Dartford Tunnel

[Derosa]

I wish to cross the Thames with my bike on a Sunday and head for Dover.

My preference was the Tilbury Ferry but that doesn't run on a Sunday so that leaves the Dartford Crossing since I don't wish to head west into central London before retracing my steps eastwards, having crossed the Thames. I have two questions;

1. On the Essex side is it possible to access the pickup point from the London Road, i.e. the road which runs from Grays westwards towards Purfleet. This looks preferable and safer that trying to negotiate the dual carriageways and huge roundabouts around the Lakeside complex.

2. I have seen conflicting reports on time restrictions. There appears to be a "no crossing" with a bike restriction between 09:00 - 10:30 but is this a Monday - Friday restriction only or does it apply on Sunday's as well?

[fastpedaller]

I wish to cross the Thames with my bike on a Sunday and head for Dover.



This looks preferable and safer that trying to negotiate the dual carriageways and huge roundabouts around the Lakeside complex.

I suspect it would be marginally safer to try and swim across rather than negotiate those roads!
There used to be a ferry between Gravesend and I think Tilbury, but it may not exist any more.
Another possibility (although further West) is the foot tunnel, I can't remember exactly where though. Failing that you could do a dash through the Blackwall Tunnel I did it many years ago, and it's a good downhill heading south - I reached over 30mph for some considerable distance, and then saw the no cycling signs (but thankfully no traffic, it was a Sunday ) I returned via the foot tunnel (very cold at any time of year!)

[Vorpal]

In theory, DfT have to provide for transport for cyclists at Dartford. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/20/section/27

The service used to run 24 hours per day. It's now 'on demand'. A couple of years ago, there was a little cycle shelter with information and a phone number to call, right across from the crossing control. I don't know if they have moved the collection point again; they did so several times in the last 10 years or so. It is sign-posted for cyclists, but I don't remember how effective the signs are. Maybe someone on here who's done it more recently can say.

There's also some information on this thread that has been updated at least as recently as a couple of years ago... viewtopic.php?f=1&t=59632&p=506023#p506023

[PH]

EDIT - I haven't used it for at least 7 years, so as Vorpal says it may well have changed. Even so I still think the mapping apps will get you there.

On the North side you get to the control point via a cycle track that you can pick up from the retail park (Lakeside?) That probably means a mile or so detour. I'm pretty sure the bike path terminates where you get picked up so I don’t think you can get to it from the other direction. The routing apps like Cycletravel will probably plot this for you.
Don't know about times, there used to be an obligation to take cyclists across at any time, but it changed some time ago, probably best to ring them and check. I've got a number groups have to ring and book, I'll dig it out if you can't find it.

[Philip Benstead]

There is no useful website as to the Dartford Crossing, I have made a compliant via

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisat ... ys-england to the Dartford crossing people.

This sort of matter that was covered by the CTC at one time with information in the handbook but should be on website.

Here is some access information

http://www.blog7t.com/2013/11/dartford- ... cycle.html

See photograph for the access point from London Road



To go further west try

Greenwich and Woolwich Foot Tunnels

http://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/info/2 ... ot_tunnels


Does that help?

[Heltor Chasca]

I've used Greenwich tunnel. Lift wasn't working so had to hump the lot up the stairs.

[gaz]

Dartford Crossing Controls and local cyclepath links can be found on this Map.

Philip's picture clearly shows an access from London Road immediately east of the bridge, which is backed up by google map and streetview.

Pick up is always from the crossings. Drop off depends a little on the friendliness/discretion of the driver, they'll always drop you off at the opposite Crossing Control but heading North I've been dropped off under the bridge on London Road and I believe they'll also drop you at A1306.

Whilst I understood that there was no cycle/pedestrian service on any day between the following times:- 09:00 - 10:30, 14:00 - 15:00, 21:00 - 22:30, 02:00 - 03:00, a picture in the blog linked by Philip suggests it's an on demand service at weekends.

Groups of more than 3 cyclists, tandems, trailers and other non-standard (upright solo) bikes should contact tunnel control in advance: https://www.gov.uk/dartford-crossing-bike

[mikesw15]

Does anyone use this on a regular basis,I've just started a new job in Thurrock so would like to start cycling there,I would be getting to the crossing around 5am / 5.30am ish, how long roughly do you have to wait to get taken over ?

[MLJ]

You may find the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry more useful
https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/ferry-services/tilbury-to-gravesend-timetable
As far as I know, the Dartford crossing depends on a service vehicle carrying the bike through, whenever it is available at your side.

[Vorpal]

Some information here... simiilar topics merged

Maybe you can call and ask them?

p.s. +1 on the ferry service.

[mikesw15]

Is the ferry free ?

[Vorpal]

Is the ferry free ?

No. Fares are https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-trave ... ury-ferry#

You can buy a weekly ticket for £20. Bikes are free.

[bikes4two]

You may find the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry more useful
https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/ferry-services/tilbury-to-gravesend-timetable
As far as I know, the Dartford crossing depends on a service vehicle carrying the bike through, whenever it is available at your side.

Doesn't run on Sundays though - as I found to my cost should have looked ferry times up on the internet before setting off

[francovendee]

I'm curious about crossing by bike. I understand you're not allowed to cycle but supposedly there is free service to take you and your bike across. In reality does this work?

[Jdsk]

It's "on demand".

"Get across the Dartford crossing by bike":
https://www.gov.uk/dartford-crossing-bike

Discussion in 2016:
viewtopic.php?t=107248

Jonathan