Dave from Cycle Training UK shows me how I should be cycling around London for better safety and efficiency. Full write up next week with some amazing tips I learned.
Cycling on the way back I came across the horrendous Oxford Circus roadworks currently taking place. Along the course of the roadworks is the tribute to Jayne Helliwell. The cyclist who was hit by bus 390 last week. This is London covered the news.
I met up with Amy from Cyclodelic earlier this week who I’m helping with her website. Waiting at Angel tube station I noticed how overboard the bicycle advertising is getting. Considering the lack of available cycle parking in the area it seems a little irresponsible of these companies to place their adverts here.
I also cycled past the new cafe just opened on Old Street. Unfortunately I didn’t think to grab a picture. It’s called Look Mum No Hands and is open for business. The official grand opening is happening next week on Thursday.
I hope the weather stays as gorgeous as it is now and wish everyone a great weekend!
Great to see some pics on your blog Andreas, they speak a 1000 words! Looking forward to hearing about your cycle training tips, something I think it is worth all cyclists doing, regardless of their experience (and it’s free!)
I’m always a bit cautious about posting pics because its simply a point and shoot camera I have. Plan on upgrading soon to proper SLR
The photos look great – don’t worry too much about having an expensive camera, just capture what you like and keep posting!
Thanks for this Andreas, we updated our story about Jayne Helliwell http://road.cc/content/news/16651-young-woman-cyclist-dies-result-accident-bus-oxford-st-london#comment-14692
Thanks Nick, I think its an important story to cover. It’s these emotional stories that can help change things for the better. Apparently the guys from CTUK had contacted TfL about training their bus drivers and had been ignored. Then when this happened the TfL wheel finally got moving.
Good write-up on roadcc. And thanks Andreas for also highlighting this tragic story.
I am upset that Transport for London can describe the death of a cyclist after being hit by a bus as an “accident”. This was clearly no “accident”: there is still plenty of opportunity for TfL to learn from their mistakes to save lives.
We can do our bit by cycling responsibly and safely, but TfL need to do their bit too.
Aren’t the cycle training people just brilliant! The two sessions I had with them over a year ago now helped me so much with getting on the road and commuting places…and the cycle maintenance course I had with them was brilliant and useful too…changed my own tyres just last night and saved myself £20!
As for Oxford Circus…yes it is awful at the moment…and for some reason I think I’m heading that way in a little while again…but possibly down side roads this time.
🙂
Hi mate
Just a thanks for the continuing great site. Always great to read…and the sun’s come out at last!!
Take it easy
Russell
Thanks for positive feedback Russell 🙂
I’ve had two sessions with Cycle Training so far, and am looking forward to the next one to see how I’m doing and how I can improve as I’ve been commuting for a year and a half now. I will be taking their one-day basic maintenance course shortly, for the princely sum of £8. Thank goodness for Council subsidies.
It will be interesting to read what your trainer says Andreas.
Excellent stuff. Good to hear raving reviews for these guys. I’ve not heard anyone say a single bad word about them!
Speaking of cameras Andreas, maybe the best option for you would be a micro 4/3rds camera. It has most (if not all) of the functionalities of a SLR camera. You can aslo change lenses too and use many SLR lenses, it’s just more compact! Check out Olympus E-P1/2 or E-PL1!
Hope this helps!
Hey Cherry, thanks very much for the camera advice as it is much needed. Will take a look at this when I’m making the decision (for now I’m building up the pot of money I need!)