Uncovering the best cycle routes in London

Inexpensive, quick and a great way to see the sights, discovering London by bicycle is an excellent way to enjoy a holiday in this vibrant city. There are an abundance of cycle routes in London that are suitable for both experienced cyclists as well as younger and less experienced ones so you’re sure to find ones that are just right for your needs.

Numerous routes that cater to beginners and regular commuters

There are a variety of leisure routes to choose from that are ideal for beginners and children while providing a great opportunity to see some of London’s diverse attractions. These routes pass through the Royal Parks and residential areas without a lot of traffic. Try the Tamsin Trail that follows the perimeter of Richmond Park in West London or the Regent’s Canal route in central London that passes through Little Venice, Regent’s Park, Camden Lock Market and the Broadway Market. Another route that will have you feeling shipshape on a bike is Waterlink Way from Cutty Sark to Cator Park. This South East London route will have you see the Old Royal Naval College, several parks and the famous Cutty Sark. If you’re keen to explore open spaces and grand buildings, consider a cycle route from Richmond Park to Hampton Court Palace, with the opportunity to take in Richmond Palace and Ham House along the way.

There are a number of commuter routes known as Barclays Cycle Superhighways which are designed to offer quicker and safer cycling routes from outer London to central London. You can also pick up free London Cycling Guides which outline cycle-friendly routes.

Use appropriate equipment whilst cycling

Before setting off on your journey, you should check that your bike is in good working order, including ensuring that the brakes and tyres are in a good condition. You should always wear a helmet when cycling. It’s handy to have a bell attached to your bike as well in order to alert pedestrians to your presence as they may also be using your chosen cycling route. If you want to cycle in the dark, make sure you wear reflective clothing and that your bike has front and back lights.

Safety considerations to keep in mind when cycling

Always be aware of your surroundings wherever you are cycling. Keep off pavements and unless there is a sign indicating cyclists can do so, don’t cycle the wrong way up one-way streets. When riding on roads, keep away from the gutter. If the road is very narrow and vehicles can’t safely be driven past you, then consider cycling in the middle of the lane to avoid vehicles trying to overtake you and potentially causing an accident. Always stop at red traffic lights. Don’t use earphones, headphones or a mobile phone whilst cycling.

Keep a door’s width distance between your bike and parked cars in case people open car doors unexpectedly. Take care when cycling behind large vehicles such as trucks as you may not be clearly visible to the drivers. When you are getting ready to turn left or right, use the correct hand signals with enough time to ensure other road users are aware of your intentions before you turn.

Hiring bikes in London

You don’t need to own your own bike to cycle in London. Bikes can be hired through schemes such as Barclays Cycle Hire, which is a very economical way of travelling across the city via bike. The bikes in this scheme are known as Boris bikes as a reference to Boris Johnson who was the Mayor of London when the scheme was initiated. The bikes can be hired from and returned to any of the scheme’s docking stations throughout the city. Bike access charges are £2 for 24 hours which includes unlimited journeys of less than half an hour in duration. Alternatively you can opt for 7 days of bike access for £10. You always have to pay one of these bike access charges, but as long as your journey is less than 30 minutes there is no additional charge. If your journey exceeds 30 minutes there are very reasonable extra charges depending on how long you keep the bike before returning it. Other hiring options include the likes of the London Bicycle Tour Company and Merry Pedaller Bike Tours.

A superb cycling trip that everyone can enjoy

Exploring London by bike is a great holiday option that is both fun and healthy. Cycling can prove a very cost-effective means of travelling throughout the city and, if you’re keen to discover attractions, it’s straightforward enough to reach them by bike. There are several camping and caravanning sites in and around London that can provide convenient accommodation so you can spread your trip over several days and travel along a wide selection of terrific routes.