Cycling is booming in London, with more and more people now riding to work! On this rush hour commute along the C6 cycle route from Camden to Blackfriars, we explore how cyclists can give pedestrians and other riders the space and respect they need. We discuss rules for traffic lights and zebra crossings, anticipation skills, and why it’s sometimes necessary to position ourselves flexibly on the road when around other cyclists.
I hope this film helps you reflect on how you ride. Please SUBSCRIBE and SHARE this film with other people you know who cycle. Thank you!
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – Intro
0:24 – Cycling without a planned route
1:18 – Joining the C6
2:03 – Amber traffic lights mean stop!
2:50 – Cyclists and pedestrians at the zebra crossing
4:05 – Dynamic road positioning
5:17 – Way more cyclists than people in cars
6:47 – Cyclist appears out of nowhere!
7:37 – Reaching Farringdon
9:15 – Cyclists everywhere!
9:34 – Reaching Blackfriars
10:10 – Subscribe to The Eager Cyclist!
10:34 – Thank you page
10:40 – Links to Films 8 and 13
IMPORTANT NOTE ON HOW YOU RIDE:
This channel will show videos of cycling that intend to stimulate reflection and discussion on how we ride so we can all develop as riders.
I cannot take responsibility for how you ride after you watch the videos. The cycling shown may not be suitable for all situations. Remember that you may need to be flexible when you ride and you should always adhere to the rules for cycling in your area. Cycle training with a qualified instructor can be invaluable, whatever your level of experience, so check out options in your area. If you or your workplace would like me to deliver training for you, then please get in touch via email.
HELPFUL LINKS:
– TFL cycle route map: https://tfl.gov.uk/maps/cycle
– Riding Competencies Mind Map (Eager Cycle Coaching): https://www.eagercyclecoaching.co.uk/cycling-competencies-mind-map
– The Highway Code (England, Scotland and Wales): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code
– The National Standard for Cycle Training (Department for Transport): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-standard-for-cycle-training
– The Bikeability Trust website: https://www.bikeability.org.uk/
MUSIC:
Special thanks to the very talented Pim Jones for supplying music for the channel. Check out Pim’s music here:
RIDE SMART | SHARE THE JOURNEY | BUILD A COMMUNITY
10 Comments
It was interesting with that oncoming cyclist: you also massively checked your speed because (I'm assuming) you couldn't see past the delivery vehicle, nice job 🙂
3:42 yes absolutely. Its frustrating for the act itself and also as it plays into the hands of politicians and media who don't like cycle infrastucture. Gives an excuse to be harder on making cycling more widespread
I understand that in Holland or Paris, where cycling has been transformed, the idea of double lanes cycle lanes with people sharing a space opposite directions, is not common.
I can see why, as if you take the lane running along the north bank of the Thames at Westminster, some of the fast overtaking from oncoming cyclists is pretty hairy.
In answer to your question about education about rules of the road . YES. A majority of riders in London dont seem to realise red stop lights apply to them.
C6 is great I use it a lot. Useful video . But cycling behaviour in general is appalling. Pedestrians dont know when it's safe to cross- even when green man is showing . A deplorable sociological development. What do we tell children about safe ways to cross the road.
It’s a real conundrum regarding the solid line at traffic lights where there is no advanced cycle box. Stopping next to cars or, worse still lorries at traffic lights is very dangerous and I know cyclists have been killed by left turning vehicles. I must say that I often break that particular law and advance well in front of cars and lorries so they definitely know I’m there.
🤙🏼⚡🤘🏼⚡👌🏼
I appreciate the level headed and calm commentary on the cycling, despite I may be somewhat blunt in my own commentary. I've just cycled for so long that I'm past subtle having seen how wrong things can be on so many levels. Hope lives that things might change gradually better for cycling and worshiping the big car would give way for more if not the most sustainable way of urban mobility in the end. Subscribed.
I wish British cyclists understood that it's polite and helpful to ring your bell before you overtake. The Dutch do this all the time. Brits just don't get it.
Cool journey, love that area of London