Meet our next bike buddy: Ieuan Care, Estates Communications Officer

What do you do at UCL?

I work in the Sustainability Team at UCL. My role is based around supporting internal communication within the Estates Division and managing our external platforms including the Estates website and social media. I help tell the story of what Estates is working on, our successes and our vision for the future.

What made you want to be a bike buddy?

I am a really confident cyclist having first said “I’ll never cycle in London” when I first moved here. I want to be a bike buddy because I don’t want anyone who thinks they can have a go to be put off by uncertainty. Over the 5 years I’ve been commuting (and sometimes working), on my bike I’ve seen London become a safer place to cycle year after year. I cycle all year round so I’m in a position to offer advice about the logistical side of commuting (cycling in the rain, anyone?), as well as the road safety.

What’s your route?

I cycle from near Chrisp Street market in Poplar to Bloomsbury using a combination of back roads, CS3, and main roads. My route goes through Limehouse, 500m of the dock road, Cable Street, and then into Bank via Fenchurch Street. On to Holborn, a right turn up Grey’s Inn Road, and then it’s a picturesque last leg navigating the quiet ways around Brunswick Square and Judd Street.

What’s your favourite thing about cycling?

It’s a brilliant way to see London, especially at this time of year. If you use the tube a lot there’s a real satisfaction of ‘joining up the dots’. Cycling around the city you can cycle on routes that combine roads and mixed-use footpaths so you get a view that you just cannot get walking or driving.

Do you have any top tips for cycling?

1. Indicate. When you’re on the road someone might be planning their next move based on where you’re headed so indicating is always my top tip. It keeps you safe, it keeps them safe. Checking your blind spots is essential, especially when turning. Often being aware of someone who isn’t fully aware of their surroundings is enough to avoid a collision. I’ve learned from experience if you cut someone off, pedestrian, cyclist, or driver, you’re going to irritate them. Even if it was an innocent mistake.
2. Be visible. Take the middle of the lane not the double yellows, use lights if you know you’ll be out at dusk or after dark and ideally wear high contrast clothing or hi-vis. As much as we’re all responsible for ourselves when we use the road, you can help the drivers around you by letting them know you’re there. One of the most underappreciated things about cycling in central London at night is you’re not competing to be seen in the dark, you’re competing to be seen in the light. Tail lights, neon shop and road signs, there’s a lot of things on busy roads that will outshine your bright shirt or bike reflector.
3. Preparation is key. Pumped tires, charged lights, clothes suitable for the weather. Getting set up the way that works for you and making what you need part of that ‘keys, wallet, oyster’ checklist before you head out makes everything easier. If you’re planning on commuting regularly a good ‘messenger’ style bag is perfect for carrying things around in a stylish bag that’s waterproof and hard wearing.
4. Don't worry about not looking the part – do what’s right for you. I don’t think of myself as a ‘cyclist’, even though I use my bike fairly regularly. My lycra leggings are essential in winter but I mix it up with other non-cycling specific gear to be comfortable.

If you would like to find out about UCL’s bike buddy scheme, support someone in cycling to UCL or if you are new to cycling and would like a buddy, see our page here.

For general tips on walking and cycling, see this page.