Boris Johnson tells us more about the Cycle Friday campaign, which was launched today.
Everyone knows I’m a mad, fundamentalist cyclist – and although more people are cycling in London, there are still many who don’t. To view my highly recommended Wisper’s fantastic range of electric bikes click here. As I peer down from the 8th floor of City Hall, I see all those people toiling away in their cars, inching slowly across Tower Bridge, when they could be on a bike. If you prefer to share the ride you can buy a great value tandem bike from Ecosmo.
Whether it’s Monday, Wednesday, or Sunday I tend to go by bike but, although it is safe and getting safer, I fully appreciate that some people find it a little daunting at first. I have succeeded in persuading many of my staff to take it up, and always watch in wonderment as they edge nervously onto Tooley Street absolutely convinced the end is nigh.
But after a few times, they are soon zooming past me.
In a bid to convert more Londoners to the cycling cause, today I launched Cycle Fridays. For the next few weeks, every Friday, there will be a series of bike convoys led by experienced riders who will be on hand to guide novice commuter cyclists into central London. For a full list of the routes, click here.
Those joining the rides will be greeted by ride marshals from the London Cycling Campaign and will be given a basic bike check and useful cycle maps before getting on the road. Additional drop-off points can be agreed so that riders can get as close to their destination as possible.
The first Cycle Friday will take place on Friday 14 August, and they will continue every Friday until 2 October.
So if you’ve always liked the idea of cycling to work, but never quite had the confidence to venture onto London’s roads on two wheels, then Cycle Fridays are the place to be. You’ll be part of a giant moving peloton of cyclists, and be carried along on a wave of pedal-powered paradise!
Look out for Boris on Blue Blog
Fine, but let’s face it: people fear so much cycling in London for obvious reasons. Were there more infrastructure for cyclists as there is in other European capitals and people wouldn’t hesitate to get on their bikes on a daily basis! We cyclists of London urge for bike paths!
Thanks,
George
Only Boris could launch a cycle Friday scheme! Cycling will become the new jogging
It would solve the traffic problem if Londoners took to their bikes. As well as the obesity problem. And the road rage problem…..
Thank you! You often write very interesting articles. You improved my mood.
The idea of the convoys with bike ride marshals is a very good idea, when Boris says on your bike, he obviously means business.
Practical idea – having the convoys. Hope lots of people take advantage of the help.
Please set up proper cycle paths then all those of us put off by bad experiences (bendy bus, lorry or mobile-phone using Jag driver on Hyde Park corner) will feel more confident about surviving London traffic on two wheels.
There ought to be a road movie, Boris Does Biking, that would be so funny!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nteYY6x0zHw
This is Boris on his Mayor of London YouTube slot, talking about Cycle Fridays. Boris is good on YouTube, good voice.
Cycle Fridays are the same as Naked Tuesdays, only with clothes, and bikes. (joke)
I wish we could persuade people that you don’t have to dress in purple Lycra to ride a bicycle. Too many confuse pedalling to work with taking part in Tour de France. Frankly, unless one is a model or an athlete, one looks a prat in Lycra. They don’t do this in other European cities.
I am sure more people would cycle if it wasn’t made to seem forbidding and expensive by the wobbly-bottom brigade.
Tiresias, you do have to dress in purple Lycra! Your strapping male form in a Lycra onesy…. would you deprive us of that pleasure?
Finally! Something done by TfL and Boris Johnson to encourage people to cycle. I fully support the scheme, as I know many friends who can bike, but are afraid to do so as they have never done it before… Cycle Fridays will help to convince many skeptical commuters.
More information about Cycle Friday and routes if anyone is interested:
http://www.london-insider.co.uk/2009/08/cycle-fridays-group-commuter-biking-london/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQOmrCu0hF8
Watch the YouTube of the Mayor’s Hounslow Skyride! Yup! I’m gonna get me some wheels! (in your dreams…..)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYQo2pkTNAM
Looks like we got us a convoy! Sing the convoy Song as you join Cycle Fridays.
The film still on this article is from Vittorio de Sica’s “The Bicycle Thieves” a masterpiece of Italian cinema. It is available on DVD. Watch it and then cycle on Cycle Fridays with renewed pleasure.
http://www.bicyclefilmfestival.com/
Apparently there is actually a Bicycle Film Festival, showing films about bikes for cycling enthusiasts.
I didn’t know there were films about bikes. Did some checking and here are some titles:
You Never Ride Alone.
Cyclotherapy.
Return of the Scorcher.
Along for the Ride.
Crikey!!!
We should take advantage of the hot summer weather and ride a bicycle around town. Men should wear shorts or a mini sarong without underpants and ladies should wear mini jupes without underpants to let the cool summer breezes in when riding a bicycle.
Not a very good idea that. Hazel Blears could be standing on the street and see straight in- that’s her eye’s level, isn’t it?
Gret article about safe locking of your bike:
http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/secure/how-to-lock-your-bike/
Everyone knows I’m a mad, fundamentalist cyclist – and although more people are cycling in London, there are still many who don’t. As I peer down from the 8th floor of City Hall, I see all those people toiling away in their cars, inching slowly across Tower Bridge, when they could be on a bike.
How did you become the Mayor with the fine hair you have all blowing in the air? I also like you on the tube and TV You sound like an angry man why?
I thank you
Firozali A Mulla