Route suggestion for Southampton commute

[Monkreadusuk]

Hello,

I'm due to start a new job next month and am looking for some advice on routes into Southampton.

The route is from Park Gate A27 to Guildhall Square, Southampton.

As far as I am aware there are 3 main routes, Itchen Toll bridge, Northern Bridge, of via Thomas Lewis Way.

Does anyone commute in this area and can offer some advice?

I shall be comuting at 0600 and back out around 1830 so traffic shouldn't be too much of am issue I hope.

Many Thanks,

 

[Maylian]

It's not a route I frequently do but I do go down the A27 semi-regularly on pleasure rides so I can't pass comment on traffic. Personally logic would suggest you do the straight drag along the A27 through Bitterne and Northern Bridge as it takes you straight into town. Obviously there are a few decent hills on this route but then you can get up a good head of speed as well, went through Bitterne myself last night and hit 63kph which was enjoyable.

Thomas Lewis Way seems to be a massive detour so unless you wanted to up the milage I'd avoid it, personally I never ride on it especially considering how dangerous other people have advised it is.

Anyways hope it helps and congratulations on the new job, I presume it is for Capita / Council?

 

[JoeyB]

I've been meaning to go for a ride down the A27 myself as it looks very hilly!

 

[Monkreadusuk]

Anyways hope it helps and congratulations on the new job, I presume it is for Capita / Council?

Yeah, the council thanks.

 

[Chickc78]

For the return route I would recommend the Itchen Bridge rather than Northam. The long hill after the Northam Bridge up towards Bitterne is a real bad area for close passes and left hooks - especially in the homeward commuter traffic. I have cycle commuted from Bitterne to the city centre for the last 5 years and I now cycle in over the Northam but home over the Itchen. I would be interested to hear how you get on as I am moving to Warsash next month and I am hoping to try the A27 route.

 

[Monkreadusuk]

I had to pop into council offices today to sort some paperwork out and used the Portsmouth road/itchen bridge route. Was no problem at all but that was at 1400 so light traffic.

On the way back I went via the burseldon rbt and won't be doing that again in a hurry. Not great for cycling at all.

 

[Riverman]

I agree with Chickc28, go via the Itchen Bridge on the return leg for reasons given but also because the hill towards Bitterne can be a right pig if you're knackered.

And last but not least, I would strongly advise to never cycle on Thomas Lewis Way. It's a nasty road and it was only recently that a cyclist was killed there.

You'll be happy to know that the council has a cycle route planned from Southampton Central Station toward Swanwick so it will be quite bike friendly soonish but you probably already know this given where you're working.
http://www.southampton.gov.uk/s-environment/future/ccplans/easterncycleroute.aspx

Capita / Council?