Bikes in the city
22 September 2007.After a few days of rain, we were lucky to have a fine day for Bikes in the City. Turnout was difficult to predict, and there has been some concern that we might end up with unmanageable numbers, but our group of about fifty was enough to be manageable and still be significantly visible on the ride.
The 'bike bus' system worked, with people joining at each of the stops along the way. We were up to about twenty-five people after just the first two stops in Penarth and Riverside. In retrospect, we probably could have got away with shorter stops, but we'll know next time.
The route was mostly on-road with a few trail sections thrown in. A priority had been to minimize right-hand turns across traffic, which would split the group, as well as raise the danger level. Although there were a some impatient drivers, there were plenty who weren't. The roundabouts in Heath were expected to be difficult to negotiate, but we were actually waved through on each occasion by considerate motorists.
As the group grew, it became quite hard to stick together in traffic. The final stretch from Roath was the most memorable. Bells were rung, hooters were sounded, and someone even had a machine pumping out bubbles from the back of their bike.
After cycling en masse down St Mary Street, we made our way down the Bay for snacks. Special thanks to Kemi for letting us use the space outside her cafe again, and to Carolyn and Rufus for bringing the Pedal Cafe down the bay and making us smoothies.
Nick Canham