**Note - the Oxford Outsider's Guide is written by an American living in Oxford whose husband is a post-graduate student. This guide is intended for entertainment value and, if you want, a little information. It should not be used as a basis for selecting a college or for a decision about applying to Oxford. The guide is written by an Oxford newcomer and meant simply to convey things as I see them.**
The drivers here are the absolute worst in the world. Which is really ironic because it's harder to get a driving license here than almost anyplace in the free world. Cars and gas are really expensive and the test is much harder to pass than the one in the United States. And yet, the drivers here? Horrid!!
I say this on the basis of living in Oxford, an admittedly pedestrian-centered town, and my previous visits to Oxford and York. I have never been in so much danger in England as when I have been in a taxi. Truly these "professionals" are the absolute worst of the worst!
I know what you Yanks are thinking! It's the left-handed driving that's throwing them off, right? No! I don't think so. Really, the left-side driving is not any different from our system in the United States. Drivers seats here are on the right side, so the principle is still the same. Cars get much tinier here, so they should be able to control them better. But the people driving here are absolute maniacs.
The funny thing is that, especially in Oxford, it is really unnecessary for most people to have a car. Most places are in walking distance. In addition, there is an excellent bus system and many of the roads have bicycle lanes. Cycling and walking are easily the most popular forms of transport here. Yet, the lives of cyclists and pedestrians are challenged every day by maniac cabbies! AAAH!
I have personally almost been smushed by a bus while on my cycle. In addition, I have had no less than THREE cabs make skid marks in the road while I was in them (this is out of MAYBE 10 total cab rides I've had in my total time in England). Even the busses are pretty crazy. I often hang on for dear life while the driver swerves and slams on the brakes or repeatedly and forcefully pumps the brakes in a desperate attempt to make a stop at the right place. It's pretty hairy out there, and, yes, the roads are just about as narrow as you've heard!
My advice if you are visiting or living in England, especially in Oxford, is to spend as little time as possible in an automobile. If you'll be here on holiday and the weather is nice, walk as much as you can. There's so much to see even just strolling to the City Centre. If it's cold or far, take the bus or a coach (that's a bus that goes a longer distance). If it's a little farther than that, take the train. The views are spectacular! And a note on trains: they can be expensive, but there are special rail passes available only from foreign countries that allow you unlimited train use while you're here - do that!
If you're staying a lot longer, invest in a cycle (even if it makes your legs ache - UG!). It's worth it to have it there and it can make your commute a lot shorter. Plus, bussing can be expensive if you do it daily. Just make sure you also invest in a helmet to defend yourself against swerving cabbies and busses.
Posted by Erin at November 18, 2002 07:27 PM"..if you'll be here on holiday and the weather is nice..."
yeah, but how often will that happen? *grin*
Actually, Erin, it's harder to get a license in Singapore, and it is also *the most* expensive place in the world to own a car. Yet the drivers in Singapore are terrible too- aggressive and nasty. I think it's the harsh testing that conditions us to be that way, and the harsher the test, the nastier we become.
Posted by: PJ at November 21, 2002 09:33 PM