Cycling
Imagine cycling along the river, with the wind in your hair, waving to passing boaters.
Well stop imagining and dust off your bike! There are many parts of the Thames path where you can cycle, especially as you go further down the river.
For a list of cycling leaflets, books and maps covering the Thames valley, visit www.sustrans.org.uk or call 0845 113 0065.
Rules when cycling by the River Thames
It’s great fun to cycle along the Thames, but don’t forget that there are some rules that you should follow to make it enjoyable for you and others.
- Walkers always have priority on footpaths by the river, so please be thoughtful to others. Use a bell and ring it twice when approaching a walker. Be aware that some people may have hearing problems and may not hear your bell.
- The towpath isn’t suitable for cycling fast. If you are in a hurry, use an alternative route.
- Extra care should be taken when passing less able people, children and animals.
- Cycling is not allowed on the towpath through lock gardens and riverside public parks. There may be other places where cycling is banned – the best rule is that unless there are signs or barriers preventing cycling, you can assume that it’s permitted.
- It is generally easier to cycle alongside the river downstream from Maidenhead and in the urban areas of Reading and Oxford. In London, side roads and borough council tracks should be followed east of Putney Bridge where the towpath stops. Upstream from Maidenhead, stiles, gates and difficult surfaces make it more difficult to cycle.
- Motorcycling on the Thames towpath is a criminal offence and is not allowed on public footpaths.