Best route for crossing the Thames for a beginner

[H Bomb]

Hello all,

So, short history - I only learnt to ride a bike a year or so ago (despite being in my early 30's!) but with a change in jobs I've decided to challenge myself to do my commute on a bike.

I live near Bromley, and my new job is just north of Liverpool Street Station the most direct route is about 10 miles, which i think should be easily do-able once I've built up to it.

However, I'm very much still learning - I've been cycling some of the route and I'm pretty comfortable getting to Deptford or Greenwich, but the thought of cycling over either London Bridge or Tower Bridge in rush hour is frankly terrifying!

So i'm really after your advice on the best route for me to take to get across the Thames, am I worrying unnecessarily about London Bridge? - there must be lots of people cycling over it, but should i say go via the Greenwich Foot Tunnel and then along Cable Street/CS3 until I know i can keep up with pace? - this would add about a mile to my journey.


Be great to hear your thoughts....

 

[srw]

London Bridge itself is fine - it's quite wide and there are dozens of cyclists. Going north the turn into Gracechurch Street requires a cool head if the traffic is moving (it often isn't); if in doubt, get off and watch for a few minutes to see what others do. Going south, turning left onto Tooley Street is simple - just stick in the middle of the LH lane and filter (around the outside of buses) to the front. Going straight on is more awkward - again, if in doubt get off and watch others.

Walking over junctions is a perfectly acceptable way of getting around on a bike; it's one of the advantages of being a cyclist that you can turn into a pedestrian very easily.

I'd say that Tower Bridge is trickier, both because the bridge itself is narrower and because the junction to the north is chaotic.

 

[w00hoo_kent]

I've done Greenwich to Liverpool St a few times doing foot tunnel and CS3, the foot tunnel means a longish walk with the bike (some people ride it but you're not supposed to and I don't) on the route there's a couple of odd turns before you hit Cable St but you'll soon get used to them. CS3 itself can be a bit daunting, lots of bikes making progress in a train you just have to slot in to. I'm not sure I'd like doing it every day.

 

[vickster]

Southwark Bridge is nice to ride across - using CS7 and it's easy to get out towards Bank and to Liverpool Street I've never had any issues going across London Bridge, but I've not done it in the rush hour

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I'd do the foot tunnel if I were uncertain of the crossing. By the time you've got used to the cyclists, you'll be fine over London Bridge. Tower Bridge, northbound, can be a pain but southbound you get a good run at it and it's easier to own a place on the road.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

London Bridge itself is fine - it's quite wide and there are dozens of cyclists. Going north the turn into Gracechurch Street requires a cool head if the traffic is moving (it often isn't); if in doubt, get off and watch for a few minutes to see what others do. Going south, turning left onto Tooley Street is simple - just stick in the middle of the LH lane and filter (around the outside of buses) to the front. Going straight on is more awkward - again, if in doubt get off and watch others.

Walking over junctions is a perfectly acceptable way of getting around on a bike; it's one of the advantages of being a cyclist that you can turn into a pedestrian very easily.

I'd say that Tower Bridge is trickier, both because the bridge itself is narrower and because the junction to the north is chaotic.

I'll second all of that.

 

[fretted]

I've been commuting over tower bridge, which is nice as it's just wide enough for a bike and a car and the traffic is always slow in the mornings

 

[Beebo]

I cycle over Tower Bridge every day.
It is tricky for a beginner but do-able if you ride sensibly and dont rush.
The problem with the bridge is that it is very narrow, with barriers running right along the pavement, so you feel very hemmed in. There are plenty of idiots who filter through narrow gaps between buses. Just take your time and you will be ok, don't let the nobbers on bikes push you. As said above the traffic is very slow as it is so busy, it's a 20mph zone and cars rarely exceed that.
Oh, and watch out for the vicious cross winds in winter, especially through the arches.

 

[H Bomb]

Thanks all for taking the time to come back to me, some great advice there.

I think i'll give both a go, sounds like either route will be a learning experience/has pluses and minuses, I don't know why i hadn't thought to get off and push if i get to section I'm not confident on - obvious now you've said it!!

Will be a good few weeks before i do the journey for real, but I'll let you know how it goes!!!

thanks!

 

[jonny jeez]

Hi H Bomb.

Like you i ride from the bromley area across London, although i ride onto hammersmith so cross the river a little further on at westminster.

I do often ride to London bridge to meet mates and have never had an issue although i accept that you may find it more challenging, being relatively new to a bike.

For my money, i would use the A21 along through catford, lewisham and up armpit hit, then onto the old kent road, turning right at the overpass for London bridge.

This route may sound obvious but i mention it as new riders tend to avoid the large busy roads in the assumption that they arent safe. In my view the OKR is one of the safest routes through London. Its wide with dedicated bus lanes and the other road users are very cycle aware.

Getting back to the river crossing...stick with london bridge, its fine and the north side crossing really isnt that bad.

Get your skates on though, this beautiful summer wont last forever and right now, riding in London is fantastic.

Also, take a look at the sticky at the top of the commuting thread, we have written a guide for those new to city cycling that may provide added confidence.

Good luck.

 

[glenn forger]

i did London Bridge both ways for eight years, it's ok.

 

[ladygracie494]

Tower Bridge is okay, been doing it for a few years now and never had any issues. Just take your time.

 

[Brains]

I live in Greenwich and cycle to the city. My route is through the foot tunnel and then Cs3

It's not as fast as the lower road via deptford, but it's a lot more pleasant and easier

 

[H Bomb]

So....

Cycled home for the first time on Monday and then (after a day recovering!!) cycled in this morning - and to my suprise both journeys were ok! Bit tricky from work to London bridge - just a lot going on etc but the bridge itself has been fine so far! After that went via deptford/surrey quays which worked ok i think.

my conditioning needs a lot of work though, but i guess that will come!!

but i did discover that I go faster when its raining!!

 

[saoirse50]

Old Kent Rd can be fine...just make sure you are in the right position at each junction...there have been a lot of left hook collisions along the road...I used to work right beside it so know it very well.

Hi H Bomb.

Like you i ride from the bromley area across London, although i ride onto hammersmith so cross the river a little further on at westminster.

I do often ride to London bridge to meet mates and have never had an issue although i accept that you may find it more challenging, being relatively new to a bike.

For my money, i would use the A21 along through catford, lewisham and up armpit hit, then onto the old kent road, turning right at the overpass for London bridge.

This route may sound obvious but i mention it as new riders tend to avoid the large busy roads in the assumption that they arent safe. In my view the OKR is one of the safest routes through London. Its wide with dedicated bus lanes and the other road users are very cycle aware.

Getting back to the river crossing...stick with london bridge, its fine and the north side crossing really isnt that bad.

Get your skates on though, this beautiful summer wont last forever and right now, riding in London is fantastic.

Also, take a look at the sticky at the top of the commuting thread, we have written a guide for those new to city cycling that may provide added confidence.

Good luck.

Agreed, Old Kent Rd can be fine...just make sure you are in the right position at each junction...there have been a lot of left hook collisions along the road...I used to work right beside and used it most days, so know it very well. And while I agree with the fact that the main roads aren't as dangerous as people think, they are often not as pleasant a ride...nor are they always as quick as people think...if you get the sequence of the innumerable lights on OKR against you, the route can take longer than the quiet cyclepath route to London Bridge, which once you know it well, can be a really speedy connection. Also much nicer in the hot weather, not to be surrounded by huge trucks and buses belting out fumes and heat.