Biker's diary: Reporter Christine Fleming's confidence gets a boost after a positive progress report (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Biker's diary: Reporter Christine Fleming's confidence gets a boost after a positive progress report

12:00pm Sunday 5th September 2010 in

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So this week I saw what my instructor really had to say about me and it wasn't that bad.

I was pleased to hear I have good road positioning but am in a bit of a sulk at being told to practise my pet hate - signalling - cheers for that task John.

Anyway here's what else he had to say.

What you did well

Most things – I am particularly impressed by Christine’s road positioning, not hugging the kerb and staying out at junctions.

Points to think about and practice

Christine needs to remember every time she goes out on her bike, she is getting fitter, saving money and having fun at the same time. What other daily activity gives that kind of return? So that sort of payback is worth a bit of investment of time and effort in the early days.

The more she cycles, the more Christine will learn to relax - aware of the traffic around but not pressurised or bullied by it, taking her rightful place in it rather than something shoved to the edge of the road.

Definitely more practice looking behind and signalling required but this will come with time.

What next?

Use your bike increasingly to go to places so that cycling becomes your default mode of transport.

Don’t be put off by the weather – be prepared for rain.

Learn to mend a puncture – why not sign up for one of the free cycle maintenance courses run by the council?

Experience the freedom of riding on traffic-free roads with thousands of other cyclists at the London Skyride on Sunday. There will also be feeder rides led by Richmond Cycling Campaign, richmondlcc.co.uk.

Why not consider a one-to-one training session with an instructor to check on your progress?

And after that, the world (on a bicycle) is really your oyster – and one for which a card is not necessary - Oyster card – get it?

For more cycling tips visit smartertravelrichmond.org