Can I cycle along the Thames Path?
The Thames Path is a Public Footpath. It’s often very narrow between the River Thames and fields or houses. It is not a long-distance or off-road cycle route.
Highway Code for Cyclists Rule 64 states you must not cycle on pavements, this includes Public Footpaths.
There are a few exceptions, where the Thames Path is marked as Public Bridleway. For example: between Pangbourne and Goring where the Thames Path is part of the King Alfred’s Way off-road cycle route.
The Thames Path Partnership is committed to supporting cycling wherever it is physically possible. This is usually in towns and cities where the local highway authority provides a hard and wide surface suitable for segregating walkers from cyclists. You can find these short cyclable sections by looking at our interactive map and selecting the cycling filter.
Please give way to walkers, especially people with children, and anyone using wheel-chairs and mobility scooters.
Outside London
Sustrans includes sections of the Thames Path in its 99 miles (159km) Thames Valley Cycle Route between Oxford and London.
In Oxford you can cycle for 5.4 miles (8.7km) beside the River Thames through the city. This links with cycle ways to residential and employment areas to make Oxford easier to get around on bikes.
You can cycle between Teddington Lock and Weybridge. This is a 10 mile (16km) route marked on the Thames Path interactive map – use the Cycling filter.
In London
Sustrans has several London routes, two on the Thames Path: Tower Bridge to Greenwich, and Hampton Court to Putney.
Some London boroughs allow cycling along specific sections of the Thames Path. This may be on segregated surfaces to keep walkers and cyclists safe.
Code of Conduct for cycling in Richmond Park
Tower Bridge to Greenwich
Distance: 4.7 miles, 7.6 km
Starting from the iconic Tower Bridge, this section of National Route 4 weaves around the River Thames through various parks to the Cutty Sark at Greenwich.
Hampton Court to Putney
Distance: 12.6 miles, 20.2 km
Ride or walk this route in either direction, so why not start in Putney and end up at the glorious Hampton Court Palace? Get lost in the maze, tour the beautiful gardens and relive Tudor England at its best.
Cycling safely in London:
The London Cycle campaign
has a cycling journey planner, choose for example a quiet or a fast route.
Visit London have traveller information for getting around London on cycle paths
