leaving bikes in cycle-racks (London).

[Annie456]

I'm due to move to Dulwich and was condsidering a commute involving 2 cheap bikes, one that i kept at West Dulwich station whilst at work and one that i kept at victoria or charing cross over-night. when i say cheap bikes i mean 2nd hand �20 bikes. Just so i can cycle to and from the train stations. What are the chances of this working out? Anyone done this or similar? Will my bikes get nicked?

[mfewell]

Cycling to Dulwich station, parking bike, train to Central London, pick up another bike, onward to work ?

Why not cycle the whole journey ?  It would solve loads of problems, and you could buy a decent bike. Riding a �20 heavy old wreck is not going to endear you to cycling. Get yourself a decent one however, secure storage both ends, and a whole new world of freedom opens up to you.

Write in with more details.

Good luck.

[Annie456]

I dont fancy 6 miles each way - theres quite a hill!!

[mfewell]

Thanks for getting back Annie, but crumbs, please please try it, if only for a couple of days, just to assess feasibility.  I know that inner London is busy, but ride on the pavements wherever they are not too crowded. Don't cycle round stupidly busy roundabouts, use the subways.  If you are careful and considerate the police and pedestrians won't kill you. As for the hill, be unashamed to get off and walk. Last week I did Croydon to Epsom and back for 3 days, that's 24 miles round trip in the steamy humid weather, and I am not a young man ! What you WILL get, is complete freedom and journey predictability. Forget the Lycra and water-bottle image, a bike is the ultimate go-anywhere no-traffic-jam transport.

By the way, are you talking Dog Kennel Hill?

Please try it, maybe as an experiment at the weekend. On a bike you can drop off in the pub whenever you like.

I do 8 miles to work and back daily (4 each way). Taking it easy, including lugging the bike over a pedestrian bridge, if I leave home at 0830 I am in work by 9.

It's not a fitness thing, it's a freedom thing, and while your idea of 2 cheapo bikes would work, you'll still need a decent lock on both, and with just 6 miles, it really is worth trying the whole thing.

If I can do it, you can.

Very best wishes.