Cycling along the periphery of London’s Royal Parks can be a good way to avoid traffic. In this route from Waterloo to Paddington, crossing the Thames on Westminster Bridge is inevitably busy; but once you’ve got past Parliament Square, the cycling is quiet and easy.

It follows Horse Guards Road along the edge of St James’s Park, before continuing alongside the Mall and Constitution Hill at the edge of Green Park. Toucan crossings take you safely across Hyde Park Corner via the central island, and from there it’s a pleasant ride along the always-popular track past Speakers’ Corner.