The problem with cycling in London is not the cars. While one does, of course, run into the occasional madman, the majority are considerate of cyclists and even rather tolerant. Buses are, as you’d imagine, quite a vexation – they have a habit of stopping frequently and changing lanes with little warning, and the bendy monstrosities than Ken has forced upon us are particularly dangerous. But, as it happens, the worst you’ll encounter on the road comes pre-packaged as motorcyclists and moped riders.
This may seem counter intuitive – after all, they’re small and zippy, and easy to share a line with. However one often disregards that they think of themselves as powered cyclists. Hence you’ll often find the cycle area at lights full of motorcycles and mopeds, leading to all the more fun when the traffic takes off. But what’s worse is in crowded traffic you’ll often find your way block by these contraptions. When the gap between buses grows too small for motorcyclists (while remaining more than large enough for those of use without engines) you’ll find they invariably sit at the start of the gap, passing the chance to be polite and move aside. And in London traffic this soon becomes a notable annoyance.
Of course I can hardly glorify cyclists around here. While those keen troops in their Lycra will speed along with full observation of the road rules, a majority of cyclists do take a more liberal approach, to traffic lights in particular. After being exposed to the behaviour of these riders it’s a great wonder than motorists are generally so tolerant. Having said that, after living in NZ it’s still a wonder to see motorists who can actually drive in a straight line, which may make me somewhat biased.
In any case, whinging aside, I’ve given up on the Tube in the 33C heat and resorted to using my bike continually. Even with the annoyances (and dangers) of the roads and the inevitable changes of clothing one ends up carrying it’s still leagues ahead of the circle of Hades that is the Tube. Indeed, between the temperature and rush-hour overcrowded one tends to gather more sweat on the Northern Line than by cycling (or just by sitting still doing very little at present).
And so, having used the Tube but twice in the last 3 weeks, I have instead invested the money in some road tyres – should I ever purchase bike shorts, however, I will be more than happy to issue a fatwa making my life fair game. God knows how long it will last, but once the temperatures drop I imagine my resolve may melt like ice-cream in an Underground station. But, until then, one is left feeling very righteous indeed!
