All good things must come to an end. Sadly, today is the end for the London Cyclist Blog. I created the blog back in 2007 because I was frustrated at the lack of information online for everyday cyclists like myself. To my surprise, the blog grew to over 136,000 visitors a month.

I found myself blogging up to 5 times a week, reviewing the latest bike gear, speaking to TfL and politicians and getting to meet the London cycling community. I got the chance to lend my voice to important issues such as the call for safe infrastructure for cyclists in London.

To sustain the site and support myself, I worked on really fun projects including the London Cyclist eShop, the bike maintenance course and London Cyclist apps. It was weird introducing myself as a full time “blogger” and my mum kept asking when I’d get a real job.

My fondest memories are from working on the London Cycle Routes eBook. I would wake up, grab my bike and camera and set out to explore a new part of London. Exhausted in the evening I’d write up my notes and then do the same again the next day. At the time the eBook was published, there hadn’t been a new London cycle routes guidebook in years. It went on to sell over 2,500 copies. I want others to experience that amazing feeling, so today I’m making the eBook available for free.

When my app company Nibble Apps started demanding more of my time, I sought out talented writers with a passion for cycling to keep London Cyclist running. Emily joined for a year and contributed hundreds of posts. This was followed by a number of part time writers, who each added their unique voice to London Cyclist.

Nowadays in the world of influencers, YouTubers and podcasts, London Cyclist Blog feels quite quaint. While the internet can at times feel like a big, nasty place, I’ve been very fortunate to be a part of this little corner of it, which is filled with friendly people, united by a common love for the bike.

I’m hugely grateful to everyone who read, commented, shared and supported the blog over the past 12 years. I’ll be keeping the door open to reviving London Cyclist in future, but for now I won’t be posting any more updates.

What next?

• LondonCyclist.co.uk will stay online and the blog posts continue to be accessible.
• The London Cyclist eBook is now available for free. Please share it around with any friends who would enjoy it.
• The London Cyclist bike maintenance course is now available for free. Again, please share it widely.
• I’ve moved the Bike Doctor app to my company Nibble Apps. I’ll be updating the app for the latest Apple devices.
• I’ll no longer be running the London Cyclist weekly newsletter.

The post London Cyclist is hibernating appeared first on London Cyclist.

One of the main perks of cycle touring is that it’s cheaper than your standard getaway. It’s also a great way to meet new people (cyclists or not) while discovering lesser-known sights and making impromptu pub stops – all rather spontaneous.

However, be careful not to rely too heavily on your future self. A lack of planning (trust me, I’m well versed in this area) can lead to stress, dead bike light batteries in the dead of night and in many cases, wasting your money.

Sort the core details out before you set off and your trip will run as smoothly as some freshly-serviced brakes. Try these tips to save some cash while you’re at it.

Use the Warm Showers website

The first place to shave your costs is accommodation, and with Warm Showers, you can stay with a fellow cycle enthusiast for free.

Warm Showers is essentially Couchsurfing for cycle tourists. Just create an account which says a little more about yourself and your adventures and search for people to stay with on your next trip.

The idea is that you would host them and other cyclists in the future. I can’t host as I live in private shared accommodation, so I give my hosts wine or chocolate instead.

Oh, and mention dietary requirements on your profile too – you don’t want to get there starving and be given something that you can’t eat.

Some areas are a little sparsely populated when it comes to hosts so in those cases you can either try finding a place to stay through Couchsurfing or by heading down a more traditional camping/hotel/hostel route.

Do your research

Being clued-up ahead of the tour will save you time as well as money.

Look up route essentials like nearby rest and food shops, bike shops and diversions. Have Plan B routes and accommodation in mind should your journey take longer than expected.

You could miss out on must-see sights like historic buildings, markets or viaducts if you don’t do your research first.

If you’re travelling internationally, pick up a guide book about your chosen country. Have a read over Travel the world by bike: 7 of the best books for international cycle trips for more ideas.

And if the book you’re eyeing up is a behemoth, you can rip out the pages you need and take them on the road with you.

Pack food and drink before you go

It’ll soon become apparent how important food is to your journey and you may not always be in a town or village with food shops.

But when you need to eat, you need to eat – otherwise you’re going to bonk. Expect to chow down by the roadside with drivers thinking you’re rather peculiar.

Bars and gels are good when you’re on the road, but they’re also very expensive. Instead, go for small, calorie-dense food like malt loaf, banana bread or peanut butter sandwiches. Of course, take plenty of water. Just don’t try anything new on your trip just in case it doesn’t agree with you.

Share the load

If you’re heading out with someone else, divvy up the budget to split the costs.

Sit down with them when you’re planning your trip and sort out who’s covering what.

Find discounts where you can

It could be yellow sticker items in the supermarket or a pre-trip sale on bike essentials.

You might even find a last-minute offer on accommodation if it’s piddling down and you don’t fancy another night in the tent. Getting to know the locals helps too as they might know cheaper places that aren’t so tourist-y.

Check your bike is in good nick before you go

It sounds financially counter-intuitive, but depending on the length of your trip, it’s worth taking your bike in for a tune-up or a full service before you go.

If something happens when you’re on a trail, there probably won’t not be a bike shop available to see to it. Even if it doesn’t cost you money in damages (or possible injury), it could cost you precious time which means that you might miss out on the accommodation that you were going to stay at (time for that Plan B!).

So, if there are any persistent squeaks, rattles or clinks coming from your steed, take it to the mechanic!

Book early

Let’s finish on the obvious one – booking early is essential if you want to save money on your trip.

Train tickets are released 12 weeks before departure and flight seats can be released as early as 11 months before departure so, the bigger the trip, the earlier in advance you should book.

This also goes if you want to plan a big night for your accommodation or go to a popular visitor attraction.

Happy travels!

Do you have any more tips for saving money when you’re touring? Are you going away anywhere in the near future? Tell us in the comments below.

The post Budget bike tour: 7 ways to do your next adventure on the cheap appeared first on London Cyclist.

The Hexlox is a tiny little magnetic attachment that sits inside your existing seat post bolt, headset bolts and wheels skewer bolts. With it in place, it makes it a lot harder for a thief to steal your bicycle components.

It’s a brilliantly simple idea and the brainchild of Marcus Tonndorf, a Swedish serial entrepreneur and Ian Berrell an Australian Product Designer.

The Hexlox is sold and shipped from Germany and comes in a number of different packages:

• Saddle and seat post set – €36
• Wheel security set – €36
• Total security package –  €71.99 (includes saddle lock, seat post lock, wheel lock and fork and stem lock)

Will the Hexlox fit your bike?

As the name suggests, the Hexlox sits inside your existing hex bolts (also known as Allen bolts). These are commonly used to secure your saddle, seat post, wheels and headset.

If all your components are secured with hex (allen) bolts then all you need to know is what size are those bolts. You can find out by using an allen or a hex key. Once you know the size, order off the Hexlox website and you can get it installed in about 60 seconds.

The Hexlox will only secure your bike if your bolts are magnetic. Which they are if they are made from steel. Other materials, such as titanium and aluminium are not magnetic enough to keep the bolt in place. For this situation, you can either include the Magnetic Insert which you fit into the hex bolt before adding the Hexlox or replace the bolt (these are also available from Hexlox).

If your bike has quick release skewers, then these will need to be replaced. Hexlox sell their own set of skewers, which are sold as a package with the Hexlox for a total of €55.99. Alternatively, you can of course buy your own skewers from a bike shop or online. The skewers sold by Hexlox provide additional security with their conical head and anti-spin tooth that sits in the dropout to protect against attacks with pliers. Hexlox sell two different sizes – shorter ones for road bikes and longer ones for mountain bikes, touring bikes etc. Again it’s worth checking the length of the skewers on your bike that you are replacing.

Hexlox also sell solutions for solid axle wheels.

Installation and removal

In your order, you get a key and then a tiny little magnetic attachment which is called a Hexlox. Each key comes with a unique identifier that allows you to order additional Hexlox.

Obviously, the danger here is that you lose your key and/or your unique identifier. Make sure you make a note of your unique identifier and keep your key somewhere safe. Hexlox said they also store your unique key when you order, so they should be able to retrieve it for you if you haven’t made a note.

Installation is quick and easy. On my bike I had the additional step of replacing the skewers as they are quick release. However, even with this additional step, I was done in under 5 minutes. Hexlox provide some handy videos on their YouTube channel showing you how it’s done.

Removal is just as easy. You simply insert the key and pull out the Hexlox.

Security

The Hexlox is held securely in its place with a magnet, which attaches it firmly to the top of the hex socket. This combined with the tight fit make it very hard to remove without the key. If a thief tries to steal your wheels, headset or saddle, they won’t be able to insert an allen key.

But couldn’t someone simply remove it with another magnet?

The magnet is built in to the back of the Hexlox shielding it from the outside. According to the manufacturer, this protects it from being removed with another magnet. Hexlox have a video demonstration of this in action on YouTube.

What about attacking it with a tiny knife or pliers or a toothpick?

This seems hard to do and of course I did try because it looked vulnerable to attack, but I didn’t get anywhere after a few minutes.

What if someone has another Hexlox key?

Each Hexlox has three different variables to make it unique. The first is the size of the hole that the key fits into. The second is the shape of the cone and the third is something that the Hexlox team are not sharing publicly.

No security system is unbreakable given enough time and resources. However, it is highly unlikely that somebody will go to the trouble of stealing your bike components, when there are so many other easy targets out there.

Convenience

The Hexlox is incredibly convenient. It’s a security system that adds nearly no weight to your ride and once you’ve installed it you can forget it. Of course, should you need to replace a saddle or repair a puncture, you’ll need to use your key.

There are other somewhat similar systems out there. For protecting your wheels, the Kryptonite WheelNutz (£25) and Kryptonite Wheelboltz (£35) are convenient, as they don’t require a key to unlock. You simply lift the bike upside down.

For around £60 the Pinhead system will secure your front and rear wheel, seatpost, saddle and headset (Although it no longer seems to be stocked by Wiggle, CRC or Amazon).

Review

Overall, we are very impressed with the Hexlox system and happy to recommend it to London Cyclist readers. Installation is quick and easy, they weigh next to nothing and they provide a good level of security without any additional hassle. I feel much happier knowing my bike components are secured by the Hexlox. As a bonus, the Hexlox design reminds me of the red eye of the terminator.

At €71.99 for the total security package, the Hexlox costs a lot less than replacing your stolen components.

Hexlox can be ordered directly from Hexlox.com.

The post Hexlox review – Secure your bicycle wheels, saddle and headset appeared first on London Cyclist.

But you might need to use public transport for a number of reasons: you want to do a bike trip that’s too far to cycle to, you have a puncture, you don’t feel well or you’ve finished a tour/sportive/race and your legs are just too zonked to even entertain the idea of riding home.

Luckily, our national networks can help you get at least some of the way to your destination.

So, whether you want to get your bike around London or the rest of the UK, here’s a round-up of how to do it using different modes of transport.

Taking your bike on public transport in London

Generally speaking, if you’ve got a folding bike, you can take it anywhere at any time. Just be careful when you’re taking the bus as these bikes are only allowed on at the driver’s discretion.

As for non-folded bicycles, it gets a little more complicated. For example, you can take your bike on the Docklands Light Railway off-peak Monday-Friday. That means they’re allowed on until 07:30, between 09:30 and 16:00 and after 19:00. They’re also allowed on all day at the weekends and bank holidays.

TfL publish a map showing where you can take your non-folding bike on the underground at off-peak hours. This is a great resource to bookmark if you will be needing to take your bike on the underground. You may be surprised how much of the underground is open to cyclists.

Watch out for Prudential Ride London and the like; TfL recommends that you avoid the DLR during big events.

It’s much the same story for non-folded bikes on London Overground.

There are a couple of important caveats:

You can take it between 07:30 and 09:30 if you’re leaving Liverpool Street Station to go to Chingford, Enfield Town or Cheshunt or going the other way between 16:00 and 19:00.

As for TfL Rail, non-folded bikes can’t be taken on a train arriving at Stratford or Liverpool Street between 07:45 and 09:45 and leaving Liverpool St or Stratford between 16:30 and 18:30 Monday-Friday, except bank holidays.

If you’re riding the Thames instead, most riverboat services accept bikes on board – just let the boat operator know in advance. For those who prefer to go up and over, bikes are OK to be taken on the Emirates Air Line at any time of day.

And sorry Croydon-based cyclists, you can’t take non-folded bike on the tram.

Bike transport in the rest of the UK

Allowances vary a little here, so let’s take it by mode of transport:

Coach

Megabus says that normal adult bikes are unlikely to meet their luggage requirements and cannot be carried on coaches.

As for folded bikes, they are allowed on but they must meet luggage requirements (no heavier than 20kg and no bigger than a ‘large’ suitcase)  and they must be kept in a standard bag or box in the hold. It counts as part of your luggage allowance and just because it made the journey there, doesn’t mean it’ll be allowed on the journey back.

Bikes which aren’t folded, dismantled or wrapped are explicitly forbidden from National Express services.

If you want to take a folded bike, you’ll have to pay for extra luggage in advance. Taking it on a single journey will cost you £8 and on a return journey it’ll be £12.

Train

As a general rule, you can’t take your bike on trains during peak hours and you’re advised to book as far in advance as possible as there are often only a couple of cycle spaces per train.

Reserve your spaces when you book online, at the train station (at least 24 hours before you go) or on CrossCountry services you can reserve via Twitter and Facebook Messenger.

For more info, check the site of the service you’re travelling with or have a look at the train operators website.

Plane

On British Airways you can take a bike up to 190cm as long as it’s in a protective case, the pedals are removed or fixed upwards, handlebars are fixed sideways and the tyres are deflated.

As expected with Ryanair, there’s a fee –  £60 for a bike up to 30kg if you book online or £75 if add it on post-booking or at the airport. And that’s only one-way.

EasyJet are somewhat kinder, allowing bikes up to 32kg for £42 one-way if you book online and £52 if you wait until you get to the airport. You can’t sneak other items in the bike box/bag like clothing though. Again, handlebars must be turned inwards and pedals must be removed or flush with the frame.

Flybe take bikes on a stand-by basis only i.e. there’s enough space in the hold.

If you want to take an e-bike, you’ll need to chat to cargo agent Air Logistics Ltd for guidance on 01332 819204 or by emailing flybe@airlogistics.co.uk. If approved, the bike will need to be packed, labelled, marked, documented and consigned as ‘dangerous goods’.

It’ll set you back £30 if you book your bike on at the contact centre or at the airport.

Tram

In a lot of instances, folded-up bikes can be taken on trams and non-folded ones can’t.

That’s the case with Manchester Metrolink, Midland Metro, Nottingham Express Trams and Sheffield Supertram.

However, Edinburgh trams allow two bicycles on board at the ticket conductor’s discretion. As well as peak times, there are restrictions during the Edinburgh International Festival in August and during pre-publicised events.

Tyne and Wear Metro are holding a trial which allows cycles outside of peak times:

Cycles are now allowed on trains between Callerton Parkway and Jesmond (in either direction):

• Monday to Friday 10.00am – 3.00pm
• Monday to Friday 7.00pm until end of service
• All day at weekends

Each Metro carriage allows one bike and each Metrocar is made up of two carriages. These areas are also used for wheelchairs and pushchairs and priority must always be given to them.

Are there any that we missed? How do you cart your bike around when you’re not riding it? Let us know in the comments below.

The post How to transport your bike around London and the UK appeared first on London Cyclist.

It’s perfectly understandable –  air pollution is a well-documented issue here, causing respiratory problems and preventable deaths.

A sizeable 9,500 people die in the capital every year because of long-term exposure to polluted air, according to Kings College London.

But as with any bit of kit, it can be confusing if you’re buying a cycling mask for the first time.

Here are the basic need-to-knows about anti-pollution masks as well as a look at some of the biggest names on the market right now.

How do anti-pollution cycling masks work?

The mask fits over the lower part of your face to catch pollutant particles.

It takes in oxygen and filters out the nasties in the air like formaldehyde, making your city cycle that bit cleaner.

What to consider when buying an anti-pollution mask

The most important factor is the seal – the mask has to snugly fit your face so that nothing passes through any gaps, cancelling out the benefits you get from the filters.

Those with facial hair may struggle as even a little stubble can affect the seal and effectiveness of the cycling mask.

If you have a pre-existing lung or respiratory condition you need to take extra care as masks can inhibit breathing, especially at high exertion.

Now, onto the filters. Go for a mask that has at least two breathing vents with sub-micron filters which pick up the most particles. Hepa-type filters catch the smallest particles, like pollen and dust caught in the air.

The size of particles ranges from 0.5 (sub-micron) to 10+ microns. Just for a bit of context, a micron is the equivalent to 1/1000 of a millimetre. Filters will generally be able to catch size 0.3 microns.

And of course, there’s your budget – not just for the mask, but the cost of replacing filters. For your mask, you’re looking at around £20-£30, while a pack of replacement filters will cost anywhere between £13 and £25, depending on the quantity and quality of filters.

The most popular anti-pollution cycling masks

Respro® City Mask (£29.99)

This mask is made from Neoprene to fit comfortably on your face and  keep out unpleasant fumes and smells.

It has two Techno insulation valves with sub-micron filters, which come in packs of two.

Colour-wise, you can choose from blue, red and black.

What the reviewers say: On the plus side, it is easy to maintain.

However, the mask moves around on your face, which causes rubbing. Some say that the strap puts too much pressure on the nose too.

Totobobo Super Cool mask (£25)

See-through Totobobo masks can be shaped to fit different face, nose and chin contours.

The Super Cool is a bike specific model, but you can also get them in standard and children’s models.

It has sub-micron filters which come in three different strengths: 92%, 94% and 96%. The higher the protection level, the higher the cost.

This mask weighs 20 grams, and promises not to fog up your glasses. The fact that it’s transparent makes for a more reliable seal check as you can actually see what you’re doing.

The lifespan of the mask depends on how you care for it, but it can last over 100 uses.

What the reviewers say: On the more positive side, it’s conveniently pocket-sized and easy to clean.

But disgruntled customers say that it’s clammy, ill-fitting and uncomfortable around the nose.

Despite its transparency, the Totobobo mask doesn’t make a good seal against the face unless it’s completely clean-shaven.

Skysper Anti-Pollution Half Face Cycling Mask (£8.99)

Skysper is more about the swanky style. Its masks are also made of neoprene for comfort, and it comes in fun designs.

It weighs in at a relatively hefty 50g – two and a half times the Totobobo offering.

The mask is available in black, white, blue, red and orange with adjustable nose drag for extra comfort.

What the reviewers say: Skysper’s masks are not as versatile – they don’t fit an Asian face with a short nose, for example. Others said that it didn’t have great coverage and one person reported the filter falling out. Even with the mask intact, exhaled air takes a long time to escape.

Apparently the mask has a smell when you first get it, but if you put it in 20-degree water for 15 mins it’ll be fine.

Some say there are fog issues with cycling glasses when you’re static too.

Cambridge Mask Pro (£19-£24)

Dubbed the ‘British pollution solution’, the Cambridge Mask is made from carbon cloth originally used by the Ministry of Defence.

It protects against gas based pollution, such as smells, benzene and formaldehyde, particle pollution such as PM2.5, pollen or smoke and pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.

The masks come in five sizes, for both adults and children. It has some fun patterns too –  one includes pandas!

And those with an allergy will be glad to know that it’s latex-free.

What the reviewers say: Some reviews saying the mask is too small and the non-adjustable ear hooks make it difficult to seal.

Vogmask (£34.50)

Vogmask is a global brand famed for its funky designs.

They come in different sizes with a metal band in the nose. The tightness is not adjustable, and you  can only use the earloops to fit it on face.

What the reviewers say: It’s comfortable and easy to clean, but it’s not easy to breathe in –  one reviewer had to loosen it around the nose, defeating the purpose of the mask seal.

The filter mask is said to be too restrictive as well. If you have a hilly commute you may want to look elsewhere as the valves are reportedly too small for exercise.

Do you wear cycling masks or do you think they’re not worth the hassle? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post 5 cycling masks to fight against air pollution – are they any good? appeared first on London Cyclist.

I’m talking of course of the bright yellow ofo bikes.

ofo is the world’s first and largest dock-less bike sharing platform and has set off a trend with companies like Mobike closely following in its tyre marks. The bikes can be found in 250 cities across the world and are being rolled out in London. Although the bikes are currently based in Islington, Hackney and the City, cyclists can take and leave them anywhere in London – good news for Boris bike-deprived south Londoners who want to get around quicker without boarding a stuffy bus.

Dock-less bikes look to be a growing trend as Londoners work towards a greener and cleaner city, but what exactly is a dock-less bike and how do you use one?

I went to find out…

Downloading the app

A quick search and tap is all it takes to download the ofo app within minutes. It then asks for your email address and phone number, which I seem to give away without a second thought these days. You also have to input your bank card details – I’m a bit more reluctant to do this but it only takes a moment’s hesitation before I go ahead and submit them. And that’s it, I’m ready to go.

Finding a bike

The app takes you to a detailed map pinning your current GPS location and your nearest available ofo bikes. The pin was sensitive on the touch-screen and it moved around a lot when zooming in and out of the map, so I had to keep centring it back to my correct location. However, this is good for if you want to drop the pin in another location that you’re heading to and want to get a bike from.

I was surprised to find that the nearest bike was a fifteen-minute walk away. This is 2018 and I’m a millennial who expects instantaneous services for my every want and need – blame Uber, Netflix and Just Eat. Slightly miffed that there wasn’t a bike just around the corner, I followed the helpful map directions to find my bike.

I found it just in front of someone’s garden, which made me feel a bit weird about taking it.

Payment

Your first half hour ride on an ofo bike is free – hurrah! Otherwise, it’s 50p per half hour with a daily capped fair at £5. You need to use a bank card to top up your account on the app.

Getting on the saddle

After looking around to see if anyone was watching me take a bike from someone’s garden, I quickly scanned the barcode on the bike’s rear wheel and the Bluetooth/3G smart lock almost instantly unlocked. I wheeled it around the corner to feel a little less like I was about to be accused of theft by a neighbour.

The seat is a doddle to adjust, but it didn’t quite extend high enough to comfortably accommodate my 5ft 10 self. Setting off, the bike didn’t feel as sturdy as a Boris bike but I did feel a lot more nimble on it. It’s designed with solid tyres that don’t deflate, an LED headlight, a solar powered rear light and three gears. If you spot a fault or damage, the app lets you report a request for repair.

Ending the trip

Once reaching my destination (Tesco, in case you’re wondering) I was a little unsure where to park the bike for the next user. The website states: ‘You can park your ofo bicycle outside of the pedestrian right of way that complies with local laws and does not obstruct traffic.’ It felt quite wrong just ditching a bike on the street, but I made sure it was on a wide pavement. You then have to locate the lock to slide down underneath the seat (it took me about five embarrassing minutes to work this out) then end the trip on your app.

What’s good?

Anything that encourages city cycling is obviously fantastic and it’s been great to see so many people whizz by on these distinctively yellow bikes. As a south London resident, it’s a relief to see dockless bikes in lieu of Boris bikes and the underground. The app is straightforward to download and use, and I’d say 50p for a half hour cycle isn’t a bad deal at all. The bikes themselves aren’t great but they feel perfectly safe and fine for getting from A to B or just having a ride around the park. The fact that you don’t need to dock them in a specific place gives so much freedom and flexibility, but I’d always consider the next person and try to leave it somewhere super accessible. The app also tells you how far you’ve cycled, how many calories you’ve burned and how much you have reduced your carbon footprint by choosing to cycling instead of taking public transport.

And it’s just good to share the cycling love with such a social incentive, right?

What’s bad?

They’re not a reliable mode of transport because you never know where or when you’ll find one quickly, so I wouldn’t ever factor them in when commuting or heading somewhere for a specific time. The motion of taking bike from someone’s garden or even cul-de-sac can leave you feeling a little conspicuous, especially as this is a fairly new incentive that not many people will know about.  Oh, and the seat situation could be more comfortable for taller people.

The only other suggestion I have is to give south London more!

Find out more about ofo on their UK website: www.ofo.com

The post A Review of ofo Bikes and Shared Cycling in London appeared first on London Cyclist.

Guest post by William Manners

Visiting Amsterdam for the first time was an eye-opening experience. Staying in a district a bit outside the city centre, it was difficult not to wander around without constantly being struck by a sense that I had stumbled across some kind of Utopian model of the future.

A lot of this awe and wonder came, unsurprisingly, from the continual sight of cyclists. At times it felt as though you had been placed in a game of ‘Crossy Road’, with a continual stream of hazards flying at you from either side. For the most part, the sheer number of cyclists was a cause for delight. After spending a good amount of time writing about how wonderful the bicycle is, going to a place which has done so much to cater and support cyclists did feel a bit like arriving at a holy site after a long pilgrimage.

As much as it may feel this way, Amsterdam’s extensive cycling network did not appear by some miracle. A brief bit of research reveals that it was the result of committed activism combined with general popular support of cycling and politicians who recognised the potential of the bicycle to solve a range of different issues. The result of all this is a city where 35% of journeys are completed by bicycle. The effects? People who enjoy their morning commute to work, roads which are eerily quiet and a general sense of the wonderfulness of it all.

As with most people who cycle, leaving Amsterdam was accompanied by a feeling of ‘why can’t we have something like this where I live?’ Of course, the location and geographical features of Amsterdam make it much more naturally cycle-friendly than where I live in Leeds. However, lots more could certainly be done to implement Amsterdam’s system of cycling infrastructure in towns and cities around the UK. The question is: how can we make this happen?

The best place to begin is perhaps learning from how changes started to occur in Amsterdam, with the combination of activists, a general sympathy to cyclists, and politicians prepared to listen. As was the case in Amsterdam, I would say that the UK is also home to a large number of people strongly committed to promoting cycling. If my Twitter feed is anything to go by, there is certainly no lack of individuals firmly committed to and prepared to argue for building the type of infrastructure that exists around Holland.

I would say that what the UK is missing more than anything (apart from cities built on flat, low-lying land), is a more general popular sympathy and support for cyclists. Whilst there is no lack of committed individuals and groups at the bottom, and a number of people at the top who appear prepared to listen, there is not the general groundswell of opinion required to push through significant and substantial change. What is required is recognition of the many benefits that more people cycling brings to communities, cities and wider society, and a strong commitment to bringing these changes about.

The question then becomes how can we bring about this shift? The obvious answer is by getting more people cycling. More cyclists equal more people realising the benefits of the bicycle as either a means of transport and leisure activity, and a greater agitation for improvements in cycling infrastructure. However, this can quickly turn into a chicken and egg situation. My girlfriend will happily cycle in Amsterdam, but not in Leeds. She would only start cycling if she felt safe doing so, which of course requires a much greater investment in cycling infrastructure. To garner more cyclists requires a significant level investment which, as was discussed above, there is little popular agitation for, and as such is unlikely to happen.

This is not to say such an approach is hopeless- more people are now cycling in the UK than ever before, and with schemes such as the ‘Cycling ‘Superhighways’ in London, there is no reason to think that the ranks of British cyclists will stop growing. The results of this (in theory), should be more and more popular support for cycling. However, whilst the number of cyclists might carry on expanding, it seems highly unlikely they will reach levels comparable to the Netherlands and Amsterdam in the near future. To bring about a popular demand for ‘Dutch-style cycling infrastructure’, a wider range of approaches are needed to communicate the benefits of cycling to both individuals and wider society.

It is also here that I believe that cycling history can play a potential role. Much of the popular sympathy for cyclists in Amsterdam in the 1970s came from the fact that cycling had remained a fairly popular activity since the 1890s. Cycling as an activity was much more ingrained in the national and local culture than it ever has been over here.

It is my hope that the history of cycling can do something to change this. If a few years of speaking to friends and relatives about my research are anything to go by, there is very little popular knowledge about the UK’s cycling heritage. Before I started my research for my book, I too knew next to nothing about the UK’s cycling history.

However, having completed my book Revolution: How the Bicycle Reinvented Modern Britain, I now find it difficult to think of another invention which has done so much to meet both individual needs for liberation, enjoyment and freedom. At the same time, cycling has brought about wider changes which have benefited society as a whole. In my book, I aimed to communicate the many weird and wonderful effects the bicycle had on late Victorian society, from opening up opportunities for romance, allowing individuals to explore the British countryside, and helping shift conservative notions about appropriate ‘womanly’ behaviour.

Visiting Amsterdam hammered home to me that the story of how cycling can benefit both individuals and wider society is one which belongs as much to the present as the past. I believe that combining these two narratives can create an overarching tale which is relevant to cyclists and non-cyclists alike. It might not create new Amsterdams, but it might do something just as good.

William Manners’ book Revolution: How the Bicycle Reinvented Modern Britain is published by Duckworth Overlook Publishers on 31st May 2018 (RRP £20). Pre-order a copy on Amazon UK.

The post How Amsterdam got its cycling revolution and why we’re still waiting appeared first on London Cyclist.

This meant replacing my 18-litre rucksack with a 34-litre double pannier.

I wasn’t expecting it to be quite so different. In fact, things that I was expecting to change, didn’t and things I wasn’t expecting to change, did.

Are you wrestling with which one is right for you? Hopefully I can give you some pointers from my own experience.

Rucksack

Most cyclists who are starting out will use a rucksack because, well, they’ve probably already got one lying around.

Pros

It’s convenient to carry around

You don’t have to make any adjustments with a rucksack – just lock up your bike and crack on with your day. I particularly like them when I’m travelling because there’s a real sense of freedom in being able to just take a bag and go.

It doesn’t involve any bike attachments

Rucksacks make it easier for people to get into cycle commuting because they normally have one knocking about the house anyway.

Plus there’s no need for a cumbersome style-cramping bike rack.

You can move faster and more smoothly

When I can, I relish zipping around the city like a wee demon. With a rucksack I feel lightweight and flexible which you just don’t get with a pannier.

Cons

It aggravates back/neck pain (possibly)

It could be something entirely different, but I reasoned that taking weight on my back wore me down over time, causing me pain.

It has to be said that I carry a hefty amount on my commute: a full change of clothes (including shoes), a couple of bike locks, my lunch, a spare inner tube and some tools along with life bits like purse and keys.

In any case, I wanted to play around with my luggage options to see if my affliction improved and it did, but only a little.

My upper body can feel restricted

I know, I know – I just praised the rucksack for giving me liberation. But being clasped in by what is essentially a shell on your back can be restrictive, especially if it shuffles on a climb.

Depending on the size, your visibility can be impaired with a bag too. This can mean that you have to crane your neck further around to see what traffic is coming up behind you.

Ideal for: less frequent commuters who carry a lighter load

Rack and panniers

Panniers attach to a rack on the back of your bike and fasten using ties or Velcro.

They do call for a spot more shopping around: consider the size of bag you need and what rack will go with it before you buy.

Pros

I can carry more stuff

It might not seem logical to carry around more stuff, but depending on the pannier, you can. So if I spontaneously buy bag of spinach on my way home (because I’m such an exciting person), I can fit it in my bag without having to open the packet to release the excess air.

It’s better for longer cycle trips and tours

Well, it’s not the commute, but a lot of Londoners like to get away when they can.

I did a trip from Bath to Bournemouth over the Easter bank holiday weekend and whoa nelly, it was way easier having panniers.

Again, they allowed me to carry more, but as I was travelling longer distances my body felt less of the strain and I could attach the panniers on the back of the bike and forget about them.

I’ve developed the thighs of a Greek God

It’s true! What my back was carrying, my legs are now pulling along, so it feels like my tree trunks are getting even more of a workout than before.

Just call me Zeus.

Cons

Loading/unloading takes longer

The weight of the panniers is enough to keep them down, but there are a couple of ties and Velcro straps for extra security.

Unlike throwing on a bag and heading out the door, loading and unloading the panniers takes a bit longer and requires more care to keep both sides even.

They make the bike a little heavier

The rack itself adds additional weight, so even without the panniers I’m slowed down. It’s frustrating, but you get used to it. Although, I will say, having the panniers means that I do more uphill riding out of the saddle, which feels better for my back.

It’s more difficult to transport the bag when you’re off the bike

Contrary to the ease of carrying a rucksack around, we have panniers.

I deliberately want to keep as much as possible off my back, so I opted for panniers that you essentially carry like a hideous double briefcase thing.

Clunky? Yes. Getting about is more difficult and as both sides of the bag are identical, it’s a nightmare trying to remember which one I put my keys in.

Ideal for: commuters who travel frequently and/or for longer distances

Which is best for commuting – rucksack vs rack and panniers?

Based on conventional wisdom, panniers are better for me. They hold more and suit longer trips.

But day-to-day, I still miss the ease of having a rucksack: it’s the absence of feeling weighed down and the sheer simplicity of it.

At least with the panniers I can stop off at the supermarket on my way home. Result!

Do you use a rucksack or pannier for your commute? Do you opt for something else entirely, like a front basket or a dinky saddle bag? Tell us in the comments below.

The post Rucksack vs panniers: which is best for commuting? appeared first on London Cyclist.

But there are some things we burn through at an incomparable rate – namely parts and kit.

As 2018 is the year we become more aware of our plastic use and how much waste we produce, perhaps it’s time to address what cyclists throw out.

The good news is that you can divert your bike parts’ path to landfill by recycling, upcycling and donation.

Take a look at these tips for some ideas.

Inner tubes

Inner tubes are the bike part that’s replaced the most, and it’s all too easy to chuck them in the bin.

Instead, grab an envelope and stamp and pop them over to Cycle of Good.

The British-based charity enterprise works with 10 Malawian tailors who wash tubes and sew them into stylish wallets, purses and cases. The products are shipped back to the UK to sell internationally and everything raised goes back into the community for childcare and non-profit development in Malawi.

Send your inner tubes along to:

Krizevac Project
Atlas Works
Paragon Road
Longton
Stoke-on-Trent
ST3 1NR

If you have the knowhow, you can craft your own wallets and cases. It’d be best if you had a sewing machine though. Check out this tutorial to see how it’s done.

Tyres

Tyres can get worn down pretty quickly if you regularly tear up the tarmac.

Rather than toss them onto the rubbish heap like a Frisbee, make something out of them.

Even after they’re past it, tyres are constructed from hard-wearing rubber so they’ll live a second life as something else. I know you’re thinking what we’re thinking: a sturdy belt.

Instructables takes you through the process step-by-step.

Helmets

Crashes aren’t the only reason to ditch old helmets. They might have been bashed in transit, a part might have broken, or they might just be frighteningly old.

Emergency units are often on the lookout for helmets as trainees cut them off models in simulation exercises.

Or for something nicer, you can transform your helmet into a planter – I had a go with an old broken helmet. Lay some pebbles down first, fill the helmet with soil then put your seeds or plant in.

Chains

There’s only one fate for old bike chains: a spot of arts and crafts.

Think bottle openers, photo frames, candle holders and jewellery.

For some inspiration, check out this cool chain bottle opener tutorial.

The entire bike

This is the easiest one to do.

You will have probably seen bike cycling schemes around where your whole bike will be donated, or it’ll be broken down and the salvageable parts will be recycled.

It’s best if your bike is in half-decent condition, but some schemes will take pretty much any cycle.

Evans runs a scheme where you can trade in a bike and get money off your next set of wheels. Your old bike will be donated to charities including Recycle Your Cycle and Hospice UK. Make sure you place your Trade In order before 5 June 2018.

Halfords works with Re~Cycle,who give donated bikes to people in Africa who rely on them as a means of transport. What’s more, trading in your old bike in will get you money off a new one. It’s not running at the moment, but keep an eye on the Halfords website for updates.

If you’ve got old bike bits which are in decent nick, Re~Cycle accepts parts and accessories like locks and lights.

Just want to get rid of yer steed? You can take it to various bike workshops around London and they’ll take the parts and revive them to be used on other cycles.

I can personally recommend Bikeworks in Bethnal Green which took my mum’s decrepit old bike when I thought it belonged nowhere else but the scrap heap.

Prevention is better than recycling

Or however that saying goes. Basically, if you look after your bike by cleaning it, maintaining it and taking it for regular services, the parts will last longer.

Likewise, cleaning your kit properly will extend its life. Check the labels to make sure you wash it at the correct temperature and save it from unnecessary damage.

It might also be worth forking out a little more for quality kit and parts that won’t wear out as quickly and delay the trip to the landfill.

While you’re on a green kick, perhaps it’s time to switch to a different brand for your cycle stuff; one that has more in the way of eco credentials.

For example, Muc Off’s cleaning products are biodegradable, and shops like howies have more environmentally-friendly gear.

What do you do with your old bikes and kit? Any organisations or schemes that we missed? Let us know in the comments below.

The post How to stop bike parts going to landfill appeared first on London Cyclist.

I reluctantly left my bike with a friend to look after at the start of the year.

My landlord had decided to sell the flat I was living in and, rather than start the dreaded search for a new London property, it seemed like an ideal opportunity to take an extended trip. It’s also cheaper to stay in a decent hotel for a month in Kathmandu than rent a small room in Peckham, but that’s a different story for another time. My journey took me to India, Nepal and Bali over the course of two months.

It wasn’t necessarily a cycling holiday, but I was fascinated by the rules of the foreign roads and how the centre of Delhi makes the Waterloo Bridge roundabout look like a circle of calm in comparison. I managed to arrange a couple of cycling trips on the go, but it would have been great to have read some quick tips beforehand and get some more experiences. So, if you’re planning on going to any of these countries soon, here are some notes about cycling activities for when you start to miss your bike.

India

Full disclosure: I was too terrified to cycle in India. Delhi is an incredible city but it’s also relentlessly chaotic with dangerously polluted air. The safest and most comfortable way to get around was in an air-conditioned car or by motor rickshaw. Even on the highways, there don’t seem to be any rules (or if there are, nobody follows them). Overtaking, speeding, horn tooting are a constant and my friend and I clung on for dear life on every journey. But, there are cycling tours available for the brave to book.

Recommended cycle companies with popular reviews:

• Delhi By Bicycle provide various routes throughout Old Delhi and New Delhi, including breaks for local meals.
• Spin Monkey Cycle Tour takes groups of 8 – 12 people around iconic sites such with stops or chai tea.
• Delhi by Bike itineraries include a ‘tour with a twist’, which covers the spice market, Jama Masjid and Chandi Chowk.

Nepal

Chitwan is in the Western Terai of Nepal, where it’s a lot hotter, flatter, quieter and greener than Kathmandu. Rather than do the recommended, sensible thing and book onto a cycling tour with a local guide, I decided to rent a bike out and make the four-hour round journey to 20,000 Tears Lake myself. ‘I’ve battled the traffic of Holborn, so this’ll be a cinch,’ I boasted to no one.

The only bike I could get my hands on was a children’s one-gear bicycle which was so small it made me look like a clown pedalling around a circus. Still, this did not deter me from my mission. I started riding through traditional Tharu villages, trailing behind groups of kids cycling to school. It was quiet, calm, idyllic.

Then, I reached the border of the national park where the lake is. I knew things were about to get tricky when the only way of reaching the entrance was by hopping across stepping stones while pulling my bike through a stream. The park is referred to by locals as ‘the jungle’ and I had been on a safari just a few miles away the day before. It was at this point that I realised cycling on a kid’s bike over rocky, dirt roads through a jungle on own without so much as a pump was probably a bad idea.

But it was too late to turn back, so I just pedalled on and ignored any rustling noises and the confused stares from people who drove past in a safari jeep. Several mild panic attacks later, I made it! The lake was beautiful, serene, seemingly never ending and totally worth the trauma and anxiety about the ride back.

You should be able to book onto a cycle with a guide through your hotel or resort, or you can hire out a bike for dirt cheap and experience this for yourself!

If you’re staying in Kathmandu, these companies provide mountain biking tours in and around Kathmandu Valley:

• Urban Adventures
• Nepal Mountain Bike Tours
• Get Your Guide

Bali

Despite the intense heat (I have the painful sunburn to prove it), I couldn’t leave Bali without cycling around the rice paddies of Ubud. To make things a bit easier on myself under the 30+°C scorching sun, I cheated and booked onto an ebike tour with ebikesbali. Yes, I pressed the e-boost button for most of the journey, but it was very hilly and hot, so give me a break, OK?!

We followed the winding roads through fields of luscious green, which Julia Roberts unbelievably cycled along without breaking a single bead of sweat in the film Eat, Pray Love. We stopped off at a Hindu temple, the UNESCO rice terrace and for a luwack coffee with the friendly, informative guide whose smile was even bigger than my thirst for an ice cold beer. It was all very pleasant and safe and a lot different to my ride in Nepal.

I highly recommend ebikesbali but if you want to skip the ‘e’ cheating, there are more options for cycling around different parts of Bali:

• Bali Eco Cycling
• Infinity Mountain Biking
• Awesome Bali Cycling

Along the way I also experienced other activities such as hiking, surfing and lots of eating, but I was happy to get back to my London bike and take her out for a stretch along the Brighton coastline. I’ve weirdly missed the toots of impatient taxi drivers, battling the British weather and breathing in the fumes of adjacent buses during rush hour. London is still the city that gives me the biggest cycling thrill, even if there is no sun, sea or sand in sight.

The post A London cyclist goes to India, Nepal and Bali appeared first on London Cyclist.