Bike Rides

Status:	Active, full but can join waiting list
Convenor:	Bike Rides Convenor
When:	Fortnightly mornings Tuesdays or Friday

Click on the link above to contact the convenor

The decision has been made to close the Group to new members.
There is the opportunity for the formation of a second group under a Group Convenor.
Please contact the D & D Group Coordinators to register an interest in leading, or in joining a new group.

“If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together”

WHAT DO WE DO? Enjoy rides varying between 15 and 25 miles / from 3 to 5 hours, on bikes and e-bikes
DETAILS? Members on the mailing list will receive regular e-mail updates on future rides. Please contact the Convenor if you wish to leave the list.
All members receive a Ride notice about 10 days in advance and this includes registration instructions.

THE RIDES are mostly flat, on minor roads, Cycleways, along canal paths, in parks, sometimes bus lanes, to local and more distant destinations. Rides includes refreshment/comfort stops, and time to just chat! Some trips may use train travel, usually within the Freedom Pass network at off-peak times.
For new, or lapsed, cyclists short introductory rides can be arranged as "tasters", so it's a good way to get back into cycling and gain confidence on two wheels again.
Have you read Section 66 of the Highway Code recently (see below)?

THE GROUP has increased in numbers over the year with over 50 members, and typically twelve to sixteen on each ride. We ride in groups of 8 or fewer. We have had many great times with friendships formed.
Members of the Bike Team continue to search out new routes for the Group members to enjoy. Recce rides ensure that routes are optimised for safety and interest, and members of the Team are familiar with the route.
Tab down to read about our rides.

DATES FOR YOUR 2026 DIARY
Tuesday 9 June – MILLWALL DOCKS
Tuesday 16 June - BARBICAN, LONDON FIELDS & COPPERMILL PARK
Friday 3 July - BOSTON MANOR

PREPARING FOR A RIDE, please see below

Here are some photos taken as we set out for a ride from Brockwell Park, off to Fulham Palace in September 2025......

RIDES COMPLETED IN 2026

10. HENRY MOORE - Tuesday 19 May
A cycle-only route with stops to view sculptures. Some parts will be on foot through pedestrian-only areas.
Henry Moore is one of Britain’s most celebrated sculptors. London, where he both studied and worked, holds a particularly significant collection.
Of the dozen or so sites in London, we will visit those in: Kennington, Millbank, Chelsea College of Arts, Kensington Gardens and Battersea Park.
See: Moore sculptures in London
For a report of the trip click on this link. Henry Moore Trail

9. FIVE CATHEDRALS AND AN ABBEY - Friday 8 May
A ride to six of the Cathedrals of London on quiet roads or small sections of busy roads with designated cycle lanes. 19 miles and very flat . If you wish to pop into the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, women will need a headscarf. If you prefer not to , it is possible to look in through the doorway. Coffee and lunch in ‘theme-appropriate’ venues: St John’s Smith Square and the Salvation Army café near St Paul’s.
For a report of the trip click on this link. London Cathedrals.

8. RICHMOND PARK AND ISOBELLA PLANTATION - Tuesday 21 April
Cycle via Clapham and Wandsworth Common, St George’s Park, Roehampton to Roehampton Gate entrance to Richmond Park; Isabella Plantation. Explore Isabella Plantation (ca one hour, azaleas should be in bloom); exit via Ham Gate; Ham Common; Teddington Lock and Weir; lunch at The Anglers. Return via Teddington Station to Clapham Junction / Vauxhall.
For a report of the trip click on this link: Richmond Park and Isobella Plantation

7. BOAT RACE ROUTE - Friday 10 April Ride to Putney where the Boat Race starts, follow towpath to Chiswick Bridge. Back on opposite riverside. Quiet roads or small sections on busy rides with designated cycle lanes, towpath. About 23 miles, largely flat.
For a report of the trip click on this link: Boat race

6. PASSMORE EDWARDS ROUTE - Tuesday 24 March
John Passmore Edwards was a late 19^th century philanthropist who financed the building of nine distinctive public buildings in London. Five are south of the river and this outing takes us to them.
For a report of the trip click on this link: Passmore Edwards

5. SURREY DOCKS AND BERMONDSEY - Friday 13 March
To Greenwich via Peckham, Burgess Park, Folkestone Gardens and Deptford. Follow the Thames Path around the Rotherhithe Peninsula, Salt Quay, Brunel Museum, the Mayflower Pub, King Edward III Manor House (ruins), Salter statues.
For a report of the trip click on this link: Surrey Commercial Docks

4. WATERLINK WAY AND GREENWICH - Tuesday 24 February
From Dulwich Park to Camberwell New Cemetery to join the Waterlink Way through Ladywell, Lewisham and on to Greenwich. The return is along the Thames path passing by Greenland Dock to Canada Water, then to Southwark Park and to Burgess Park, then via the Surrey Canal Path to Peckham Rye and back to Dulwich Park.
For a report of the trip click on this link: Waterlink Way

3. THE LONDON LIGHTHOUSE / TRINITY BUOY- Tuesday 17 February
Quiet roads via Tower Bridge to St Katharine Docks for coffee and then through Wapping and on to the Bow River and London Lighthouse / Trinity Buoy for lunch. Route back via East India Dock basin, Canary Wharf (West India Quay) and Super Cycle Highway to return via Blackfriars.
For a report of the trip click on this link: Trinity Light / London Lighthouse

2. MORDEN HALL PARK - Friday 13 February
Ride to Wimbledon, Morden Hall Park, back along River Wandle. Quiet roads, short sections on busier roads, paths through parks, a stretch of walking in a park. About 18 miles. Largely flat, a few steady inclines.
For a report of the trip click on this link: Morden Hall Park

1. BURGESS PARK EXPLORED - Friday 16 January:
A short ride open to all, but which will suit those who are less experienced, or who are just returning to cycling. A much-loved park frequently visited by us on route to further destinations but not often explored. We will look for some interesting features of the park, evidence of its industrial and cultural past --- including three houses that are to be found beside the lake
For a report of the trip click on this link: Burgess Park

RIDES COMPLETED IN 2025:
For earliier rides, tab down and click on 2025 Bike Group Rides.

PREPARING FOR A RIDE
Ensure your bike is road-ready with the ABC check = AIR (tyre pressure correct); BRAKES (in working order); CHAIN and gears.
Bring with you:
• Hi-vis vest and cycle helmet; for safety these are to be worn while riding
• Freedom Pass
• Mobile phone, charged, with contact number for the Ride Leader(s)
• Face mask (optional)
• Water
• Working lights on the bike
• A spare inner tube for your wheel size (optional)
• Packed lunch (optional)
Please note that by signing up for a ride, members agree to comply with the Guidance Notes issued.

SENSIBLE PRECAUTIONS. It is recommended that Riders:
(1) attach a label to their helmet with details of someone to be contacted in an emergency, and
(2) designate someone on their phone as an emergency contact; this information (only) can be accessed by the ride leader, if needed.

Please note that during the ride photographs may be taken for inclusion as “thumbnails” in a report of the event, for posting on the U3A website. If you do not wish to appear in a photograph please contact the Convenor privately.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:
* TfL has announced that as of Monday 31 March 2025 non-folding e-bikes are not allowed on most TfL services, including the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR.
* The western end of the Greenway is now closed until 2028 due to work being carried out by Thames Water.
* There is now a list of London Cycleways available: London Cycleways

EXERCISE IN OLDER PEOPLE: How exercise in old age prevents the immune system from declining.
If you did not see this BBC article, it's worth reading! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-43308729

USEFUL CYCLING TIPS
1. For anyone wanting a useful App to find a cycle route in London, try CycleStreets.
2. Keep your tyres fully inflated. It saves punctures, and also makes for easier riding. Make sure you know the recommended tyre pressure - it's on the tyre, or ask at any cycle shop.
3. Carry a spare inner tube for your bike. Not all bike shops carry all sizes.
4. You can now report pot-holes on the Cycling UK website: https://www.cyclinguk.org/campaign/fill-hole

HIGHWAY CODE The Highway Code was updated in 2022 with a section for cyclists. Rule 66 is particularly relevant.
You should:
- avoid any actions that could reduce your control of your cycle
- be considerate of the needs of other road users when riding in groups. You can ride two abreast and it can be safer to do so, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders. Be aware of drivers behind you and allow them to overtake (for example, by moving into single file or stopping) when you feel it is safe to let them do so.
- not ride close behind another vehicle in case it stops suddenly
- not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain
- be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians, and horse riders (see Rule H1). Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by calling out or ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted.
The Highway Code is available on-line at Highway Code

John Clements, Group Convenor. Updated: May 2026

RIDE REPORTS FROM EARLIER YEARS:

OTHER LINKS: