The best traffic-free bike rides around the City of London

There are over 35 no-traffic road cycling routes around the City of London, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix, with 16 easy routes, 14 moderate, and 6 more challenging options.

The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic road cycling routes around the City of London, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 2,900 ratings. Cyclists often praise the ability to escape urban traffic and discover hidden green spaces and riverside paths.

Yes, there are 16 easy routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. An example is the Dulwich Village – Dulwich College loop from North Dulwich, which is just over 7.5 km long with minimal elevation gain, offering a pleasant experience through charming areas.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a longer ride, there are 6 difficult routes available. While not directly in the City, routes extending into the Home Counties, like those towards Box Hill in Surrey (a former Olympic route), offer significant climbs and rewarding views, accessible from London. A moderate option is the Pier With View of Canary Wharf – Thames Riverside Path loop from Brockley, which covers over 48 km.

Many routes offer stunning views of iconic London landmarks and natural features. You can cycle past historical sites like St Paul's Cathedral, cross the Millennium Bridge, or explore areas near Leadenhall Market. The Thames Path provides extensive riverside cycling with views of Tower Bridge and the London Eye, while routes through Royal Parks like Richmond Park offer expansive green spaces and wildlife.

Yes, many no-traffic routes leverage London's extensive green infrastructure. You can enjoy rides along the River Thames, or explore the city's canal towpaths like the Regent's Canal and River Lee, which offer traffic-free cycling and unique perspectives of the city. Routes also lead to large parks such as Richmond Park or through areas like Dulwich Park, as seen in the Dulwich College – Dulwich Park Loop from East Dulwich.

Yes, many of the no-traffic road cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Lee Valley VeloPark Velodrome – London Stadium loop from Plaistow is a moderate 21 km circular route that takes you past significant sporting venues.

The City of London is exceptionally well-connected by public transport, making it easy to reach starting points. Many routes are accessible from Tube or DLR stations. For example, routes along the Thames or towards East London parks can often be reached via stations like Aldgate East or Tower Gateway, allowing you to quickly transition from urban transport to a traffic-free cycling experience.

Yes, several routes are suitable for families, particularly the easier, shorter loops in parks or along dedicated paths. The flat and traffic-free nature of many riverside and park routes makes them ideal for cyclists of all ages. Look for routes with low elevation gain and shorter distances for the best family experience.

Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for cycling around London, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, many of the routes, especially those on paved surfaces or along the Thames, are accessible year-round. Always check the weather forecast and route conditions before heading out, particularly in autumn and winter.

Absolutely. Several routes provide fantastic opportunities to view London's famous skyline. For example, the Dulwich College – View of London Skyline loop from North Dulwich is an easy 15 km route specifically designed to offer impressive vistas of the city's iconic buildings.