East London to Hyde Park

Meeting just outside the Greenwich footpath tunnel entrance (Island Gardens) from 8.15am. We will introduce ourselves, check our bikes and be ready to start riding just after 8.30am.

This is a flat route starting at the bottom of the Isle of Dogs, going along the river towards Canary Wharf, then passing St. Katherine’s Dock and Wapping until we join a cycle highway (CS3). From here, we will cycle along the Embankment (with a great view of the London Eye) towards Westminster, then pass Buckingham Palace and enter the Hyde Park, where we will do a small loop around the Serpentine lake and have a coffee (and/or a toilet) stop. On a way back, we will follow the CS3 route until we get to Westferry and re-join the riverside path, and cycle until our final stop (Island Gardens). The majority of the route is on segregated cycling paths and is a great way to get a feeling of how it is cycling in the city without the morning commuter rush. We will go at a steady pace, with stops for taking pictures, and will leave no one behind.

All you need is a working bike - pumped up tyres, working brakes, no-squeaky chain, and turning wheels- although we will also do a quick bike check before we head off. If you don’t have a bike, there is a Santander bike hire station just outside Island Gardens. You don’t need a helmet or layers of fancy lycra although do dress appropriately for the weather! ;) Please pack some snacks and water as well as hand sanitiser, wipes, and a face mask.

First-timers welcome!