“Come friendly bombs and fall on Slough”, wrote former Poet Laureate John Betjeman; an unkind slur on the town, without a doubt. However, Betjeman also wrote “Trace me your wheel-tracks, you fortunate bicycle, Out of the shopping and into the dark, Back down the avenue, back to the pottingshed, Back to the house on the fringe of the park.” – strangely in keeping with Slough’s pro-cycling philosophy.
Geographically, Slough is an ideal town for cycling – a compact urban area measuring just seven miles across and three miles north to south. Its flat terrain, together with a number of traffic-free route options make cycling a viable alternative to driving for short urban journeys.
Slough's cycling strategy aims to make the most of this fortuitous geography, aiming to improve facilities and safety for cyclists which in turn will help to reduce traffic congestion, improve the urban environment and promote good health and leisure opportunities.
Slough is one of British Cycling’s partner towns, working with the governing body to improve cycling opportunities of all kinds.
Cycle Route Provision
National Cycle Route 61 uses the towpath of River Jubilee to provide a traffic-free route across the south of the town. The route crosses the M4 motorway an into the town at Upton Court Park.Indeed, the town’s parks also provide further traffic-free routes, with permissive paths in Upton Court Park and Ditton Park. The Grand Union Canal towpath is a further traffic-free route to the north-east of the town centre.
In the town itself, there are a large number of roads with marked cycle paths or shared bus/cycle lanes. These, together with traffic calmed streets and cycle crossings are highlighted on the Slough Cycling Map.
Cycle Parking
There’s secure, covered cycle parking at Slough railway station, with space for 36 cycles. Cycles can also be carried free of charge, subject to space, on local rail services. For national operators policies, please check here.
Cycle Shops
Stow’s on the High Street is the town’s main independent cycle shop, with Halfords on Bath Road to the east of the town.
Don’t leave home without...
Slough’s Cycle Map PDF, which details cycle-friendly routes, crossings, etc as well as routes to avoid.
Essential Links
Slough Borough Council Cycling Pages
MORE SUPPORT FOR YOUR COMMUTE: Ride Membership offers bike commuters legal protection, insurance and discounts on essential commuting kit. Click here for more details
