The London Cycling Routes To Know

NORTH 

CS1: Completed in early 2016, this is one of the newer cycling routes in London. Extending from Tottenham all the way down to Liverpool Street in the City, the first cycle superhighway does not use 'blue paint' and is primarily non-segregated on quieter streets – making it more familiar to those who prefer to cycle on London’s ‘quietway’ routes. Starting at White Hart Lane, it runs roughly parallel to the A10, with a safe crossing near busy Old Street. 
Total distance: 11km
Average time: 35 minutes

For a map, click here. 

EAST

CS2: This route initially consisted mostly of 'blue paint' cycle lanes but in 2016, after some safety concerns, the majority of the route was upgraded to separated cycle tracks, making it one of the clearest routes on the network. Running from Stratford to Aldgate (near the Tower of London), this is the most direct route for East End girls. 
Total distance: 11 km
Average time:  35 minutes

For a map, click here.

CS3: In 2017, Transport for London (TfL) constructed a lengthy extension of the third superhighway to Lancaster Gate in Westminster. Starting to the south of Greatfields Park in Barking, cyclists pretty much have an entire, segregated lane all to themselves for the vast majority of the route. Passing through Dagenham and Newham, the route branches southwards to avoid clashing with traffic at the busy junction between the A13 and the North Circular.
Total distance: 13 km
Average time: 40 minutes

For a map, click here.

CENTRAL

C4: This route isn’t completely built yet – hence why it’s not known as a superhighway – but the first section between Southwark Park Road and Rotherhithe roundabout is open. Eventually, it will be part of a major segregated cycle route from Tower Bridge, along Tooley Street, Jamaica Road and onto Deptford, and once complete, the entire route will stretch from Tower Bridge to Greenwich.
Total distance: 3 km
Average time: 12 minutes

For a map, click here.

CS5: A small, central route, superhighway five currently stretches from Oval to Pimlico via the Vauxhall gyratory, and largely facilitates connections between superhighway eight and the surrounding ‘quietways’. Great for commuters coming in from the south, who need to cross over Vauxhall Bridge to access the north side of the Thames safely.
Total distance: 3 km
Average time: 12 minutes

For a map, click here.

CS6: Stretching from King’s Cross to Elephant & Castle, this route is a real north-south connection across the capital. Following Farringdon Road, crossing Blackfriars Bridge and heading towards Lambeth, those on a longer commute can connect to superhighway seven once they reach the Elephant & Castle roundabout to head south-west towards Tooting and Merton. 
Total distance: 5km
Average time:  20 minutes

For a map, click here.

SOUTH

CS7: Starting outside Colliers Wood tube station, this cycle superhighway heads north towards Brixton, through Balham and follows the length of Clapham Common. The lane opens up past Stockwell tube, with the route connecting with the fifth superhighway to go into Pimlico. The last stretch to Elephant & Castle allows cyclists to avoid the busy roundabout – just follow the arrows on the road. Then, follow the signs to Southwark Bridge Road until you reach Cannon Street tube and the end of the route. 
Total distance: 14km
Average time: 43 minutes

For a map, click here.

CS8: This major cycle route heads east into central London from Wandsworth. It begins by heading through Wandsworth town centre to pick up the A3215 through Battersea, before diverting through Battersea Park to cross the Thames at Chelsea Bridge and head along the north bank to Lambeth Bridge.
Total distance: 10km
Average time: 30 minutes

For a map, click here.