I am giddy with excitement about this. I can’t stop talking about it and recognise I am obnoxious about it now. I am now a cyclist in London and honestly, its been magical. I know its sounds silly but its had such a profound effect on my life in the short while I have been cycling. I feel like its a secret I need to tell everyone!
I recently changed jobs and my new work place is the perfect place to cycle to. The route is lovely through some of the nicest London parks so cycling to work was a no-brainer. I was so intimidated in the beginning since cycling on the road in London seemed really scary but honestly, compared to the stress of the tube its a breeze.
Cycling infrastructure in London
The cycling infrastructure in London has improved significantly. Almost all the way I cycle on cycle lanes which are either completely segregated and separate from the road on which the cars are or sometimes a line with the other cars but still a separate part of the road. The cycle roads are almost as broad as the road for the cars in some cases. There are so many little things that have drastically helped improve the life of a cyclist in London like the traffic lights for cyclists which makes it such a comfortable experience.
Cycle from Bobbin Bikes, helmet as well.
The only gear you actually need is a cycle
The gear you need for cycling is actually quite basic. There is so much marketing out there about cycling gear but please don’t let that intimidate you. The only gear you actually need is a cycle. I started out using the Santander bikes and then bought my own cycle two weeks in. Then I got myself a helmet and then a lock (which I haven’t even used yet).
If cycling is something you like doing and seriously considered, think about why you are hesitant. For me personally, the safety aspect and the high-maintenance lifestyle around cycling was a put off. The safety aspect changed once my office location changed. The high-maintenance lifestyle which I perceived from the outside was just a myth. Most regular cyclists I see have a great cycle, wear comfortable clothing and carry a bag. The head to toe lycra is there but thats feels more from those cycling for exercise rather than for their regular commute.
Why I enjoy it so much
I think I enjoy it so much is because its such a great break for me. While I am cycling, I am not on my phone, not reading, not listing to my podcast – nothing. There is no stimuli except dealing with the road. Comparing it to the lives we lead its such a good break from everything else.
I am off to the park today for a sunny picnic. Hope you are staying safe and well wherever you are. Make sure you are following me on Instagram for more cycling pictures. If you want to listen to book chat listen to my podcast, Eat Watch Binge Read. You can listen to the podcast on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts I also have a book highlight on Instagram which is useful.Thanks so much for reading.
– Anisha
“The only gear you actually need is a cycle. I started out using the Santander bikes and then bought my own cycle two weeks in.”
There is another option for people who don’t live in the area covered by the hire bikes, or who have used them but aren’t *quite* ready to make the commitment of buying their own bike yet. There are companies that will lease you a bike on a monthly basis for (in my opinion) a reasonable fee:
https://swapfiets.com/en-GB/london
https://www.buzzbike.cc/
Glad to hear you’re enjoying riding in London. It really opens up the city to you doesn’t it?
Thank you – yes, the Santander and Lime options are quite limited outside of Zone 1 honestly. This is really useful!
Thank you for the nice write up. Take care out there.
Thank you!