Return to commuting

fairweather1978

Commuted by bike this morning for the first time in a few years. I loved it! Why I ever stopped is now a mystery to me.

I am moved to comment because I am still buzzing from the experience but also because it was all so civilised. It was a busy route through south east London, but cars were giving us (my partner and I) a wide berth and other cyclists gave us plenty of room when they whizzed past. Gimme a couple more weeks and i am hoping that i am the one doing the whizzing past!

Anyway, a nothing post really. I just loved it.

jonomc4

Hmmm South East London you say - guess by mentioning "considerate drivers" you don't go through Lewisham (my bet noir)

fairweather1978

I don't go through Lewisham on my way to work, though I have done so a number of times at the weekend. I agree, it can be hairy. My commute is through Deptford, New Cross, Peckham etc and on into town over Waterloo Bridge. By and large the bus lanes make it fairly easy. Though people did seem a little loopy last night as the rain came down; had to drop anchor suddenly as a pizza delivery person on a scooter started drifting in and out of my path and then stopped abruptly. Heart in mouth...

jonomc4

I would advise the Rotherhide road and then through London Bridge (maybe not during the Olympics though)and along the South Bank to Waterloo bridge - the old Kent road and elephant and castle are a total mare in my opinion.

I have been hit by cars twice in Lewisham in a 7 month period - the first I let off - the second hurt me more - so he ended up paying me £3,500 and he got 6 penalty points for dangerous driving and £800 fine. I always ride slower and far more defensively through Lewisham than anywhere else now

fairweather1978

Thanks for the tip Jonomc4. I will give that a go next week, I don't know why i hadn't thought of it before. Lack of imagination I guess!

Sorry to hear about your accidents, I hope you are back and fighting fit now. Pleased to see that you got a bit of justice though.