Kinda nervous for tommorrow commuting

[Trekman083637]

Don’t try and squeeze into every gap particularly around buses and lorries at traffic lights. Consider if there are quieter back roads you can use if you don’t like the level of traffic. Be assertive in holding your position on the road. Allow plenty of time whilst you get used to it.

Right yh i dont think i will be that kinda person and try get into every gap id rather wait behind the car for a better oppurtunity.and ok thanks that does make sense

 

[Trekman083637]

As this is the first ride, don't be shy to get off and walk the bike at difficult or unsure junctions etc. After a couple of rides you will be just fine.

Yh good advice thanks i think that could be something i would do if i need to

 

[Trekman083637]

Have you had a practice run? Before doing it for real I strongly suggest doing a dummy run on a none work day, maybe when traffic is a bit lighter, just so you can familiarise yourself with the route and junction layouts etc. Knowing in advance where you are going and which lane you need to be in can remove a lot of potential stress once the traffic levels increase.
Also, make sure you prepare everything the night before. Check your bike over and pack your bag as much as you can. Trying to faff about in the morning when you need to get out of the door is a real pain in the Arris! If you prepare the night before then you can simply get up, enjoy your coffee then go, simples... 👍
Final thing, how used to cycling on the roads are you? This will make a big difference to how calm your journey is. If you have only recently started cycling then the traffic and roads may be a bit if a shock to you. If you are an experienced road cyclist but just never bothered commuting by bike then it probably won't be such a shock.

Yh im not a experience road rider but thats a good plan but its going to be monday tommorrow and i could delay it but i think ill just try ride.if anything bad happens i could just leave my bike at work where its safe and then take the tube home or something but thanks.i have a rough idea of the route ill have to check my phone at a safe place a few times just in case and after that ill remember the route.

 

[Trekman083637]

Don't panic.

Also don't panic if it feels harder than you expected on day one: if you aren't used to riding ten miles it may be a shock, but riding gets easier as your body and brain get used to it; take your time. You'll learn what to look out for and probably find a few short cuts you aren't yet aware of in the first couple of weeks.

Over time you'll find you are more punctual than the people driving cars, feeling fitter and paying less than they are for the privilege.

Yh ur right im just nervous because ive heard cycling in london is bad and i dont wanna get into an altercation with anyone coz it will be annoy me for the rest of the day

 

[Trekman083637]

Bus lanes, mostly yes but look at the signs and look out for buses pulling out. London bus drivers don’t always realise they’re meant to share bus lanes! Most are ok but some are awful, ditto black cab drivers who also don’t like to share road space!
Presumably you know where you’re going?
Allow at least half an hour more than you think you’ll need if you’ve not practised.
Also, if leaving a bike on the road or a not 100% secure work carpark, take two good locks to secure the bike, I’d also take the seat post and saddle with, makes a new bike far less attractive to a thief and you won’t come back to a saddle less bike!

Yh thats a good plan but the work place will be ok to store the bike.i also trying to apply for a spot in the coucil bike storage places but im waiting for a response.

 

[Trekman083637]

Good luck, just use common sense and some caution. 10 miles is is great commute distance. Where abouts are you riding to MYB from? Plan a route and scope it out first on street view if you are in doubt. I miss not commuting it was the highlight of my pre WFH days.

better still try Ilikeskols idea, Sunday morning dry run sounds good shame it Sunday night now - go and try it now!?

Thanks i was nervous its too much.from leytonstone to marleybone.ive checked street virw and there a couple of cycle lanes i just wish there were more.do u think more will be added soon?

 

[Andy in Germany]

Thanks i was nervous its too much.from leytonstone to marleybone.ive checked street virw and there a couple of cycle lanes i just wish there were more.do u think more will be added soon?

Probably, but not by tomorrow.

 

[Trekman083637]

Probably, but not by tomorrow.

Haha yeah i heard there gonna make more cycle lanes

 

[Andy in Germany]

Yh ur right im just nervous because ive heard cycling in london is bad and i dont wanna get into an altercation with anyone coz it will be annoy me for the rest of the day

The solution is to smile, keep calm and wave.

It keeps you calm and annoys aggressive drivers more than anything else you could try...












...apart from blowing a kiss...

 

[Trekman083637]

The solution is to smile, keep calm and wave.

It keeps you calm and annoys aggressive drivers more than anything else you could try...












...apart from blowing a kiss...

Hah yeah got it,i think blowing a kiss would send the wrong message😂

 

[vickster]

Must be a pretty flat ride, there are a few CSs going East to West
The TFL site enables London cycle route planning
Eg https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/r...iModalCall=false&isEarlierLaterAjaxCall=false

 

[MichaelW2]

Letonstone route can go along Regents Canal to The Angel

 

[Trekman083637]

Must be a pretty flat ride, there are a few CSs going East to West
The TFL site enables London cycle route planning
Eg https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/results?InputFrom=Leytonstone High Road Rail Station&FromId=1001179&InputTo=Marylebone&ToId=1000145&app_id=8268063a&app_key=14f7f5ff5d64df2e88701cef2049c804&JourneyPreference=leasttime&bikeProficiency=moderate&Mode=cycle&CyclePreference=AllTheWay&JpType=cycling&iscyclehire=false&isMultipleJourneySelection=true&journeytype=Cycling&useMultiModalCall=false&isEarlierLaterAjaxCall=false

Yeah i checked it out i the way i found here is better coz its alot of cycle lanes.and to be more exact i go from leyton to marleybone i shouldnt of said leytonstone

 

[Seevio]

If you are not used to cycling, don't push yourself.

You still have to go to work the day after. And the next day etc. It is not a race. You get no prizes for getting to work a little faster. If you still want to be able to walk up stairs by Friday, take it steady. Some people will be faster than you. Let them go.

 

[Trekman083637]

If you are not used to cycling, don't push yourself.

You still have to go to work the day after. And the next day etc. It is not a race. You get no prizes for getting to work a little faster. If you still want to be able to walk up stairs by Friday, take it steady. Some people will be faster than you. Let them go.

Yeah thats true i wont ill stick to 2 front gear and make sure im not pedalling too hard lol