King's Cross is great for cyclists, grab your bike or hire one and get pedalling
Explore the sights and sounds of King’s Cross on two wheels. The streets are designed to be safer for bikes and there is plenty of on-street cycle parking. Why not spend some time discovering the area, and then venture further afield along the canal towpath!
Bike from King’s Cross to Regent’s Park
The best way to explore the area is from the Regent’s Canal towpath. This charming waterway is something of a hidden gem, with its ivy-clad walls and rich birdlife.
Make your way down to the canal via the ramp behind The Lighterman restaurant. Turn right onto the towpath, passing Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard. Head west, taking in the beautiful Gasholder Park on your way. Zoom through Camden Market and spot the 80-foot Snowdon Aviary at the London Zoo as you reach the northern edges of Regent’s Park.
Bike from King’s Cross to East London
If you fancy cycling in the other direction, the path leads to Islington and Hackney, before reaching Limehouse Basin. The East End is much greener than people imagine, and the canal is at the heart of a vibrant cultural scene. You’ll pass many independent art galleries, workshops and studios along the route.
Once back in King’s Cross, cool off with a delicious ice cream at Ruby Violet. You’ll find the full list of bars and restaurants in the area here.
Hire a bike
If you don’t have your own wheels, then pick up a bike at one of the Santander Cycle stations – London’s self-service, bike-sharing scheme. You can hire a bike from as little as £1.65, and there’s no need to book in advance. At King’s Cross, there are over 50 bikes available to hire. The docking stations are located on Goods Way (next to the zebra crossing) and on Handyside Street (next to the Platform Theatre).
You can find all the Santander docking stations on the handy map at Transport for London. Or download the King’s Cross Cycle App, where you can view public cycle parking, hire stations and cycle initiatives in the area. You’ll also find Lime and Jump bikes for hire.
Free bike MOTs
If you’re a keen cyclist, why not keep your bike in tip-top condition with free bike tune-ups from Dr Bike. As well as checking your bike, the team can also provide general advice on cycling and route-finding in London.
Just bring your bike along to Batttle Bridge Place (outside the German Gymnasium restaurant), on the first Wednesday of the month from 12.30 – 6.30pm. Find out more info here.
Cover serious miles on a Brompton Bike
For longer journeys, Brompton Bike hire is ideal. Hiring a Brompton is easy: simply sign up online and reserve a bike via web, SMS or app. Punch your unique code into the dock, unfold your bike, and away you go!
Best of all, bikes can be folded and taken on tubes, trains and buses and left back to any Brompton hire dock across the country.
VIA Bicycle Atelier
For all your cycling needs, be sure to head to VIA Bicycle Atelier on Stable Street. A new concept shop in King’s Cross that is designed and run by cyclists, for cyclists.
They stock some of the world’s best cycling brands and is the place to find that perfect bit of kit – from the best fitting helmet, sunglasses, cycling shoes, saddle, or even a new bike. Chat to the trained advisors who will offer their expertise and knowledge. VIA also hosts rides, screenings and events, so be sure to keep an eye on their instagram.
Cycle training
Camden Cycle Skills teaches essential bike riding skills for all ages and abilities, from beginner and intermediate group courses and open community cycling, to individual training on busy roads. Anyone who lives, works or studies in Camden can register for free here.
