'BikeTube' scheme launched ahead of London strike chaos

A series of ‘BikeTubes’ are being organised by the London Cycling Campaign (LCC) to beat underground strikes planned for next week.

LCC is encouraging cyclists to band together on Wednesday and Thursday and ride in groups from tube stations to central London locations. A new website, www.biketube.org.uk, is coordinating these rides. With more than 800,000 regular cyclists in the capital, it is hoped that many commuters will use two wheels to get to work.

The website also provides essential information for new and returning cycle commuters, such as tips on route-planning, maintenance, bike shop maps, safe cycling, and cycle hire.

LCC is calling on employers to encourage more people to get to work by providing improved cycle facilities on the day, such as allowing workers to bring bikes into the building.

Chief executive Koy Thomson said, "Cycling could save our city millions in lost output if workers are encouraged to follow the mayor's example and commute by bike. There’s a BikeTube running from Islington to City Hall, and we hope the mayor will join it.

“We advise everyone to visit our website and use this weekend to prepare yourself and your bike. The site contains everything you need to make this tube strike the last one to affect you."