Top tips for cyclists visiting London

Over 610,000 journeys are carried out on a bicycle every day in London and that number is still growing. The city is renowned for having a diverse transport system in addition to some of the busiest roads in the world.

If you’re bringing your bicycle along with you to London boutique hotels, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Cycling in the city isn’t like anywhere else but these tips will help you stay safe and find your way easily to our 5 star luxury hotels London.

Stick to cycle paths

It’s no secret that London is one of the busiest cities in the world and it is full of commuters and locals that are often in a rush to get where they need to be. Londoners aren’t always very forgiving towards cyclists that don’t stay in their lane so it’s important that you always stick to the designated cycle paths whenever possible. This will also put you out of the way of London traffic.

Use a good lock

London is an incredible place to visit but like anywhere else in the world, there’s always a risk that you could fall victim to theft. If you plan on making your way around the city on a bicycle, be sure to invest in a good quality lock. The last thing you want to do is come back out from a shop to find that your expensive new bike has been stolen.

Don’t drink and ride

It may seem like a harmless thing but even though a bicycle doesn’t have an engine, it can still be very dangerous if you are riding it under the influence of alcohol. You don’t want to risk falling over or accidentally running into someone so if you’ve had a drink, always walk your bicycle back to our London boutique hotels.

Stay visible at night

There are few experiences quite as beautiful as riding alongside the River Thames as the sun sets and the lights of the city come alive. However, if you plan to do any evening riding, it’s important that you can be seen by other people and drivers. Make sure your bicycle is kitted out with lights and reflectors. It’s also a good idea to wear fluorescent colours so you’re visible to others.

Get used to signalling

Riding a bicycle in London is not like bike riding through the country. In the capital, everyone has somewhere to be and doesn’t have time to get stuck behind. Always make sure to signal and let other travellers know which direction you’re heading in. This will keep you safe and reduce the risk of an accident.

Do as Londoners do

Cycling around such a big city can be quite daunting, especially if you’ve never visited London before. There are always plenty of cyclists on the roads and pathways so if you’re unsure of the proper procedure, just follow along and copy what they locals are doing.