A new found sense of freedom ...

While living in Chicago I always enjoyed riding my bike (a.k.a. "The Cadillac") around town to the markets, beach, dinner, etc.  In a city where driving isn't practical, and public transport, well stinky, riding a bike provides you with a means of travel complete with fresh air that is often much quicker than the alternatives.

It has been nearly two years now in London, and I have been hesitant to get a bike ... mainly because the arterial roads in the city are packed full of huge, scary buses that while sitting on the upper deck I have seen more than one close call with a biker.  Just getting used to being on the left side of the road took long enough to get accustomed to.

However, I am now ready.  The same desire - to get to my markets quicker and more exercise in my life - led me to the purchase of my Dutch bike!  


This large classic style frame provides just the right balance of practicality and cuteness.  While riding in Amsterdam (see blog here) my love for these bikes - with their heavy frame, covered bike chains, upright sitting style, and skirt guards - was solidified.  I still miss my rusty orange Schwinn from Chicago.


I researched online quite a bit, and honestly, the classics are VERY expensive.  With the odds being well over 50% that this bike will get stolen, I opted to get a used bike.  It is a Dutch 8-speed, rides very well, and has a cute rack on the back that has already proven to secure a bag of groceries.  Yet, it screams for a basket on the front ... waiting for the perfect one.


Turns out London is an amazing city for bikers!!  There are dozens of marked bike routes throughout the city that avoid the scary main roads and lead you down paths it seems one without a bike may never see!

The city provides free of charge awesome maps of the neighbourhoods, directing you to the most peaceful or efficient routes, depending on your need.  There are little secret routes, for bikes only and they even have biker stop lights!

I got down to the city centre in just 25 minutes (usually 45 minutes on public transport) and it looks like there is a safe route to my office.  Looking forward to this new found sense of freedom, and discovering even more hidden secrets in this intricate city.