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@deleted
After I read this Time Out article, I wrote this:
Dear Time Out Magazine
I write with considerable concern about an article on commuter cycling in your current issue.
On pages 18 and 19 a new cyclist, Michael Hodges, describes in mostly negative terms, his commute by bicycle from Sydenham to Tottenham Court Road. He describes this experience so negatively, anyone who reads this piece who may have been considering cycling would be totally put off doing so. Indeed if I wasn't a seasoned cyclist, I would have serious doubts myself.
My group, Southwark Cyclists, together with other local groups, has been working hard with the Council to develop quiet routes across the borough and up in to central London so that no matter how inexperienced Mr. Hodges is, with a small amount of research (and I might add, some basic bicycle maintenance), he could easily have followed a more pleasant, quieter route, thus avoiding the gyratories and buses the introductory paragraph cites so emotively, which would have taken him far less than two hours. With a proper fitting saddle he could also have avoided the discomfort that created. Some certified cycle training with CycleInstructor.com or CTUK would also be a tremendous investment of his time.
Given that as a group and as individuals we invest so much time in to debunking the myths and showing people the many benefits of cycling which is by far the fastest, cheapest, healthiest, most reliable mode of transport in London, and statistically safer than driving or even walking, it is a real shame this article presents such a needlessly negative picture, particularly at a time when our roads are being pushed to their absolute capacity by the Olympics Games Lanes plus all the extra visitors to the city.
Furthermore, your tips for finding a cycling buddy are probably not the best tips for someone just starting out on their bike who is keen to develop enough stamina for a sub 10 mile commute. Dunwich Dynamo, Friday Night Ride to the Coast and even Critical Mass are superb in their own right, but would not be where I would recommend a complete newbie to head to first. Maybe a Southwark Cyclists Healthy Ride, a CTC one star/easier ride, an LCC borough group ride, some of the London Fixed Gear Single Speed forum rides, or even a local Skyride (except I think they make people wear helmets) would be far better options for a beginner.
I hope you read this email in the helpful spirit in which it is intended. I would be more than happy to discuss this matter further with you or even take Mr. Hodges on a ride myself to show him how magnificent cycling through London can be.
Yours faithfully,
Alex Crawford
Coordinator, Southwark Cyclists