In the last week or so cyclists on my road (the dog-leg bit at station end of Alex Pk Rd) have caught my attention and I'd now like to catch up with some of them - for a planned feature on cycling (and walking), which the Govt now wants to encourage. Four of the cyclists spotted that I'd like to get in touch with if possible are:
- A woman cycling with her dog on a lead - both happily spinning down the middle of the road (as only lockdown allows!)
- A family on three bikes, incl one with a trailer and I think another with a child rear seat.
- A man with his dog in a backpack (both looking very happy I should say!)
- A father and son on a tandem.
If anyone knows these people - or come to that other people who now travel like this or similarly - please let me know! I need to progress this quickly as come Wednesday motorists will doubtless be back on the roads in force.
As at least one person has said, if we don't want to go from lockdown to gridlock with everyone getting back in their cars, cycling and suchlike are the way...
Thanks! Tessa
Replies
Totally agree, Tessa, we need to keep cycling until we reach critical mass.
Now is the time for the council to implement low traffic neighbourhoods so that we don't go back to pre-covid pollution and streets gridlocked by cars.
Hi Tessa
I am a doctor working in Holloway. I borrowed a bike from a friend at the beginning of lockdown and have been commuting to work on my bike since then. I'm not a very confident cyclist so a bit nervous of cycling as it starts to get busier on the roads
Dear Joanna,
I am a fully qualified cycle instructor. If you or anyone else would like advice about how to ride safely, how to deal witgh traffic and how best to position yourself, improve your handling skils, plan a route then please do get in touch. Will Embliss 07946 625957
The tandem might have been me. Thing is though, up until a week or two ago my kid was riding his own bike on the road on our rides, but Crescent Road is already back to its pre-lockdown status of being far too hostile with through traffic for me to allow that. Fewer cars but many of those that remain are driving aggressively at outrageous speeds. Seeing your child be driven at by impatient drivers, apparently to force them out of the way so they don't have to slow down, is utterly terrifying for a parent.
Would love to talk then Grant and time not on our side now... But the bit of Alex Pk Rd in question is still very very quiet so there's still opportunity. Would also like to invite you - and other locals - on the proposed safe green ride we're planning as follow-up to the PGRA streets meeting to help less experienced or confident cyclists to get on two wheels, keeping the air cleaner, the roads safer, bodies fitter ... (you can fill in the rest!)
Everyone reading invited obviously...Tessa
020 8888 3600
07796 942281
So glad this is happening, Tessa! Great move.
Hi Tessa, Lisa here. I have been cycling a lot since lockdown-what do you want to know? Been on the dog leg bit in Alexandra Park Road.