Beat the Congestion Charge

Bicycles, tricycles, folders and electric-assist cycles all offer a great way to avoid paying the London Congestion Charge, and beat congestion...

Since February 2003, drivers have been charged £5 to enter central London on weekdays (see inset). If you drive in London, you may be looking for ways to escape the congestion charge. Fortunately cycling or electric-assisted cycling offers a combination of benefits and convenience that you should find especially attractive:

Low cost

Although cycling is not free, both standard pedal cycles and electric-assist cycles have far lower running costs than any other form of transport except walking.

Quick

Although the charge reduces congestion, it does not eliminate it. Bicycles, are great for getting past traffic jams. Many London "commuter challenges" have found that bicycles are twice as fast to work as cars; or with an electric-assist bicycle, that's twice as fast with even less effort.

Flexible

Go where you want, when you want - with your own transport. No more waiting around for 3 buses to turn up at once, or for that rail signal to be fixed.

Healthy

Contrary to popular myth, DfT figures published each year show that cycling is just as safe as walking (there are actually substantially fewer cycling deaths per mile travelled, and slightly more injuries). The British Medical Association says that cycling is an excellent form of exercise that increases life expectancy for most people. Why waste time and money "spinning" in a gym when the same exercise can take you to work?

Zero emissions

So you help the environment.

Easier to park

And free!

No red tape

Like walking, cycling is an everyday thing you just do - no need for licences or tax. Choose a bike for convenience, with mudguards and some sort of chainguard, so you can cycle in normal clothes.

Mixed mode transport

Subject to varying restrictions, bicycles and electric-assist bicycles are carried by train operators. Folding bikes are carried at all times (folded).

Socially responsible

Since pedal and electric-assist cycles move slower and are much lighter than lorries, buses, cars and motorbikes, they cause far less danger to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.

Finding a bike shop

Our Shops & Discounts page lists cycle shops in the Croydon area, most of which offer discounts to London Cycling Campaign members. If you live in another part of London, the main London Cycling Campaign website enables you to search for shops by postcode.

Choosing the right machine

Hybrid, tourer, city bike, folder, mountain bike, tricycle or electric-assist? What's the best type of machine for you? Our Buying A Bike page runs you through some of the options, and tells you some of the things you should consider before buying.

For regular in-town riding, we would recommend mudguards, chainguard, pannier rack, dynamo lighting (plus LED backups). Consider also an integral lock to complement your main lock, prop-stand, hub gears instead of derailleurs (lower maintenance, much less cleaning needed), mirror and bell. A city or continental bike will have most of this equipment pre-installed. It is possible to retrofit all this equipment to many types of bikes, but it is much more expensive than buying a bike fully equiped by the manufacturer (bike shops generally have a much higher mark-up on accessories).

Is electric-assist the choice for you?

Cycling is much easier than many people think, but some may prefer a middle way, or need to hurry to workplaces that lack showers. Electric cycles (also called electric-assist or pedelecs) have come a long way in recent years, with models now available from some of the world's biggest and most innovative manufacturers. They give an intuitive, bicycle-like ride, since the motor only assists when you pedal (N.B. throttle-controlled machines are now classified as mopeds). Models such as the Giant LaFree Twist double as good standalone city bikes (without battery).

In deciding whether an electric or "standard" cycle would be best for you, bear in mind the following key points...

• A hundred thousand people already find standard hybrid, touring or mountain bikes ideal for their daily London commuting needs.
• Electric-assist cycles go faster with less effort.
• Both standard and electric-assist cycles are classified as pedal cycles for most purposes.
• You are unlikely to get as fit with electric-assist!
• Electric-assist cycles have ranges of up to 20 miles (roughly) between charges.
• If commuting far, you may need to recharge your battery at work (standard power socket needed).
• Electric-assist cycles are much more expensive than standard cycles of similar quality. If you are a member of London Cycling Campaign, you can get discounts from many London cycle shops.
• Whatever cycle you buy, try it out first.

Our Electric-Assist Cycles page goes into more detail, and lists local suppliers that stock the main brands.

Page updated: 30/01/2005