London is a fantastic city to explore by bike.  Although the traffic can seem daunting, there is a dedicated network of cycle lanes which take you away from fast moving traffic and onto the less busy back roads.  Of course another great way to traverse London which doesn't involve any traffic at all is along the miles of canal towpath that run through the Capital.

For free cycle network maps visit the Transport for London Cycle London page.

The joy of cycling in London is threefold.  Not only will you get to your destination in half the time you would by public transport; you get fit, and it is cheaper than using the tube or taking a bus.

There are a couple of companies that run bike tours in the city, so if cycling is your thing why not try one of the following:

• The London Bicycle Tour Company

This tour company not only spends three hours showing you the sites of London, they also provide you with a bike and guide of your very own.  Traversing the Capital along cycle routes, side roads and useful ally way cut throughs, you visit all the stalwart London attractions - Buckingham Palace, St. Pauls Cathedral and the Law Courts to name but a few.

        For more information visit The London Bicycle Tour Company.

• Cycle Tours of London

Two tours - Sights of London and the East End - are run by this company from their premises on Shoe Lane in Farringdon.  Tours take 3.5 hours and cost £20 for a bike and tour guide.  There are two tours a day starting at 10:30am and 2:30pm.

For more information check out the testimonials on Cycle Tours of London.

For some good stories about cycling London why not check out Beth Griffin's entries in our blog.