FAQ’s
“It is by riding a bicycle that we learn the contours of a country best.”
DISCLAIMER
Where My Wheels Go is dedicated to exploring by bike using traffic-free trails, dedicated cycle lanes and quiet roads whenever possible. Great effort goes into the researching and updating of each route, however, should you choose to ride any route, you do so at your own risk. Cycleways can be removed or closed, and land access arrangements, rights of way, weather and ground conditions may all be subject to change without warning. It is each rider’s responsibility to ensure that they have the necessary fitness, cycling and navigation skills to ride any of the posted routes and Where My Wheels Go is in no way liable for any personal injury, damage, trespass or any other eventuality which might happen to a rider cycling any of the website’s routes.
Good to know
Ride at a leisurely pace - take time to notice things around you
Ring your bell when approaching pedestrians and horse riders
Be aware of your responsibilities as a cyclist under the new (2022) Highway Code regulations
Smile and greet all other users on the shared paths
Thank those who have moved out of the way - and avoid cursing those who don’t
Give horse riders plenty of warning as you approach - ring your bell, use your voice
Listen to traffic, people, birds - ride without headphones
Make eye contact with drivers at junctions
Look behind before indicating a turn
Red lights apply to cyclists too
Ride in the middle of your lane
Keep at least a door’s width from parked cars
Consider wearing a helmet
Carry a set of working lights
Ensure your bike is in good working order
Leave no trace
How do I download a ride?
Open route and scroll to ‘Access the Ride’.
If the rider is a subscriber to RidewithGPS, the route will automatically load into their RWGPS app.
If not a subscriber;
Click on Access the Ride
Click on 'full version’ within the map window
Click on More (in top right box)
Select Export as File
Select GPX route
This will now download to your phone
If you want to put the route onto a cycling device;
Go to Downloads on your phone/computer, open the file and select preferred navigation app - eg Komoot
The ride is then imported to your device.
How do I get to the start of the ride?
All the rides are accessible using public transport, however restrictions apply. Some mainline services require booking your bike on the train prior to travelling. If riding a London route, check the TfL website for restrictions regarding travelling with a bike, line delays/closures.
The RidewithGPS mapping option prompts you with an automatic sign, ‘go to the start of the ride’.
Is cycling in London safe?
Since the installation of the protected cycle lanes, - which are continuing to pattern out across the whole of London - the city has become a far less intimidating place to ride. The new Highway Code amendments (2022) and the 20mph speed restrictions have made London both a safer and more pleasurable place to ride.
Are these rides just for expert/experienced cyclists?
These ride are for everyone. However, be aware of the website’s disclaimer.
These routes should be ridden for enjoyment, without reference to heart-rates, power data, or improving personal bests.
What sort of bike should I use?
The rides have been designed for people to ride the bikes that they have; hybrids, hired bikes, single speeds, carbon fibre super bikes and everything in between. All NCN routes can be ridden on a standard touring bike with 30mm tyres. Most of the adventure routes in the UK and Europe require a gravel/adventure/mountain bike with 33mm tyres or more.
What should I take on a ride?
Phone
Rain jacket
Gloves/Cycling mitts
Bike lock
Spare inner tube and tools to remove and replace a tyre
Pump
Multi-tool
Lights which are charged
Bottle of water
Snack
Where would you like your wheels to go?
Do you have a favourite traffic-free route that we can share with the community here at Where My Wheels Go?
We are always interested to have new suggestions and inspirations.
Julian Kirwan-Taylor