London's Cycleway 4 Extension to Transform Southeast Commutes by 2027
A brand-new major cycleway in southeast London is set to be complete by 2027, significantly improving the cycling infrastructure for residents and commuters. Transport for London (TfL) is extending Cycleway 4, meaning that biking Londoners will soon be able to get all the way from Woolwich to Tower Bridge in segregated cycle lanes, offering a safer and more efficient route.
Enhancing Cycling Safety and Efficiency
Riding to work everyday amid choc-a-block traffic jams, breathing in 'orrible fumes, and diving between double deckers is enough to put anyone off a two-wheeled commute. But for southeast Londoners, the prospect of pedalling into town is about to get a lot more pleasant, as a new continuous cycleway route between Greenwich and Woolwich is due to be completed next year. The Greenwich borough cycleway is just the latest upgrade announced as part of major plans to give the city's cycle system a glow-up.
In a bid to encourage Londoners to trade four wheels for two, TfL is planning 95km of new cycle routes over the next few years. The project is an extension of TfL's Cycleway 4, which currently runs between Tower Bridge and Greenwich. The Cycleway network, for those not in-the-know, is a series of bike-friendly routes that span the city, from C1 between the City and Enfield to the C57, which runs between Hammersmith and Barnes.
Key Details of the Cycleway 4 Extension
The new 2.5km-long cycleway extension will link the southeast London areas of Greenwich and Woolwich with one continuous, segregated route, meaning no more swerving through traffic or being forced to ride dangerously close to cars. When complete, it'll mean that cyclists will be able to pedal all the way from Woolwich to Tower Bridge. It's also expected to cut cycling journey times – it currently takes just under half an hour to bike between Greenwich Station and Woolwich Station.
TfL began work on the Cycleway 4 extension in summer 2025, and the brand-new route will be finished in 2027. TfL's goal is to bring London's daily cycle journeys to 1.6 million by 2030. And with an average of 1.5 million daily bike rides estimated for 2025, it's well on its way to making this a reality. More than 29 percent of Londoners now live within 400 metres of the city's cycle network, according to TfL research.
Broader Context of London Cycling Initiatives
In other London cycle news, the West End's streets are due a radical redesign as a result of the Holborn Liveable Neighbourhood project. One of the capital's parks, meanwhile, has introduced traffic lights and £50 fines for cyclists. These efforts highlight the city's commitment to improving urban mobility and safety for all road users.
This cycleway extension is part of a larger trend in London's transport strategy, focusing on sustainable and active travel options to reduce congestion and pollution. As the city continues to expand its cycling infrastructure, projects like this play a crucial role in promoting healthier lifestyles and environmental sustainability.
