Working with Sustrans

Sustrans - the sustainable transport charity - works on practical projects to encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport in order to reduce motor traffic and its adverse effects. Sustrans's flagship project is the National Cycle Network, creating 10,000 miles of routes throughout the UK.

Sustrans rely on local volunteers to inspect the Network on a regular basis and report on its condition. The volunteers are known as "rangers" and check the signs, surfaces, potholes, vegetation and anything else that affects or may affect safe and enjoyable use. Wherever possible, they fix what they find, including placing temporary signs if necessary. What they can't deal with, they report to Sustrans, the local council, or whoever is best placed to remedy the defect.

Lewisham Cyclists are proud to work with Sustrans, as "corporate" rangers for two key local routes in the National Cycle Network, details of which are below. Please see the text at the foot of this page, which tells you how you can help us perform this vital and valuable work.

Route 4 - The Thames Path
St. George's Square to Watergate Street

Lewisham Cyclists, along with the Greenwich and Southwark groups, have become Sustrans rangers for the parts of the Thames Path (routes 1 & 4) that pass through our boroughs. Lewisham's stretch is very short, running from St. George's Square in the West to Watergate Street in the East. At the moment, this section of the route twists and turns, through the Pepy's estate and around Convoy's Wharf. The redevelopment work taking place in both of these means that careful monitoring of this path is of great importance. The Thames Path (combined routes 1 & 4) is a jewel in the Sustrans crown that every London cyclist should explore. It regularly features in the rides that the three groups organise, if you fancy a guided tour.

Route 21 - Waterlink Way
Deptford Bridge to Kent House station

Waterlink Way is a wonderfully quiet and almost rural route that meanders through several parks, open spaces and bridleways on its journey from Greenwich to the South coast. Through the borough of Lewisham, it is largely off-road and is particularly suitable for family and novice riders and often features in the organised rides that we run. Going South from Deptford Bridge, it follows the River Ravensbourne, through Brookmill Park, Ladywell Fields and Riverview Walk, before passing via minor roads and beautiful paths into Beckenham and the borough of Bromley.

We're looking after the entire stretch in our borough and a little bit further South into Beckenham. Thames Water have to close and dig up part of this path in Catford and Sydenham in late 2002 for essential pipe-laying work, after which they'll reinstate the path to a higher standard than at present. Whilst in the long term this is excellent news for both water consumers and path users, it means that we'll be paying close attention to those works and liaising closely with Thames Water, Lewisham Council and Sustrans to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum and that the best possible alternative routes are provided to cyclists.

We can't be all seeing at all times, so we welcome information from users of these routes. Please email us with issues, comments or suggestions regarding our sections of these routes at: sustrans@lewishamcyclists.net