From avoiding dodgy junctions to keeping your socks dry, here are 25 practical tips, tricks and commuting hacks for cycling around London.
Cycling in London is one of the best ways to experience the city. You can avoid overcrowded Tubes, discover interesting backstreets, stop for coffee whenever you fancy and occasionally experience the smug satisfaction of overtaking a queue of stationary traffic.
But let’s not pretend it’s always a relaxing ride through the park.
There are buses, black cabs, potholes, unpredictable weather, pedestrians glued to their phones and the occasional driver who seems genuinely surprised to encounter a bicycle on the road.
Whether you’re cycling to work, popping to the shops or just starting to explore London on two wheels, a few insider tips can make a huge difference.
At Goodordering, we’re big believers that cycling should be an everyday activity, not an extreme sport. You don’t need Lycra, a carbon-fibre bicycle or thighs like an Olympic cyclist to enjoy getting around town.
Here are 25 London cycling tips, safety tricks and commuting hacks to help make your journeys easier, safer and considerably more enjoyable.
PART 1: Planning Your Route – Work Smarter, Not Harder
1. The shortest route isn’t always the best route
One of the biggest mistakes new London cyclists make is automatically choosing the quickest route suggested by a navigation app.
The fastest journey might involve several busy junctions, a horrible roundabout and a particularly unpleasant stretch of road dominated by buses.
Sometimes adding five minutes to your journey can transform the entire experience.
Look for quieter residential streets, protected cycle lanes and routes through parks where cycling is permitted.
London cycling hack: When comparing routes, pay attention to the number of difficult junctions rather than just the distance. A slightly longer journey with fewer stressful crossings might actually feel much quicker.
2. Learn how to use London’s Cycleways
London has an extensive and growing network of cycling routes, including protected cycle tracks and quieter streets.
Many are marked with blue signs displaying a bicycle symbol and a route number, usually beginning with the letter C.
Transport for London’s TfL Go app is particularly useful because it shows the proportion of your journey that follows Cycleways, along with any hills you might encounter.
This is brilliant if you’re new to cycling in London or want to avoid particularly busy roads.
Remember that not every Cycleway is physically separated from traffic, so it’s still worth checking the route before heading out.
3. Practise your commute on a Sunday
If you’re planning to start cycling to work, here’s a simple trick.
Ride your proposed route on a quiet Sunday morning before attempting it during rush hour.
You’ll discover where the cycle lanes are, which junctions are confusing and where you need to position yourself.
You’ll also work out how long the journey takes without the pressure of being late for a meeting.
Think of it as a dress rehearsal, minus the costume.
Extra tip: Look for somewhere safe to lock your bicycle at your destination. There’s nothing worse than arriving at work on time and spending the next 15 minutes searching for a bike stand.
4. Don’t assume canal towpaths are always the perfect shortcut
London’s canals can offer some lovely traffic-free cycling, particularly around East London.
But they’re not always as convenient as they appear on a map.
Towpaths can be extremely narrow, slippery and crowded with pedestrians, dogs, pushchairs and people enjoying a leisurely stroll.
Some sections have poor lighting, awkward bridges or restrictions on cycling.
If you use a towpath, slow down, give pedestrians plenty of space and use your bell politely. Never expect people to jump out of your way.
And if you’re cycling home late at night, a well-lit street might be a better choice than an isolated stretch of canal.
5. Take advantage of free cycling lessons
Here’s something surprisingly few Londoners know about.
Many London boroughs offer free or subsidised adult cycle training.
You don’t have to be a complete beginner, either. Sessions can help experienced cyclists improve their confidence at difficult junctions, learn better road positioning and practise cycling in traffic.
Hackney Council, for example, offers free cycle training for people who live, work or study in the borough.
You can even arrange one-to-one sessions tailored to your experience.
It’s essentially a driving lesson for your bicycle, except hopefully nobody tells you to reverse around a corner.
PART 2: Cycling Safety – Surviving London’s Streets
6. Don’t cycle too close to the kerb
New cyclists often think they should ride as close to the pavement as possible to stay out of everyone’s way.
Unfortunately, this can actually make cycling more dangerous.
The edge of the road is often full of potholes, broken glass, drain covers and other obstacles.
Riding too close to the kerb also leaves you with very little room to manoeuvre if something unexpected happens.
The Highway Code advises cyclists on busy roads to remain at least half a metre from the kerb, and further away when necessary.
Remember: You’re entitled to use the road. You don’t have to squeeze yourself into the gutter.
7. Sometimes taking up more space is actually safer
This is one of the most useful things you can learn about urban cycling.
When approaching narrow roads, junctions or places where a car cannot safely overtake you, it can be safer to ride in the centre of your lane.
Cycling instructors call this the primary position.
It makes you more visible and discourages drivers from attempting to squeeze past when there isn’t enough space.
The Highway Code specifically recommends this positioning in certain situations.
Move towards the left when it becomes safe and appropriate to allow traffic to overtake.
It might initially feel intimidating, but predictable road positioning is generally safer than constantly weaving around obstacles.
8. Beware the dreaded car door
One of the classic hazards of city cycling is known as dooring.
This happens when someone opens a parked car door directly into the path of an approaching cyclist.
The consequences can be serious.
To reduce the risk, leave approximately one metre between yourself and parked vehicles wherever possible.
Pay particular attention to cars that have just stopped, taxis dropping off passengers and vehicles with people sitting inside.
London cycling hack: Watch for brake lights, passengers moving inside vehicles and people preparing to exit.
And remember that passengers can open doors on either side of a vehicle.
9. Watch out for vehicles turning left
You’re cycling along a road, approaching a junction, when a vehicle overtakes and then immediately turns left across your path.
This is sometimes called a left hook, and it’s an important hazard to recognise.
Look out for vehicles slowing down near junctions, even if they haven’t started indicating.
Avoid riding up the inside of vehicles that might be turning left.
Being legally entitled to continue straight ahead doesn’t guarantee that another road user has seen you.
The golden rule: Never assume someone knows you’re there simply because you can see them.
10. Give lorries and buses plenty of room
Large vehicles have significant blind spots, and their drivers may be unable to see cyclists immediately alongside them.
This is particularly dangerous at junctions.
One important thing to remember is that large vehicles sometimes move right before turning left because they need extra space to complete the manoeuvre.
If you’re approaching a stationary or slowly moving lorry, don’t automatically assume the gap on its left is safe.
It may be far better to wait behind it.
The Highway Code specifically warns cyclists to take great care when passing large vehicles, particularly near junctions.
No shortcut is worth putting yourself in that position.
11. Learn the two-stage right turn
Turning right across several lanes of London traffic can feel like an unnecessarily ambitious undertaking.
Fortunately, some junctions have special layouts allowing cyclists to turn right in two stages.
Instead of crossing traffic immediately, you ride straight ahead when permitted, stop in a designated waiting area, turn to face your intended direction and wait for the next green signal.
These are called two-stage turns.
They’re particularly useful at some larger junctions with dedicated cycling infrastructure.
Look out for the road markings and signs that identify them.
Even where this facility isn’t available, you can always choose to stop somewhere safe, dismount and walk your bicycle across using an appropriate pedestrian crossing.
There’s no prize for completing the most complicated right turn.
12. Understand the bicycle boxes at traffic lights
You’ll notice that many London junctions have large painted bicycle symbols in an area ahead of the main vehicle stop line.
These are called advanced stop lines, or ASLs.
They allow cyclists to position themselves ahead of other traffic while waiting at a red light.
This can improve visibility and help cyclists prepare for the junction.
However, there are rules.
Cyclists must not cross the final stop line when the lights are red. You cannot simply ride through a red light because there’s an empty bicycle box ahead.
Some junctions also have separate miniature traffic lights for cyclists, so pay attention to which signals apply to you.
13. Be careful around buses, bus lanes and bus stops
Most London bus lanes allow cyclists to use them, but always check the signs.
Buses make frequent stops and can pull in towards the kerb with relatively little warning.
Never try to squeeze between a bus and the kerb when it is stopped.
Some newer cycle routes run behind bus stops rather than alongside the road. These are known as bus stop bypasses.
They’re useful for separating bicycles from buses, but they also mean pedestrians may need to cross the cycle track to reach the bus stop.
Slow down, watch for people crossing and give way where required.
14. Remember that pedestrians are even more vulnerable than cyclists
Cyclists spend plenty of time complaining about inconsiderate drivers, but we should remember that pedestrians deserve exactly the same consideration from us.
London is full of people stepping off pavements while looking at their phones, children suddenly changing direction and tourists wandering into cycle lanes.
Slow down around busy pedestrian areas and be prepared to stop.
Give particular consideration to older people, children and people with disabilities.
Remember that some people may not hear your bell.
And despite what you might occasionally witness, ordinary pavements are not an extension of London’s cycling network.
Cycling on pavements is prohibited unless the route is specifically designated for shared use.
15. Never be embarrassed to get off and walk
Sometimes the safest cycling technique is simply getting off your bicycle.
There are junctions in London that even experienced cyclists find unpleasant.
If you’re uncomfortable crossing a busy road, navigating a complicated roundabout or riding through a congested area, find somewhere safe to stop and walk.
You can still use the pavement while pushing your bicycle, provided you’re considerate of pedestrians.
It’s not cheating.
In fact, recognising when something feels unsafe and choosing an alternative is an important part of becoming a confident city cyclist.
PART 3: Clever Cycling to Work Hacks
16. Get your bag off your back
Anyone who has cycled to work carrying a heavy backpack will be familiar with the dreaded sweaty back.
Even on a relatively cool day, a backpack can trap heat and leave you arriving at work feeling as though you’ve just completed a spin class.
One of the easiest solutions is to let your bicycle carry your belongings.
A rear pannier rack and pannier bag can make everyday commuting much more comfortable.
They’re also incredibly useful for carrying shopping, laptops, gym clothes and everything else that seems to accumulate throughout the day.
At Goodordering, we’re particularly fond of bags that work both on and off the bicycle, so you don’t have to choose between a practical pannier and something you actually want to carry into a café.
Bonus hack: Always check that your pannier is securely attached and that any loose straps are tucked away from the wheels before setting off.
17. Keep an emergency wardrobe at work
This is one of the simplest ways to make cycle commuting easier.
Instead of transporting your entire wardrobe backwards and forwards every day, leave a few essentials at work.
A spare T-shirt, clean socks, underwear, deodorant and a pair of shoes can be lifesavers.
Particularly after an unexpected downpour.
A spare pair of socks deserves special recognition here.
There’s something uniquely miserable about sitting at a desk all morning with wet feet.
London cycling hack: Keep a small bag of emergency clothes at work and replace items as you use them. It’s also worth leaving a towel somewhere if you have the space.
18. Cycle more slowly and arrive less sweaty
Not every bicycle journey needs to be a personal best.
One of the great things about urban cycling is that you can treat it as transport rather than exercise.
If you’re cycling to work and don’t have access to a shower, try leaving slightly earlier and riding at a comfortable pace.
Avoid wearing too many layers, particularly during the colder months when it’s tempting to dress as though you’re climbing Everest.
You’ll warm up quickly once you start moving.
Choose breathable clothing and remember that carrying luggage on your bicycle instead of your back can help keep you cooler.
Arriving five minutes earlier also gives you a chance to cool down before heading into work.
19. Mudguards might be the most underrated cycling accessory
There’s a particular type of London rain that leaves the roads filthy even after the sky has cleared.
You head out wearing perfectly respectable clothes and arrive at your destination with a spectacular stripe of muddy water up your back.
The culprit?
No mudguards.
Full-length mudguards can make an enormous difference to everyday commuting, especially if you like cycling in normal clothes.
They help prevent water and road dirt from spraying onto your clothes and belongings.
They’re not particularly glamorous, but neither is walking into a meeting looking as though you’ve been attacked by a muddy skunk.
20. Carry a tiny emergency cycling kit
You don’t need to carry an entire bicycle workshop around London.
But a few small items can save you from a very inconvenient walk home.
A basic puncture repair kit or spare inner tube, tyre levers, a mini pump and a multitool are useful additions to a commuting bag.
A disposable glove or small reusable cloth is handy if you need to put your chain back on.
Learning how to repair a puncture is one of those skills that seems intimidating until you’ve done it once or twice.
Extra hack: Save the location of a reliable bicycle repair shop near your workplace and another near home.
Knowing where to go when something breaks can be almost as useful as carrying the tools yourself.
PART 4: Riding in London’s Glorious Weather
21. Get used to cycling in the rain
London weather has a special talent for changing dramatically between breakfast and lunchtime.
Fortunately, cycling in the rain doesn’t have to be miserable.
A decent waterproof jacket, mudguards and somewhere dry to store your belongings can make a huge difference.
Water-resistant bags are useful for light showers, but if you’re carrying a laptop or other electronics, consider using an additional waterproof sleeve or dry bag.
Be particularly careful around metal drain covers, road markings and wet leaves, which can become slippery.
Allow extra braking distance and avoid sudden turns.
And don’t underestimate how much more pleasant cycling can be when you’re properly prepared.
There’s something strangely satisfying about riding through the rain while everyone else is waiting for a delayed bus.
22. Don’t underestimate cycling in the dark
During the winter, many London commuters travel to and from work in darkness.
UK law requires bicycles ridden between sunset and sunrise to have a working white front light and red rear light, together with the required reflectors.
Make sure your lights are charged and properly attached.
Carrying a small spare set can be extremely useful, particularly if you occasionally forget to charge your main lights.
Reflective details on your clothing, bag or bicycle can also help other road users see you.
London cycling hack: Don’t rely entirely on street lighting. Even brightly illuminated roads can have dark sections, unexpected shadows and poorly lit junctions.
A properly fitted helmet is also recommended by the Highway Code, although wearing one is not a general legal requirement for cyclists in the UK.
23. The weather forecast isn’t always enough
Most people check whether it’s going to rain before heading out.
But for cyclists, the temperature, wind and condition of the roads can be just as important.
Strong headwinds can make a perfectly ordinary commute feel much harder.
Cold weather can affect your hands, particularly if you’re using exposed brake levers.
And wet leaves, frost and icy patches can make cycling hazardous even when it isn’t raining.
Keep a pair of gloves somewhere accessible and dress in layers that you can easily remove.
If the roads are icy and you don’t have suitable tyres or experience, consider an alternative way to travel.
Extra hack: Check the wind direction before leaving. A lovely effortless journey to work might be followed by a rather more energetic journey home.
PART 5: Keeping Your Bicycle (and Your Sanity)
24. Learn how to lock your bicycle properly
Unfortunately, bicycle theft is a genuine concern for London cyclists.
A good lock is essential, but how you use it is just as important.
The Metropolitan Police recommends using two good-quality locks, ideally of different types, with at least one D-lock.
Secure the bicycle frame and both wheels to a solid, immovable object.
Check that the bike stand is properly fixed to the ground and hasn’t been damaged or tampered with.
Remove easily detachable accessories, including lights, and avoid leaving expensive bicycles unattended for extended periods where possible.
It’s also worth recording your bicycle’s frame number, taking photographs and registering it with an approved bicycle registration scheme.
London cycling hack: Before locking your bicycle to a street sign or railing, check that it’s actually secure. Some objects can be lifted out of the ground or dismantled surprisingly easily.
The Metropolitan Police’s bicycle security advice is well worth reading if you regularly park your bicycle around London.
25. Remember to enjoy the journey
It’s easy to become completely focused on getting from A to B.
But one of the best things about cycling around London is discovering the city in a completely different way.
You notice independent shops, interesting buildings, street art, small parks and cafés that you’d never normally see from a bus or Tube carriage.
Try taking a different route home occasionally.
Stop for a coffee.
Explore a street you’ve never been down.
Ride through a neighbourhood you don’t know particularly well.
And remember that you don’t need to cycle every day for it to be worthwhile.
Even replacing one or two journeys a week with a bicycle ride can be a great start.
The best cycling hack of all? Make it something you genuinely look forward to, rather than another chore on your to-do list.
Final Thoughts: London Is Better by Bicycle
Cycling around London can seem intimidating at first, but with a little preparation and experience, it can become one of the most enjoyable ways to travel around the city.
Learning how to position yourself safely on the road, discovering quieter cycling routes and finding a comfortable way to carry your belongings can make an enormous difference.
You don’t need an expensive bicycle, specialist cycling clothes or an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Highway Code to get started. Although familiarising yourself with the rules is definitely recommended!
Start with shorter journeys, build your confidence and remember that every cyclist was a beginner once.
At Goodordering, we design everyday bags and accessories with urban life in mind. Our cycling bags are designed to make getting around the city easier, whether you’re commuting to work, carrying your laptop, shopping or heading out for a weekend adventure.
Because we believe cycling should be practical, accessible and, most importantly, fun.
And if you have a favourite London cycling hack that we’ve missed, we’d love to hear it. Particularly if it involves avoiding terrible junctions, finding excellent coffee or keeping your feet dry.
Happy cycling! 🚲
