London is a world city. Its area is almost as large as the province of Utrecht. You can be 10 kilometers away without leaving the city. Comparable to world cities like Los Angeles, Mexico, and Paris. London has a cycling culture, although the car is still king. Yet London certainly has a number of beautiful routes and you can get around quite easily by bike. I give you some tips & tricks to cycle in London. This way, you can combine a visit to the city with a nice ride on your bike, just like me.
1. Search for the parks
London is home to a large number of parks. Famous parks like Hyde Park and Regents Park are just a few options. A favorite among cyclists is Richmond Park, towards the southwest. I think it’s the closest park to cycle through and where you also have plenty of space as a cyclist. Another option is the Hackney Marshes and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which overlap. The infrastructure here is also fairly new. You can further combine that with Lee Valley and the Walthamstow Wetlands. To the north you’ll also find Hampstead Heath. You can also get around nicely around Greenwich.
2. Next level coffee rides
If there is one thing London is good at, it’s its coffee culture. Of course, the big chains dominate, but there is a wide variety of coffee tents, (outdoor) bars and even some bike cafes to be found in London. The famous places like Borough Market, but also the Rope Walk, have good coffee. Just like north of Kings’ Cross/St. Pancrass. My tip: Redemption Roasters. They use their coffee to help ex-detainees stay on the right path. I think that’s cool. The signature brew should be there!
A tip from local Rianne: Fortitude Bakehouse It is a favorite among many cyclists in London. The Beignets are also next level there!
3. London also has real bike cafés
Are you looking for the best combination of a nice coffee shop and a café where you can also find a cycling theme? In London you can find several nice cycling cafés. During the 2020-2021 pandemic, some businesses closed, but now there is a nice stable core of cycling shops in this gigantic city.
- The most famous one is perhaps the Soho Clubhouse from the clothing brand Rapha. Regular rides depart from here, there are events, and you can therefore have a nice cup of coffee there.
- Relatively close to the city center you’ll find London Bike Studio, a hip bike cafe where you can have your bike repaired as well. www.Londonbikestudio.org
- Across the Thames you’ll find two great alternatives.
- The Dynamo in Putney is the best option if you’re heading from the city towards Richmond Park. Putney is relatively close to the city center and at The Dynamo you can take a ride with a good cup of coffee and a cake. https://www.the-dynamo.co.uk
- Also in Putney and just opened: The Clubhouse of Raptor bikes. Coffee – cake – 10 mins by bike from Richmond Park.
- G!ro in Esher. If you want to go further out of the city, towards the Surrey Hills / Box Hill area, G!ro is a good starting point. A great place. https://www.girocycles.com/.
4. Follow the bike paths
Although London isn’t known for its bike lanes, the city has a large network of bike paths. They vary in type, size, and condition. For myself, I rode the CS2 and CS3, and they were remarkably good. There are sometimes abrupt stops, or you have to zigzag through the traffic lights, but there are also long stretches where you can ride at a leisurely pace. For example, from Tower Bridge towards Greenwich Park, along Lower Road. Almost Dutch beautiful!
5. Light switch
Londoners drive at almost any time of day. One thing has struck me though: even during the day, everyone drives with lights on. This may have something to do with other road users. Because if there is no cycle lane available, it quickly becomes quite cramped, especially with trucks and refuse collection vehicles, which leave little space for the lonely two-wheeler. Do you want tips on the right bike light? Then read our article about bike lighting.
6. Renting a bike
London was one of the first cities to introduce the well-known pick-up/drop-off bicycles. Back then they were called ‘Boris Bikes’, after the then mayor of London. These bikes caused a small revolution. Various variants have since been added, but the variant I would like to highlight is the Brompton Bicycle Hire. Because if you can’t bring your own race bike or gravel bike, a Brompton is an alternative that still allows you to get some speed. Install the app, connect a payment card, and for £5 (€6) per day, you can ride the bike without limits. The only downside: it doesn’t have a lock, and you have to always store it safely. That said, it can be folded up small, and if you use it for meetings, it’s great. I’ve also used the Brompton for my training rides, and it worked perfectly. Want to rent a race bike? Livelo in London offers good bicycles and ‘guided tours’.
7. Go for the KOM/QOM
London isn’t flat. Unlike Amsterdam or Copenhagen, London is anything but flat. In fact, the hill near Greenwich is over 10%. So if you think you can easily do a short ride in your jeans, you’d be wrong. My tip: wear your cycling gear and make it a nice ride. After you’ve conquered the climb near Greenwich, you’ll have one of the most beautiful views of the city and the River Thames.
Maze Hill, Greater London, United Kingdom
• Distance: 743 m, Elevation difference: 38 m, Average gradient: 5.1 %
8. Longer the time? Head south
If you have more time in the city, head to the Surrey Hills, south of the city. Famous from the Tour of Britain, the London Prudential Ride, but above all the 2012 Olympic Games, this is the playground of London bikers and other cycling enthusiasts. You might know the routes if you’ve cycled in Zwift more often, but in that setup you’re missing a lot of the city. See if you can join a club ride on Sunday. Also read our article about cycling routes south of London.
9. Want to take part in a cool event? Ride London is the way to go
One of the biggest events in the city is the RideLondon. You can choose between several distances and you will soon be tackling the hills south of London. The event is usually sold out quickly, so be sure to sign up as soon as possible. Especially if you have been to the city before, it’s very exciting to see the city in a different way. The 2025 edition has unfortunately been postponed, but the organizers are working on a new concept, so keep checking the website. RideLondon Definitely keep an eye out! Usually it was combined with an UCI race, so stay tuned.
10. Crazy about cycling, but not a cyclist? Rouleur Live is a cool event
Rouleur Magazine is one of the leading magazines in the European cycling market. The originally English magazine also has a Spanish and Italian edition. Besides that, they have had one of the most prestigious bike events in Europe for a few years now, Rouleur Live. Every year in November the English cycling industry gathers here. There is a gala evening, speakers, a bike show, but with class. A great event to write about. In 2024 Rouleur Live takes place from 14-16 November. Location: Truman Brewery in Spitalfields. Tickets in info: Rouleur Live
What’s also great: a bike shop where you can take a leisurely stroll and browse through the selection of dream bikes. VIA atelier, Right near Fortitude Bakehouse is such a store. With brands like Argonaut, Factor Bikes, Standert and Dario Pegoretti, you can indulge your tastebuds. Also, the selection of clothing (only top brands like Velocio, Rapha, PNS and Q36.5 are available) is great. 18-19 Stable Street in London.
Do you have any other good tips for cycling in London? Share them in the comments!
Questions & tips
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