Cyclists beat the Tube strike Jas Lehal

HUNDREDS of novice cyclists took to the streets in “pedal posses” today as they tried to beat the Tube strike.

Groups organised through London Cycle Campaign travelled in groups to ensure safety in numbers in the heavy traffic and to educate novice cyclists riding into the City for the first time.

The groups, called Cycle Tubes, left from organised points in Brixton, Finsbury Park, Mile End, Hammersmith and Camden and travelled into central London with cycle guides along official routes.

Magali Russie, 33, an admin worker from Brixton, said she was riding into work for the first time.

She said: “I have wanted to ride to work for a long time and this seemed the right opportunity to do it.”

She added: “I bought the bike on eBay with the intention of riding it to work a year ago but never have. Because of the strike and the cycle groups, I have the incentive to get on two wheels.”

Others preferred the cycle groups to travelling alone even though they were used to riding in busy traffic.

"People see two wheels as dangerous but if you choose an official route or travel in a group you can dramatically reduce the safety risks in your journey"

Sarah Mahomed, 31, a PR from Peckham, said: “I’ve seen a lot more traffic this morning on the way out. I feel riding in a group like this along the official route is much safer. Because of the appalling traffic today, it’s better to travel in numbers.”

About 40 cyclists joined the cycle tube route from Brixton, as it wound its way up to Holborn, via Camberwell and Elephant and Castle and Blackfriars Bridge. The route avoided cycle black spots such as the Elephant and Castle roundabout.

Whilst traffic ground to a halt in hotspots at Blackfriars Bridge and the City, those using the cycle paths were able to dodge the snarl-ups and for much of the route was faster than the vehicles in the heavy traffic.

Mike Cavenet, leader of the Brixton Bike Tube, said: “This has been a great opportunity for us to publicise the benefits of biking in London.

“People see two wheels as dangerous but if you choose an official route or travel in a group you can dramatically reduce the safety risks in your journey.”

Tomorrow more Cycle Tubes will start from around 8am at designated meeting points organised by London Cycle Campaign. They are expected to go along routes including Brixton to Holborn, Finsbury Park to City Hall, Mile End to Bank, Hammersmith to Trafalgar Square, and Camden to Moorgate.

More info at biketube.org.uk