Greater London - A23
Road: A23 - Where: Brixton, South London
Why do it?
Because you’ll be on your way to central London from Sussex or Surrey.
Where does it go?
It’s the stretch of the A23 that exits outer-suburban London at Streatham and runs down Brixton Hill, through Brixton and then Stockwell, Kennington and finally Oval, where it joins the A3.
What to watch out for?
The A23 is a dual carriageway that runs through Streatham and can be tricky, as well as fast. Feeder side roads, and gaps on the central reservation, mean you’ve got to be alert at all times. After leaving Streatham and crossing the South Circular, the A23 plunges down Brixton Hill. You can use the bus lane, but beware of cars doing sudden left hand turns down the many side roads.
As you pass the elegant Brixton Town Hall and enter Brixton properly, the junction there can be very dangerous as three streams of traffic – left, straight and right – manoeuvre in and out. You are also mixing with cyclists, buses and pedestrians; this is a popular shopping area and transport hub.
After leaving Brixton it’s a long, mostly straight A23 that takes you up to Stockwell, where the A23 ends. Once more, this stretch features several left-hand feeder roads into which cars on your right often turn without looking.
Top tip: The A23 in this part of London can a free-for-all with cars, buses, motorbikes and even cyclists passing you on the left and right. You need your wits about you, and look out for other road users.
IAM RoadSmart
IAM RoadSmart is the UK's leading road safety charity and advocate, helping to improve driving and riding skills through courses and coaching. It achieves this through a national network of qualified instructors and experts, as well as an army of volunteers organised into 200 local groups.
Website: www.iamroadsmart.com
The Swinton View on Riding the A23
Although motorcyclists make up just one per cent of road traffic, they account for nearly one in every five road-user deaths. Because you’re more vulnerable on the road riding a motorbike, it’s hugely important you take every precaution to stay safe.
Wear the right safety gear, know your route, plan for the weather, and give yourself plenty of time to finish your ride without rushing. It’s also vital that you’re fully insured and that your motorbike insurance policy covers everything you need it to. Enjoy the ride!