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> I wonder if the people that could/cycle aren't already doing it I would prefer to cycle, but don't currently. My commute (when there isn't a pandemic on, tha

by tazjin 6y ago

> I wonder if the people that could/cycle aren't already doing it I would prefer to cycle, but don't currently. My commute (when there isn't a pandemic on, that is) goes from Vauxhall to King's Cross, which is straight through Westminster - not a great borough to cycle through. Cycling this route is probably manageable, but it requires a lot more vigilance than I'd like to have to apply during my commute. If this leads to a reduction in traffic I'll absolutely be cycling going forward, and I've heard the same from various colleagues. Edit: Of course, there's also a Jay Foreman video on why Londoners don't cycle - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gohSeOYheXg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gohSeOYheXg

epanchin 6y ago
Use Citymapper to find a quiet route. Vauxhall to Kings Cross is fine, there’s a segregated route pretty much the whole way, crossing Blackfriars bridge. The new elephant and castle roundabout is segregated too, and easy to navigate. Traffic levels won’t make all that much of a difference. The roads are nicer anyway since the 20mph limit came in. I accept the tube is quicker as the Victoria line is very good, but the returns from cycling make it worthwhile.
- tazjin 6y ago
  The best route I've found so far is the one on the right here: https://london.cyclestreets.net/journey/69221538/ https://london.cyclestreets.net/journey/69221538/ There's some bits at the start and end that are annoying to deal with, and it's slightly longer, but as a result of this it's quite likely I'll start going this way when things normalise (though I'm not expecting that to be this year).
  - epanchin 6y ago
    CS3 round the river is quite nice, you could cross straight away and cycle round that. For me, the key is to continuously try different routes. Sometimes the busier roads are safer and more pleasant to cycle. Personally once I’m on my bike the length of the route no longer matters - it’s getting on it on the first place that’s tough. Nearly all of my journeys last year where on my bike, on a hire bike, or in a taxi. It’s wonderful leaving the tube behind.

by tazjin 6y ago

epanchin 6y ago

Use Citymapper to find a quiet route. Vauxhall to Kings Cross is fine, there’s a segregated route pretty much the whole way, crossing Blackfriars bridge. The new elephant and castle roundabout is segregated too, and easy to navigate. Traffic levels won’t make all that much of a difference. The roads are nicer anyway since the 20mph limit came in. I accept the tube is quicker as the Victoria line is very good, but the returns from cycling make it worthwhile.

tazjin 6y ago
The best route I've found so far is the one on the right here: https://london.cyclestreets.net/journey/69221538/ https://london.cyclestreets.net/journey/69221538/ There's some bits at the start and end that are annoying to deal with, and it's slightly longer, but as a result of this it's quite likely I'll start going this way when things normalise (though I'm not expecting that to be this year).
- epanchin 6y ago
  CS3 round the river is quite nice, you could cross straight away and cycle round that. For me, the key is to continuously try different routes. Sometimes the busier roads are safer and more pleasant to cycle. Personally once I’m on my bike the length of the route no longer matters - it’s getting on it on the first place that’s tough. Nearly all of my journeys last year where on my bike, on a hire bike, or in a taxi. It’s wonderful leaving the tube behind.