Movers: the influential Wandsworth people who took to their bikes
Sadiq Khan, MP for Tooting I'm a bit nervous cycling in London because of the traffic, and I also don't feel all that safe cycling in the dark. I'm pleased to see an increase in the numbers of cyclists in London - the more there are, the safer the roads will be. Peer influence is also important - my daughter has taken up cycling because all her friends do, so I know that the Movers in this campaign can have an effect. I would like to cycle from home to work more often, and learn about safe cycling. After receiving cycle training: One of the things that the training has given me is confidence. I'm a cyclist who cycles in the summer months and avoids busy roads. This course has demonstrated that it's possible to cycle safely amongst cars, motorcycles, vans and, dare I say it, amongst lorries as well. I'm very impressed by the work done in advance of my session, working out the route, working out the best way for me to get to work but also working out a way for it to be enjoyable too, wonderful to cross the commons, but still getting to work quickly too, and safely. It's really important that we put into practice all our good intentions and spread the word, and it's really important that it comes from professionals to give those of us who are infrequent cyclists the confidence to become frequent cyclists.
Before receiving cycle training:
Mandy James of the Putney Society There is danger on main roads and I would like provision of dedicated cycle tracks. I really want to feel safer on the road. After receiving cycle training: I've got more of an idea about road skills. I will cycle more and go on the main road. I've learnt that I need to be more confident and position myself. I had not considered before just how important road positioning is. I think that dedicated cycle routes would enhance cyclist numbers.
Before receiving cycle training:
Chief Supt. Joe Royle, Wandsworth Police Borough Commander
Before receiving cycle training: Traffic is a fear. Driving standards of people in London are very poor. General anarchy [on the road] sometimes results in 'them and us' feelings between motorists and cyclists. However, the benefits of cycling are environmental, physical and mental health. Secure cycle storage is a big issue in London. After receiving cycle training: I had a very competent trainer, who taught me more in a couple of hours, than I ever thought possible. The lesson was very informative, fun, and extremely valuable. I would recommend cycle training to everyone! I’ve been given the confidence to get back on my bike once again, and to start to enjoy cycling once more.
Laura Davies, science teacher, Burntwood School
Before receiving cycle training: Involvement in my school's travel plan has been making me think about my own travel mode. I do feel threatened by traffic and I'm a very wary cyclist. I feel you do need confidence to cycle in London. After receiving cycle training: Just learning a couple of new routes was brilliant because it's not something I'd necessarily have found out about otherwise and its shown me a safer way to go and that cuts out some of the fear factor. I'll definitely try out cycling to school myself with all the things I've learnt and then hopefully try and pass them on. I want to set a good example for my students as we work on our school travel plan and have been trying to get myself moving on this since September. Thanks for the shove!
Christopher Road, Deacon of St Simon's Church, Putney, and the Putney Society
Before receiving cycle training: The 'war' between cyclists and motorists, and cyclists and pedestrians is unfortunate. I believe it leads to concern that cycling is dangerous. I am keen on segregated bike tracks. After receiving cycle training:
I've been cycling many years but the training has shown me I've developed bad habits! I've always felt a bit inferior on the road but now realise I have every right to be there and should ride less politely - in the nicest way. It's been really useful finding out about cycle routes and short ways through so that I don't always need to go along traffic-clogged roads.
Dr Chris Lloyd, Dean of Academic Enterprise, Roehampton University
Before receiving cycle training: The way people drive is shocking and cycle lanes are a joke. My partner's been knocked off his bike twice by opening car doors and the driver blamed him! Drivers in London don't cycle and so don't realise or have respect for cyclists. WCC and this campaign are working from the bottom up on training people, but we need legislation too.