guzzler

Update from OP: I had my first cycle home yesterday after picking up my bike. Felt confident enough to go across Tower Bridge, then made my way through the back streets to Burgess Park, before weaving my way through to Camberwell Grove and then up the hill. Thoroughly enjoyed it and a very quiet route (although it being the Easter holidays may have something to do with that). Only thing was that it was quite bumpy on my new road bike - lots of potholes and speed bumps. Will experiment with routes as the weeks go on. Might even join the bike train from DH once I'm back from holidays in a couple of weeks. Really glad I made the leap. Couldn't cycle today because I have an event I need to go to, but enjoyed it so much last night that I was actually quite sad not to be cycling in this morning. Thank you all for the advice and support!

What a helpful bunch you all are - many many thanks for the various suggestions. I filed my Cycle to Work application yesterday and am now waiting for the certificate to be issued. Off on holiday with the kids for a fortnight from next week, so probably won't start cycling until after Easter. But your comments have really got me motivated. I'm going to try all your route suggestions over time (and once I build up confidence) to see what works best for me. Will probably start with Surrey Canal Path > Elephant > North-South Superhighway > East-West Superhighway > Canary Wharf to begin with - I know it is longer, but I'm in no rush, nervous about traffic and a bit of extra exercise is good. I am going to book a session with Cycle Confident as soon as I get my bike, and may even join the Bike Train on my first day. Thank you all once again.

After years of debating, I've finally bitten the bullet and am going to cycle to work in Canary Wharf from ED. Would appreciate any tips on routes to take - avoiding traffic as much as possible. I was thinking of using the new superhighways for most of the way, but unsure how best to get to where it starts at Elephant from Burgess Park avoiding the scary junctions. Or should I go another way? Also, what should I be aware of as a new addition to London's roads? I know of two cyclists that have been killed so am very nervous, but determined to make it work.