Cycling in London
The City can feel like a mad maze – but once you’ve cracked the code, it’s surprisingly smooth to navigate London town by bike. See what cycling apps to use, where you can take your bicycle on the tube, and which ones are the best commuter bikes.
Finding the Routes
Cycling The Big Smoke is all about avoiding the hairy bits. I like using Komoot to map custom rides, especially if I’m avoiding traffic. Citymapper’s cycle mode is great too—it shows bike-share points and elevation. And if you want real-world insight, Ride with GPS or Strava heatmaps is great – you’re basically following the most-used commuter paths. Be confident when you ride and always wear your helmet. It might not look cool but it’s better than being injured or worse.
London has seen a huge boom in people cycling. People can take different types of cycles on public transport.
Bike + Tube: the London Commuter Combo
Folded Bikes (including folding e-bikes)
Allowed any time across pretty much all TfL services, including the Tube, Overground, DLR, Elizabeth Line, and buses – though some bus drivers may refuse if it’s crowded.
Non-folding Bikes
Allowed only off-peak (Mon–Fri before 07:30, 09:30–16:00, and after 19:00; and any time weekends/bank holidays)
My Journey with TfL
Learn more about taking cycles on public transport in London.
Which Lines are Bike-Friendly Off-Peak?
Sub-surface Tube Lines
Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan – anywhere on these lines
Partially above-ground Lines
Bakerloo: between Queen’s Park ↔ Harrow & Wealdstone
Central: between White City ↔ West Ruislip/Ealing Broadway, and Leyton ↔ Epping/Newbury Park ↔ Hainault
Jubilee: between Finchley Road ↔ Stanmore, and Canning Town ↔ Stratford
Northern: zones like Golders Green ↔ Hendon Central, Colindale ↔ Edgware, East Finchley ↔ High Barnet/Mill Hill East
Piccadilly: Barons Court ↔ Hounslow West/Uxbridge, Cockfosters ↔ Oakwood
Lines where non-folding bikes are never allowed (even off-peak)
Victoria and Waterloo & City
Notes
Overground and the Elizabeth Line also allow non-folding bikes off-peak with some time-specific exceptions around Liverpool Street and Paddington.
DLR = Non-folding bikes allowed off-peak and weekends – except at Bank station where they’re banned
Safety tip: it’s best to avoid escalators
Please don’t ride your bike up an escalator – it’s just asking for trouble. And try to stick to lifts where you can safely navigate with space because it isn’t ideal to carry your bicycle amongst the crowd.
Best Commuter Bike Brands
When I was looking for my city bike, I focused mainly on the weight of the frame. If you’re carrying it up tube stairs/locking it to railings you want something you can pick up easily. Look for lightweight aluminium or steel models. I also went second hand – this was friendlier on my budget and the environment, but also means I’m not so worried about my bike looking really flashy and potentially being stolen (but always remember to lock it up – I use a combo of a D-lock and chain).
Bromptons are the most popular folding bikes and there is an electric option for help on those pesky hills. Decathlon are great if you’re on a budget, Canyon is great for lightweight, and Orbea are a stylish option.
Remember, if you want to build your confidence cycling there are plenty of cycle clubs in London to try.