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Newham Greenway any good?

by thesaladdays
Thu, Mar 02, 2017 16:31
8

Just found out my job is moving to Stratford (not-upon-Avon) later in the year, which means I need to look at new route options to get to work.  It'll be the south circular (not so fun), Woolwich ferry (interesting but probably annoyingly slow), getting around City Airport (love the smell of Jet A-1 in the morning!) and then there are a few options.

One of those, which I'd never come across before, is the Newham Greenway, which looks like a nice long stretch of traffic-free riding.

I'll get out and check it for myself of course, just wanted to get any opinions from others, particularly with regards to surface quality (good enough to get up some proper speed, or are there speed restrictions?), is it full of pedestrians, is it safe in the dark, winter months? 

Or are there better alternatives?

 

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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8 comments

Avatar
Ratfink | 7 years ago
0 likes

The Queen Elizabeth II greenway to give its full title a lateral park apparently.

It used to be known as the sewer bank when i was a kid.

Avatar
thesaladdays | 7 years ago
1 like

Thanks all for the comments and suggestions.

It's basic 9-5 office hours generally, and I start in Eltham, which makes using central London bridges a significant diversion.  It also makes an alternative to the south circular a bit difficult, there aren't even many local north-south roads in the area.  Using the tunnel sounds OK too, I've only been through the Greenwich tunnel, but presumably the one in Woolwich doesn't get quite as much use, especially from tourists.

I've never had a commute that involved these sort of green trails (except for a short stretch through Greenwich park, but mostly on the roads that go through it), but I am a bit wary as they do seem to attract unsavoury characters for some reason, and they never seem to be patrolled either.

Using it in the morning and an alternative in the evening sounds reasonable!

Avatar
Innerlube | 7 years ago
1 like

Checkout fFriends of Greenwich & Woolwich Foot Tunnels 

fogwoft.com 

 

the news section of the website website describes the etiquette for riding through the tunnels - not permitted but allowed(!) and lighting systems in place to tell you when it's acceptable behaviour!!

The light system made sense after I'd been through the tunnels. I did both tunnels on the same day on a Walthamstow, Eltham, the City, Walthamstow round of meetings!

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Innerlube | 7 years ago
1 like

Used the Woolwich foot tunnel recently and its a better option than the ferry  if you just want to get to work. I.e. Quicker. Ferry is good for occasional use on sunny days or when you just feel like a bit of moody post industrial river experience.

Several options round the docks to get to Stratford. Greenway OK I would say on your morning commute- will be fairly empty apart from the odd dog walker. Probably wouldn't use it after dark in evening though. Newham Way is a significant east west barrier and need a plan for where you going are to cross.  The Prince Regent Lane junction with lights is safe enough, you just have to be prepared to go through the lights sequence. Heading north you then  have a reasonable Road route to Stratford or can side off left on the Greenway once you're past the hospital and college.

Enjoy!

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Dnnnnnn | 7 years ago
1 like

Jolly good tips from jollygoodvelo tips - here's the Woolwich foot tunnel details too. It's probably a lot quieter (scooting potential...?) than its Greenwich sister.

www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/info/200102/walking/693/foot_tunnels

The cable car sounds a nice commute - you'd increase the number of regular users by a considerable % if you became one!

AFAIK the greenway isn't yet open 24 hours - should be OK if you work a regular 9-5 though.

I'd be most concerned about finding an alternative to the South Circ... where are you starting from (to get to Woolwich)?

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beezus fufoon replied to Dnnnnnn | 7 years ago
1 like

Duncann wrote:

I'd be most concerned about finding an alternative to the South Circ... 

same here

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jollygoodvelo | 7 years ago
2 likes

Some parts of the Greenway are fine, but as above it's subject to 'pedestrian interference' and some of the areas it goes through are not exactly Mayfair.  The Woolwich Ferry has frequent industrial action which may become annoying.  

You can also cycle though the Rotherhithe tunnel, but I wouldn't without wearing a proper breathing mask, use the Greenwich or Woolwich foot tunnels (where cyclists are expected to walk through.  Sure...) or take the Dangleway from North Greenwich to Custom House - if you use it more than 5 times a week it's "only" £1.75 a go.  https://tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/fares/emirates-air-line#reward

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beezus fufoon | 7 years ago
3 likes

I haven't ridden it for a few years - last time I encountered some youths walking in a line across the path to block it - luckily they had their backs to me and I had noticed their behaviour a way back -so I sped up and went round them on the grass verge, and as I shot past them they shouted "oi" - which felt a bit threatening

that was the only incident like that in many uses though

the surface isn't great and you have to keep stopping for barriers and to cross main roads

there are some pleasant views and it can be a more relaxing ride - I prefer to use a mountain bike than a road bike on it though - I have gotten punctures with thinner tyres

I'm struggling to think of a "nice" alternative though!

edit - in fact, depending on the start point, I would probably choose to go over tower bridge instead - it's less windy and you'll easily cover the few extra miles in the time it takes waiting for and crossing on the ferry (in the wind).

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