Hi, I live in Germany(I''m originally from New York) and I intend to go to London soon...by bike. I used to live in Acton, London and cycle to work every day but I never cycled in central London. I always thought the traffic seemed kind of aggressive and it can get confusing if you''re used to cycling on the right side, especially on huge streets. Anyhoo, I was googling infos on the route to London from Dover and a couple of people who were actually from the UK mentioned that the route is a bit dodgy at certain points. It seems to be parts on the A2. What would you generally say about cycling within London and about the route to Dovers it a bit dodgy or am I just worrying for no reason.
Dover to London and back
- Thread starter Eljay76
- Start date
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gaz
Cycle Camera TV
- Location
- South Croydon
London is pretty easy, as other vehicles are generally pretty slow.
The A2 probably isn't a great road to cycle on, just look at it!
Have a look at the sustrans map of cycling infrastructure. Probably better off taking one of these routes than cycling down the A2
The A2 probably isn't a great road to cycle on, just look at it!
Have a look at the sustrans map of cycling infrastructure. Probably better off taking one of these routes than cycling down the A2
Lance Jack
Über Member
- Location
- A BFPO somewhere
I live in Kent. I think the thing about Dover is that there are nomally accidents involving (Not saying all accidents) lorries that have come off a ferry and now are adjusting to driving on the "wrong" side of the road. If I was going through Kent, the Garden of England, I would try to avoid roads like the A2 and go through the towns and villages of Kent.
As for London, I can't help you on that one. You want to know anything about Kent and I am more than willing to help.
As for London, I can't help you on that one. You want to know anything about Kent and I am more than willing to help.
gaz
Cycle Camera TV
- Location
- South Croydon
It's not a good road. 60mph traffic with you cycling where? Sounds like a disaster to me.
I actually did London -> Dover for BHF last year
Here's the route I did - http://www.strava.com/activities/18897814
I can't really comment on much as it was predefined and I'm sure there's easier ones out there, but looking at the A2... I think I preferred the one I did!
Here's the route I did - http://www.strava.com/activities/18897814
I can't really comment on much as it was predefined and I'm sure there's easier ones out there, but looking at the A2... I think I preferred the one I did!
I wasn't exactly sure if you were being ironic because I read that many people actually take that road or at least partly. Now with the extra info I don't get how people can take it at all or if bikes are even allowed to cycle there.. I'll try to figure out some other route. Thanks for the infos.
markharry66
Guru
Hi best look on a few website for alternative route. By going through A2 you will be hitting traffic set for london, blackwall tunnel, and blue water. Dangerous traffic despite speed cameras ignores the speed limit and often pushes 60 to 70 sometimes more, not a safe place for a bike and no joke. How do I know I used to drive it every day to work. Plus I live five minutes. These days I have no car and count myself lucky I dont have to commute down the A2.
Try this route http://www.routeyou.com/route/view/54282/cycle-route-london-to-dover.en
Try this route http://www.routeyou.com/route/view/54282/cycle-route-london-to-dover.en
Chrisz
Über Member
- Location
- Sittingbourne
The main A2 out of Dover is a nasty road to cycle!
Have a look instead at a route via 256 London Road, on to Lydden, up the hill to join the A2 (there is a cycle path/foot path along one side now), Come off at Bridge and go through Canterbury itself, out the other side, through Upper Harbledown, up the footpath on the right-hand side of the A2 to the top of the hill, cut left through Dunkirk village, rejoin the A2 just before the round-a-bout, straight onto the old A2 through Faversham, Sittingbourne, Rainham, Chatham, Rochester/Strood, then pick up the A226 Gravesend roadinto Dartford. Not so sure on the roads from there on but this should give you a saver, easier start to your trip.
Have a look instead at a route via 256 London Road, on to Lydden, up the hill to join the A2 (there is a cycle path/foot path along one side now), Come off at Bridge and go through Canterbury itself, out the other side, through Upper Harbledown, up the footpath on the right-hand side of the A2 to the top of the hill, cut left through Dunkirk village, rejoin the A2 just before the round-a-bout, straight onto the old A2 through Faversham, Sittingbourne, Rainham, Chatham, Rochester/Strood, then pick up the A226 Gravesend roadinto Dartford. Not so sure on the roads from there on but this should give you a saver, easier start to your trip.
Beebo
Firm and Fruity
- Location
- Hexleybeef
Once in Dartford you are in the suburbs. Follow the old A2 via Crayford, Bexleyheath, Welling, up and over Shooters hill and across Blackheath Common. Then the Old Kent Raod into London Town.
