As a relatively new convert to the joys of cycling, I thought it was a good time to share some tips and advice I've found helpful in getting used to cycling around London. 

Practice makes perfect

Getting a bike for the first time as a Londoner can be exciting – you’ve just graduated into the lycra-clad elite. However, before you hasten out into rush hour in central London, it’s a good idea to just have a quick practice around a quiet suburban area or park first. Make sure you don’t venture out until you’re comfortable raising either arm for a turning signal and you can look over your shoulder while still cycling in a straight line.

Suit up

Ok, lycra isn’t a necessity but it is true that cycling in winter can be rough – it’s cold, it rains and the wind can be a nightmare. At a bare minimum you can make do with a lightweight waterproof you can stuff into a bag and a decent pair of gloves. A helmet and reflective clothing are both very good ideas from a safety standpoint although not legally mandatory.

Beware the lorry

Lorries and other heavy good vehicles (HGVs) pose a significant danger to cyclists, mainly due to the size of their blind spot. For a really good demonstration, check this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9E1_1M-qhU. The advice around HGVs is ‘stay safe, stay back’ and be particularly wary about passing on the left even if they are stopped at junctions.

Be assertive

You may have seen the signs advising cyclists to ride a door’s width from parked cars at bus stops around the Union. This seems like pretty sensible advice but on the narrow roads around South Ken, I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s faced the odd impatient driver coming up behind you and making their presence known. Although it can be tempting to move right over to the left so they can try and squeeze past you, this is wrong. Cars should not be passing you if it is unsafe to do so - on narrow roads, you are within your rights to move into the centre of the road to prevent dangerous overtaking if you think it’s necessary.

Keep safe, be seen

Lights are a legal requirement for cycling in the dark and should also be used in the rain or when it is overcast. Good practice seems to be a steady front (white) light and either a steady or flashing (red) light with accompanying red reflector. Wearing light or reflective clothing also helps.

Find your way

If you’re new to cycling and are used to getting the tube or bus, you might not be aware of the most cycle-friendly way into College from your house. The site www.cyclestreets.net allows you to plug in your start and end address and it will generate routes for you based on your need for speed or the quietest roads which is really valuable when you’re starting out or travelling somewhere new.

Get the BUG

Imperial College Union’s Bike User Group is a project that represents and runs events for cyclists. You can check them out here: https://www.union.ic.ac.uk/presidents/icbug/. As well as providing advice, you can sign up to their mailing lists to hear about events such as the bike auction, Dr Bike sessions (mechanics that provide free checking and repair of bikes) and police marking when they take place on campus.