Week 5 of London: Travel and Safety Tips

In general I have not had any incidents or moments that have questioned my safety in London. The people are very friendly and the police presence is heavily felt especially in the touristy areas. The best safety tips I can give are more about cultural differences anything else. As most may know, drivers drive on the left side of the road, so even if the street may seem clear, always look both ways. On the very first day two bicyclists almost hit me because I turned my head left instead of looking right, and I could have started my trip on a terrible note. Another tip is that unless there is a walk light on a block, there do not seem explicit rules that give pedestrians the right of way crossing the street. If you see a car coming and the driving has not slowed down, do not assume he/she will! Just let them go by. Lastly, although double-decker buses are fun to ride and see out of, be careful climbing the stairs when the bus is moving, because if the driver is making a sharp turn, you may lose your balance and fall down the stairs. Wait for the driver to make a completely stop before moving up or down the staircase.

The best local tip I would give is that if you are planning to use the train, set-aside time to catch the last one before it leaves the station. Although the trains are fast and efficient, they end services at 11:45. Thus, if you plan to use the train to get back somewhere, keep in mind that if you have to connect to a train, get to it before 11:45 or else you’ll have to take a bus or cab to your final destination. Also, try to avoid using cabs at all costs. The public transportation can get you anywhere in a good amount of time.