Riding London!

Now as anyone who has driven in London will know it is not the most relaxing experience.  However, being on two wheels certainly makes it far less frustrating but there are still some tricky places what ever time of day.

One of the best parts of using a bike is the ability to filter (driving down in between the stationary traffic and then position yourself at the front ready for the green light!) 

The joy of doing this never goes away as you pass lines of stationary cars with angry, frustrated people watching you gently cruise past them as they get later and later for a meeting! 

For me there are a few places where you need to take extra care and remember all the tips you have been given by your Get On instructors.  The main one of these is Hyde Park Corner.  4 lanes of traffic, 6 junctions, generally always busy with pushy cabbies and white van drivers. 

Checking all your blind spots over and over again is essential as cars will appear at your sides out of now where.  The other sad truth it that many drivers hate the fact that we bikers are so much quicker around town than they are and you will often find they will try and make changing lanes and filtering as tricky as possible.  

You must stay calm, indicate early, check your blind spots on both shoulders and then move with confidence.  Practice makes perfect!

The other thing is how many different bus lanes have different rules - ie motor bikes or no motor bikes.  Sometimes this can change from street to street so make sure you always look at the signs and do not confuse a bicycle symbol as you speed past as a motor bike! However busy the roads and unfriendly other drivers, your bike is still the best way around town. 

Always check your blind spots and love the fact you are always quicker than the cars with out even trying!!!