Bike riding is a good way of getting around and very good for saving money. In smaller towns and in flat areas it is particularly good. In Oxford and Cambridge cycling is common. But in London it is more dangerous so you may prefer to use the bus! and some parts of England are very hilly.

- CYCLING IN LONDON AND UK

- BICYCLE SHOPS
- SAFETY AND MANNERS
- BICYCLE THEFT AND INSURANCE
- PREPARING FOR THE TRIP
- CAN YOU FIX YOUR BIKE?
- SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
- MAPS


CYCLING IN LONDON AND UK
Information about cycling in London is available on London Cycle Campaign website at http://www.lcc.org.uk. Free maps are available which show cycle routes and gives other useful information for cyclists (these maps can be obtained from bus or tube stations or can be ordered through the above website).

For information about cycling in the UK see the http://www.visitbritain.com website.

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BICYCLE SHOPS
To find local bicycle shops visit http://www.upmystreet.com. Enter your postcode, select FindMyNearest, choose Shopping and then Cycle shops. Or use Yellow Pages at http://www.yell.com. Type either cycle shops or cycle hire in the What? category, and your town's name (or the first half of your postcode) in the Where? category.

Some shops will also sell second-hand bicycles but another good place to look are advertisements in local newspapers or message boards at schools/universities.

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SAFETY & MANNERS
It is best to know the local laws regarding bike riding to avoid accidents. Here are some details:
- Cycle helmets are not compulsory but they can help protect your head if you have a road accident. Do not listen to music while you are cycling.
- In England you always cycle on the left side of the road
- Always indicate using hand signals before you turn
- Try to keep a safe distance from large vehicles
- Do not ride on pavements, pedestrian areas or motorways.
- Do not carry another person (a passenger) on your bicycle.
- Do not ride side-by-side with another cyclist.
- Do not ride through red lights. Cyclists should still follow road signs and rules of drivers. See this website for details: http://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/trenv/cycling/signs.htm.
- Do not ride without front and back lights and a rear reflector in the dark. Preferrably wear reflective or fluorescent clothing.
- Do not lean your bicycle against a shop window or in a place which blocks the pavement.
- Look on the website of your local government (council or borough) for information about road safety training.
- On long journeys always inform someone of your intended route and check in with them as regularly as possible. Make sure you have checked the weather forecast and know what the normal weather is for that time of year.

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BICYCLE THEFT / INSURANCE
Buy a strong lock and attach it to an unmoveable object, preferrably a bicycle stand. Many cities and towns have these. If your bicycle is expensive consider taking out insurance. It is usually not included with travel insurance or room contents insurance.

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PREPARING FOR THE TRIP
If you are planning a cycling trip through England you need to be prepared. Here are some handy hints and absolute essentials:
- a basic repair kit and knowledge of bicycle repair. Make sure you take spare inner tubes, tools for adjusting seat heights
- extra snack food and water (it can be a long way between towns in some parts, particularly if you get marooned with an injury or fault on your bike)
- pack light! You can buy extra food as you go and you really only need bike riding gear and a change of clothes for evenings in town.
- learn a little bit of english for small villages
- maps (detailed for side roads that you might take)
- itinerary – give someone a copy of your itinerary and check in with them every few days so they know you are okay.
- helpful hints – there are lots of people that have biked through England and a lot of them have put up details on websites.
- learn english road rules and driving habits for example the english do not respect line markings and may drive in the middle of the road, take wide turns and drive very close to you.

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