07789 095748; [email protected]

HARROWwww.lcc.org.uk/localgroups

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

within the council; review road schemes; off er help with bike maintenance.➤ We also have an email group which you can join viahttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/harrowcyclistsMEETINGS: second Weds, 7.30pm at The Village Inn, Rayners Lane, HA5 5DY.CONTACT: Colin Waters, 07799 537504; [email protected]

ISLINGTONwww.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 fi nd out more.➤ ICAG has been invited to join to the Highbury Fields Management Committee which

chiefl y 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; [email protected]

KINGSTONwww.kingstoncycling.org.uk

Th e new experimental contra-fl ow 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-fl ow 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 Fairfi eld 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

restricted to registered bike owners. Quite how much this will cost users isn’t yet clear — let's hope it works.➤ Th e fi re 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 & CHELSEAwww.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. Th is 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; [email protected]

HACKNEY CARRIAGE: a vintage Indonesian rickshaw being ridden around a

sun-drenched London Fields

Trevor P

arsons

AT LAST: after 15 years' campaigning for it, Kingston Cyclists celebrate the

opening of a contra-fl ow cycle lane at Surbiton


Groups

LAMBETHwww.lambethcyclists.org.uk

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 Th e Priory Arms in Stockwell (see below); they’re open to all and friendly, with a social drink aft erwards. 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; [email protected]

LEWISHAMwww.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: fi rst Weds, venue details on website.CONTACT: [email protected]

MERTONwww.mertoncyclists.org.uk

Th e 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 aft ernoon. ➤ Perhaps by then we shall all know the future of Martin Way; strange how authorities can

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 fl urry 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

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 traffi c humps (and maintaining an assertive position) much more comfortable.MEETINGS: check website.CONTACT: Charles Barraball, 07590 077445 or 020 8949 0708; [email protected]

RICHMONDwww.richmondlcc.org.uk

Th e technical working group met with some offi cers from TfL’s Centre of Cycling Excellence who gave us a list of their current and proposed schemes for Richmond. Th ey included changes to most of the roundabouts on the A316, moving the toucan on Cliff ord Avenue, a crossing on the A316 at

‘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 traffi c-free route from the north to Kings Cross/St Pancras stations is a defi ning 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 fi ve metre height difference between two streets which goes back 150 years almost to the building of the railway. The £500,000 scheme has been fi nished 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

a cantilevered structure. Our only small complaint is the anti-motorcycle barriers at each end which are over-specifi ed 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 traffi c-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

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; [email protected]. Or Jean Dollimore, 020 7485 5896.

Camden www.camdencyclists.org.uk

GGrroouuppss


FIRST TIMERS: sampling new link

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

LOCAL GROUP IN FOCUS

Lionel Shapiro

I NOW DECLARE: open season



Groups

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 offi cer, [email protected].➤ 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 fi x your own bike under the supervision of a qualifi ed mechanic. All are welcome; more details on the blog or email for info.➤ Th e 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; [email protected]: www.richmondlcc.co.ukGENERAL BLOG: http://richmond cc.blogspot.com/RIDES BLOG: http://richmondcc rides.blogspot.com/

SOUTHWARKwww.southwarkcyclists.org.uk

Our reborn newsletter — Th e Needle — now goes to every Southwark councillor, library and

most bike shops. Five hundred tasty fl yers went the same way as 27 August saw the fi rst of our paid-for year of small ads in every Th ursday's unmissable Southwark News.➤ October's looking mellow fruitful with our Aft erworker to Cycle Systems' Dr Bike School on 1 October, Fright Ride Th ree 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 fi red 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 Aft erworker to Jeremy Harte's ‘Keep Death Off Th e 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 fi rst time ever on Open House weekend — but as we were preoccupied at lovely Bermondsey Festival and Skyride they opened specially to us on the Th ursday beforehand for our Aft erworker. 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.

CONTACT: Barry Mason, 07905 889005; [email protected]

SUTTONwww.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-fl ow and Carshalton Park Road cycle gap should be fi nished 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 fl exible projects. Cycling to be put into corridors and neighbour-hoods, eg Wallington. Next year’s schemes include Mellows Park and Redford Ave contra-fl ow, 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; [email protected]

TOWER HAMLETSwww.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk

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 diff erence 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. Th e kids' bikes round here seem to come with two fl at 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; [email protected]

WALTHAM FORESTwww.wfcycling.org.uk

Although the summer in Waltham Forest has been quiet, we had some good events and have prepared for a hectic September and October. Th e 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

BEXLEY

Contact: Frances Renton, 01322

441979; [email protected]

Website: www.lcc.org.uk/localgroups

CITY CYCLISTS

Website: www.citycyclists.org.uk

CROYDON

Contact: [email protected]

Website: www.croydon-lcc.org.uk

HARINGEY

Contact: R White; [email protected]


HILLINGDON

Contact: Sarah James, 020 8868 2912,

or Steve Ayres, 01895 230 953

HOUNSLOW


OTHER GROUP CONTACTS

For Dec/Jan issue: 23 October

Send your copy and photos to:

[email protected]

COPY DEADLINE

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

Aneeta


51

Groups

formed with councillors and offi cers will bear fruit.➤ On the cycle facilities front we now have a resurfaced Markhouse road. Th e layout there is somewhat experimental and we welcome any feedback people want to give. Th e oddly-shaped cycle lanes and misplaced cycle logos are yet to be fi xed and offi cers and engineers are very supportive.➤ For the fi rst 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 'Th e Battle Of Barnet' (11 Oct), Th e 'Wat Tyler Meet' (15 Nov) and the legendary 'Cycling Santas' (5 Dec). We will also have our fi rst 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; [email protected]

WANDSWORTHwww.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). Th is route follows the proposed fi rst 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-to-one training at a time to suit the person seeking training.➤ Th e summer social meetings were held in some new pubs this year, to keep everyone on their toes, and as usual were extra-well attended. Th is autumn we’ll be getting more involved in the 20mph campaign, as well as keeping an eye on roadworks that aff ect local cyclists, particularly those on Queenstown Road and on the suggested bus/cycle contrafl ow on Prince

of Wales Drive.MEETINGS: see website.CONTACT: Simon Merrett, 020 8789 6639; [email protected]

WESTMINSTERwww.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 aft er 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-fl ow 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

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

Ow

en


Festival's London event and they are looking for volunteers to help run the valet bicycle parking and sell raffl e tickets. Kryptonite will be organising things and bringing all the equipment, even supplying t-shirts. So if you can help, contact [email protected].

EventsYour bimonthly guide to the best rides and events around the capital

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 aft erparty, the fi lms themselves kick off on Th ursday and continue on through to Saturday. As usual the festival mixes celluloid action with a range of other cycle-related activites, including a Rolla-paluza competition on Friday night, and a Rapha Ride and BMX street jam on Saturday morning. Th ere’s also a bike polo comp on Sunday morning — anyone interested should register at polo@bicyclefi lmfestival.com.

A total of eight fi lms will be

shown over the four days, all at the Barbican Centre and tickets are available at www.bicyclefi lm festival.com.➤ Re-Cycle, the charity that ships used bikes to Africa (www.re-cycle.org) is again the chosen charity of the Bicycle Film

IN BRIEF

Dreams On Wheels comes to City HallAs 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.”

Film fest rides again

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); [email protected]

Sunday 27 September➤ Bread Pudding Challenge Ride: 10.30am Kingston Market Place. Easy paced. Contact: John Dunn (020 8397 1875); [email protected]

Monday 28 September➤ Women's Cycle Ride: 9am, Alexandra Junior School, Cator Road, London SE26. Approx 1.5hrs. Contact: Charles Potter (07951 780869); [email protected]

Tuesday 29 September➤ Bromley BikeTube: 13-miler to Trafal-gar Square for new commuters. Met 7am, Bromley South Station. Contact: Charles Potter (07951 780869); [email protected]

Saturday 3 October➤ Just Bike Ride: 50km or 100km mountain bike ride across Marlborough

Downs, from Coate Water Country Park, Swindon in aid of Unicef. Contact: [email protected]

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); [email protected]

Sunday 4 October➤ Wandle Wander: 10.45am, Richmond Little Green (by library). Contact: Paul Luton (020 8977 4016); [email protected]

Tuesday 6 October➤ Hackney Cycle Workshop: 7pm, The Kings Centre, Frampton Park Baptist Church, Frampton Park Road, E9 7PQ.Contact: Adam (07940 121513); [email protected]

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); [email protected]

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

Black Park Country Park, Bucks. Multi-event 'challenge' day with ex-Scotland rugby player, Kenny Logan. Contact: [email protected]

Sunday 11 October➤ Bread Pudding Train-Assisted Ride: 9.45a, Surbiton Railway Station. Easy-paced ride into Hants countryside. Contact: John Dunn (020 8397 1875); [email protected]

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); [email protected]

Tuesday 20 October➤ Hackney Cycle Workshop: 7pm, The Kings Centre, Frampton Park Baptist Church, Frampton Park Road, E9 7PQ.Contact: Adam (07940 121513); [email protected]

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; [email protected]; www.cyclismsutton.org.uk

Sunday 25 October➤ Bread Pudding Challenge Ride:

10.30am Kingston Market Place. Easy paced 25-30-miler. Contact: John Dunn (020 8397 1875); [email protected]

Sunday 1 November➤ Burnham Beeches: 10.45am, Richmond station. Contact: Paul Luton (020 8977 4016); [email protected]

Tuesday 3 November➤ Hackney Cycle Workshop: 7pm, The Kings Centre, Frampton Park Baptist Church, Frampton Park Road, E9 7PQ.Contact: Adam (07940 121513); [email protected]

Sunday 8 November➤ Bread Pudding Challenge Ride: 10.30am, Kingston Market Place. Medium paced 30-miler. Contact: John Dunn (020 8397 1875); [email protected]

Tuesday 17 November➤ Hackney Cycle Workshop: 7pm, The Kings Centre, Frampton Park Baptist Church, Frampton Park Road, E9 7PQ.Contact: Adam (07940 121513); [email protected]

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); [email protected]


SHOWING SOON: Where Are You Go? documents a 7,000-mile expedition across Africa

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CYCLE CLOTHING AND accessories brand Cyclodelic celebrated its website launch with a photo-themed treasure hunt in central London in late August. Th e evening event visited Selfridges, Regent’s Park and Th e London College of Fashion, ending with an prize ceremony at Velorution bike shop in Bloomsbury.

Th e 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.

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.

ALL LCC MEMBERS (including corporate affi liates) 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 fi ver's saving on the door price.

Th e Cycle Show takes place at Earls Court from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October. Th is 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 female-focused 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.

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 fi rst event in a diff erent cycling discipline and the course has been planned to run through the bar tent. Th ere’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 waffl es. If you want to compete but don't hold a British Cycling licence there will be a specially priced event just for novice riders. Th e fun starts at 5pm and is being sponsored by Tour de Ville. For more details, go to www.rollapaluza.com

West End treasure hunt

Get spooked at the Hill

Discounted Cycle Show tickets for LCC members


Events

MALLET MAYHEM: on polo course

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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: “Th ey were horrifi ed at the thought of having to arrive at the club at 9am on a Sunday, but they made it on time nonetheless.” Th e early start was needed to allow time to reassemble their bikes, get route maps and ID cards before setting off on the

LCC is infl uential 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.

FOR INFOContact the Community Cycling team: ■ 020 7234 9310 (option 4) ■ [email protected]■ www.lcc.org.uk/community

Bikeworks wins Special Olympics accreditation

■ PROJECT Townmead Youth project, Hammersmith & Fulham■ PURPOSE Get young people and their community cycling■ AWARDED £2835■ ACTIVITIES Cycle training, social rides & workshop sessions

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

its LCC-administered All Ability Club, providing adapted bicycles, tricycles and recumbents. Th e club also off ers maintenance and recycling, funded by the Community Cycling Fund for London (CCFfL) and the Big Lottery Fund.

Th e Special Olympics Great Britain is a member of the Olympics Family and is recognised by the International Olympics Committee.

15- or 30-mile circuits. Th e Ride It! events are organised by the bike shop chain across the UK, and this was the fi rst time an LCC community project had tackled one of the challenging courses.

Reinig added: “Th e youth club gives these kids a great chance to get away from the city environ-ment for a day, and solve all kinds of problems like fi xing broken bikes, and climbing big hills.

“Seeing the sun shine as the riders cycled up the fi nal hill and high-fi ved 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 cyclingUpdates on key local projects around the capital

Townmead team tackles latest Evans challenge

BIKEWORKS? Yeah, we know it does

COMMUNITY CYCLING PROVIDER Bikeworks has received offi cial 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.

Th e initiative is being partly run through the Tower Hamlets ‘Healthy Borough Programme’. Bikeworks already encourages cyclists with disabilities through

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

Photo JasonRogersFooDogGiraffeBee@Flickr

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Get a great deal at more than 120 high street and online bike shops

BIKE SHOP DISCOUNTS (%)CONTACT DETAILSLOCATION

BOROUGH BIKE SHOP ADDRESS POSTCODE PHONE WEBSITE (www.) BIKES ACCESS. PARTS LABOUR

BARNET Bike and Run 125 High Rd N2 8AG 020 8815 1845 bikeandrun.co.uk - 10 10 - Broadway Bikes 250 West Hendon Broadway NW9 6BG 020 8931 3925 broadwaybikes.co.uk 5 10 10 - Central Cycles 64 Ballards Lane N3 2BU 020 8346 2046 centralcycles.co.uk 10 10 10 - Cyclelife 8 Bittacey Hill NW7 1LB 020 8346 5784 cyclelife.com 5 10 10 - Shorter Rochford 27 Barnet Rd N6 2QX 01707 662 332 shorter-rochford.co.uk 10 10 10 - Shorter Rochford 65-67 Woodhouse Rd N12 9ET 020 8445 9182 shorter-rochford.co.uk 10 10 10 - The Cycle Store 201 Woodhouse Rd N12 9AY 020 8368 3001 thecyclestore.co.uk 10 10 - -BRENT Cycle King 173 Hillside NW10 8LL 020 8965 5544 cycleking.co.uk 5 15 - - Sparks 5 Bank Buildings, High St NW10 4LT 020 8838 5858 sparksonline.co.uk 10 10 - -BROMLEY Bigfoot Bikes 50 Hayes St BR2 7LD 020 8462 5004 bigfootbikes.com - 5 10 - Bromley Bike Co. 27 Widmore Rd BR1 1RW 020 8460 4852 bromleybike.com - 5 5 - Luvbikes.com 173 -175 Widmore Rd BR1 3AX 010 8460 0433 luvbikes.com 10 10 - -CAMDEN Action Bikes 23-26 Embankment Pl WC2N 6NN 020 7930 2525 actionbikes.co.uk - 10 - - Bikefi x 48 Lambs Conduit St WC1N 3LJ 020 7405 1218 bikefi x.co.uk - 5 10 - Chamberlaines 75-77 Kentish Town Rd NW1 8NY 020 7485 4488 chamberlianecycles.co.uk 5 10 10 - Condor 51 Grays Inn Rd WC1X 8PP 020 7269 6820 condorcycles.com - 10 10 - Cycle Surgery 3 Procter St WC1V 6DW 020 7269 7070 cyclesurgery.com 10 10 10 - Cycle Surgery 44 Chalk Farm Rd NW1 8AJ 020 7485 1000 cyclesurgery.com 10 10 10 - Cycle Surgery 275 West End Lane NW6 1QS 020 7431 4300 cyclesurgery.com 10 10 10 - Evans Cycles 178 High Holborn WC1V 7AA 020 7836 5585 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10 Evans Cycles 86 Chalk Farm Rd NW1 8AR 020 7229 3253 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10 Paul's Custom Cycles 38 Mount Pleasant WC1X 0AP 07960 987 887 paulscustomcycles.co.uk - 10 10 - Simpson’s Cycles 114-116 Malden Rd NW5 4BY 020 7485 1706 simpsoncycles.co.uk 5 10 10 -CITY Bike Hut 3-4 Ave Maria Lane EC4M 7AQ 020 7332 4160 bikehut.com 10 10 10 - Evans Cycles 1 Farringdon St EC4 7LD 020 7248 2349 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10CROYDON Bikes Plus 429 Brighton Rd CR2 6EU 020 8763 1988 bikeplus.co.uk - 10 10 10 Cycle King 26-40 Brighton Rd CR2 6AA 020 8649 9002 cycleking.co.uk 5 15 - - Evans Cycles 5 London Rd CR0 2RE 020 8667 1423 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10EALING Evans Cycles 548-550 Chiswick High Rd W4 5RG 0870 060 5489 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10 Woolsey of Acton 281 Acton Lane W4 5DH 020 89946893 woolseyofacton.co.uk 10 10 - -ENFIELD Top Riders 210 Baker St EN1 3JY 020 8363 8618 topriders-cycles.co.uk - 10 10 -GREENWICH Cycles UK 135 Creek Road SE8 3BU 020 8692 3148 [email protected] 12.5 12.5 12.5 -HACKNEY Bike Yard East 1a Goldsmiths Row E2 8Qa 07949 764 631 bikeyardeast.com - - 5 - Brick Lane Bikes 118 Bethnal Green Rd E2 6DG 020 7033 9053 bricklanebikes.co.uk - 10 10 - London Fields Cycles 281 Mare St E8 1PJ 020 8525 0077 londonfi eldscycles.co.uk - 10 10 - Two Wheels Good 165 Stoke Newington Ch. St N16 OUL 020 7249 2200 twowheelsgood.co.uk - 5 5 -HAM & FULHAM Evans Cycles 240 Watford Way NW4 4UB 0870 142 0108 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10 Evans Cycles 13-15 Jerdan Place SW6 1BE 020 7384 5550 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10 Mend-a-Bike 19 The Arches, 33 Munster Rd SW6 4ER 020 7371 5867 mend-a-bike.co.uk - 10 10 - SBR Sports 917-919 Fulham Rd SW6 5HU 020 7731 5005 sbrsports.com - 10 10 -HARINGEY Two Wheels Good 143 Crouch Hill N8 9QH 020 8340 4284 twowheelsgood.co.uk - 5 5 -HARROW Cycle King 451-455 Rayners Lane HA5 4ET 020 8868 6262 cycleking.co.uk 5 15 - -HAVERING Chainlink Cycle Centre 140 Hornchurch Rd RM11 1DP 01708 470 007 - 5 10 10 -HILLINGDON Bikewise 61 Swakeleys Rd UB10 8DQ 01895 675376 - 10 10 - -HOUNSLOW Action Bikes 176 Chiswick High Rd W4 1PR 020 8994 1485 actionbikes.co.uk - 5 - - Moores Cycles 3-5 St Johns Rd TW7 6NA 020 8560 7131 moorescycles.co.uk 10 10 - - Wizzbike.com 113-114 High St TW8 8AT 020 8326 2891 wizzbike.com 10 10 - -ISLINGTON Bike Mech Castle Climbing, Green Lanes N4 2HA 07762 270 616 bikemech.co.uk - - - 10 Cycle Surgery 200 Pentonville Rd N1 9EN 020 7713 1312 cyclesurgery.com 10 10 10 - Cycle Surgery 70 Holloway Rd N7 8JG 020 7697 2848 cyclesurgery.com 10 10 10 - Finsbury Cycles Ltd 185 Seven Sisters Road N4 3NS 020 7263 0007 fi nsburycycles.moonfruit.com 10 - 10 10 Holloway Cycles 290 Holloway Road N7 6NJ 020 7700 6611 - 10 10 10 10 Mosquito Bikes 123 Essex Road N1 2SN 020 7226 8765 mosquito-bikes.co.uk - 10 10 - S&S Cycles 29 Chapel Market N1 9EN 020 7278 1631 mountainbikelondon.co.uk - 10 10 10KEN & CHELSEA Cotswold Outdoor 23-26 Piccadilly W1J ODJ 020 7437 7399 cotswoldoutdoor.com - 15 - -

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 fi nd out which shops off er you the best discounts in your local area. At the end of the listings, you'll fi nd several online retailers that also provide discounts.

Otherwise visit www.lcc.org.uk/membership where you'll fi nd a clickable map (shown right) to help you hunt down the best savings. If there are any shops in your area that don't off er a discount, email details to offi [email protected] and we'll speak to them.

Member discounts

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Discounts

BIKE SHOP DISCOUNTS (%)CONTACT DETAILSLOCATION

BOROUGH BIKE SHOP ADDRESS POSTCODE PHONE WEBSITE (www.) BIKES ACCESS. PARTS LABOUR

Cyclopedia 262 Kensington High St W8 6ND 020 7603 7626 cyclopediauk.com - 5 - - Cyclesurgery 186 Kensington High St W8 7RG 020 7368 5188 cyclesurgery.com 10 10 10 - Cyclopedia 256 Fulham Road SW10 9EL 020 7351 5776 cyclopediauk.com - 5 - - Evans Cycles 320 Vauxhall Bridge Rd SW1V 1AA 020 7976 6298 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10 Evans Cycles 106 Westbourne Grove W2 5RU 0207 229 3253 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10KINGSTON Evans Cycles 48 Richmond Rd KT2 5EE 020 8549 2559 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10 Pitfi eld Cycles 137 Kingston Rd KT3 3NX 020 8949 4632 brightcycles.co.uk 5 5 5 -LAMBETH Brixton Cycles 145 Stockwell Rd SW9 9TN 020 7733 6055 brixtoncycles.co.uk - 10 10 - Evans Cycles 77-81 The Cut SE1 8LL 020 7928 4785 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10 Evans Cycles 111-115 Waterloo Rd SE1 8UL 020 7928 2208 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10 Herne Hill Bicycles 83 Norwood Rd SE24 9AA 020 8671 6900 - - 5 5 LEWISHAM Compton Cycles 23-25 Catford Hill SE6 4NU 020 8690 0141 comptoncycles.co.uk 10 10 10 - Finches 25-29 Perry Vale SE23 2NE 020 8699 6768 fi nches-ski.com 5 10 10 - The Bike Shop 288-290 Lee High Rd SE13 5PJ 020 8852 6680 bikeshoplewisham.co.uk 10 10 10 -MERTON Action Bikes 221 The Broadway SW19 1SD 020 8540 0313 actionbikes.co.uk - 10 - - Mike’s Bikes 27 Aberconway Rd SM4 5LN 020 8640 1088 - 10 10 10 - Moose Cycles 48 High St SW19 2BY 020 8544 9166 moosecycles.com - 10 10 - Smith Brothers 14 Church Rd SW19 5DL 020 8946 2270 - 10 - - - Triandrun 53 Wimbledon Hill Rd SW19 7QW 020 8971 2065 triandrun.com 5 10 - -REDBRIDGE Cycle King 1088-1090 High Rd RM6 4AB 020 8597 6834 cycleking.co.uk 5 15 - -RICHMOND Action Bikes 437 Upper Richmond Rd SW14 7PJ 020 8876 5566 actionbikes.co.uk - 10 - - Action Bikes 54-56 Whitton High St TW2 7LT 020 8894 0174 actionbikes.co.uk - 10 - - Cowley Security 146 Colne Rd TW2 6QS 020 8894 1212 - - 10 - - Moores Cycles 214 Kingston Rd TW1 19JF 020 8977 2925 moorescycles.co.uk 10 10 10 10 Moores Cycles 61 London Rd TW1 3SZ 020 8744 0175 moorescycles.co.uk 10 10 10 10

Prologue 232 Upper Richmond Rd SW14 8AG 020 8878 6266 prologuebikes.com 10 10 - -SOUTHWARK Edwardes 221-225 Camberwell Rd SE5 0HG 020 7703 3676 - 10 10 - - Evans Cycles 6 Tooley St SE1 2SY 020 7403 4610 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10 London Recumbents Rangers Yard, Dulwich Pk SE21 7BQ 020 8299 6636 londonrecumbents.co.uk - - - - On Your Bike 52-54 Tooley St SE1 2SZ 020 7378 6669 onyourbike.com 10 10 - - ReCycling 110 Elephant Rd SE17 1LB 020 7703 7001 re-cycling.co.uk 10 - - - Robinsons Cycles 172 Jamaica Rd SE16 4RT 020 7237 4679 - 5 10 10 10 Wilsons 32 Peckham High St SE15 5BP 020 7639 1338 - 10 10 10 -TOWER HAM Bicycle Magic 4-6 Greatorex St E1 5NF 020 7375 2993 bicyclemagic.com 5 10 10 - Cotswold Outdoor City St Clements Hse, Leyden St E1 7LL 020 7655 466 cotswoldoutdoor.com - 15 - - CycleSurgery 12-13 Bishops Square E1 6EG 020 7392 8920 cyclesurgery.com 10 10 10 - CycleSurgery Strype St E1 7LQ 020 7375 3088 cyclesurgery.com 10 10 10 - Evans Cycles 1 Market St E1 6AA 020 7426 0391 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10 Evans Cycles 30 South Colonade E14 5EZ 0870 164 4037 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10 Evans Cycles 5 Cullum St EC3 7JJ 020 7283 6750 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10 Wharf Cycles 21-23 Westferry Rd E14 8JH - - - 10 - -WALTH FOREST Bike Shack 621 High Rd E10 6RF 0845 806 2373 cycleshoplondon.com - 10 - - Ditchfi elds 792-794 High Rd E10 6AE 020 8539 2821 ditchfi elds.co.uk 10 10 10 - Heales Cycles 477 Hale End Rd E4 9PT 020 8527 1592 www.healescycles.co.uk 5 10 10 -WANDSWORTH Cycleworx 20-30 Buckhold Rd SW18 4WW 07970 615 171 cycleworx.co.uk 10 10 10 - Evans Cycles 167-173 Wandsworth High St SW18 4JB 020 8877 1878 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10 Evans Cycles 65-79 Clapham High St SW4 7TG 020 7720 4139 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 10 Luciano Cycles 97-99 Battersea Rise SW11 1HW 020 7228 4279 lucianocycles.co.uk 5 10 10 - Psubliminal 17 Balham High Rd SW12 9AJ 020 8772 0707 psubliminal.co.uk - - - 5 Putney Cycles 337 Putney Bridge Rd SW15 2PG 020 8785 3147 putneycycles.com - 10 - - Siecle 789 Wandsworth Rd SW8 3JQ - - - 15 - - South Bank Cycles 194 Wandsworth Rd SW8 2JU 020 7622 3069 waltoncycles.co.uk - 5 - - Stratton Cycles 101 East Hill SW18 2QB 020 8874 1381 - - 10 - -WESTMINSTER Action Bikes Dacre House SW1H 0DJ 020 7799 2233 actionbikes.co.uk - 10 - - Cavendish Cycles 136 New Cavendish St W1W 6YD 020 7631 5060 cavendishcycles.wordpress.com - 10 10 - Cycle Surgery 400 Oxford St W1A 1AR 020 7318 2448 cyclesurgery.com 10 10 10 - Dial-A-Bike 30 Strutton Ground SWIP 2HR 0207 233 4224 dial-a-bike.com 5 10 10 - Evans Cycles 51-52 Rathbone Pl W1T 1JP 020 7580 4107 evanscycles.com 10 10 10 - Velorution 18 Great Titchfi eld St W1W 8BD 020 7637 4004 velorution.biz - 10 10 10KENT Sidcup Cycle Centre 142-146 Station Rd DA15 7AB 020 8300 8113 sidcupcycles.co.uk - - - - Crayford Cycles 3 Empire Buildings DA1 4JJ - - 5 5 - -SURREY Corridori 203 Fir Tree Rd, Epsom KT17 3LB 01737 373 227 corridori.co.uk 10 10 - -ONLINE Evans Cycles online Internet bike/parts n/a 01293 574 900 evancycles.com 10 10 10 10 Old Bicycle Trading Co Internet parts/servicing n/a 020 8306 0060 oldbiketrader.co.uk - - 10 -MOBILE Bikes R Us Mobile repair n/a 020 8882 8288 bikesruslondon.com - - - 10

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hat and tracksuit bottoms and a huge car went past with

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-aft er designers, having made outfi ts for high-profi le fi gures 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

“You see far more when you're cycling, than in a car... it gives you time to clear your thoughts”

Zandra RhodesMINI INTERVIEW


Interview

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!

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

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London Cyclist October-November 2009

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Transcript of London Cyclist October-November 2009