CYCLING

London Cycling
Beginners Guide
Be Confident
Watch the Road
Positioning
Watch the Turns
Use Lights
London Drivers
Know your Enemy

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A Beginners Guide to Cycling in London (By a Beginner)

London Drivers

1. London drivers have no consideration for other road users.

They park in bus lanes and cycles lanes.

2. London drivers don't have any idea how dangerous their actions are

Generally speaking your average London driver has very little concept of anything that goes on outside the protective bubble of his/her wagon. Not to say that the ability to empathise has been lost but it probably never existed. The irony is that for all their impatience at having to overtake a cyclist with a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre they often put themselves only a couple of car lengths ahead at best and you end up overtaking them again.

3. London drivers can't drive.

A lot of drivers in London are lacking in even the most basic driving skills. I passed my driving test in 1997 and have not driven a car since. However I do know that if you want to turn left it is very useful to be in the left-hand lane. The rear view and wing mirrors are equipment that merit more than very occasional usage. Reversing on to a busy main road at high speed is probably not the best idea in the world. Road signs and markings are in particular places for a reason. I mean I could go on?

Next: Know Your Enemy