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@deleted
Velo Libre's experience
Had mine today, will a guy called Will working freelance for Camden Council.
After we met, he told me about this "M" method for checking your bike before you ride off. This involves checking things are tight and functioning etc, goes front wheel, (nuts and bearings), front brake, headset, handlebars/stem, bottom bracket, cranks, pedals, seatpost, seat, back brake, rear wheel (nuts and bearings) which seemed like a good check to make sure your bike wasn't going to fall apart. Then we did setting off, i.e., put yourself in a position where you can be seen and can see. Next, emergency stops. This involved hard front braking whilst locking your elbows and shifting weight back. Was a little difficult for me to get perfect technique, as either weight centred caused my back wheel to lift (and skid) and weight back was a bit awkward still pedalling, so I had a few practises. We then went over positioning for turning onto and off a more major road onto a minor one, and discussed my route. He had some TfL cycling maps and showed me a less busy route down to regents park. We then carried on, modifying my commuting route to less busy roads, and discussing various elements of positioning and signalling on the way. At the end he said I was an excellent cyclist who had good positioning but that I could be more assertive with my hand signals (i tended to do them too low, rather than perpendicular to my body).
What I felt could have been emphasised more was the appropriate way to filter, but we did go over some of this (i.e. anticipating lights changing, cars changing lanes, doors opening etc).
I would recommend it to anyone.