Arriving in the UK after seven weeks bike touring in Germany, Czechia, Belgium and the Netherlands is a mixture of delight- we can talk to people and have in-depth conversations and understand all the signs and announcements!, and disappointment – the cycling infrastructure in this area of the UK is like most of the US, pretty sad. Not well connected, and nothing that is going to move people away from car trips to bicycle trips. Except, just like in some US cities, in some UK cities where cycling has become a preferred mode, like London, the cycling can be great.
London is a great example of what good infrastructure can do for cycling in a city. This is the second time we’ve come from Holland on a ferry to Harwich, and then a train to London. The first time we were a bit nervous about crossing London on loaded touring bikes, but it was a snap, so this time we were looking forward to it. And London on a busy mid July morning, loaded with tourists, did not disappoint.
Our route took us past Buckingham Palace, which always gives me a thrill to see, and on to Hyde Park. From Hyde park we rode towards Hammersmith and joined the Thames River. First stop: pub lunch at the Blue Anchor. When we have our loaded touring bikes we make sure to sit outside somewhere we can keep on eye on the bikes. Our new bikes have spoke locks which are super easy to simply click into place, and we joke that it would take an unusual thief to be able to jump on Rich’s huge loaded bike and ride away without immediately crashing, but we are happier when we have the bikes in sight.
We decided to ride along the Thames to our hotel for the night, the Hilton at Syon Park. It would be a perfectly timed bumble to get us there at check in time. Is it the easiest or most efficient way to ride? No. But winding along the Thames Path takes you through some very scenic areas.
After our night in Syon Park, which would be worth exploring on a future visit, we decided to ride the Thames Path all the way to our destination just outside Windsor. Again, not a direct route, but certainly a scenic ride. It’s fun to have no idea what to expect from a route. The surprises around bends in the river, the views across the river, the varying surfaces of the Thames Path – everything was new to us.
Our first experience cycling along the Thames River Path left us wanting more river experiences. Thankfully our temporary home for three weeks is allowing us to spend quite a bit of time appreciating the river path by bike and on foot. I would highly recommend exploring the Thames River Path to anyone spending time in or around London. After the crowds of central London it was a peaceful and eye opening experience. Why was I so surprised to see how busy the river was with small boats, narrow boats and stand up paddle boarders? The look and feel of the Thames as it runs though London, with such strong tidal flows, doesn’t prepare you for how bucolic the river quickly becomes.
We’re enjoying being in one place for a while, and have been walking and biking and appreciating our temporary home and kitty cat. Happy summer all, and more on our summer of the Thames River soon.
Less Car, More Life 
I understood from several published sources that cycling was not allowed on the Thames path. 😮🤔🙄
Your experience?
Interesting, I can only speak for the section we rode, from the west side of London at the Blue Anchor Pub in Hammersmith on towards Windsor. There were a few spots where cyclists were asked to walk their bikes but I don’t remember any stretches where bikes were prohibited. As we got closer to Windsor the path disappeared for sections and we were on the road. That might be a stretch where footpaths exist but not suitable for cycling due to stairs as you cross roads and bridges. We follow rules in built up areas like London- it’s hard to be stealth on loaded touring bikes!
I am reminded of two classic perspectives on “Following the rules”, both are famous but only the first is attributable.
“Rules are for obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men.”, by the infamous WWII British fighter ace Douglas Bader, and ” It is easier to get forgiveness than permission” (unknown). jb
We use the “ride until someone yells at us” theory a lot!