Cycling in London

Cycling is a great way to get around London -really! If you're not convinced, read these facts from Transport for London:

Facts About Cycling in London

• You can cover 4 miles in an average of 22 minutes in Central London by bike, when it takes about 40 minutes by car.
• 8 bikes can be parked in the space occupied by one car.
• People in cars are exposed to three times more air pollution than pedestrians or cyclists.
• London has around 500 police on bikes and in Central London the ambulance service is supported by a fully equipped cycling paramedic team.
• Regular cycling halves the chances of heart disease, helps to lower blood pressure, and the resting heart rate.
• Cycling increases calorie consumption, raises the metabolic rate and can help you to lose weight.

Planning Your Journey

You can order cycle guides to the different areas of London from Transport for London or go to Journey Planner and click on more search options. Scroll down to the modes of transport and select cycling. Click on additional cycling options to add extra criteria such as how long you want to cycle for.

Off-road Routes

Transport for London have worked out some leisure routes for you to experience London's parks and waterways.

Safety

Watch out for pedestrians weaving through the traffic on busy roads - they appear from nowhere! And always wear protective clothing, especially a helmet. Be prepared for weather changes but do note that London is the driest part of the UK and has a similar climate to Denmark.

Bikes on Public Transport

Most forms of transport (buses, tubes, trains, etc) will accept folded bikes, but if you have a standard bike check out this information about taking bikes on London public transport.

London Cycle Hire Shops

Check out this list of London bike shops from the London Cycling Campaign.