Cycling the Canals

Westminster's Little Venice lies at the junction of two canals:

• The Paddington Branch of the Grand Union Canal
• The Regent's Canal

These canals form attractive and direct cycle routes, avoiding all motor traffic and passing through remarkably green and tranquil surroundings.

Cycling organizations, local authorities and British Waterways are seeking to improve conditions for cycling along these canals, as well as access to them. 

Cycling along the canals is subject to a Code of Conduct

For further information about the canals, including those outside London, please refer to www.waterscape.com

The Grand Union Canal

The main section of the Grand Union Canal runs from Brentford in London to Birmingham and is 134 miles long. The Paddington Branch joins it near Hayes in Middlesex.

The most convenient way of joining the canal is from the path through the open space at the western end of Delamere Terrace. Unfortunately, Delamere Terrace (pictured here) and Blomfield Road are one-way towards the west. As part of the London Greenways project, a Cycle Route Implementation and Stakeholder Plan, published in January 2010 recommended contraflow cycling in Blomfield Road and a shared-use path along Delamere Terrace, so as to allow two-way access to the canal. 

The Regent's Canal

The Regent's Canal connects Paddington to Limehouse Basin in London's Docklands via Camden, Islington, Hackney and Mile End. The Westminster section runs around the north side of Regent's Park, opposite the zoo.

The canal runs through a tunnel between Edgware Road and Lisson Grove. This can be avoided by using Blomfield Road, Aberdeen Place, Lyons Place, Fisherton Street and Frampton Street. The easiest way to reach the towing path from Lisson Grove is via the path through the Lisson Green Estate along the south side of the canal (see picture) and a footbridge just to the west of the railway lines.

To improve the safety for towpath users in Central London, British Waterways London has been working in partnership with Transport for London to make the towpaths safer and more accessible to the thousands of people who use them every day for walking, cycling, jogging and boating.

Following advice from independent experts and liaison with local user groups, a series of physical towpath safety improvements between Old Ford Lock and Camden Town were completed at the end of April 2007 and a new Code of Conduct for all towpath users is currently being promoted.

Code of Conduct for Cyclists

Ring with Two Tings
Use a bell, giving Two Tings when approaching pedestrians. Ringing with Two Tings is not an order to pedestrians to get out of your way.
Be aware that some pedestrians may have visual or hearing impairments and might not hear your Two Tings.

Pass people slowly. Give people space
Slow down when approaching pedestrians and only pass when it is safe to do so. Extra care should be taken when passing children, less able people and animals.
Try to pass on the water side of the path. Pedestrians will tend to move to the back edge of the towpath to allow you to pass.
Be patient and courteous to pedestrians. Saying "thank you" to pedestrians who move to let you pass will make them more likely to move next time.

Ride at a sensible speed
The towpath is never suitable for cycling fast as there are many other users, low bridges and narrow sections. If you are in a hurry, use an alternative route.