Get on your bike to beat the strike

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) are encouraging commuters in the city to turn to cycling as an alternative to taking public transport.

Travel chaos reigned supreme today with only the Waterloo & City line running a ‘good service’ at lunchtime. These problems are causing commuters to look for other options. With heavy traffic and the subsequent congestion charges still in place, taking the car is not going to be a viable option for most. 

On the day of the last strikes, 7 September 2010, thousands of extra cycle hire members used the scheme to get around, making a record 24,500 journeys between them. This represents a 32 per cent increase on a normal day’s usage.

Duncan Pickering, the IAM’s Cycling Development Manager said: “On days like today cycling is going to be the most efficient way to get around the city. This is now a viable option since the launch of the Barclays’ Cycle Hire Scheme where bicycles are readily available, but not everybody will feel confident taking on London’s busy roads.

“To gain confidence in cycling around London in the event of future disruptions to the travel network, enrolling for training now will mean you are prepared. Not only this but cycling can ease your moral conscience by being kinder to the environment, and has the obvious benefits to your own health and fitness.”

The IAM provides cycle training to all standards of cyclists, from beginners setting out on the roads for the first time to those wishing to make their commute more enjoyable. How to be a better cyclist, the IAM’s comprehensive guide to becoming a better, safer and more confident cyclist, is ideal if you don’t have time for your employees to be out on the road for training.

For more information, visit iam.org.uk/cycling.