For enthusiastic LSE students

Are you considering cycling to commute to campus but still need to decide whether to take the first step? Using a bike will save you tons of money, help your body and mind stay healthy, and allow you to enjoy beautiful views. But London streets might seem daunting at first sight for those coming from outside the country or just starting to use bikes. There is no need to worry; many of us have been there, too, so I will share with you what I have learned so far, and hopefully, it will help you overcome the task.

The first step is finding a bike. Generally, you will face the option of buying or renting. As expected, there are some implicit pros and cons. If you are buying, remember you are also acquiring an asset, so you can always resell it and get some money back once your studies are over. Nevertheless, depending on your choice, you might need to throw some extra cash for essential accessories like lights (both front and back), locks, mudguards, and, probably, panniers and pannier racks. Unlike when renting a bike, most of these accessories are already included, but you get a less customizable purchase with little space for upgrades. My bike pannier proved vital for carrying extra bags where I typically stored a change of clothes and food.

Depending on your budget, you might lean towards one option or another, but if looking for a “fair price,” a good benchmark is the monthly subscription fee for hiring a bike times the expected months of owning it and then working yourself through from that number. Prices in London are relatively high, yet affordable options exist. Possibly, buying a brand-new bike will be tough, so you might need to buy a second-hand one from a friend or a specific store. Here are some viable options that some friends of mine and I use. Some offer discounts to students, such as Swapfiets, by using Student Beans.

Hiring a bike

• Swapfiets

• Santander Cycle

• Lime

Buying a bike

• Decathlon
• Halfords
• XO Bikes (where I got mine)

Last but not least are safety habits. Remember to buy and use a helmet. Also, get some waterproof trousers and a jacket for rainy days, and a pair of gloves for winter.  You can find these at reasonable prices at Decathlon or Halfords. Before going out, plan your route with time. Citymapper is a convenient app that traces routes for you and acknowledges your method of transportation. Many cycleways are spread across London, so following these and staying far from cars is a good idea. I frequently use the C3 cycleway to go from my residence hall to LSE and back again. Detail information about cycleways is found on this site: https://tfl.gov.uk/maps/cycle

Once on the road, use your hand to let others know whether you are turning left or right. Notice that, just like cars, cycling is on the left-hand side of the lane, which means overtaking on the right. Also, follow the traffic lights, even though you may feel like going slower or lured by watching others run the red lights. This is for your safety. Sometimes, you may need to turn in two stages or find that the cycleway goes from one side of the road to the other. I share two pictures of these cases so you know them in advance.

Hopefully, after some weeks, you will master cycling in London, but if you are still insecure, try joining friends who will indeed support you. Keep your own pace and stay safe.

Written by Edgar

Resident in Butler's Wharf