I have a bike!

[major_clanger]

Yes, I went for a folder in the end and got the Mezzo I4 I was admiring. I rode it home, and managed not to get squashed or lost, although I will need to familiarise myself with the best routes, not to mention the bits to avoid at all costs (i.e. Bank).

Even over four and a bit miles, and with me not having ridden a bike for a year or so, it was comfortable and easy to ride. The only thing I do notice is that riding very slowly, for instance to creep between parked vehicles and stationary traffic, the small wheels make it a bit wobblier than I am used to, although they also make it rather more nimble.

The City itself wasn't too bad, although it's clear that I will do best by getting south towards Fleet Street / Cannon Street as soon as possible. Once past Tower Bridge it's onto the Cable Street cycle route, which is a joy to behold - a dedicated two-lane bike path, actually grade-separated from the (relatively quiet) road for much of its length.

I reckon on allowing 40 minutes for the journey, which should come down a bit as my cycle fitness and familiarity with the route improve. There are also some other ways in and out I could explore; the TFL cycle planner offers the option of going up to Mile End and in along Mile End Road, which I can see working - although I doubt it will be as quiet as Cable Street. And whilst I wasn't too uncomfortable, I can see myself following purplecthulhu's advice to pick up some padded cycling shorts soon.

Comments

[purplecthulhu.livejournal.com]

I've found the limiting factor for time on routes in London is not so much fitness, though that helps a bit, but traffic lights. After a while you can't go any quicker as delays at lights slow you back down. That's actually where the TfL route planner can help - by picking routes that minimize traffic light encounters. For me this includes a lot of parks between Trafalgar Square and Imperial, but I suspect you don't have that option.

[covertmusic.livejournal.com]

This is more or less true for me in Cambridge too - my route between work and home takes me through losing priority, or lights, something like fifteen times in 4k. So it usually takes me somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes, and I'm actually moving for about ten of that...

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

Bravo!