Just out of curiosity, how, where do you ride your bikes?
Its just the amount of traffic making me think, is biking really that enjoyable in london to everyone? Or do some of us have track days, trips to outer London…etc?
Ill be honest and say most bikers i see around North are either couriers or pizza boiz.
Feel free to share your experiences. Good or Bad. Fore and against riding in London.
I used to commute from Kent to the City, but stick to the train now after I got knocked off last summer. Too many nutters on the road and ‘white van man’ not looking where he’s going.
Now I go for a poodle at the weekends and the odd evening; did my first track day at Brands Hatch last August and loved it! Can’t wait to do another but will wait for the weather to improve.
I live in Essex but work in Hackney. The ride in to work can be enjoyable but there is nothing like riding out of London! There are just too many cars and other idiots in town…
I ride from Barnet to Central London where my uni is and love it, definately beats being stuck on an invariably delayed and crowded train! But its prob more about learning how to “play” with the cars than just trying to get your knee down (most of the time) so definately needs to be supplemented with trackdays etc… something I hope to do for the first time this year
I have been driving for for almost 4 years, and am in the process of getting my license. But when i actually come to think about it, there is no where in London to ride the bike without having to deal with loads of idiot drivers who are half asleep most of the time or without someone cutting you up. Since I have decided to get a bike licence i have been observing traffic and drivers alot, and my mentality has totally changed into somewhat a biker/driver mentality and am realisng things which i never realised before. Its a good thing i guess but with all these cars about and fustration in people Im starting to doubt it will be wise to ride in London…
No, go 4 it… just be defensive and treat everyone else as though they are going to take you out… you will be a much better rider + you won’t have to sit in traffic or on a train…
I ride from Uxbridge to Brick Lane regularly and after almost 4 years I still think it’s fun… Looking out for the taxi’s, white van man, boy racers, and plod with lasers is all part of the daily ride. Your filtering skills & awareness gets better all the time.
The one thing I would say is that where I have not been out much on the bike other than commuting, my “out of town” riding has really gone down hill, you need to mix the two regularly.
I ride every day on the A412 between Rickmansworth and Watford. I love filtering and taking the wing mirrors off cars who’s driver are less then courteous to passing bikers.
I love scooting in London! Most of my time is spent either filtering or riding far ahead of the madding & maddening crowd, still stuck in their cars. Yesterday, four cars turned into my path, though. Their families will miss them…
That is so true you have to be in the mood or else forget it. Can be a lot of fun and from someone who couriered for 12 months and didnt get knocked off thats saying something.
I do 20 miles everyday on my scooter. Do it on a car would not be possible!! Well, only if I start to wake up 2 hours late and get home 2 hours late, with lucky obviously…
Mini Mo wrote: “I think the best piece of advice I have ever been given, and would pass onto you, is don’t ride if you’re not in the mood.” <-- That’s some great advice right there!!
Well, I used to ride every day, but since I only travel from Old Street to Camden now, it’s quicker to catch the tube … and my bike engine barely warms up on such a short journey!
i commute from petts wood into london every day as far as im concerned its gotts be done as most of my work is in the city (towercrane driver ) i would find it impossible to park anything thing other than the bike. I have thrown it down the rd a few times but wouldn’t wanna travel any other way cant do trains come the weekend its a different ball game though gotta be anywhere but london fav has gotta be from box to winchester think its the 272 top route
I live in Greenwich and work in Central London, i’ve got a supermoto and there’s nothing stopping me to get to work on time and with a smile on my face. yes u guessed I do ride like a c**t but that is cause i am one!!! hehe only on the road mind you… yet I am proud of my record which is the following: 26 years of urban riding and so far… never had a spill, so i must be doing some right. hey? this is what i mean… http://www.captnmoto.co.uk/vids/ride.wmv