Get a life

Being constrained by timetables and the mounting cost and inconvenience of owning a car leads to frustration and an alienation from your fellow human beings. When cycling, you speak to people, and see all those things of interest and (even in Lewisham) beauty that you would never appreciate when stuck in a metal box on wheels. Even cycling a few miles a week will significantly improve your health, your level of fitness, your mental well being and (if you are concerned about such things) can help you lose a little weight into the bargain.

Get on a bike

Most city journeys are only a few miles. With average traffic speed in London being only eight miles per hour and falling, even the most unfit and unconfident of us can get to where we want quicker and more enjoyably using a bike.

But you think it's dangerous, don't you! It's not, if you cycle sensibly and take the right precautions. Have a look at Fred Oswald's Ten Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Bicycle Commuting for some ideas and advice. London has a rapidly expanding network of cycle routes which are well mapped. The free maps can be found in local libraries, bike shops or obtained for no charge from Transport for London. Ring their telephone enquiry service on (020) 7222 1234 to order yours, or visit the London Cycling Campaign (LCC) web site to find out more information about the maps and place an on-line order.

If you're worried about arriving at your destination hot and sweaty, you might like to try some special cycle clothing. Check out Work Clothing and Bicycle Commuting for some useful advice. Many workplaces have showers, perhaps including yours. Have you looked?

Get out of town

You can take a bicycle on a most non-InterCity trains for free, outside of the rush hours. You could be in the heart of Kent or Surrey in well under an hour using the National Cycle Network. Sustrans manage that network and produce a fantastic range of maps of traffic free cycling routes throughout the country. If you fancy an organised leisure ride, there are plenty of free ones that you could join. Come on one of ours or see what our sister groups in Southwark or Greenwich have to offer.