10 Top London Bike Rides this summer

Here’s our run-down of the rides you need for this summer, from unity rides and summer socials to peaceful garden tours and international adventures…

1. Kew Summer Cycle

5pm onwards, Thursday 1 August

This is the only paid ride on our list but it’s a cracker – access to the whole of Kew Gardens, for you and your bike, in one lazy summer evening. Meet London Cycling Campaign volunteers inside, or just enjoy the beautiful plants and scenery. Suitable for nervous riders and young children, as all routes entirely zero-traffic.

Tickets £24 adult, £13 child, available from Kew Gardens

2. Black Unity Bike Ride

All day, Saturday 3 August 2024

The big 5^th annual ride, London’s carnival on bikes, and a massive celebration of Black unity and joy in London. Ride around 12 miles from Leyton to Dulwich, taking in some of London’s biggest sights, plus a new rest stop at Somerset House. With great company, great tunes – and a party at the end! Suitable for confident teenagers and children, and a great way to challenge yourself by going a longer distance together with others.

Tickets pay what you can, available from Black Unity Bike Ride

3. London to Amsterdam

All day, Saturday 3 August to Saturday 10 August 2024

The London-Amsterdam David Eales Memorial ride is an award-winning fundraising ride for London Cycling Campaign. Over up to seven days, ride from London to the Netherlands to raise money for the London Cycling Campaign. Great company, great food and fantastic cycling – for a very important cause. Suitable for adults who enjoy riding on top-quality Dutch cycle lanes!

Free to join but a fundraising challenge. Register for future years on the LCC site.

4. Lewisham park ride and picnic

10am, Saturday 10 August

A longer 20 mile park ride to bring together London Cycling Campaign supporters across south London, from Southwark to Bexley. Meeting up in Ladywell Fields from midday for a summer social picnic and games. Ride suitable for more confident cyclists, or meet directly in the park to join the picnic and chat.

Free, book all Lewisham LCC rides this summer on the LCC website

5. JoyRiders family rides

10am Sunday 11 August and every Sunday

Regular women-focused family rides from Leyton Jubilee to locations across north-east London run by JoyRiders. These short-distance family rides are suitable for everyone and go at the pace of the slowest rider. Cargo and adapted bikes especially welcome.

Free, book all JoyRiders events through JoyRiders London

6. Easy bike ride from Hammersmith to Chiswick

10am, Saturday 17 August

This is an easy-going Saturday morning ride for beginners, less confident riders, families with children or if you just want to enjoy the view. A slow ride of about 7 miles with a scenic coffee break at Chiswick House, and taking in some of West London’s best new cycle lanes. Part of London Cycling Campaign’s regular Hammersmith rides.

Free, £1 suggested donation, book all Hammersmith LCC rides this summer on the LCC website

7. Summer Social with iBike London

1.30pm, Sunday 18 August

Your favourite music bikes are back with an epic family-friendly ride through the streets of central London. The theme is summer so dressing up, decorated bikes and disco vibes encouraged! On road in a large group, so suitable for confident families.

Free, book a ticket through iBike London

8. Leaside Cycle Sundays

10.30am Sunday 25 August, and every last Sunday of the month

Explore local beauty spots including Lea Valley Marshes, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, canal towpaths and parks in a safe, off-road ride led by a local expert. Also includes a free Bike Kitchen where you can learn how to fix and maintain your bike with support from a qualified mechanic instructor. Suitable for beginners and building confidence – adults, children and families all welcome.

Free, book all Hackney LCC rides this summer on the LCC website 

9. Critical Mass

7pm Friday 30 August

A staple of the London scene – last Friday of every month, 7pm at Southbank under Waterloo Bridge. No organisers, no route – just a demonstration of bikes in motion, like birds in the sky. Expect music, wheelies, and a very good time. Suitable for confident riders.

Free, just turn up.

10. Westminster Cycle Saturdays

10.30am First Saturday of the month, Saturday 3 August and Saturday 7 September

A morning of free cycling activities for everyone to join in, based in Eccleston Yards – a friendly space in the heart of Belgravia, five minutes walk from Victoria station, with cafes, restaurants and toilet facilities. There will be two family-friendly community rides – one suitable for nervous riders and children, and one suitable for people building their confidence on quiet roads. Plus music, a free bike mechanic stand to offer advice on your bike maintenance, and great company.

Free, book all Westminster LCC rides this summer on the LCC website