Forgive the metropolitanism, but as Londoners vote in today's mayoral election, and the candidates vie for the cyclist's vote, here (in no particular order) are 10 great things about bike-riding in the capital:
1. The traffic
It seems to be the done thing to complain – or worry – about London traffic. But the challenge of negotiating it is one of the things that makes cycling in the capital fun. And if you're sensible it can be done perfectly safely.
2. The cycle path in Hyde Park
The one section of my daily commute where I part company with the road. The climb up through the trees towards Marble Arch on a summer's evening, or in winter darkness, is magic.
3. The possibility of spotting Boris on his bike
I won't be voting for him today, but the combination of hair, suit and bike makes the Tory mayoral candidate one of the great London landmarks.
4. Those rare occasions when cars DON'T enter the cyclist-only boxes at traffic lights
5. The Embankment and Pall Mall:
Fast, scenic stretches where you can relax and really bowl along
6. Cycle lanes that work:
For me, that's Cable Street – a mile-long east-west stretch that connects the City with the Isle of Dogs.
7. Other cyclists
Never was the concept of strength in numbers more clearly illustrated. The more of us there are, the safer we are.
8. The Tour de France.
That was a brilliant weekend last summer. Can we have it back again please?
9. The Smithfield Nocturne
The alternative to the Tour de France visit took place for the first time last year and comprises a thrilling night of top-class racing in and around Smithfield Market. This year it's on 7 June.
10. Style-watching
From the hard-core messenger on a track bike with no brakes to the be-suited City executive on her Brompton fold-up, the sheer variety of London cyclists is a wonder to behold.
11. Attractive female cyclists
Posted by: mento | Friday, 02 May 2008 at 11:46 AM
attractive male cyclists
Posted by: Nicole | Friday, 02 May 2008 at 04:31 PM
cycling past a ferarri/porsche/bently etc at 20mph whilst they re stuck at about 4? - always bought a smile to my face on my 200squids roadie!!
Posted by: ddraver | Friday, 02 May 2008 at 09:06 PM
1. Fit male cyclists
2. Enjoying the mild temperature and not wearing a jacket.
3. Cycling trips on the week-end and meeting other cyclists.
4. Not having BoJo on my cycling route.
5. Cycling through the canals from the City towards Canary Wharf and then the Greenwich foot tunnel.
Posted by: Katie Collis | Monday, 05 May 2008 at 12:01 PM