The results of a survey, asking 170 cyclists about their cycling habits and how they would improve cycling in London. The survey forms part of a project to design products to encourage more people to cycle in London. Note - this is not an official survey

1. Design can encourage more people to cycle. A survey of 170 cyclist in London © Lee Washington

2. How do you find cycling in London? Enjoyable but occasionally frustrating, scary and dangerous especially for novice cyclists. Great, very enjoyable. Once you get past the initial 'fear', which puts most people off. excellent cycling city - Flat, and generally don't have too much trouble in traffic It's terrible. I like the buzz Usually fun, sometimes scary... good fun for the most Love and hate relationship. Very rewarding. fast and congested Exhilerating. Probably for the wrong reasons. Fun, Thrilling, a necessity and a hobby. Atrocious Very exciting. since cycling I have a renewed appreciation for the city Fun, Frustrating, Dangerous, Enjoyable, Fast, Economical

3. How safe do you feel? 75% feel safe 25% feel unsafe

4. How safe do you feel? I feel safe but there’s nothing you can do about potential idiot drivers. I feel everyone on 2 wheels in London is inherently unsafe. There are some proper bastards out there Drivers don't seem to realise how vulnerable cyclists are safe, but only because I am careful as soon as you feel safe, you'll be in trouble riding regularly its not a question of if but when you will be involved in an accident. all you can do is minimise risk as much as possible. If car drivers/coach drivers and taxi drivers were more observant and/or considerate I'd feel very safe. its not true that a cyclist is totally safe, even the most street wise ones I ride defensively, trying to anticipate problems, so *usually* feel in control of the situation Getting more dangerous thanks to other rubbish cyclists. I'm a decent rider. Drivers, peds, other cyclists are the problem!!!!

5. How often do you ride in London? 89% everyday 6% a few times a month 3% at weekends 2% a few times a year

6. How far do your commute? 43% commute five to ten miles 35% commute more than ten miles 20% commute one to five miles 1% commute less than a mile

7. Have you ever been involved in an accident? 61% have had an accident the following causes were given, 52% car 15% pedestrian 8% car door 6% taxi 5% van 4% bus 3% rider error 2% motorbike 2% pothole 1% another cyclist

8. Where do you store your bike when at home? 59% in my house 16% garage 14% shed 7% in my garden 2% on my balcony 1% bike stand near my home

9. Have you encouraged a friend to also cycle? 85% of cyclists have encouraged a friend to cycle

10. What did you tell them about cycling in London? That it wasn't as bad as it seems in the media I lied. I told them it was safe, fun and it was good for London and them. It's great fun an the best way to see our wonderful town its health by stealth It's faster, healthier, more reliable and not half as unsafe as it looks. That is was a question of when not if an accident will happen so minimise risks. don't be intimidated by cars! the roads belong to cyclists just as much as cars. It's quick Piece of cake! To be as visible as possible. Told them it can be scary to begin, but you get used to it. I lied, I told him he would get more sex. Just do it! Be careful of drivers in south London Don't. Ride a bike nearly anywhere else, but in London get the tube and the bus, 'cos the motorists there are simply malicious. Not as bad as people say. It sucks, worst place for cycling in Europe. Ride like you drive: assertive, fast and as if everyone's out to kill you. Which they are.

11. What are the downsides of cycling? 32% having my bike stolen 19% being sweaty 17% lack of cycle parking 17% carrying a lock 10% carrying a helmet around 6% no where to put my bike in my home

12. How would you improve cycling in London? 21% more education and training 19% improved cycle lanes 17% change the law to benefit cyclists 10% more parking 7% limit or ban HGVs 6% fewer vehicles 3% reduce bike theft

13. How would you improve cycling in London? manhole covers/grids with asphalt on for grip, and level with the road surface reduce speed limits, remove cycle lanes, I'd ban lorries from entering the central zone. create more incentives for more people to cycle. larger and more comprehensive cycle lanes. there are special TV ads for motorbikers, why not us? Decrease HGV presence. Get more kids on bikes - more cycling to school Reduce/Remove lorries in central london. THE most important matter in cycling in London right now. Helmets save lives, worth making more people aware of that for sure. safer places to lock your bike where there is security. more cycle lanes No HGVs and more facilities for Cycle Sport in General. change drivers (the general public's) attitude and awareness of cyclists Education, Education, Education (drivers and cyclists). Stop passing laws like allowing cyclists to go the wrong way up 1 way streets. It causes resentment. proper cycling lanes. safe places to keep the bike like mini sheds (some stations have these).