Thorners, I think I feel a little jealous of you starting out on your bike adventure. I've been cycling in London since I moved here in 1999 (having before then been used to relatively quiet roads in rural Ireland (apart from the crazy dogs....)).

I love my commute into town (I come in over Blackfriars Bridge) and while you do need to keep your wits about you, everything everyone on here is saying is spot on - get some training and if there is one bit of advice I can give it's this: NEVER EVER EVER cycle up the inside of a bus or lorry. Sit behind and go with the flow - you'll get there just as quickly. And always assume the car in front is going to turn left even if the indicator isn't on.

Enjoy!