I used to think that the famous "Bow Bells" came from Bow Church, that you passed by, (when in fact they refer to the bells at St Mary le Bow, near St Pauls.)
Another nice video and it is good to see a sunny London day in these freezing January days. Also, I really like it when you give information about the area, buildings, train lines you pass and bridges and underpasses. One thing I think you missed in this video is the Green Bridge on Mile End Road. I did not know it existed but when I saw the shape of it in the video I checked what it is. I think there aren't many green bridges in UK and it's always interesting to see them. Many thanks for the video!..
Really love the channel and video! As a repeat tourist who brings my own bike I've really enjoyed what London has as far as cycling infrastructure. I've also cycled in the Netherlands so I know what the 'gold standard' is but still found London impressive compared to North America. As nerdy as it may sound, they say a good portion of the pleasure from an upcoming holiday comes from the anticipation/research. Your channel provides a good framework. A few months ago I stayed near Farringdon Rd and was confused when I tried the junction from SB Farringdon onto C3. Nice to know it works both directions also. My Beeline device was of no help so I ended up turning right prematurely then left, carrying the bike down to the Thames path. Maybe I'll load some of your GPX files for other routes for next time or consult the CycleStreets routes. Looking forward to that feeling of speeding through Central in the middle of a pack of commuters. Cheers!
Thanks so much for the lovely comment - I totally know what you mean about planning I am the same! That section of C3 is quite confusing I agree, I wish they’d just run it up the road in both directions it would be more legible for everyone
I have been to London many times but never using a bike - whose idea at first glance looked frightening. I find this channel invaluable in researching relatively safe routes to common areas. I have loaded a few GPX routes into my Komoot for future reference!, and will be trying some out in August!
Such a contrast between West and East. Aside from the Grand Union Canal, no real quiet way to cycle in/out of Central London. Great video as always. We sure do miss those lovely sunny days!
The turn into Vauxhall park can be made easier by turning left straight after the tunnel (before the pub) and either cycling round the back of the pub (have to bump up a curb) to join the route or along the road a little to the next entrance to the park (with a drop curb).
Yes good shout, I sometimes go this way instead - as you say in the opposite direction the issue is the dropped kerb and also crossing the cycle track on a bit of a blind corner for people coming from Vauxhall bridge (if you’re going that way)
My commute includes the full length of C2 and I'd say there's four really dangerous parts going East where you need to be paying full attention. The first is Whitechapel market as you mentioned. The second is passing Bow Church. It's only a painted lane as you come around the left hand bend before the church and cars frequently cut the corner across the cycle lane. You can see an example in this video at 17:45 where the white car comes past you and is mostly in the cycle lane as it passes the traffic lights. I had a bus driver do this to me once which was frankly terrifying. The third point is Bow flyover / roundabout but as you say that's ok as long as you obey all the traffic lights. The last danger point isn't in your video. Where you turn left at 20:27, I go right towards Romford Road with Stratford Centre on my left. The cycle lane there separates from the road and goes through a pedestrian area for a bit. There's always people in the cycle lane, crossing without looking etc. I find it's easier to think of that section as a shared path rather than my own safe lane because you've got to go slow and prepare to stop. I can't be the only frequent user of this route who knows about these hotspots! It'd be nice to see Tower Hamlets and Newham address some of them.
Really useful knowledge! Great point about the white car - it’s funny how things that look like random events in a video like this can actually be systemic problems that are repeated thousands of times a day. Glad I managed to clock a couple of the issues you identify as well as am only an occasional C2 user. I totally agree that C2 needs some attention to fix the most dangerous bits - sadly a lot of it is in Tower Hamlets which is basically doing nothing at the moment
There's a fifth hazard on that final stretch of C2 which you can also see examples of in the video: Deliveroo/UberEats/Just Eat delivery riders coming at you head-on, going the wrong way down the cycleway.
Used to be a frequent user of C2 and I totally agree with what @AlexSmith9 said. Sadly, seeing how the council handled the liveable streets in Tower Hamlets, I am not sure if we can see any significant improvements in the Whitechapel bit in the near future
The part east of Stratford is a disgrace, Newham are going to put a cycle Lane in on Romford Road but do nothing about that part which narrows just after Stratford. Joke
@@lukei1 Yes it's shocking isn't it. You go from a wide segregated lane to nothing at all right at the pinch point at the traffic lights. Then you're lucky to get 50cm of painted gutter with someone parked in it as 'infrastructure' along Romford Road.
*I've been lookin to explore Vauxhall once the weather improved so this is exactly what I was lookin for since I'm always ridin through Stratford* 🤙🏼👌🏼👌🏼🤙🏼
Yes it does officially! It’s also gone to Kings Cross for ages- I meant the particular stretch of protected lanes as far as Farringdon but clearly got muddled up!
On your round-up at the end of the video, when you list the cycle lanes/routes used, could you highlight / anotate their contributions to the total blue route? We could then see how they fit together.
Nice to see how these routes link up. I’ve used the Mansell street section quite a bit and like it. It shows how simple quick changes can make big difference. Agree about C2, I haven’t gone along it’s full length that often before until the other week when I decided to do a circular ride from my home in Charlton out along C4, over Tower bridge then followed your route along C3 then cut right onto Q22 (the Greenway) back towards North Woolwich (then foot tunnel and C33 back home). Parts of C2 just felt unfinished and really patchy.
I'm not too sure why the bike lane doesn't use the empty space in the tunnel for cars on Upper Thames Street, as there's some protected-lookimg lane there that only gets used when Castle Baynard Street has issues.
A great route however personally I would skip the part to blackfries bridge. What I would do is is use the side roads from Vauxhall to Waterloo (it is slightly windy) however from Waterloo to blackfires bridge there is a one way path system used mostly for fans and delivery trucks for events at the national theatre. Atleast that for me seems slightly quicker
Ah yes, Upper Ground - which has now been filtered in the last few months as well so is generally very quiet most of the time (except theatre cab rank time). Since those filters went in I’ve been meaning to make a video up there
@@Londoncycleroutes If it's been filtered, I should say I used to commute via Upper Ground about a year ago. I found it pretty quiet then (though you would get the odd taxi doing strange things) so it's probably even better now.
it's very time variable - sometimes there are large numbers of Home Counties people arriving in taxis, especially if there's a theatre on. also can be construction traffic due to the two large building sites. but it's definitely usable especially after filtering@@liamness
It’s possible but at the moment tricky - you have to dismount in the Greenwich foot tunnel. There were plans for cycle lane connecting C2 down to the Isle of Dogs which would have made it a bit better but Tower Hamlets has stopped it basically
I've been looking to get into cycling but was too scared - these routes are a life safer thank you !
I’m very pleased, that’s why I do the videos! Good luck and enjoy
1:47 looks like a render that a development company puts out to show how walkable and open their new space is 👌
It really does! Makes such a difference
I liked the cycle lane near Stratford with the trees all the way long!!
I wish all London had those cycle lanes
Yes it needs to be more widespread
I used to think that the famous "Bow Bells" came from Bow Church, that you passed by, (when in fact they refer to the bells at St Mary le Bow, near St Pauls.)
I nearly mentioned this common belief in the voiceover but it got cut!
Another nice video and it is good to see a sunny London day in these freezing January days. Also, I really like it when you give information about the area, buildings, train lines you pass and bridges and underpasses. One thing I think you missed in this video is the Green Bridge on Mile End Road. I did not know it existed but when I saw the shape of it in the video I checked what it is. I think there aren't many green bridges in UK and it's always interesting to see them. Many thanks for the video!..
That’s very cool i didn’t know about that! Will mention it in future videos - thanks for bringing to my attention.
Spot on about your social media cycle routes!! Superb!!! Thank you very much!!! 👍👍👍👍
Thanks for watching!
Really love the channel and video! As a repeat tourist who brings my own bike I've really enjoyed what London has as far as cycling infrastructure. I've also cycled in the Netherlands so I know what the 'gold standard' is but still found London impressive compared to North America. As nerdy as it may sound, they say a good portion of the pleasure from an upcoming holiday comes from the anticipation/research. Your channel provides a good framework. A few months ago I stayed near Farringdon Rd and was confused when I tried the junction from SB Farringdon onto C3. Nice to know it works both directions also. My Beeline device was of no help so I ended up turning right prematurely then left, carrying the bike down to the Thames path. Maybe I'll load some of your GPX files for other routes for next time or consult the CycleStreets routes. Looking forward to that feeling of speeding through Central in the middle of a pack of commuters. Cheers!
Thanks so much for the lovely comment - I totally know what you mean about planning I am the same! That section of C3 is quite confusing I agree, I wish they’d just run it up the road in both directions it would be more legible for everyone
I have been to London many times but never using a bike - whose idea at first glance looked frightening. I find this channel invaluable in researching relatively safe routes to common areas. I have loaded a few GPX routes into my Komoot for future reference!, and will be trying some out in August!
Another great video & a nice long route! 👍🙂
It's great to see infrastructure improvements so that you can do these cross city journeys!! 👏
Thank you and yes i love how it’s all starting to connect up!
Such a contrast between West and East. Aside from the Grand Union Canal, no real quiet way to cycle in/out of Central London. Great video as always. We sure do miss those lovely sunny days!
Yeah the western boroughs really need to get their act together, it’s getting silly
Loved it! London (mind you that was Summer) is looking very inviting.
It’s making me miss summer!
I've done this route towards stratford numerous times, but never seen the bow church! Thanks for pointing out
Glad I could add something!
The turn into Vauxhall park can be made easier by turning left straight after the tunnel (before the pub) and either cycling round the back of the pub (have to bump up a curb) to join the route or along the road a little to the next entrance to the park (with a drop curb).
Yes good shout, I sometimes go this way instead - as you say in the opposite direction the issue is the dropped kerb and also crossing the cycle track on a bit of a blind corner for people coming from Vauxhall bridge (if you’re going that way)
My commute includes the full length of C2 and I'd say there's four really dangerous parts going East where you need to be paying full attention.
The first is Whitechapel market as you mentioned. The second is passing Bow Church. It's only a painted lane as you come around the left hand bend before the church and cars frequently cut the corner across the cycle lane. You can see an example in this video at 17:45 where the white car comes past you and is mostly in the cycle lane as it passes the traffic lights. I had a bus driver do this to me once which was frankly terrifying.
The third point is Bow flyover / roundabout but as you say that's ok as long as you obey all the traffic lights.
The last danger point isn't in your video. Where you turn left at 20:27, I go right towards Romford Road with Stratford Centre on my left. The cycle lane there separates from the road and goes through a pedestrian area for a bit. There's always people in the cycle lane, crossing without looking etc. I find it's easier to think of that section as a shared path rather than my own safe lane because you've got to go slow and prepare to stop.
I can't be the only frequent user of this route who knows about these hotspots! It'd be nice to see Tower Hamlets and Newham address some of them.
Really useful knowledge! Great point about the white car - it’s funny how things that look like random events in a video like this can actually be systemic problems that are repeated thousands of times a day. Glad I managed to clock a couple of the issues you identify as well as am only an occasional C2 user. I totally agree that C2 needs some attention to fix the most dangerous bits - sadly a lot of it is in Tower Hamlets which is basically doing nothing at the moment
There's a fifth hazard on that final stretch of C2 which you can also see examples of in the video: Deliveroo/UberEats/Just Eat delivery riders coming at you head-on, going the wrong way down the cycleway.
Used to be a frequent user of C2 and I totally agree with what @AlexSmith9 said.
Sadly, seeing how the council handled the liveable streets in Tower Hamlets, I am not sure if we can see any significant improvements in the Whitechapel bit in the near future
The part east of Stratford is a disgrace, Newham are going to put a cycle Lane in on Romford Road but do nothing about that part which narrows just after Stratford. Joke
@@lukei1 Yes it's shocking isn't it. You go from a wide segregated lane to nothing at all right at the pinch point at the traffic lights. Then you're lucky to get 50cm of painted gutter with someone parked in it as 'infrastructure' along Romford Road.
Great route. More longer routes please!
I prefer them too, when I find the time I try to do them! The edit and voiceover takes quite a while for longer ones
Thanks for showing how to get from C3 to C2, that cycle gate at the top of Mansell Road always trips me up!
It’s not the most intuitive!
*I've been lookin to explore Vauxhall once the weather improved so this is exactly what I was lookin for since I'm always ridin through Stratford*
🤙🏼👌🏼👌🏼🤙🏼
Nice one, thanks for watching as always!
5:09 I swear C6 goes to chalk farm now right?
anyway great video as usual!
Yes it does officially! It’s also gone to Kings Cross for ages- I meant the particular stretch of protected lanes as far as Farringdon but clearly got muddled up!
@@Londoncycleroutes ah alr, it does go on some back streets after that 😂
Looks like this was done on weekend.🤞
It’s been a while since I shot it but I think you’re right it was a weekend!
@@Londoncycleroutes Yeah, empty streets,light of roadkill(cars)👀👍
On your round-up at the end of the video, when you list the cycle lanes/routes used, could you highlight / anotate their contributions to the total blue route? We could then see how they fit together.
A good idea! For this one you could check the Safe Cycle London map linked in the description - highly recommended!
Nice to see how these routes link up. I’ve used the Mansell street section quite a bit and like it. It shows how simple quick changes can make big difference. Agree about C2, I haven’t gone along it’s full length that often before until the other week when I decided to do a circular ride from my home in Charlton out along C4, over Tower bridge then followed your route along C3 then cut right onto Q22 (the Greenway) back towards North Woolwich (then foot tunnel and C33 back home). Parts of C2 just felt unfinished and really patchy.
Yeah there’s something about C2 that just isn’t great. It’s not as bad as CS7 which I tend not to use in videos) - but as you say, unfinished
@@Londoncycleroutes CS7 is awful!
Great work mate!
Cheers!
A classic McDonald's building design right before the Bow Flyover!!
Haha yes it’s definitely a classic, if not a favourite 😅
@@Londoncycleroutes Here is the USA, they practically got rid of the classic design at most McD's 😮
@@shckg i didn’t know this!
Thanks
Thanks very much Tim!
You're welcome. Thanks for all your videos it's a.great resource.
I'm not too sure why the bike lane doesn't use the empty space in the tunnel for cars on Upper Thames Street, as there's some protected-lookimg lane there that only gets used when Castle Baynard Street has issues.
Air quality I think - they judged it a bit more pleasant than being in with the car emissions- I tend to agree tbh!
love your videos mate thank you. Do you have the camera on your helmet or chest or neither?
Thank you! I mount the camera on the handlebars
@Londoncycleroutes OK good to know that you 😁
A great route however personally I would skip the part to blackfries bridge. What I would do is is use the side roads from Vauxhall to Waterloo (it is slightly windy) however from Waterloo to blackfires bridge there is a one way path system used mostly for fans and delivery trucks for events at the national theatre.
Atleast that for me seems slightly quicker
Ah yes, Upper Ground - which has now been filtered in the last few months as well so is generally very quiet most of the time (except theatre cab rank time). Since those filters went in I’ve been meaning to make a video up there
@@Londoncycleroutes If it's been filtered, I should say I used to commute via Upper Ground about a year ago. I found it pretty quiet then (though you would get the odd taxi doing strange things) so it's probably even better now.
it's very time variable - sometimes there are large numbers of Home Counties people arriving in taxis, especially if there's a theatre on. also can be construction traffic due to the two large building sites. but it's definitely usable especially after filtering@@liamness
Just a curiosity: Is Stratford to Greenwich possible on a bicycle? Isn't there a cycle path under the Thames? A trip worth exploring?
It’s possible but at the moment tricky - you have to dismount in the Greenwich foot tunnel. There were plans for cycle lane connecting C2 down to the Isle of Dogs which would have made it a bit better but Tower Hamlets has stopped it basically
5:10 where did the clouds come from?
Haha very well spotted! I re-recorded the first section, I didn’t like my original footage of that section. I filmed this on two consecutive days
@@Londoncycleroutes The first section looks really good.
19:23: i HATE when they doing this. I don't give them a way.
It’s annoying - it becomes a problem on routes like this when there are big roads it’s hard to cross I think