Meet Ruth Mayorcas, cyclist in London

At 63, Ruth Mayorcas is as active as ever in the London bicycling community. She campaigns for safer cycling and is involved in a Grassroots Group called Stop Killing Cyclists, which was formed 3 years ago when 6 people were killed whilst cycling in the month of November. Although she’s always enjoyed cycling, the passion truly took off in the mid-70s when she lived in Amsterdam for 4 months.

– That’s where I learnt to cycle properly on the already built cycleways. I imported a Dames Fietse which I cycled everywhere - no gears and back brakes - to work and shopping and the gym, she says.

In comparison, how would you describe the cycling experience in London?
– Cycling in London is pretty awful although better than many other parts of the Country. I do cycle every single day and experience very close passes, worrying situations where drivers monster me by approaching at speed when there is no room to pass, left-hooks and being hassled from behind. In the last few years I have cycled frequently in Holland and France and Spain and have found drivers to be more courteous and aware - and pass properly. Where I live in West London (Chiswick) cycle infrastructure is dire - cycle lanes which disappear, cycle lanes which only operate for a few hours! We have no quietways, and residential roads suffer from rat-running which is very dangerous and unpleasant for cycling.

Why do you enjoy cycling?
– I simply love cycling - the very action of it, the freedom, the ability to shop locally, see scenery and to stop and chat to people as I see them - I meet many of my friends by chance where I live. It means I can get to places quickly and also have made new friends through cycling groups.

Do you think the cycling environment has become better or worse over the last five years?
– From my perspective it has become worse because cars are so much bigger and faster, drivers have so many distractions and the attitude to cycling is totally incomprehensible. English engineers also seem incapable of designing safe and effective routes for cycling and . There are also too many separate entities involved - councils have to go to TFL and TFL has to go to the D of T. No one is prepared to invest properly in good and safe cycle infrastructure, which is better for the environment, better for health and ultimately better for everyone.

What do you want to say to other cyclists in London?
– In spite of the above, I want to say that it is okay to cycle. You don’t need to dress up for it and it is simply the best way to get around, especially for short and local journeys. Continue to lobby your local council for safe cycling and encourage cycling with children. I also would like to say that it is important for the people who cycle to be careful around pedestrians too. It isn’t a race - just enjoy it!