Dispatches from London: Overcoming the challenges of cycling to work in London
October 27, 2009 by kat
Filed under Dispatches from London, London
Although already a recreational cyclist, I have finally built up to taking on the ardent task of cycling at rush hour into work in the past few weeks. Luckily, I live only 1.5 miles from my work and the ride there is a downhill one. Of course it makes the ride home a bit more arduous, but at least I only arrive sweaty on the end without shared space with 800 other people.
It’s taken me four and a bit months to feel comfortable enough to cycle to work due to the logistical considerations (mostly involving hair and make-up, honestly). Going from the point of buying a bicycle in April to feeling comfortable on the streets of London has taken me over four months. It’s a slow process and learning my way around and to share the road with expletive-spewing motorcyclists, people jumping out of cabs and squeezing between double decker buses can still be a bit frightening.
My main challenges with cycling and how I’ve overcome them.
1. Challenge: learning the streets and easiest cycle routes.
Solution: TFL maps.
When I started cycling, I only knew bus routes that I’d been taking for ages. They aren’t always the nicest or safest routes, but at least I knew I wouldn’t be going down the wrong way. The definitive guides are actually available at tube stops and put out by the TFL. I have one on my wall next to my door and every time before I leave the house I check my route. They have major roads that have signed cycling routes in yellow and quieter routes in blue. It’s how I know a lot of London now. Someone the other day mentioned a restaurant on Persival Street and I responded, “yeah I know it, that’s a blue street”!
2. Challenge: The gear (or “kit” as the Brits say)
Solution: Investing over time
Getting a bike wasn’t too much of a problem – I invested a bit (£350) but have earned it back in saved tube fare alone since May. I chose a Trek T10 ladies bike that’s a good hybrid. I personally don’t like the look of the fold up bicycles and like the option of taking a jaunt in the country on my bike. More difficult has been the extras. There’s a lot to it – lights, locks, bags, helmet and hi-visibility gear. I had to invest in some things in the bike shop, I made do and asked for relatives to give me any spare neon they had kicking around (got more than you’d think), and ordered a few items from deep discounter Sports Direct. I tend to upgrade about 1 item per month putting £30 of my budget aside for cycle gear. Plus, there’s been an entire female-oriented cycle fashion movement which I’ll devote another entry to, but I will put a pic up of a gorgeous helmet I’m coveting from Cycle Chic!
http://www.cyclechic.co.uk/index.htm
3. Challenge: Organisation
Solution: Setting out my school bag the night before
There’s a lot to cart around when it comes to cycling. I just have to keep my bag ready with my lights, lock, make-up, water bottle, wallet, keys, hair brush, helmet, and reflective vest all packed and ready so I add my lunch from the fridge and am out the door.
4. Challenge: Not being a red sweaty mess
Solution: cycling slowly
This is a controversial tactic that I take as I am luckily not someone who profusely sweats. I can get away with cycling to work in my dress or suit and arrive unscathed if I do so slowly. It does put a dent in my ego as people fly by me in lycra and streamlined cycling clothes whilst I saunter along in my dress at more relaxed pace. I’m not cycling primarily for exercise though, I do it because it gets me to work faster than any other mode and I enjoy it. Plus, I don’t have to change when I arrive at work, I simply add a suit jacket (back of my office chair), some heels (hidden under my desk) and put on my makeup at my desk or in the bathroom. Many others shower at my office and do their full morning routine in the office or the gym. When the weather gets worse, I may have to join them. On the weekends I often just wear more comfortable clothes and cycle normally in them. Obviously if I’m going out somewhere fancy, I leave my two wheeled friend at home.
In all, it’s still a work in progress but I’ve found that I arrive to work much more energised and I see a few people that I normally wouldn’t. This morning I had a good conversation with a important Partner coming from the bike area up to the offices. We talked about cycling naturally! He was very impressed that as an American, I’ve learned to cycle in London. I’m certainly not a tourist anymore!
Author Info - Late 20-something Bostonian study abroad junkie turned English lawyer who lives, works, and dares to cycle in London. Read more from this author
