Cycling down the A3

[benb]

So, I plugged this journey into Cyclestreets, and the recommendation for the fastest journey was down the A3. I'm a bit apprehensive about that. Anyone have a view as to whether I'd be mad to try it? It would be tonight, leaving at about 4:30, and allowing 2 hours in total.

My alternative is to cycle home to Epsom, get changed, and get the train.

 

[Hawk]

The "quietest" route is only 2-3miles longer? I take it there's a reason to avoid it?

 

[gaz]

The "quietest" route is only 2-3miles longer? I take it there's a reason to avoid it?

It's about an hour longer..

 

[musa]

OT: let me know what route you take I was planning a ride to Guildford come summer and need to find a way of avoiding the A3

 

[GrumpyGregry]

A3, cycling, south bound, peak afternoon rush hour....

 

[Flying Dodo]

The only safe time to cycle on the A3 is in the early hours of the morning. In the evening rush hour, it would be very dangerous, as it's effectively a 3 lane motorway.

I really can't see how the alternative route would be an hour longer though. On the section after Ripley, the route goes on the cycle path/pavement on the north side of the A3, which is fine, but then you're better off leaving at the Burpham turnoff and taking the main road into Guildford, rather than following the cycle route.

 

[benb]

Yeah, I think I'll skip it. I'll probably go home and get the train from Epsom, as that way I can get changed first anyway.
I'd still like to try it some time - there are certainly large sections with a decent hard shoulder which would make it OK.

Cheers.

 

[Flying Dodo]

The trouble is, the hard shoulder (and the above mentioned cycle path to some extent) are strewn in tyre and road debris. Not that the little country roads in Surrey don't have their own little obstacles in the form of potholes, but I know which I'd prefer!

 

[Sittingduck]

If you are intending on doing the route in the link, it's only on the A3 slip road for a few hundred yards (Tolworth - Hook). It's segregated from the main A3 there and you will be fine. If you're considering cycling down the main part of the A3 it's a suicide mission, IMHO

 

[bonker]

It takes 40 minutes to cycle from Sutton to Bookham during the rush hour. Guildford, on the A246, is another 25ish minutes on from that. The A3 would be a nightmare.

 

[Beebo]

I used to live in New Malden and Oxshott, both of them are on your route. You live in Epsom which is not a million miles away so I am sure you know in your heart not to do it.

The section between New Malden to Surbiton is a death trap, the bit from Surbiton to Guildford does have a hard shoulder, but you would have to cross a number of motorway style junctions including M25. Drivers will be doing 70mph, lorries will create a significant wind and they will just not be expecting to see a bike on that type of road.

 

[benb]

I used to live in New Malden and Oxshott, both of them are on your route. You live in Epsom which is not a million miles away so I am sure you know in your heart not to do it.

The section between New Malden to Surbiton is a death trap, the bit from Surbiton to Guildford does have a hard shoulder, but you would have to cross a number of motorway style junctions including M25. Drivers will be doing 70mph, lorries will create a significant wind and they will just not be expecting to see a bike on that type of road.

Yeah, you're right. I must admit the challenge appealed somewhat!
I did see someone cycling it a few weeks ago. Tipping with rain, and he was slogging up the hard shoulder.

With the M25 junction, you could always come off, go to the roundabout and then rejoin the A3, rather than having to get in the middle lane of a 3 lane motorway-in-all-but-name.

 

[gary r]

AVOID!!!! 3 lanes, underpasses,Narrow lanes,motorway style slip roads for entry and exit,why not do the richmond pk hampton ct, woking, guildford route far less stressful

 

[Ian Cooper]

So, I plugged this journey into Cyclestreets, and the recommendation for the fastest journey was down the A3. I'm a bit apprehensive about that. Anyone have a view as to whether I'd be mad to try it?

I'd do it, but I'll cycle on anything it's legal to cycle on if it's the shortest route. My attitude is that cars have brakes and steering wheels, and if I take primary, they'll change lanes well before they get close to me. The A3 looks scary, but the narrow multiple lanes actually help a confident cyclist by forcing cars to change lanes to overtake. As long as visibility is good, there should be no problem other than ignorant drivers honking at you just for being there.

 

[benb]

Well, I cycled home to Epsom, got changed, and then got the train to Guildford.
Another time maybe.