The Nag

And order a cycle map to find safe routes

If there's one particular route that you'd do most days, and you can't find a safe way on the TfL page or map, you might have to write to Boris and get something done about it! There are loads of cycle campaign groups (CTC, Sustrans, Transport2000 etc) you can join even if you never go anywhere near a bike (yet) in real life, they're all busy campaigning for safer cycle routes.

The TFL journeyplanner mentioned above is here - if you tick the 'cycle route' option, it will work out a route that uses back streets rather than main roads where possible. This can mean that remembering the route it gives you can be tricky. The route maps mentioned are here. 

I cycle a lot in London. In general it's good to remember that cars - and the bigger things - will do anything they can to avoid cyclists, as hitting one is a major hassle! Obviously that doesn't mean it never happens. The best ways I can suggest to make cycling less dangerous are:

- ride confidently: do whatever practice you need to off the main road, so that you feel completely in control of brakes, gears, stopping quickly, swerving to avoid something and going through narrow gaps without wobbling.

- make sure you're as visible as possible, both day and night, by wearing bright or flourescent things, having decent lights: if a driver sees you, they'll do everything not to hit you.

- keep your bike well maintained, particularly: brakes, tire pressure, gears

- know that you have as much right to the whole width of the road as a car does if you need it. For sure don't take liberties with this, but when necessary, hold your ground, and don't be put off by someone honking a horn. 

Research shows that drivers give you a bigger berth if you (a) don't wear a helmet and (b) are female.  I'd suggest you get a large (preferably blonde, curly) wig and fix it over the outside of your helmet.  Also wear something bright, not just so driver's see you earlier (before the mobile rings) - Peter Cech the Chelsea goalkeeper wears a lurid jumper allegedly because it makes him look bigger.

Secondly, if you know someone who cycles the route(s) you use most, or is prepared to go with you anyway, persuade them to accompany you a couple of times.  Most people have a lot of skills they don't even realise they've absorbed, and you will pick up a lot of tips on avoiding trouble and keeping safe which should give you more confidence.

They are probably illegal, but large curved knives on your axles would make any motorist worry about their paintwork.  Less extreme are those orange arms with reflectors on that stick out into the traffic - which also have the potential to scratch if cars get too close.

It's generally better to keep away from the kerb.  At all costs avoid being on hte inside of a lorry approaching a left hand turn.

Some boroughs (like Lambeth) subsidise cycle training. For 8 quid you can get as many lessons as you need to get confident cycling on the road. I'm still too scared to do big roads though :(

Another angle would be to look into the Carfree Cities org and start campaigning to get the cars off the road! :)

There are oraganisations like this all over the country

www.cycletraining.co.uk

Lots of really good things said here already, so without repeating them too much, I really recommend the cycle training. Don't think anyone has yet mentioned that many councils subsidise it, so it's free! I did it, for the exact same reason for your worry, and they cater to all different levels - my trainer was friendly, made me feel a lot more confident about rules of the road and rights for cyclists and it's made a huge difference. You'll find out you've got every bit as much right as a car to be on the road, you just have to communicate clearly with drivers and keep visible at all times. The open road awaits!