Cycling UK Forum

Has any one used used the London underground/tube to transfer between kings cross and paddington with a loaded unfolded bike, when allowed, after 1900? I presume one can wheel it the whole way to the platform, and use lifts /ramps rather than stairs etc?

Both stations are fully accessible with lifts etc, yes. I've taken bikes through both stations with no issues but that was riding there and then taking the bike up/down to a platform for a normal rail service. I've never used the underground with a bike but I have used that route (Circle Line) many times.

Quite honestly I'd just ride it, it's about 3 miles, there's cycle lanes almost all the way and - by the time you've faffed around with lifts and wheeling it through stations - probably just as quick to ride.

TfL website or any of the standard cycle route plotting apps will find you all the quiet routes, segregated cycle lanes etc - even Google does a decent job of routing you.

This, slightly mind-boggling version of the tube map is your friend https://content.tfl.gov.uk/step-free-tube-guide-map.pdf

I’m out of date on detailed knowledge of the two particular stations, especially Paddington, but both are modern and well-equipped, so the lifts should be of a good size (some stations have fairly tiny lifts, where it can be necessary to rear a bike up on its back wheel to get it in).

rareposter wrote: ↑28 Feb 2024, 12:39pm ...
Quite honestly I'd just ride it, it's about 3 miles, there's cycle lanes almost all the way and - by the time you've faffed around with lifts and wheeling it through stations - probably just as quick to ride.
...

Me too. There's a tricky bit of navigation into Paddington but OK once you've worked it out.

Jonathan

Thanks, but I dont want to navigate through london on my own, on a loaded folding bike, while having a train to catch. Plus I hate narrow 2 way cycle lanes with nothing but a kerbs distance between one lane and the allpurpose lane*, and London will presumably have lots of oncoming cyclists, so I'll be squeezed on both sides.

*and Google earth seemed to show them.

SA_SA_SA wrote: ↑28 Feb 2024, 12:26pm Has any one used used the London underground/tube to transfer between kings cross and paddington with a loaded unfolded bike, when allowed, after 1900? I presume one can wheel it the whole way to the platform, and use lifts /ramps rather than stairs etc?

Just ride it. It isn't that far. I cycled from Euston to Paddington basin quite a few years ago when I cycled the Grand Union Canal. Just keep yours wits about you and you will be fine.

Remember to check that you're getting a direct service. (The "Circle" Line changed a few years ago.)

Jonathan

Thanks, but I dont want to navigate through london on my own, on a loaded folding bike, while having a train to catch.

I can understand that and it is your choice of course but it very much depends on the time of day I think.

I've cycled from Waterloo to Kings Cross in the early morning in similar circumstances and I found it quite easy. Personally I find manhandling a loaded bike into a lift a bit of a faff but each to his own.

I hate cycling in central London too, but if you follow back-streets to the south of Euston/Marylebone Road this is actually not too bad at all, or if you want a great long loop, but more peace, go north from K+ to the canal, and follow that. Both options less intimidating to the unfamiliar in daylight, of course.

The cycling is straightforward (either on the backstreets south of the Euston road, or the longer route along the canal).
I think that you're more likely to have your journey mucked up by finding that staff might not let you in the underground than by a 3 mile bike ride that is entirely predictable in duration.
I mean, you're going on a loaded tour. That suggests competence in cycling and navigating!

SA_SA_SA wrote: ↑28 Feb 2024, 12:48pm Thanks, but I dont want to navigate through london on my own, on a loaded folding bike, while having a train to catch.

How long do you have between arriving at KX and leaving Paddington?

Pendodave wrote: ↑28 Feb 2024, 1:12pm The cycling is straightforward (either on the backstreets south of the Euston road, or the longer route along the canal).

This - there's a great route of mostly wide one-way cycle tracks south of Euston Road through Tavistock and Marylebone. Pop it into a GPS and it'll just route you through the lot easily enough. Surprisingly, it's actually reasonably pleasant cycling in London now, most people re a lot more laid back now there are segregated lanes, the hire bikes and so on, it's overtaken all the lycra couriers hurtling around the place and is now quite relaxing.

Thanks all.

Jdsk wrote: ↑28 Feb 2024, 12:56pm Remember to check that you're getting a direct service. (The "Circle" Line changed a few years ago.) Jonathan

Thanks.

rareposter wrote: ↑28 Feb 2024, 1:16pm .......
How long do you have between arriving at KX and leaving Paddington?

That depends what train I choose: I had been aiming to have not too much gap before I could get into the Paddington lounge after reaching Paddington, hence near or after 1900 hours, I had been thinking.

rareposter wrote: ↑28 Feb 2024, 1:16pm

Pendodave wrote:....

This - there's a great route of mostly wide one-way cycle tracks south of Euston Road through Tavistock and Marylebone. ....Surprisingly, it's actually reasonably pleasant cycling in London now, most people re a lot more laid back now there are segregated lanes, the hire bikes and so on, it's overtaken all the lycra couriers hurtling around the place and is now quite relaxing.

Thanks that sounds reassuring.

Have the motorised folding bike thiefs been rounded up?

SA_SA_SA wrote: ↑28 Feb 2024, 2:32pm Have the motorised folding bike thiefs been rounded up?

There have certainly been spates of bikejackings but they're all aimed at top end road bikes - a laden touring bike won't get a second glance. Usually happens very early in the morning too - locations such as Regent's Park and Richmond Park where commuters go for an early morning workout before carrying on to the office.

Bear in mind the sheer numbers of people cycling in London now - statistically it is still incredibly unlikely that you'll be a victim of crime, especially on a 3-mile ride across a relatively wealthy part of the city - it's not like you're riding a £10k bike around the East End!

Jdsk wrote: ↑28 Feb 2024, 12:56pm Remember to check that you're getting a direct service. (The "Circle" Line changed a few years ago.)

Jonathan

The direct service would be the long way round - for the short route you'll need to change trains at Edgeware Road.

st599_uk wrote: ↑28 Feb 2024, 4:05pm

Jdsk wrote: ↑28 Feb 2024, 12:56pm Remember to check that you're getting a direct service. (The "Circle" Line changed a few years ago.)

The direct service would be the long way round - for the short route you'll need to change trains at Edgeware Road.

Deleted: see next post.

Jonathan