🚨STAY SAFE OUT THERE PEOPLE. A warning for anyone traveling to London, especially women traveling alone. Those little bike taxis with the lights and music? Here’s how my experience went last night. I went to see Phantom of the Opera, but I wasn’t feeling well and ended up leaving early. I just wanted to get back to my hotel, so I took one of the bike taxis. What looked like a fun little ride turned into a situation that left me very shaken up. When it was time to drop me off, he pulled away from my hotel and took me over to a secluded area instead. I was alone, not feeling well, and now away from where I was supposed to be. They kept wanting me to hand over my phone so they could take pictures of me. I said no. Then came the pressure to pay with my physical card. I told them I would pay cash, and they kept arguing with me. And suddenly, what started as one man became THREE men involved in the situation while I was by myself. The firmer I got, the more aggressive they became. But I held my own. I raised my voice deliberately because I wanted to draw attention and cause a scene. I wasn’t going to quietly let them pressure me. I told them loudly, “I SAID NO!” They did not get my phone or my card. I handled myself, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t scared. Being alone at night in another country, somewhere secluded, with three men escalating the situation was frightening. When I got back to my hotel and explained what happened, the staff told me this is very common. They said people can be charged astronomical amounts, £400 and up, for a short ride. A taxi driver I spoke with afterward told me it sounded like I got off easy. Well, it certainly didn’t FEEL easy. I’m sharing because I had no idea, and maybe someone reading this doesn’t either. Please be careful about these bike taxis. After this experience, I’d ask my hotel to arrange a taxi. This trip has had so many beautiful moments, but last night rattled me. I’m safe, and I’m grateful for that. But this mama is ready to get home to her husband and boys. 🤍