London Bike Shop iPhone App
It seems there is a new iPhone app ever minute and here again is another one for the cyclist:
The London Bike Shop App does exactly what it says on the tin. If you are out and about and need a bike shop it shows high street chains and also the smaller shops that people sometimes prefer to get a more personal service but often can’t find.
You will also find all of London’s cycle cafe’s which can be great for grabbing a coffee while your bike is being repaired.
You can get the app by downloading here:
Or searching the app store for “London Bike Shop”
Enjoy!
Squeaky Chains
It’s always useful to know when good new bike repair shops open up and a friend of mine Diego has just started Squeaky Chains based down in Southwark. If you are in the area drop in and get a feel for the place, he’d love to see you!
33 Rushworth Street,
Southwark, London,
SE1 0RB
020 7902 7974
Follow their progress on their Blog too…
Cycling Photography Exhibition
Hi All,
If you love riding bikes then you may enjoy cycling photography too!
This Friday see the start of an exhibition ‘A Visual Ride’ presented by Diego Marando.
“A visual journey in two wheels. Riding along an autumn Critical Mass in London, the backstreets of Copenhagen and the canals and bridges of Amsterdam, the lenses capture the joy and freedom of Cycling, the artistic view of the bike in an urban context and how pedal power can create an astonishing change in our lives, the change to independence.”
The exhibition runs until 31st October.
Location: Look Mum No Hands , 49 Old Street London , EC1V 9HX
Enjoy!
London’s Cycling initiatives….
It’s been an exciting summer of change for the cyclist in London! We’ve seen the launch of both the London Cycle Hire Scheme and the TfL cycling Superhighways.
Do you love them? Do you hate them? Have you just not tried them yet?
The Transport Committee is conducting an early progress check to assess the initial impact of these new cycling schemes, looking at how any problems are being addressed and the potential for expansion and extension.
Have your say by visiting the Greater London Authority Website and filling in a short survey. The more feedback given the better future plans for cycling can be planned.
Happy Cycling!
A vision for the future
I spent a few days in Paris recently. The main reason was to run the Marathon but it was also an opportunity to check out the Vélib’ system. With the London Cycle Hire Scheme imminent I wanted to see what London has to aspire to.
People watching is a favourite past time when I’m on the continent. I choose a spot opposite a Vélib’ docking station, ordered a coffee and did just that.
In only a 15 minute period 13 bikes came and went with such ease it was incredible. Users ranged from office workers in suits, to musicians with guitars and the flow of use seemed smooth and very natural.
I enjoyed watching the intricacies of the use of the scheme. Users checked the brakes and tyres before undocking the bicycle and starting their journey. When returning the bicycle there was absolute assurance the bicycle had been re docked correctly avoiding any confusion and the possibility of theft. It is these small nuances of the Vélib system that, as well as safe cycling, we need to promote in London in order for it to be a success. It is clear form how users are interacting with the scheme that they have learned over time the problems of use that can arise with a bicycle hire scheme. There is no doubt that Londoners will experience similar initial teething problems. However, by bringing awareness to as many of these possible problems as possible now and suggesting ways to overcome them, hopefully, our scheme can become as entwined in our society as it has done in Paris.
I can’t wait for the London Cycle Hire scheme to begin, it really is a great opportunity for people to fundamentally change mentalities to travel and transport patterns in London. There will no doubt be be problems, bad press and voices of discontent. However, my trip to Paris has shown me how, in time, these schemes can not only be successful but also become part of a cities culture. This is something London has to aspire to.
TfL Cycle hire Scheme
The Cycle Hire Scheme is due for launch on 30th July 2010
Check out the iPhone app due to accompany it… Cycle Hire App.
We will keep you updated with details of the scheme as the launch date gets nearer,
The Cycle Confident Team
Bike Week 2010
This year Bike week runs from 19 – 27th June.
We are currently planning our activities for the week and will keep you updated on our events but for now, keep an eye on the bike week website and check out what is happening in your area.
The Cycle Confident Team
Our new Website!
With improved weather comes our new and improved website!
A full content management system allows us to service our clients better. We are now offering a wider range of courses and as a result will be getting more people cycling!
Explore the site and please do let us know your thoughts!
The Cycle Confident Team
The Sun is shining!
A tough winter has lead to difficult and somewhat unattractive cycling conditions over the past months. However, as the sun comes out and temperatures start to increase now is the time to dust off that bicycle and get that cycling feel good factor back!
If you’re feeling a bit nervous about getting back on the road, remember there is plenty of free cycle training available to you, if Cycle Confident can’t provide it for you, ask us who can!
Have a safe and enjoyable summer on the roads!
The Cycle Confident Team