Harrow Council has recently promoted a cycle to work scheme which helps employees get cycling. Have you ever thought about cycling to work? There's never been a better time to save money and get fitter!
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A blog to create an online community within Harrow, West London, that wants to share and stimulate efforts to make this town more environmentally friendly, and get us travelling in more sustainable ways, more often.
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IT'S UP TO ALL OF US
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People supporting the Green Travel effort:
- Harrow Council - Transport Planning info from the council
- Breathe in Harrow - air quality awareness site
- TfL's journeyplanner - an invaluable resource
- imovelondon - Pledge your support to move London
- Transport for London's Smarter Driving page
- DIY Planet Repairs - taking steps towards 'green' living
- West Trans - planning transport in West London
- ACT-Travelwise - Partnership of Organisations supporting sustainable travel
- Hate Green
67 comments:
I cycle in and it's brilliant! No need for a gym membership (so that was a waste of money - yep I did take one out before I started cycling) and no waiting in traffic. I'm extremely pleased if this is true that Harrow is encouraging their staff to cycle to work.
I have often thought about cycling to work and only really tried it once. I was a bit wobbly due to nervousness on the roads, any advice on riding on smallers roads and pavements?
Hi Mark,
Not sure what advice you're seeking but yes, if you're not confident on the road and don't wish to continue down that route you could map out side roads easily, just be sure to keep an eye out for pedestrians crossing the roads. And as for riding on the pavement - don't do it, it's too dangerous for you and others.
I tend to ride mostly on pavements and find it no problem. Most walkers move out the way when they see you coming and if they are old just stop or mvoe to one sideuntil they pass.
HMMMMM JAMEEL.. Ridig on the pavement is illegal. It's not enforced but it isn't allowed and if you do have an accident and knock someone down then you are at fault, so bear that in mind. Also you shouldn't be riding on the pavements at all, they are for people!
Illegal>? Are you sure? I ride on quieter roads and on the pavement. Never on busy main roads, not had a single problem in 2 years. Peds understand it's safer and as long as you're very considerate you'll be ok.
My personal advice would be to do what keeps you cycling as long as it's safe. If you can, cycle on the main roads in cycle lanes - this is wht they are there for. If not, then map out a route on quieter side roads, but remember these are residential roads and so to be more vigilant to not disturb residents or people walking in the area and of course parked cars moving out and reversing from their driveways.
As for cycling on the pavement, if it's clear and you're not going too fast, then it is acceptable but at your own risk. I say this because if you do cause a serious injury to a child or person and you were cycling on the pavement, then you are the vehicle and they the pedestrian, and you shouldn't be there.
Most of all, enjoy cycling!
Crikey, is it really illegal? I'll start shifting to just quieter roads. I only go on the pavement when the quieter roads have a few cars on them due to school traffic, but I'll be more careful now. Thanks.
Cycling into work is great because you can cut the cost of a gym and depending on how you cycle, can have a nice workout. I love it, but HATE that most workplaces don't have adequate facilities for this. You'd think they were living in the dark ages, no wait! In the dark ages they'd still be suitable for cyclists, just not for cars. Seems we've gone the wrong way!!!
Cycling is fun and I do it for leisure, haven't tried it for a trip I need to do because I think shopping trips would be more difficult. But I saw someone on Friday cycling with Sainsburys bags hanging from their handlebars and it looked so easy!. I want to try it now.
I cycle to do my shopping and was like you. I used to own a car then sold it because it was too expensive and I hardly used it. Then I got sick of public transport and started cycling. My jourey time and everything else was much better. The only thing I wished was that I could do my shopping, so I looked into it and bought a bag that attaches to the bike called a pannier. They can carry some bottles of milk and more and are excellent for shopping. The bike takes the weight and you cycle easily. I'm feeling my bike is more than a car now because it not only gets me everywhere but helps carry loads now too!
Biking is brilliant! Thank you Harrow for the excellent free cycle training, I had a great instructor!
I see lots of kids cycling and a few adults, and always thought it looks fun but never tried it. Reading what you guys say makes me want to now!
For me the best thing about cycling is that it gets me to work in Harrow in 10 mins and if you use the quiet roads early morning, they are very quiet. Also a short 10min trip 3 days a week has helped me lose weight and done so much for me. I can't recommend it enough.
We should start a Harrow Loves Cycling group! Lol!
I used to work at the civic centre in Harrow and the facilities for cycling were appalling. One shower for men and one for women meant queuing up for ages and no secure storage for your bike. I'm pleased it seems to have changed a bit as I hear there are now 2 showers and that secure bikes are behind the parking. Also that the tax free scheme is ace.
Good luck to all cyclists, you'll need it with the maniacs on the road. Road rage is on the up massively. I've seen people stop their vehicles and get out in the middle of the road just to start a fight with another car ahead ofthem.
wefightwelove: that's exactly the best thing about the bike too. Someone gets out of their car to start on you and shout, then you've got a head start! Get pedalling and then zip down a small road. FREEWHEEL!
Skynrd that is hilarious!!!!
It's only happened to me once at a roundabout when some idiot honked then started chasing me. I stopped ahead and he got out. When he got to my bike I legged it! I lost him by the time he got back into his car and tried to follow me! ha!
Not in reality but in my mind a hundred times. I'm always prepared for it.
You guys are so funny, you make me want to cycle!! Where do you learn these crazy antics and tips??
At Harrow's free cycle training of course!!!
I hope he's kidding!
I was, just kidding guys! Learn from other cyclists online and on the road.
Why is it when you do something so good like cycling, you get so stinky? I mean you do exercise the body should reward you, not punish you. Workout and help your body, it says 'thank you, smell ya later'. What's up with that??
I love to exercise, but I still have to laugh at it. You go to the health club, you see all these people and they’re working out; they’re training, they’re getting in shape. But nobody’s really getting in shape for anything. In modern society, you really don’t have to be physically strong to do anything. The only reason that you’re getting in shape is so you can get through the workout. So we’re working out, so that we’ll be in shape, for when we have to do our exercises. That's crazy!
LOL@DAVE: That's a very interesting way to look at it! I guess more people are working out because the world is
A) more vain. Women have anorexia and guys have bigorexia. Everyone wants to look buff and impress. Everyone wants to look good naked.
B) More diseases and illnesses in today's world than ever before. Bad food preparation, chemicals and preservatives being pumped into natural foods. Add to that technology killing the planet as well as bad air quality and you have a whole big bag of hurt.
C) Yuppie culture is becoming more acceptable. Elitist is becoming accessible and having a gym membership is considered essential in some social circles.
So basically you need to work out just to survive this crazy world now!
"You need to workout just to survive" LOL! Welcome to the jungle baby!
I'm still laughing at the comment that people are working out more because they want to look good naked!!!! LOL!!! :O
BRAD I LOVE THE WAY YOU SPEAK! You casually just throw in that everyone wants to look good naked! You use phrases like a whole 'big bag of hurt'.
KLOL!!!
Brad, you're so right and I haven't heard the word yuppie for years. What a blast from the past!
LOL @ JSEN about working out and smelling bad! It's so true!! WHY O CRUEL FATE, WHY!!!
Can someone please tell me what the deal is with BO? Why do we need BO? Everything in nature has a function, a purpose, except BO. Doesn’t make sense – do something good – hard work, exercise – smell very bad. This is the way humans are designed: you move you stink.
Why don’t our bodies help us? Why can’t sweat smell good? Be a different world wouldn’t it? Instead of putting your dirty clothes in a basket, you’d put them in a vase. Go down to the chemist and pick up some odorant and perspirant.
From cycling to work, cycling tax-free, riding on the pavement to the most detailed discussion on sweat I have ever read, this post really has gone from pillar to post and around the block! I can't believe how cycling to work has caused such a topic change! This is why this forum's community is the best ever. Not even 10am yet and you've made me laugh so much! Keep cycling everyone!!
JSEN, you should be in comedy, you are hilarious!!!! How can anyone think so much about the reasons for sweating and how terrible it is when we workout?? You say what we all think man, you rock!
Thanks for the comments guys, I am what I am!
Harrow Council offers free adult cycle training to those who live, work or study within the Borough. The training covers people who haven't yet learned to balance through to more experienced cyclists who need a few tips on how to deal with something like the Northwick Park roundabout.
The training is now mostly delivered via group sessions on Saturdays, the next one being Saturday April 4th. Bike hire is available for those without a bike. To register call Cycle Experience on 0845 434 8451 or email Harrowtraining@CycleExperience.com .
Phil, are you the tall, curly haired gentleman who delivers the training? You trained me! Recommended guys and gals, this one's a keeper ;)
I've had the cycle training too and it made me want to cycle more. I've thought about it for years but didn't know this was on offer, so good to have excellent encouragement. Thanks Harrow Council and the trainers (who don't work for the council so that's good) and you guys got me cycling!
Now if only they could create a seat that cools the buttocks so we don't sweat so much then Brad and JSEN would be happier...
Cycling rocks, and I just cycle to and from work. I love it and the sensation of being on the road, breezing past traffic and having so much control of your journey is amazing. I love it.
THEY DO SATURDAY TRAINING TOO??!!! WHOA, EXCELLENT!
I cycle at the gym and HATE that people don't wipe down their equipment after sweating it out there. A guy came onto me at the gym and then left me with sweaty equipment after he used it. I didn't know how to take it: a sign of intimacy or poor hygiene! I didn't follow up to find out!
Linda, if the guy is sending you a message of intimacy through leaving his sweat on your machine, its not worth it, its gross!!!
That's not intimacy Linda that's a sign: stay away from the stinker!
Guys, back to topic!!! Cycling to work! Why? Fast, fun and free. Why not? Facilities at work.
Sweat? We all sweat and all stink, so we need more showers so workplaces should provide them. There. Continue.
PLEASE DO ONT CYCLE ON THE PAVEMENT!!!!
I've undertaken the cycle training too and can't recommend it enough. I hate being told what to do or being taught something at my age and think my bum looks way too big on the road, but your trainers made me feel so much more confident and it was so relaxed and informative a session that I enjoyed it. Great practical tips too that were tailored to my hypothetical proposed journey (I did it once, honest). But I am cycling now, not to work but around Stanmore.
I'm off home now and won't be riding on the pavement!!! Thanks guys, you saved me being potentially arrested with my two wheels of mass destruction!
Good luck mate! Stick to the roads, the quieter ones that is.
cycling to work = save money - yes but some of it is reinvesting in your cycling kit
cycling to work = get fitter - yes but you need to keep pedalling!
I work in Harrow and my boss doesn't have the cycle to work scheme, how can I get him to sign up??
try www.cyclescheme.co.uk
Don't cycle on the pavement guys, you'll hurt someone!
Hey, Boris has cycled in Harrow! See the main page!
Wow, you're right, wonder if he has had the cycle training too!
I want to cycle to work but it's impossible with so many idiots on the road.
You can get training from Harrow on how to cycle safely, stick to side roads etc Arthur, maybe consider that? It's not impossible and remember you have a right to the road too!
Arthur, you CAN do it! Be brave and be confident, it's not too difficult!
I meant the idiots on the road who are already cycling in their tighter than tight lycra, speeding down it faster than cars and ignoring all road signs.
Oh and Jameel W: I wouldn't take advice from you about cycling on the road since you only just discovered that you shouldn't be breaking the law by cycling on the pavement.
Steady on Arthur, only trying to help and if you meant you don't want to cycle because of other cyclists, we can't help you.
yeah Arthur, don't be mean, what do you want? The whole road to yourself?
Arthur, glad you're not on the road. You'd probably knock the rest of us off or give us a bad name.
Hey, let's not let one ranter spoil this, cycling to work is brilliant!
Arthur, sorry cycling doesn't suit you but many others it does. Read all posts and see if you can add something good to this.
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