In my adventures in trying to dress up as Lala from the Teletubbies I’ve found the ATC Mini Helmet Camera to be an irreplaceable accessory.

Teletubby impersonations aside, what does the ATC Mini Helmet Camera by Oregon Scientific offer cyclists?

High quality HD video

In tests with the ATC Mini helmet camera for cyclists, I’ve found the video quality to be excellent. The camera doesn’t suffer from curved recording edges, you can see licence plates and there haven’t been any issues where the recording has been too dark. Although, it’s not quite the level of the more expensive HD Hero helmet camera, it should be enough for most uses.

However, there is a downside to this high quality of video. For every one minute of video you are looking at around a 100mb file. On a 25 minute commute, you’d therefore have 2.5 gigs of data. You can buy 32GB Micro SD cards which costs around £30 and that should prevent you from running out of juice. The battery lasts for approximately 1.5 hours.

There is one further consideration. If you’ve got an older laptop then it may struggle to edit the HD video. You’ll find that converting the video to MP4 format will dramatically reduce the file size while maintaining the quality.

Wide Range of mounting options

The ATC Mini Helmet Camera has an excellent range of mounting options. Especially, when coupled with the ATC Mini Handlebar Mount. Thanks to the low weight of the unit it shouldn’t be a problem to place it on the helmet. I found the helmet mount provides the most clear angle for bike rides.

What really stood in my review of the ATC Mini is that you can make some excellent micro adjustments to get the recording angle just right. This is thanks to the design of the mount. Out of all the helmet cameras I’ve tested, I’ve found the mounting system in the ATC Mini the most useful.

Despite the lack of an LCD monitor it wasn’t too hard to guess where the camera was pointed. I found that from the first ride my guesses were pretty accurate.

(The video at the end of this post demonstrates the benefit of multiple mounting angles)

Easy to use

The ATC Mini helmet camera is designed to make life simple:

• To upload video you just plug it in to your computer without needing any additional software.
• There are just three buttons on the unit (On/Off, Camera, Video) all of them easy to press even with gloves
• Mounting is quick and painless (just don’t forget to tighten the screw that holds the camera in place!)

Waterproof

With water resistance of up to 20 metres you’ll have to seek out a pretty deep pothole to be in any difficulty. It’s great that this is something included straight out of the box with the ATC Mini, rather than having to invest in additional accessories.

Video Review

Review of the ATC Mini Helmet Camera

Overall, there’s a lot to love about the Oregon Scientific ATC Mini. Waterproof, competitively priced, high quality video and excellent mounting. Any let downs? 1.5 hour battery life may not offer enough juice for all purposes and when mounted to your helmet you do look a little silly!

However, the idea stuck with me. I couldn’t help thinking that I’d been a little too quick to judge and actually they would be pretty useful. In particular, if you need to tap your iPhone or mobile phone screen when it is in a bike mount. As I often do when I’m following a new route somewhere.

I looked around at a couple of different companies that sell these types of gloves and came across the eGlove eXtreme (it’s all about capital letters in strange places). I was impressed by the quality and the price seemed about right so I’ve added them to our London Cyclist eShop.

With the cold weather we are mid way through at the moment I thought it would be a good time to announce their addition.

If you are looking for a pair then have a look at the size chart at the bottom of this page because they are designed to have a very snug fit (time to ask around for a tape measure or ruler!) I’ll end this post with this random fact: I have a 19cm hand.

I’ve only ever met one “celebrity” in my life. The guy from Maroon 5. If I ever mention this to someone I normally shrug nonchalantly. However, if I met the author behind the popular Bike Snob NYC blog, things would be a little different.

Embarrassingly different.

You see, I’m a bit of a fan boy of his dry humour. The likes of which you mostly find in British comedy.

As such, I’d probably gush out far too much praise and come across as quite creepy.

Fortunately, the odds of bumping into each other are slim and thus I can deliver a more dignified review of his new book via my blog now.

“Omg!! It’s so unbelievably awesome!! Most hilarious thing I’ve read in my life!!”

I’m pretty sure that was dignified.

The Enlightened Cyclist is one of the best introductions to cycling culture you can read. Which is quite a statement, considering the sheer number of books released recently vying for the attention of cyclists.

It starts off with a brilliant description of a short bike ride around New York. The experience will have all cyclists nodding along, as we recognise everything described. For example, the race by car drivers to overtake you, only to catch up with them at the next set of red lights. The beauty of the authors writing, is in capturing these often mundane daily cycling experience and turning them into writing that will have you sniggering to yourself every few pages. I believe anyone that has the ability to do that, is worthy of your attention.

However, the authors hilarious writing is only half of what I’m enjoying so much about this book. The light hearted writing is also interweaved with interesting insights into how things got to where they are today. There’s plenty in The Enlightened Cyclist that makes you stop and think for a moment. An example of this, is the personal story of the authors experiences of 9/11. Also, an interesting take on why drivers have such anger for cyclists.

Whilst I’m thoroughly enjoying the book (I’m 70% of the way through by my book estimation skills), not everything is gripping me and I have found myself skipping a paragraph here and there. However, I’m an impatient reader and I generally read to unwind at the end of the day, so my concentration levels are not the best.

If you are looking for a light hearted read on the sheer hilarity of cycle commuting and the culture around it then I’d recommend picking up a copy when it lands in the UK. You can also pre-order from Amazon now.

Once you’ve read it – leave a comment with any parts of the book that stood out for you below! (Think of it as a mini book club).

If you are the type of person who likes to read things then I’d also recommend our list of cycling books for the kindle and 10 books for a cyclist at Christmas.

Guest post by Chris Bean

They call it London-on-Sea, so it definitely fits on this blog. Right? Good. Biking in Brighton is, well, not that different from biking in London – there are potholes, buses, taxis and gormless pedestrians to keep you amused. The whole experience is however, distinctly provincial compared to riding around London, and it does have some lovely highs – riding along the coast with the sea to one side and gorgeous Hove buildings on t’other has a certain glorious buzz to it.

What’s it like down here for bikers, then? Pretty good! The weather’s surprisingly dry (this Kiwi can’t believe how little it rains down here – NZ’s green for a reason!) and bus drivers are trained to look out for us – let them out of a bus stop and you’ll get a thumbs-up. Taxis will pull impossible U-turns, just like anywhere, but they’re mostly modern vehicles, so at least they won’t gas you.

We’ve got a few segregated bike lanes, including one the Tory council tried to remove, and the country’s only Green MP! Yes indeed! Caroline Lucas hails from here, and she’s really keen on cycling. It’s a University town – students, being cheap, are keen riders.

Beware the biker that goes to the town centre: pedestrians in the Lanes are oblivious to all forms of traffic. I’ve had people carrying children step in front of me without a care in the world. How’s this different from normal pedestrians, you ask? Well, they do it to cars and buses too – walkers rule the Lanes, and that’s how it should be. I generally get off and walk if it’s busy. If you can’t beat’em, join’em.

If you fancy getting out of town, that’s easy too – there’s the Devil’s Dyke look-out, 40 minutes or so from Brighton Station up a gradual incline. From there, you can admire the view and explore the South Downs. Or you can tootle along the sea-front in either direction – east is best though, it’s more picturesque and there’s a cycle lane for miles.

As for bike shops, there’s Sydney Street bikes in the Centre, and the ‘golden tip’ is G-whizz cycles, open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday – he operates out of a garage and he’s a committed bike nut!

Finally, if you get stuck around Kemptown on a Friday or Saturday, the DIY guys at Cranks will be happy to help you out.

Cycling is basically the only way to get around Brighton and Hove – bring your bike next time you come down and get away from the centre’s crowds! Any of you Brightonians out there got some good tips or stories?

Image via raysto Flickr

• Money in the pocket: In the UK our train fares are up to 10 times higher than many of our European counterparts such as Italy and Greece. Season tickets can cost up to £4000. A high end bike plus accessories will set you back around £1000. The rest you can spend on anything you want.
• Stay healthy: Cycling is a good way of getting in your daily exercise.
• Feeling great: Cycling wakes you up in the morning giving you better alertness throughout the day to perform better. It also connects you with the world around you making you feel alive.
• Beating the crowds: Using overcrowded public transport systems doesn’t have to be your daily reality. The bike is one way to beat it.
• Embracing the inner tree hugger: Less emissions make everyone happier.
• More time in bed: You can often save time by going by bike. This means more time in bed!
• Started, loved it: During the last London underground strikes many people who took to their bikes, loved it and kept going. The same thing has been reported to me repeatedly by my friends who are just taking up cycling. It is a quiet revolution that is happening and you are welcome to join!

2. Your new bike (how to save 50% or more)

I’m not sure if anyone has told you this but you are going to need a bike. There is no shortage of different types of bikes: road bikes, hybrid, cross bikes, Dutch style bikes, electric, single speed, recumbent bikes, folding, touring bikes… the list goes on.

Your local bike shop will be able to advise on which will be most suitable to you.

If you cycle commute is fairly long (8+ miles) and road based then you’ll probably want to use a road bike. They are quick, efficient and comfortable over medium to long distances.

If your route involves a lot of urban cycling then an upright bike such as a hybrid may be more suitable. It has a more relaxed riding position and gives you better visibility on the road.

The one bike type I would avoid for most commutes is a mountain bike. They tend to be heavier with thick tyres and suspension. They are meant for off-road riding and will cause you to exert yourself more than is necessary.

There are many ways to save money when buying a new bike. You may be eligible for a cycle to work scheme whereby you only pay 50% of the cost of a new bike. Ask around at work if such a scheme is available to employees.

Another option is to buy second hand. The discounts on second hand bikes are steep and it can be a good way to get a bike that would normally be out of your price range. You can also buy your bike online. Larger retailers such as Evans Cycles can price match any offers online so it is worth looking around.

Assembling a flat pack bike is actually a very simple process but the advantage of being able to take your bike back to the local bike shop may be worth the higher price.

I’d highly recommend having a test ride on your new bike before buying. This will help you judge the bike sizing.

3. What accessories will I need? (The bare essentials)

Put these accessories on your “to buy” list:

• Two bike locks: So that you can lock all of your components and beat the thieves.
• Bike lights: If it is winter or you’ll be riding home late.
• Repair kit: pump, spare inner tube, multi-tool, tyre levers.
• Mudguards

Many cyclists also choose to wear a bike helmet.

A worthy upgrade I’d recommend are puncture proof tyres. They should mean less time spent off the bike, fixing punctures and getting your hands oily. The bike shop should be able to throw a pair of these in for you.

4. Planning your route into work (The importance of the test ride)

The first day I cycled into work I ended up on Oxford Circus and completely lost. It turned out I was around 2 miles away from where I should be. I now advise my friends to do a test ride into work before their first cycle.

To plan your route there are some excellent tools such as Cycle Streets and RideTheCity. They can help you plan a route that utilises local cycling facilities.

The route you choose will depend on personal preferences. At first you may wish to use quieter back roads. As your confidence increases you may be just as happy on busy main roads.

5. Riding safely (Avoid these common errors)

There are three quick things you can change about your cycling technique that can make a big difference to your safety.

The first is avoiding heavy goods vehicles at all costs. When you see one, alarm bells should be ringing in your mind and reminding you they have very large blind spots. Choose to either stay behind a HGV or overtake on the right (in the same way a motorbike would).

The second is road positioning. Many people try this, but then give up on it because one day a driver gets annoyed at them. The rule is: A car will give you as much room as you give yourself on the left. Therefore, don’t cling to the pavement if you want cars screaming past you with inches to spare. Instead, ride further out which gives you an opportunity to move in if there is a danger. This also makes you far more visible.

The final one I’ll mention in this post, is to establish eye contact with drivers behind you. It’s a  little hard for me to explain why this works so instead I suggest you try it and see what happens. When you establish eye contact they’ll realise it is a person on that bike not just another “bloody cyclist” and they’ll give you more room.

These tips are great if you manage to implement them. However, there’s no substitute for doing a cycle training course. These are 2 hour, one-on-one sessions that can cost as little as £2 as they are subsidised by the government. Just search Google for cycle training UK.

6. Keeping your bike safe (Out the hands of thieves)

Do you want to know how to get your bike stolen? Use one, cheap, £20 lock and only lock it around the front wheel. The thief will walk up to your bike, undo the quick release in 5 seconds and walk away with the rest of your bike.

You should always use two locks and follow the correct locking technique:

• Never lock your bike to an object where the bike can be lifted over (this includes sign posts that could be unscrewed)
• Never leave your bike unattended even for “just one minute”
• Ideally lock the two wheels and the frame to the object
• Use two different types of lock as the thief is likely to only be equipped to attack one type
• Register your bike with Bike Shepherd (or equivalent service)

7. Looking after your bike (Losing your tyre puncture virginity..)

The are three things you need to know:

1. How to remove your wheel and repair a puncture – by far the most likely repair you’ll have to do.
2. How to clean your bike – this will save you a ton of money as dirt in your expensive components wears them out prematurely.
3. How to adjust and replace your brake pads – these will eventually wear out and it’s good to not rely on the bike shop to repair them.

The Bike Doctor app can show you how to do all of the above wherever you are.

8. Keeping your resolution (Burn your travel card!)

As anyone who’s tried to lose weight, learn Spanish or stop letting their cat into the house whenever it wants to – we know new habits are hard to keep. The 30 day rule is a good start.

Make it your aim to cycle into work daily without a break for 30 days. Use the website iDoneThis which will email you and ask what you’ve done today. Try not to break the chain!

In combination with this tell one or more friends about what you are doing and ask them to check in with you daily to see how you are doing. The pressure to not fail should help keep you on the straight and narrow.

You can also make it harder for you to cheat. Burn your Oyster card or, more sensibly, give it to a friend and tell them to not give it back to you until after the 30 days are up.

9. Taking things to the next level

I’d like to help you get started and keep cycling in London or wherever you are. Join the newsletter below for free and I’ll send you weekly tips on everything from getting a great deal on a new bike to overcoming the most common problems people face when getting started with cycling. I’ll also check in with you and see how you are coming along.

Enter your first name and email address in the box above and hit subscribe.

Read about a cycling adventure to India

Currently the best selling cycling book on the Kindle. This book is called “You’ve gone too far this time, Sir!” A teacher decides to cycle 15,000 kilometres from the UK to India. Eating sheep’s brain, dancing in front of a packed stadium and overcoming troublesome border controllers. This is all the inspiration an armchair adventurer should need. On the Kindle it costs less than £1 to instantly download.

Pedalling around France

A favourite getaway for London cyclists is to go on a cycling holiday in France. The Kindle book Cycles, Tents and Two Young Gents will definitely provide some amusement and reminiscing to readers. The authors travel from Cherbourg to Perpignan and along the way meet a host of European characters.

Behind the scenes reporting on the Tour de France

Ned Boulting is a Tour De France reporter. In this book he gives an insiders account on falling in love with the tour. For anyone who follows the TdF closely this book will be of much interest and amusement. You’ll discover the history of the TdF and the trials and tribulations of the reporters who cover it.

Greece on two wheels

The book provides an insight into pedalling around Greece. The author weaves in plenty of interest with stories of local characters as well as the history and legends of Greece. Plenty of inspiration for those who are fans of Greece or would like to one day visit.

Around the world on a bike with a tiny budget

This still remains one of the most interesting books I’ve read on around the world travel. Alastair Humphreys hops on his bike, pedalling through danger, beautiful scenery and meets incredible people along the way. I was gripped from the beginning to the end and would recommend it.

The Bicycle Book

For those obsessed with the bicycle, Bella Bathursts book will entertain, inform and provide you with plenty more boring bike related facts for discussions at the dinner table!

It’s all about the bike

Robert Penn’s book is one for the bike builders. He goes out on a search to build the perfect bike for him. Along the way he details the fascinating history of different bike manufacturers.

The problem of cold feet can party be solved by getting a warm pair of winter cycling socks. Generally these are made of merino wool and are thicker than the socks you’ll wear the rest of the year. Picking yourself up three pairs should be enough to get you through the winter.

Winter cycling socks that are designed for cycling tend to command a higher price than perhaps can be justified. If you are on a budget therefore, a trip down to the local discount store could save you some money. The crucial word here is “could” as a lot of retailers have decent discounts on cycling socks bringing them well within the affordable range.

The best pair of winter cycling socks will keep your feet at a good temperature and not cause them to sweat. They’ll also be comfortable enough to wear on a long ride and dry quickly. If the shoes you wear for cycling are very tight then you may have an issue with the slightly thicker size of the socks.

The winter socks I’ve selected below should satisfy all the above criteria.

The Surface Clothing Crew Socks cost just £6.99 and provide excellent comfort and warmth. Whilst the designs may be a little too funky for some, at least they’ll be easy to spot in your sock draw when you are rushing to get ready for the commute into work.

The DHB Merino winter cycling socks offer a rare combination. They are both thin and warm. Along with that they are also very comfortable. For winter cycling this is a great pair of socks for £9.89.

If you really want to step up the war on cold feet then the Pearl Izumi Elite Tall Wool socks will appeal. They are longer than your usual sock providing extra warmth when it is needed. The insulation of merino wool keeps things nice and comfortably toasty. These winter cycling socks are a little expensive at £16.99.

The DeFeet Woolie Boolie 2 socks are an improvement in both warmth and comfort of their older siblings. They provide a good fit and will give you many years of good service.

Don’t be a afraid to give your feet a little pampering. As one of the main contact areas with the bike, it is important to keep them comfortable. If the socks don’t solve your problem then you should also look towards getting a pair of leg warmers as people have suggested in the comments below. Additionally, overshoes can add additional warmth as can getting cycling specific shoes.

See also: How to stay motivated to cycle when you look out the window and see this

This table lists the cyclists killed in London in 2011:

1. Gary Mason (48, male) Sandy Lane South
2. Daniel Cox (28, male) Dalston Junction
3. Tom Barrett (44, male) A40
4. David Poblet (20, male) Tanner Street
5. Paula Jurek (20, female) Camden Road
6. Gavin Taylor (40, male) Mildmay Grove North
7. Naoko (34, female) Queen Caroline Street
8. Thomas Stone (13, male) Bell Farm Avenue
9. Unknown (62, male) Layhams Road
10. Paul McGreal (44, male) Hackney Road
11. Johannah Bailey (49, female) Cavendish Road
12. Sam Harding (25, male) Holloway Road
13. Min Joo Lee (24, female) Pentonville Road
14. Brian Dorling (58, male) Payne Road
15. Svitlana Tereschenko (34, female) Bow Road
16. Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Carey (22, female) Abbey Street

This evening at 6 p.m. they’ll be a chance to remember them at the King’s Cross Vigil. The Vigil is organised by the LCC, RoadPeace, London Living Streets and cycling bloggers.

The event is open to anyone who wants to mark their respect. It will be part of a larger call on the Mayor and TfL to put cyclist safety above “smoothing traffic flow”.

On one hand it feels that posting the names of cyclists killed on London’s roads is off putting to new cyclists and creates the image that cycling is a risky activity. However, it would be wrong to let these tragic deaths go unrecognised. It reminds us of the dangers and to be as careful as we can be. It is also a chance to rally together as London cyclists.

What can be done?

Reading through what accident reports are available, a repeating pattern emerges. Heavy Goods Vehicles are involved in a disproportionate number of incidents. Wide blind spots are blamed for the problem.

Part of the solution is seen as a rollout of Trixi Mirrors. The mirrors installed at key junctions reduce drivers blind spots. Currently they’ve been implemented in the first Cycle Superhighway and have received positive feedback from drivers and cycling campaigners. Thanks to their perceived benefit, the Mayor has pledged to continue their rollout to all new cycle superhighways as they are built.

Unfortunately, any progress of getting Trixi mirrors installed in some of the most dangerous junctions in London is hampered pending approval by the Department for Transport. They are likely to need more statistical evidence before granting wider permissions.

Training for HGV drivers is another way of improving cycle safety in London. Currently it isn’t mandatory for freight companies to provide training to their drivers. The Freight Operator Recognition Scheme by TfL is one route some companies have pro-actively joined. Once again the feedback of these training schemes has been very positive. HGV drivers have noted an improved awareness of what it is like to be a cyclist and of the potential dangers.

The more recent rallying cry by cyclists and campaigners is for safer design of junctions. The Blackfriars Bridge protests were a part of this. However, so far this advice has largely been ignored and walkouts by the conservative assembly members have delayed any fruitful discussion as to ways of moving forward.

While Dutch style infrastructure remains largely a pipedream for London cyclists, it is clear that in 2012 the Mayor, whoever that will be, will continue to face tough questions about ignoring cyclist safety. Those tough questions will come from cyclists who continue to pile on the pressure in any way they can. Perhaps the most encouraging thing to have come out of 2011 is the increased organisation of cyclists as a group and the growing power that gives them.

Thanks to Ben Broomfield for the picture and Olaf Storbeck for compiling the statistics on serious cyclist incidents in London.

Winter Mudguards

Mudguards not only prevent murky water from getting you soaked, they also prevent water from spraying into the face of whoever is unlucky enough to be riding behind you.

For mudguards you generally have two options. The first is the classic mountain bike mudguards you often see. They are cheap, easy to fit on almost any bike and they do the job.

There’s also mudguards that look similar to the ones in the picture above. They provide superior waterproofing but won’t fit all bicycle types. We’ve recommended the SKS Bluemels Mudguards previously and we stand by our recommendation.

If you don’t have the proper attachments on your frame then the intelligently designed Crud RoadRacer is a great alternative.

You can easily ride out the winter without mudguards but your bike won’t thank you for it. All that murky water that is flicked up from the road often contains mud and petrol residue. Not an ideal combination for your chain, derailleur and brakes.

Winter Tyres

If you are riding with thin tyres for speed (23mm or less) then you may wish to consider something a little wider (25mm and above). This will provide a smoother ride and better grip. Also, look for tyres with additional puncture protection. This will help you avoid standing by the side of the road repairing a puncture in the rain.

I’ve always relied on the Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres which provide good grip during winter and very strong puncture protection. However, the newer Schwalbe Durano tyre is also very impressive. It provides more speed as well as many miles of good service. However, it lacks quite the same level of puncture resistance.

(See also: Tips for riding safely in the winter)

If we face a particularly bad winter this year then studded tyres may be a consideration. These perform far better in patches of ice and will keep you upright in bad conditions.

Bike lights

Here are four of the best bike lights that are essential for the winter bike setup.

Lubrication

During winter you need to step-up your cleaning and lubricating routine as it is washed away by rain and there’s more danger of rust. Remember to not go overboard as dirt will stick to the lube you apply and cause damage to your bike.

(See also: Which part of your bike should you lubricate)

Maintenance

This is not the time of the year to skimp on bicycle maintenance. Loose brakes could lead to a disaster. Grab our Bike Doctor app or head to the nearest bike shop and make sure your bike is ready to go.

See also:

• How to stay motivated to keep cycling when you look out your window and see this

It’s 7 p.m. in Tokyo and we are making our way towards the neon lights of Shibuya. It’s a short walk to the metro station, but in just 60 seconds we encounter 17 cyclists. All are cycling on the pavement.

It’s clear cycling is popular in Tokyo, but where are cyclists actually permitted? It seems Japan remains undecided on the issue. However, as of October the 25th 2011 (just a few days ago), the police have been told to crackdown on pavement cyclists. Whilst many of the areas are marked as dual use for pedestrians and cyclists, the translation seems to have been that everywhere is permitted.

As a pedestrians I can see how it is frustrating. You quickly learn to pick a path when walking down the street and stick to it. If you deviate there’s a good chance a cyclist will have to swerve around you. It doesn’t create an environment for a pleasant walk. However, this is Tokyo after all, a place not known for relaxation.

As a city, Tokyo is as modern, exciting and contradictory as they come. Warning sounds echo everywhere. From recordings of birds chirping in the metro, to songs from the latest boy band sensation as you walk around Shibuya. It’s a dazzling experience and one I felt more comfortable exploring on foot, before I hop on a bike next week.

When I do hop on a bike, I won’t be sticking out if I choose a Dutch style bike. Though not sticking out is a little hard to do in Japan. A western face always draws glances and waves from school girls dressed as sailors.

Whilst the predominant bicycle you see in Tokyo will have a pannier rack, a few gears and a step-over frame, there are big signs of fixed gear and single speed appreciation present. This is a stylish city after all and sights of red wheels, one front brake and no derailleur don’t come as a surprise.

There is however one thing about cycling in Tokyo that really surprises me. In a good way.

It’s the bike locks. Or, more accurately, the lack of them. Locking your bike here means turning the key in the lock attached to the rear wheel. It then snaps into place and the bike cannot be pedalled. On most bikes, this is the only form of security used. The sheer jealousy I’m certain I will feel the next time I lug my heavy Kryptonite lock into my bag will not soon fade!

On bikes lacking a lock attached to the rear wheel, a simple lock such as the Knog Kabana is suffice. Perhaps however, this too shouldn’t have come as a real surprise. Japan is a very safe country. I find myself tempted to leave my phone on a bench and wait to see if someone runs after me to hand it over or decides to pinch it. However, I need my phone, and anyway, I’m always forgetting the words for thank you very much.

Next week I’m going to try some riding around Tokyo so they’ll be more to report.

P.S. A very special thank you to everyone who has been getting in touch with me with Japan and Tokyo tips. It seems there’s a number of Japanophiles amongst London Cyclist readers. I’ve not had a chance to respond to all emails but I have read them and I’m following the advice.