With a recent series of tube strikes affecting London, commuters are increasingly turning to bikes to get around. This shift has been particularly beneficial for dockless bike companies like Lime and Forest, which have seen a significant rise in usage.
Lime reported a 58 per cent increase in trips during the morning peak on the first day of strikes, with riders traveling farther and for longer durations. Forest saw an even more dramatic spike, with a 100 per cent increase in rides during the Monday rush hour and a 300% increase on Tuesday morning.
It seems in times such as these, Londoners are aware that two wheels can provide easier travel through the city than the tube or bus, especially heightened disruptions. Here are some of the best cycling routes across London.
Take a traffic-free adventure on the Rainham marshes to explore this fascinating corner of the tidal Thames. There are 5 miles (8km) of paths to explore between Rainham and Purfleet. This is a great route for bird lovers looking to explore a wild corner of London. The Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve has two bird hides, several open viewing areas and a great cafe. Also along the route to spot, is John Kaufman’s sculpture ‘The Diver’, London’s only lighthouse at Coldharbour Point, and Rainham Hall, a National Trust property with garden and cafe.
The view from Rainham Marshes RSPB nature reserve next to Thames Estuary in Purfleet
Alamy Stock Photo
For more details and a route map, click here
Tower Bridge to Greenwich
The Scottish Government has signalled its support for gender reforms to be made at Westminster (John Walton/PA)
PA Wire
Start at Tower Bridge, then weave along the Thames past docks, historic pubs and alleys and onto the fantastic Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. It’s a fantastic route on which to see lots of the major sites of London, from the Tower of London to the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, the South Bank, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Tate Britain and so much more. It is a 5 mile (8km) route, along traffic-free paths and quiet streets.
The Wandle Trail, South London
Beauty spot: Morden Hall Park
Enjoy 8 miles (13km) between Wandsworth and Carshalton on traffic-free paths and quiet streets. From its mouth at the Thames, follow the river Wandle – a chalk stream with a long and interesting history – to stunning chalk downlands above Croydon. This route forms part of National Route 20 of the National Cycle Network. There are more than 10 parks and green spaces which lie on the route. It’s a great opportunity to see wildlife, discover the industrial past of the river Wandle, and escape the bustle of south-west London. With many cafes, pubs, restaurants and local attractions such as Merton Abbey Mills, Deen City Farm and Morden Hall Park, it’s a complete day out.
From Hampton Court Palace follow the flow of the Thames via Kingston and Teddington Lock. Head through Richmond Park and Barnes Common to link back up with the Thames in Putney. The route is 12.5 miles (20km) on traffic-free paths and quiet streets. You can ride or walk this route in either direction, so why not start in Putney on the Thames path, explore the hunting grounds of Charles I in Richmond Park, and end up at the glorious Hampton Court Palace? Get lost in the maze, tour the beautiful gardens and relive Tudor England at its best. Also en route: Bushy Park (with more cycle-friendly paths to explore), Richmond Park, Barnes Common nature reserve and more.
Hampton Court Palace
PA Archive
The Ingrebourne Valley Way
Pages Wood, on the Ingreborne Valley route
Sustrans
This family-friendly route (3 miles, 5km) traverses the edges of London and Essex along the Ingreborne River, also passing Ingreborne Hill and Hornchurch Country Park. On this former Spitfire airbase, which is now one of the largest areas of freshwater marshland in Greater London, there are play areas, mountain bike trails, a nature reserve and visitors centre and café. If you’re feeling particularly energetic, there are also three kilometres of mountain biking trails. Upminster Windmill is a short detour from Upminster Park, and is one of 7 remaining windmills in London. Pages Wood, pictured here, is part of the Thames Chase Community Forest and has 4 miles of trails and paths to explore.
From busy Greenwich to the town of Cheshunt in Hertfordshire, this 20-mile route threads through the Lee Valley Regional Park. Along the way you’ll pass Hackney, Walthamstow and Tottenham Marshes (now drained), and Walthamstow Wetlands Nature Reserve. Look out for grazing cattle, kestrel and even kingfishers.
View of the restored Engine House from the water
JJ R Watters
In 20 miles, go from the heart of historical maritime London, through places shaped by industry, war, commerce and water, to the countryside beyond the M25. For a relaxed family cycle ride or if you use a wheelchair, handcycle or pushchair we recommend Victoria Park, the Lea Valley between Stratford and Tottenham, and the Lea Valley regional park between Waltham Cross and Broxbourne. Stop en route to visit the Mudchute park and city farm, stop off for refreshments and the Tumble Bay playground and neighbouring cafe in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and weave through the River Lea Country Park.
