This article is part of an urban project cycling series and one London guide by FT Globetrotter

For millions of people around the world, cycling was a silver lining to the pandemic – an excuse to escape the house and get some much-needed exercise. I’ve always commuted on two wheels, and when the blockages forced us to work from home, I started cycling every morning before long days at the computer. Quick walks in my neighborhood quickly turned into hour-long, early morning workouts, with a bike upgrade along the way. But as I tried to improve my speed and fitness on the deserted streets of London, I found myself in a tiny minority. The Mamils ​​- middle-aged men in Lycra – were everywhere; middle aged women in Lycra (Mawils?) were a curiosity.

London has become much more cycling friendly over the past decade – as other FT writers have attested – and locked out it was a dream. There were few vehicles or pedestrians, and the city’s generally well-maintained stretches of road made for relatively hassle-free pedaling.

The British capital is an excellent base for pushing the limits of one’s abilities. There are a few hills, and it’s easy to rack up the miles in urban sprawl on the way to less congested roads outside of town. If you don’t like to plow the suburbs, trains provide quick access to picturesque country lanes. It is therefore not surprising that in 2020 (the latest period for which statistics are available) journeys increased by 7% in the center and by 22% outside London.

Sex shouldn’t matter on two wheels. But, it seems, he does. My observation that women far outnumber men is supported by the statistics. Danielle Every, director of cycling distribution for British Cycling, the sport’s national governing body, says that only 15-20% of young cyclists’ journeys are women and girls, “which is too low”. “There is an under-representation of women and girls riding bicycles,” she says.

In a UK cycling survey, women said the main barriers to accessing a bicycle were driver behavior, unsafe cycling infrastructure and lack of confidence on the roads. This may explain why so many women started cycling when the roads were empty during the UK’s successive closures. British Cycling estimates that the number of female cyclists increased by one million between April 2019 and March 2020 alone. It remains to be seen whether they will stay on their bikes as traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels.

I’ve rarely been put off by traffic but, as I’ve gone from commuter to obsessive over Lycra, I’ve run into issues that my male cycling friends don’t. When my weekend cycling buddy fell ill, leaving me without a fully-fledged companion, I realized that I felt vulnerable venturing out on quiet country lanes on my own, but I didn’t know a woman who wanted to ride. long hikes at the pace I had. To get used to. It was awkward to ask male acquaintances if I could go with them and I worried that I would be a drag on their pack – and they would be too polite to say it. In the words of a cyclist I met recently: “There is always the suspicion that this is a ‘pitiful ride’ for them. “

So my solution was to develop urban walks that I could do on my own and extend, depending on time and energy levels, which I have shared below. Usually between 25 km and 50 km, and sticking in part to cycle paths or quiet routes, these routes could easily be done on a weekend or before work.

But I was still without a companion for the long rides out of town, so I looked to join a cycling club. London has an abundance, ranging from social to serious, with increasing numbers actively encouraging women to join. I live north of the Thames and after a lot of research online joined the Islington Cycling Club. Although it has several hundred members, it is friendly and inclusive. Group rides start near my home and there are morning meetings at Regent’s Park, already my morning cycle tour. All potential new members take an introductory course of approximately 45-55 km before registering, and weekly out-of-town group outings are organized informally in four speed bands, allowing all skill levels to pedal according to their level.

The club also has a very active women’s section. On Tuesdays at 6.30am, the women gather for a social stroll around Regent’s Park. One sunny September morning, I joined them. Divided into two groups of eight, one slightly faster than the other, we chatted as we pedaled and practiced group cycling techniques. The pace was reasonably fast – we averaged around 18 mph – and the atmosphere was relaxed. The consensus was that while we all love to cycle in mixed groups, it’s something of a relief to occasionally be in an all-female peloton. “You don’t feel judged,” remarked one of my companions.

As we prepared to leave the park for some well-earned coffee, a group of cyclists (men) ignored our signals and rushed towards us at high speed, forcing our group to slow down and swerve dangerously out of the way. the side of the road. The women smiled wryly at each. It seemed like we were being judged.

Cycle paths

FT Globetrotter has already posted some excellent cycle routes both in and around London. Here are three city rides that blend busy and quiet roads, and are ideal for solo cyclists.

Regent’s Park (one loop – 4.45 km)

One of London’s eight Royal Parks, Regent’s Park is a beautiful 166 hectare green space that was once used as a hunting ground by Henry VIII. It is surrounded by the Outer Circle, 4.45 km of well-maintained road dominated by creamy terraces of Nash which is the mecca for urban cyclists. Used by several clubs, it gets very busy early in the morning. The distance is infinitely flexible, depending on the number of laps you cover, but from my home in Stoke Newington a few laps are about 25 miles door to door which is good for a quick morning workout.

East London Loop (45 km)

For a weekend sightseeing ride where I’m not pushing my speed and climbing stats, I head to the Greenway, an approximately 7km cycle path shared with pedestrians that runs through industrial east London. While not the type to cycle alone after dark, it’s a great traffic-free ride through a rarely visited part of the capital. At the end of the path, turn south on a fairly clearly marked route to the Woolwich Ferry (or tunnel if the ferry is not running). Once on the south side of the Thames, a cycle path follows the river past the Thames Barrier and the O2 arena through the historic towns of Greenwich and Rotherhithe and through the town.

North loop (53km)

I am trying to improve my climbing skills. Swain’s Lane is an infamous slope among London cyclists, but I also like the quieter (and shorter) Dartmouth Park Hill followed by Highgate Hill. The route passes through Highgate Village and follows the top of Hampstead Heath, with incredible views of the city. The road passes through Hampstead Village and Swiss Cottage, finally reaching Regent’s Park. To add a bit of length on a weekend morning, I then cross the West End and Hyde Park to join the cycle path on the Embankment, finishing at Putney Bridge before looping back home.

Liz Faunce Cards

Do you think London is bike friendly for women – and how does it compare to other cities around the world? Share your experiences in the comments

For more stories like this visit ft.com/globetrotter, or read our city guide London with the FT

Follow FT Globetrotter on Instagram @FTGlobetrotter