wellness
Cycling routes safe for families and beginners open across Greenwich parks
Upgraded paths in Greenwich Park and along the Thames give parents and new riders protected lanes without traffic stress.
How we reported this
Greenwich Park added 3 kilometres of segregated cycle lanes on 1 July, linking the main gates at Blackheath Avenue to the lower park near the Royal Observatory.
Interest in outdoor activity has risen sharply this summer as residents look for low-cost ways to stay active close to home rather than driving to distant leisure centres.
Two core routes for new riders
The first loop starts at the Maze Hill entrance, follows the new tarmac path past the flower garden and returns via the deer park fence, covering just under 2 kilometres with only one gentle slope. The second option runs south from Greenwich Pier along the Thames Path to the Cutty Sark, then turns inland on a marked lane beside Trafalgar Road before re-entering the park at Park Row; the whole circuit measures 4.8 kilometres and stays on flat ground. Both routes are part of the borough’s Quietways network maintained by Greenwich Council and Sustrans volunteers.
Transport for London counts show cycling trips in the Royal Borough of Greenwich rose 18 percent between April 2025 and April 2026, with the largest increase among households that include children under 12. Bike rental at the Greenwich Park visitor centre costs £8 for four hours or £15 for a full day, with child seats and helmets included.
How to start this weekend
Families can collect a free printed map at the Greenwich Library on Woolwich Road or download the council’s route planner before heading out. Beginners are advised to begin on weekday mornings before 10 a.m. when paths are quietest. Helmets remain compulsory for riders under 14, and the council urges everyone to use the provided bells when passing pedestrians near the observatory lawns.