London Cycle Map Campaign

Our new campaign and petition promises to change the capital forever, by giving more people the confidence to cycle and to do so in safety.

The big idea is to create a single ‘London Cycle Map’ that’s clear and easy to use and corresponds to a unified network of signed cycle routes throughout Greater London: the cycling equivalent of the London Underground Map.

A London Cycle Map (such as this fantastic one, invented by Simon Parker) would make cyclists much less vulnerable, because its network of routes would use quieter roads (as well as parks and canals), with signs telling drivers what to expect. And navigating by bike would become so much easier, with signs guiding cyclists unerringly to their destination just like on the tube. Wherever you were in London, you’d be within minutes of a cycle network that could lead you wherever you wanted to go.

Decent cycle routes already exist in the capital, but there’s no consistency in their signage, and you need bunches of different maps to cover Greater London. In 1931, Harry Beck’s famous tube-map succeeded in taming a complex system of underground lines. Something similar is needed today for the capital’s cycle routes. Instead of remembering hundreds of ‘turn rights’ and ‘turn lefts’ you could just remember a few routes, plus where to change from one to the other, then away you go.

London would be transformed by a London Cycle Map – into a greener, cleaner, quieter and friendlier city. Please lend your voice to the chorus by signing the petition at www.petition.co.uk/london-cycle-map-campaign

There’s also a Facebook Group for the London Cycle Map Campaign, a Q and A page which goes into the details for the inquisitive, and campaign T-shirts and posters are available to buy.

We're back again - and looking for help

The summer issue of Cycle Lifestyle magazine has arrived, featuring a fantastic range of cycling-themed articles, poems, humour, advice and illustration. Thanks a million to those generous people who have offered contributions.

At Cycle Lifestyle we're always on the look out for talented people to contribute to the magazine.

So if you've got a story, opinion or skill, and want to support us and reach at least 20,000 Londoners, then please do get in touch on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We'd love to hear from you.

Jon Haste - designer of the London Cycle Map Campaign logo

Jon Haste produces illustrations from his home in Stoke Newington, East London, under the name KOLB, and spends his time creating images for editorial work, bands and clothing. He's also a pretty keen cyclist and, as well as enjoying the deserved popularity of cycling in the area, he often pushes out a little further a field. "I've got Kent, Essex, Suffolk and Surrey all an hour or so's ride from my front door" says Jon, "so the wider advantages of enjoying cycling in London are incredible!". You can see some of Jon's work at www.kolbillustration.com.

Buff Competition

It’s important to stay visible while riding through traffic, especially in poor light conditions. This is why Buff, the original multi-functional headwear brand, has developed the innovative Reflective Buff.

Based on the design of Original Buff and enjoying all its versatility, Reflective Buff benefits from the addition of two retro-reflective stripes made from 3M Scotchlite - this appears brilliant white when illuminated by vehicle headlights thus making the wearer clearly visible.

When worn around the neck, or even under a helmet, Reflective Buff will help you stay seen and safe. Plus, being seam-free, highly breathable and wind resistant, Reflective Buff will keep you warm and protected. RRP £14.00. Find our more at www.buffwear.co.uk. 

Cycle Lifestyle is giving away five Reflective Buffs. To enter the competition, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the correct answer to the question below. The five winners will be drawn out of a hat.

Q:  Which of these is not a way to wear a Buff?

a) foulard

b) wristband

c) pirate

d) tourniquet

e) Sahariane

(Competition closes November 19th 2010. Prizes will be despatched by November 31st 2010. There is no cash prize alternative.)