Route planning help: Paddington to Canary Wharf

Rach E

I've been commuting from Paddington to Trafalgar Square for a few years now on my brommie, but a new job means I'm now going to have to cycle to Canary Wharf everyday (an extra 5 miles each way).

Would someone be able to give me some route advice for Paddington to Canary Wharf? Also, how long is it likely to take? I don't mind cycling on busy, major roads (with the exception of huge dual carriageways!).

Gussio

https://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/roadusers/cy ... efault.asp

Hi Rach - TFL journey planner would be a good start. Enjoy the new commute!

el_presidente

There are a few ways, personal preference really

could do your current route to trafalgar Sq, then Embankment / Lower thames St / Narrow St etc & through Wapping to the Wharf

Or stay north Euston Rd / Pentonville Rd / City Rd / Bethnal Green and cut through

TheBoyBilly

Is it not possible via mainly canal paths, e.g. Grand Union and Regents canals?

Mr_Cellophane

TheBoyBilly wrote:

Is it not possible via mainly canal paths, e.g. Grand Union and Regents canals?

Not really as the tunnel forces you to go round the Angel which, IMO, isn't a very safe place to cycle. Also the area around Camden Market will slow you down.

richardast

I'd go Inner ring road-->Commercial St-->Commercial Rd.

Holborn and the City is probably prettier, but the ring road has less traffic lights and less traffic coming in and out of side streets.
Don't be tempted by the Cable St cycle path - it's got a crappy surface and interfaces dangerously with the road (which is one way for motor traffic). Stick to Commercial Rd for the last stretch.

Enjoy!

mailmannz

Couldnt you do your normal route to Trafalgar, then head up Embankment and then go down the dedicated cycle track down cable street, which comes out the arse end of Canary Wharf?

Mailman

Rach E

Thank you all! There's some food for thought there - I'll probably try them all and see how I get on.

I'm tried the TFL journey planner already, and it gives such a windy route down the back streets (which are no doubt littered with traffic lights) I'm sure there are quicker ways...

The Cable Street cycleway sounds good though - I don't know it at all so I'll look it up...

richardast

I would honestly avoid Cable St.
If you must use it, just be really careful until you know it well. There are loads of sidestreets - some of them you have to give way, others you don't. Even on the streets where you don't have to give way, bear in mind that most of the car drivers don't realise the cycle path is 2 way (it's one way for cars) and won't necessarily look in your direction before pulling out.
I have been aware of several car vs bike collisions there over the years.
Commercial Road has a bus lane and you can time the traffic lights to avoid too much stopping - I find it quicker and use it most days.

TheBoyBilly

I looked at the TfL recommended route and, to be honest, it looks bl**dy dangerous! It just goes to show that there's a lot of work to be done before London can be classed as a "Cycle-friendly" city.

mailmannz

Well Ive been using it every day for the the last 6 months without incident!

Ive also biked down Commercial Road and really dont like using the same road that big feck off trucks and buses use!

I like cable street because it is quiet and it only has one set of traffic lights to deal with!

Mailman