HomeLeisure and tourism by cycle
Visitor destinations tend to provide information on how to get there by car, tube and bus. Why not by cycle though? City Cyclists would like to see cycling information on all websites and publicity leaflets alongside that for public transport. This should include information about any particular cycle routes to get there, cycle parking and anywhere to leave panniers, helmets, rainwear etc. The aim is to integrate cycling into every day life.
During the weekends there's massive demand on car parking spaces, there's often engineering work on the tube or bus route diversions yet the City can be a joy to cycle in. Indeed the demand is clearly there: during the yearly Open House Weekends in September, where private buildings are opened to the public one weekend a year, sees huge numbers of people cycling around the City to take advantage of all its attractions. All that is needed now is further information and encouragement.
TAKE ACTION! If you visit somewhere which does not have suitable cycle parking or information, why not request better information and facilities for those wishing to cycle there? Please copy in City Cyclists to your responses.
See the LCC's London Landmark campaign, inspired by this page"
Sustrans produce useful information on how to produce best practice information for visitors and staff
Barbican
Getting there:
Where to park: Silk Street cycle parking (bad for bike theft: watch out)
Further action needed: cycle info in its monthly brochure, show cycle parking on the website map, provide cycle route info on site and signage on ground
Update: "We are currently looking at creating some more spaces in which cyclists can leave their bikes in the centre. Consequently we would like to wait until these are decided upon before we look at amending our maps. However we will edit the text online so it is clearer that we do accept folding bikes in the cloakrooms."
More info:website
City Guildhall
Getting there
Where to park: Aldermanbury
Further action needed:Cycle parking on Basinghall Street, allow cycling in both directions on the quiet streets in this area.
Update: City considering providing secure cycle parking in underground car park but don't hold your breath.
More info:website
The Monument
Getting there
Where to park: Bike parking just north east of Monument
Update: New cycle parking has been included following completion of building works to provide visitor pavillion. However this is closed pending refurbishment of the Monument.
More info:website
Museum of London
Getting there:
Where to park: Nearest is on Montague Street
Further action needed:
Update: Adding information to the website but "As you probably know bicycles are discouraged from the highwalk where our entrance is. We are in discussions with the City of London over many aspects of visitor facilities and signage - not least because we have the unusual situation of no street level entrance. I will happily raise the matter of cycle provision with them, but by the sounds of you original mail you have already started this.
It may be possible to make arrangements with them for better cycle park facilities for when our new galleries open in 2009. However I doubt that it would be something we could implement much sooner simply because of the need for space for contractors during the building work which will start next spring."
More info:website
Old Bailey (Central Criminal Court)
Getting there:
Where to park: Railings have been removed so nearest bike parking is now a few hundred metres away
Further action needed: Bike parking
More info:website
St Bartholomews Hospital
Getting there
Where to park: no cycle parking inside, just (almost full) railings
Update: The hospital is now being massively redeveloped though proposals for cycle parking are still inadequate.
Further action needed:
More info:website
St Paul's Cathedral
Getting there:
Where to park: limited cycle parking, also guard rails on south side
Further action needed: cycle parking on north side between cathedral and Paternoster Square, remove unnecessary motor traffic from St Paul's Churchyard
Update: the press officer states: "Our website now includes cycle information under the sub-section of 'Visit St Paul's', 'Access Information'. I now have included a link to the map you sent showing free parking areas for cycles in the City, which I agree with you is extremely useful. I have also passed on your comments regarding cycle parking opposite Paternoster Square on the north side of the Cathedral to our Clerk of Works, who is responsible for looking after the fabric of the Cathedral and its environs. Please be assured that I will alert you if there are any further developments.".
More info:website
Tower of London
Getting there
Where to park: Bike parking hidden between shops and ticket office
Further action needed: signage, information on visitor materials etc.
Update: considering providing further info
More info:website
