- New 'Side Quests' initiative invites Londoners to ditch the A-to-B mindset with curated cycling routes to lesser-known cultural spots across the city
- To celebrate the launch, Santander Cycles introduces floating waterbikes for one day only in East London on 24 July
- With over 80% of Londoners feeling stuck in a rut, new research reveals a hunger for spontaneity and new experiences听
LONDON, July 24, 2025 鈥 Santander Cycles, in partnership with Transport for London (TfL), today launches a bold new chapter with Side Quests, a curated series of spontaneous cycling adventures designed to take Londoners and visitors off the beaten path to explore the capital鈥檚 most surprising hidden gems.
To celebrate the launch of the platform, Santander Cycles is introducing waterbikes, a surprising and playful new way to explore East London鈥檚 canals. For one day only, riders can swap the streets for the waterways and experience the city from a different perspective.
Riding Into the Unknown
Recent research commissioned by Santander and TfL found that:
鈼徧82% of Londoners feel stuck in a rut, visiting the same places again and again
鈼徧51% want to discover hidden gems
鈼徧42% wish they were more spontaneous
鈼徧55% say they wish they could explore more of the capital city
鈼徧49 % saying they would love to discover an 鈥榦ff the beaten track鈥 scenic walk
鈼徧47% would love to sniff out a new restaurant
鈼徧34% would love to visit a different neighbourhood in the capital
Why Side Quests?
With a single 拢3.50 day pass, users can hop on and off Santander Cycles 鈥 classic or e-bike 鈥 for unlimited rides under 60 minutes, following a curated series of themed cycling routes across London from thrift store treasure hunts to Brutalist building tours to bao-powered foodie trails. It鈥檚 all about veering off the main storyline and discovering something new.听
Will Norman, Walking and Cycling Commissioner commented: 鈥淪ide Quests is an excellent new way for Londoners to explore the capital on two wheels. Whether you鈥檙e a regular rider or just getting started, this scheme helps Londoners and visitors discover hidden parts of the city, stay active and enjoy the summer weather. Santander Cycles plays a key role in promoting active travel and making cycling more accessible and affordable across our city, all part of our work to build a greener, healthier London.鈥澨
David Eddington, Head of Cycle Hire at TfL said: "Santander Cycles is a vital part of London鈥檚 transport system and we're really looking forward to see people trying out our new Side Quests route generator to discover and explore iconic places in London using a Santander Cycle. Whether using an e-bike or a classic cycle, we encourage everyone to take advantage of the curated routes across London to enjoy a new kind of sightseeing this summer. With the good weather set to continue, we are excited to see more Londoners and visitors explore the capital in an affordable way that also supports a greener and healthier future for everyone in London.鈥澨
Melissa Noakes, Head of Sponsorships and Events for Santander UK added: 鈥淚t is remarkable that, despite London spanning just a 19-mile radius, there are so many unique areas and attractions in the capital that remain undiscovered by large numbers of us. Cycling is a fantastic way to explore all corners of London: accessible, affordable and sustainable, it allows both Londoners and visitors to discover hidden gems, and to enrich their experience of our dynamic capital city. Santander Cycles鈥 Side Quests route generator marks an exciting new phase of our long-standing partnership with TfL, enabling users of the cycles scheme to seek out little-known treasures in the city, and in turn helping to boost London鈥檚 economy.鈥
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Notes to editors
Waterbikes Launch Day Details
Date: Thursday, 24th July 2025
Time: 12:00鈥17:00, slots will be 20 minutes per waterbike
Where: Tallow Bridge, In front of V&A East, E20 2AR听
Cost: Free 鈥 just turn up and ride (first come, first served)
Restrictions: Waterbikes accommodate 2 people, and height restrictions apply. For anyone who doesn鈥檛 meet the restrictions, there are Swan Pedalos available.
About Side Quests
Side Quests is about getting people to explore London like never before through a route generator that randomly gives users spontaneous cycling routes (a.k.a Side Quests), to complete on a Santander Cycle. Each route has a bespoke theme, from top food spots to movie filming locations, and are curated to take people around the best experiences the city has to offer. For route inspiration and to start your Side Quest, visit: ;
About Santander Cycles
About Santander Cycles
Santander Cycles is London's public bike hire scheme, operated by Transport for London (TfL) in partnership with Santander UK. It's powered London since July 2010, providing an affordable, convenient, and sustainable way to travel around the city. With 10,000 pedal bikes and 2,000 e-bikes across over 800 docking stations, we cover more than 100 square kilometres of London. We're also one of the cheapest ways to get around the city - our day passes offer unlimited 60-minute rides for just 拢3.50 and 30-minute e-bike rides for 拢3. Santander Cycles plays a vital role in enhancing London's transport infrastructure, supporting the Mayor鈥檚 transport strategy, which aims to have 80% of all trips in London made on foot, by cycle or by public transport by 2041. We're proud to help millions of Londoners and London visitors a year explore the city, whether getting from A to B or looking for hidden gems. Download the Santander Cycles app from the app store or google play or visit
About Transport for London
Transport for London (TfL) is the integrated transport authority responsible for delivering London鈥檚 transport strategy and managing the city鈥檚 public transport network. From buses and the Tube to walking and cycling initiatives like Santander Cycles, TfL works to keep London moving sustainably, safely, and efficiently. Through innovation and investment, TfL is committed to making travel in London more accessible and environmentally friendly for everyone.
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