London Bridges

[theboytaylor]

I think riding on Tower Bridge itself is OK, but the junction at the northern end has several turnings off it and most of them are very wide, which could be tricky. I had to go over it northbound today (Tooley St closed) and then go first left past the Tower, so it wasn't bad, but I can imagine trying to get over towards Minories or turning right down the Highway might need a bit of careful negotiation. Looks like there are plenty of traffic lights spaced so that the cars might race from one set to the next.

It can be hard work sometimes but I find that most drivers in London accept you if you signal clearly and move with certainty - faff about in the gutter looking anxiously over your shoulder and it's difficult to find the gap or get let out. It's not how it should be, but there you go.

 

[Pip]

Yes, Tooley Street was a little, erm, damp today I believe!

Ahh I see, yes, the junction on the north bank does require a bit of care I'll admit, but it's not the worst junction in London I don't think...

 

[hackbike 666]

No but it's always worth comparing the bridges hazards and shortfalls.

 

[Brains]

Dumb question coming up......why is Tower Bridge 'lethal' for cyclists? I used to use it most days when I lived in Stratford and it never seemed that bad. I'm a bit in the camp of 'if you can deal with the rest of London the bridges really arn't that bad'.....

Tower Bridge is very narrow.

In stationary traffic as a cyclist you have a problem overtaking.

In traffic flowing faster than you can comfortably ride, they try and pass you, and there simply is not the space, so they then squeeze you kerb
To make it even more dangerous there are railings between the road and the pavement, so as a squeezed cyclist you have no escape.

Once you have crossed you are then presented with a 5 way junction, where you may have to sweep across up to 3 lanes of fast moving traffic.

Hence I would never ride across Tower Bridge, it really is an accident waiting to happen (unlike the shared space idea !)

 

[hackbike 666]

Waterloo Bridge at night has cars parked on both sides of the bridge which is a real pain in the saddle.

 

[doily]

Blackfriars has changed,used to be able to turn off at the south side of the bridge and go via the OXO tower towards Waterloo but they closed that.

Where do you mean? I do Blackfriars N>S every morning (and S>N every evening, obv) and turn right down Upper Ground. Just use the crossing on the south side of the bridge, bikes are allowed. There's a little cycle slip-road on the left by the lights, just past the bus stop, or just turn right onto the central reservation at the crossing if you're absolutely sure there's nothing coming up behind you.

 

[hackbike 666]

What i say,there used to be a turn off there to go round the back but I just cross at the lights anyway now.