New to cycling? Don’t fear – read on for advice, ideas and inspiration to keep your wheels turning safely and stylishly…
Many of us have been spending more time on our bikes recently - whether for exercise, fun, pure escapism or to get where we need to go. We’re here to share and celebrate the brilliant bike brands and cycling schemes that the city of London has to offer.
Get started safely with Bespoke Cycling
The team at Bespoke Cycling recognise that many more of us may be considering cycling to work or travelling differently. Set on Jermyn Street, Bespoke Cycling is on hand to offer advice to help first-time bike commuters tackle the commute safely. With everything from pedal assist functionality to state-of the-art e-bikes, a steep hill no longer need be your reason not to give it a try.
Cycle in Italian style with Pinarello
Named after Giovanni Pinarello, born in Italy in 1922, the Pinarello brand is proud of its heritage. Their iconic handcrafted bicycles have long been loved by discerning cyclists in London and further afield. From e-bikes to urban explorers and racing bikes, choose a bike to match your lifestyle.
Discover ASSOS apparel and bikes
If you’re already a keen cyclist, you will likely be familiar with ASSOS - a Swiss cycling brand who heralded the birth of lycra cycling shorts in 1976. Since then ASSOS-developed products have appeared in the world’s most prestigious cycling championships. Praised for its durability and comfort, ASSOS is also on hand to help you keep your shorts and bibs lasting even longer. The ASSOS Care & Repair Guide has the do's and don't of looking after your kit to keep you going longer.
Customise your kit with Rapha
Regent Street’s Rapha has built a brand and lifestyle around a love of the sport. Its fine cycling clothing redefines on-the-bike style, with previous collaborations from the likes of Paul Smith.
Join group rides and a network of fellow enthusiasts with Rapha Cycling Club, a community of over 12,000 cyclists across the globe. From beginners to WorldTour professionals, all members are united with a passion for life on two wheels.
Seek urban cycling expertise from Velorution
With urban cycling at its core, Velorution - a stone's throw from Oxford Circus on Great Portland Street - is our go-to for navigating complex London streets. Boasting an incredible range of models, from Brompton foldable bikes to hand-built British Ashley bicycles and everything in between, you're sure to find the right cycle for you.
Borrow a bike
The Government’s Santander Cycles scheme (known to many as Boris Bikes) offer you a plethora of options for hiring, or docking bikes, in the heart of this brilliant city. With 1,500 bikes at over 750 docking stations, there are 11 Santander stations easily accessible from our neighbourhood and nearby Regent Street: St James’s Square, Waterloo Place, Charles II Street, Pall Mall East, Green Park Station, Sackville Street, Little Argyle Street, BBC Broadcasting House and nearby Golden Square, Great Marlborough Street and St George Street. Find your nearest docking station.
Learn the rules of the road, and plan ahead
According to TfL, over 4.6 million journeys take place by car in an average day in London, 50% of which are less than 3km. If you feel comfortable cycling, you can use TfL’s bike data map to get started: from finding a bike rack, to understanding ‘cycleability’ ratings and determining length of trip and routes. Many London boroughs also offer educational tools on how to cycle safely, or special rental schemes for residents.
For more information about cycling, please visit www.cyclinguk.org/
