OS Maps and Sustrans Join Forces
With the exciting launch of two brand new OS Maps cycling guides in partnership with Sustrans, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Richard Peace, the talented author behind these invaluable resources.
Richard’s guides are designed to help families and tourists alike discover the joys of cycling through the vibrant cities of Edinburgh and London. In this interview, we delve into Richard’s journey as a cycling journalist, his passion for promoting safe and enjoyable cycling routes. His latest books will transform a your city break with lots of interesting routes to explore safely by bike, on your own or with the kids.
The two new books featuring Edinburgh and London, offer detailed maps, route descriptions, and insider tips for cyclists of all levels.
Emily Cherry – Chief Executive of The Bikeability Trust
This new cycling guide series by Sustrans and OS is a fantastic resource for families. Each guide highlights carefully selected routes in urban areas, designed with accessibility in mind, so families with children and varying needs can enjoy them with peace of mind.
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You’ve written over 30 books on cycling, how did you get into cycling journalism?
Through enjoyment! I was between jobs and at the time cycling a lot in my local area of the Yorkshire Pennines. I saw signs for the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway and a local publisher took me up on my offer to write a book on it. It did well…and the rest is history!
We love your two new city cycling guide books for Edinburgh and London, what did you enjoy most about working on them?
A combination of things. They allowed me to go back to places I love whilst also finding out new things about them. It was also great to see the strides these two cities have made in building safe infrastructure that has encouraged many more cyclists – the number of cyclists in both cities would have been unimaginable just a decade or two ago.
How do you ensure that the routes in these guides are safe and enjoyable for families with children?
By prioritising those routes that are traffic-free, with a good surface and with few or no access barriers – and with plenty to see and do along the way. Many of these are well-known already but some aren’t – a good example being the Loanhead cyclepath out to Rosslyn Chapel in the Edinburgh guide. It’s a great route through attractive countryside with a wonderful visitor attraction at the end of it.
There are also a surprising number of ‘traffic-lite’ routes that are popular with younger or less confident riders, especially in London with the growth of their numbered Cycleway routes. Many of these are created by only allowing pedestrian and cycle through traffic, meaning they are virtually traffic-free.
A good example is Cycleway 27, offered as a return option in the Islington to Victoria Park route. Occasionally busy road crossings are unavoidable – these are clearly flagged in the route introductions so families can be ready for them and easily negotiate them safely.
Do you have a favourite route from both of the books you can share with us? What makes them stand out?
Edinburgh – Across the Meadows to Edinburgh Zoo This a great combination of high quality traffic-free riding through green spaces and a wonderful brand new section of Sustrans route that magically and easily lets you cycle over a main road and a railway encountering pockets of new parkland on the way. There are fantastically fun-packed attractions along the way too, including the world’s shortest golf course, Edinburgh Zoo, modern entertainments at Fountain Park and shopping and eating opportunities galore at Haymarket.
London – Along the Thames A real blockbuster of a route in terms of tourist attractions which include Covent Garden, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. High quality cycle lanes on the Thames north bank give great views before a boat crossing of the river (with your bikes) whilst traffic-free and traffic-lite streets on the south bank lead you to recross the river with stunning views of it from Blackfriars Bridge.
Do you have any top tips for families new to cycling in cities and urban environments? (other than buying one of your guide books of course!)
- Build up your experience and skills in the safest and easiest areas first. In London places like Hyde, Victoria and Finsbury Parks are great for gaining experience in a safe environment
- Avoid the busiest times of day as there is a cycle rush hour in London especially so it’s more relaxing and easier to acclimatise to city cycling when the routes are quieter
- Sundays are particularly good for quiet cycling on many routes. Transport for London organise Cycle Sundays that may even see roads closed for safer cycling
What are the best ways to secure bikes when cycling in a busy city?
Park somewhere public and preferably with CCTV and use the strongest, best lock possible or preferably two. If you are really worried about having a beloved bike stolen look at other options such as, in London, Santander hire bikes or dockless schemes like Lime and Forest. The guides also list cycle shops that hire out family carrying bikes (often electric) that may come with insurance cover.
Can you share your favourite attraction to visit when cycling in Edinburgh and London, and any must visit places to eat you can recommend?
Edinburgh – Cycling around Holyrood Park on the days the road is closed is a magical experience. You can even lock your bike at a cycle rack and walk up to Arthur’s Seat for spectacular views over the city. For eating there is fantastic choice in the Haymarket area or for those on a budget who want to fuel up Snax traditional caf on Buccleuch Street.
London – The parks are a real jewel in London’s crown and the ride I feature around Hyde and Park and Kensington Gardens has an option that circles St James Park and skirts the southern edge of Green Park. It also lets you easily see Westminster Bridge and Buckingham Palace. A blissful way to spend a sunny summer day! For eating the cafes in the parks are ideal – roll up and leave your bike where you can see it and enjoy high quality food with amazing views.
Find out more about Richard on his website www.richardpeacecycling.com
EXPLORE THE
OS Shop
We are with you every step of the way. Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.
Go to the shop
