Is cycling possible today?

[Josh]

Would be grateful for any views from cyclists about the state of the roads today. I know that back streets are too icy and dangerous, but suspect that main roads might be fine after traffic has worn away snow, grit & salt melted the ice and a few hours of daylight done the rest.

[Damo]

Personally, I'd be cautious and skip the bike today but you'd probably be okay on the main roads.

Another reason to maybe not cycle is that salt and grit are pretty bad for your bike too.

[Gubodge]

I'd be confident about cycling if it wasn't for some of the drivers I've seen. There are people driving far too fast for the conditions and without the passenger side of the windscreen properly cleared. Any cyclist would be right in their blindspot.

[Sandperson]

I've cycled all winter but gaver it a miss this morning as Gubodge says, it's not you it's the idiot drivers you've got to be careful of.

[Mikecg]

I saw some guy on a bike yesterday, the words "Are You Mad" entered my head.

[Josh]

Main roads now look absolutely fine to my eyes - no snow or ice at all now thanks to all the traffic. And it probably gets better towards the centre of London. Smaller roads and backstreets still out of the question though, especially in mornings when they will be icy.

[andy&kez]

I normally ride/train in all conditions but not today, if the ice doesnt getcha then the idiot drivers will! Is it really worth it, I paid ?1 and got the bus to work and that'll be the best ?1 spent all year. I have my first child on the way so I dont want to take any unecessary risks.

Also there will be black ice you cant see and thats even more dangerous!!!

Saying that I may ride tomorrow

[honk]

If you are riding, make sure you wash your bike with a hot water and re-grease it (salt will help hurry along corrosion of plastic or rubber seals + paint, and also changes the consistency of grease...) - generally NOT GOOD.

[Mellors]

The idiot cycling yesterday was probably Mr Mellors. He did say how surprised he was that there were no other cyclists on the road. Um, YES, there's a reason for that you spanner!!

He has cycled in today as well. I really wish he wouldn't.

[Unkle_Paulie]

I normally cycle whatever the weather, including snow, but gave it a miss today because of ice. Someone in my office rode in today sticking to main roads only to came off just before the office! Fortunately they're only bruised but it is treacherous out there and will get worse when the temperatures drop this evening.

[alla]

The roads are looking much better so steer clear of pathways and you'll be fine I think

[jim_the_chin]

yes, i have cycled today, no i would not recommend it.

although the road part is clear the bus lanes were not this morning as no buses had used them yesterday. so everyone was squeezed into one lane. bus and taxi drivers also follow too close behind whcih made me think that one slip of my wheel would have been the end of me. it was more melty this afternoon but the bus lanes were mostly still too slushy to be trusted.

[Josh]

I cycled in and out of central london and found the main roads OK as they are mostly clear, but the occasional patches of slush here and there in cycle/bus lanes and near kerbs or central reservations are indeed treacherous. Early morning will be icy too, making it worse. Not for the faint-hearted. All side streets still impassable.

[Pierre]

It's been an excuse to get the mountain bike out (instead of the commuter bike).

However, as honk says, salt and grit on the road, and consequently splashed all over your bike, is really not good for it. I'm the mechanic at Balfe's Bikes and we all went to a trade show last weekend where Campagnolo demonstrated to us how they test their components for longevity: just a few hours of immersion in salt solution can be enough to make a real mess of most bits on a bike. I've had to service several rear road brakes over the last couple of weeks because people haven't had mudguards and the salty gunk flung into them by the rear tyre has caused them to corrode and seize.

HTH.

: P

[KalamityKel]

You might want to rethink your journeying today... tis more slippy out this morn than yesterday :)-D

[LegalEagle-ish]

I'm waiting till next week.