What we really wanted to know is, for all the campaigning to encourage us city types to cycle, how easy is it really to cycle on the mean streets of London - and in particular using the two bikes that have been designed for just that purpose?

Our two teams of cyclists lined up outside Forster at the start - from the whistle the Brompton riders had to start unfolding their bikes and the cycle-hirers raced to the nearest docking point - about 200 yards from our office. One of our Brompton regulars - Chris Mounsey Thear - who trips about on his orange chariot to client meetings whenever possible was off within seconds.  His team mate had a bit more trouble as she struggled with the seat, but soon all four intrepid riders were off. There was a head to head on Borough Market and frustration at the lights coming back to Southwark Street, but Chris romped home triumphantly on his trusty Forster Brompton to win the race. 

But all our cyclists got off within a minute or so, travelled the route easily and arrived safely back at the office in no time at all. And really, that proved what we wanted to know. That whether you choose to buy a Brompton (or an ordinary bike) or hire one from one of the many docking stations now dotted around the city, it's really simple to get going and - with things like the new cycle superhighway helping matters - it's getting safer too.  

Ok, so we're still a long way from being Amsterdam - or even Paris. But we reckon London is on it's way to becoming a real cycling friendly city. and that can only be a good thing in our book.

> Find out more about cycle campaigns at Forster.

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