[G2:612 class=left]Not sure exactly when it happened but all of a sudden London is BIKE TOWN. No kidding bikes are everywhere. The Mayor Ken Livingston is claiming an 83% increase in cyclists over the past 7 years. While that number seems fantastical I think it could be true. I have had the good fortune to visit London on an annual basis for the past four years and it really is boom town for bicycles.
[G2:609 class=right]Earlier this month the Tour de France kicked off in London and it was a scene and then some. The City organized huge cycling exhibits and encouraged everyone to bike to the event. The London Cycling Campaign organized group rides to Hyde Park. I rode with a group of about 100 people from northwest London and we parked our bikes with thousands of other cyclists who had come from all other directions.
Two million spectators came to watch the tour prologue which was about 3 hours worth of time trials. To those not in the know this means pro racers riding around in circles really really fast.
But I think what was most incredible was the promotion of cycling for everyone not just racers. All over London there were posters encouraging people to bike to work and promoting local resources.
Meanwhile my friend Doug who lives in London and actually bikes to work feels like the facilities have not quite caught up to the hype. On the street where his office is located he must ride on the sidewalk because the lanes are so narrow. A month ago a cyclist who was perhaps a bit more brave was killed on that same street. The City has built in some bike lanes and installed some bike racks but they have a long way to go in a congested city jammed with busses cabs and personal cars.
Attached are a few pictures from my recent trip.
Enjoy!
Carolyn Helmke
Bicycle Program Coordinator
Parking & Transportation Services
340 Bonair Siding
Stanford CA 94305-7255
Phone: 650-725-2453
Fax: 650-724-8676