to ask about cycling in London with teens?

[Hotpinkparade]

My 14 year old nephew is coming to visit me in London tomorrow. He has asked if we could ride e-bikes - even allowing for the fact that I think you need a driving license to rent an e-bike, it seems like e-bikes are blocked from most London parks, and I’m not keen to take him on the open road. He’s a confident cyclist at home, but lives somewhere much more rural. I’ve spent hours googling without much luck - can anyone recommend a fun, safe place to take a teenager cycling in London, on road or e-bikes? (We have our own road bikes so no need for rental there).

We’re based near Hampstead Heath, but happy to travel within London.

Anyone cycled the greenway in East London, or the golden circle starting in the Olympic park?

I'm no cyclist but have a bump.

I often cycle a traffic-free route with my kids though Walthamstow Wetlands to the Olympic Park. You could get the overground from Gospel Oak to Blackhorse Road with bikes. From there, there’s a protected cycle way along Ferry Lane to the Wetlands. After cycling through the wetlands, go east through Walthamstow Marshes and Hackney Wick to the Olympic Park.

I just looked up the Golden Circle route and this is it. Definitely recommend - it’s a nice safe route and really pretty along the River Lea on the way back.

I live on the Lea and it’s a great cycling route. Just make sure one of you has a bell (so many e-bikes don’t and the route is packed with walkers, prams, and dogs) so you can be courteous to others - unfortunately there are many that aren’t and you can feel barged out the way!!

There are some great places to stop on the way for food and drink. You can carry down to the Thames Barrier.

Yep, definitely echo the bell/courtesy recommendation along the Lea. There are some cyclists who don’t slow down and make it really stressful for walkers.

You don't need to stick to the outskirts; this page has a brilliant Google map showing all the protected bike lanes and LTNs which are very safe (in blue). safecycleldn.com

Do not trust the standard green cycling overlay provided by Google maps!

This is great to know, thank you! I think this is our best shout.

Thanks so much, this is what I needed!

and thanks everyone else for tips and recommendations, exactly what I needed.

If you’re hiring an e bike look at getting a pass rather than paying by the hour. A Lime 200 minute pass within 7 days is £18.99.
Also, make sure the bike you hire has enough battery - you can check this on the app or in the bike itself.

I haven't been a cyclist for years but I know a lot of people cycle on the canal tow path. From where you are, you could join in Little Venice or Camden

If you need a bit more cycling after the Golden Circle, it’s possible to carry on north up the River Lea path after crossing Ferry Lane at Tottenham Hale. The path runs all the way to Broxbourne. This thread has reminded me I haven’t cycled that way for a while - it’s a really nice route!

Oh and p.s. the Walthamstow Wetlands have opening and closing times - I think 9.30-5.00 at the moment.

Canary Wharf is an easy safe place to rent an ebike and cycle around.
I know people won't think of it as the most exciting or interesting area but there is lots of random artwork, usually some events going on and loads of places to eat with lots of picnic tables if it's sunny. The boats can be interesting to look at.

At least the canal or Canary Wharf will feel like you're in London