Becoming a Cyclist - Crofton Park to City hall

For years I have been saying I want to cycle to work, but I’m too scared but as of last Monday I am officially a fluorescent wearing, socks tucking cycling geek!

After two and half years of having my bike in London I finally plucked up the courage, sorted out my gear and planned an extra safe route to get to work. So far it is taking me about 38 minutes each way, I am continuously overtaken by the professional commuter types, it seems I am the slowest cyclist out there. It is 5.6mile each way, but most of if is through the constituency. I decided to take a longer route to avoid traffic and pollution on the Old Kent Road.

I am really enjoying it so far and finding it is the perfect way to start the day (especially with this Spring weather), although it’s hard work on the way home what with office fatigue looming and the general uphill battle faced by many south east Londoners on the way home!

The worst part is the number of bumps and holes along the edge of seemingly smooth roads, it is unbelievable how poor many of the roads in Lewisham actually are, which is incredibly dangerous for cyclists.

Well, I am £55 worse of after purchasing some lights and high vis ankle bands (which keep falling off) so I will have to stick at it for a while longer. I will keep you posted.

Gemma Townsend

16th March 2009