There is a good choice of cycling clubs in the Merton area.
Most road cycling clubs have weekly rides that start on Saturday or Sunday morning and head out to the Surrey Hills, Kent and Windsor. Some offer mid-week events, generally summer evenings or mornings (after/before work).
If you’re a London Cycling Campaign member, your membership includes third-party insurance for leisure and general cycling (not competition/race cycling). Some clubs may require insurance so check the club’s needs against the current LCC policy.
We’ve summarised the club’s nature in the table below, but you should check the club’s website and contact the club to make sure it’s right for you. Many clubs will welcome you on an introductory ride so you can experience it for yourself. Generally there’s a membership fee, as clubs have expenses they need to cover. Most clubs are community organisations that depend on volunteers, although some have commercial affiliations.
Longer distance rides (mostly 100km+), all over the UK with some starting in Surbiton, Richmond Park and elsewhere in London. | |
Women-only road cycling club: “welcomes anyone who identifies as a woman or a non-binary rider” Rides depart from Colicci Cafe, Roehampton Gate Car Park. Road and gravel rides. | |
Led bike rides for women. A British Cycling programme. “Breeze offers fun, free, inclusive led bike rides for women of all abilities across the UK.” | |
Multi-sports club (running, cycling, swimming, triathlon - but you don’t have to run or swim!). Sessions suitable for everyone from novice to advanced cyclists | |
Women-only group. Rides aiming to accomodate the specific needs of Muslim women, however women from any background are welcome. Some borough groups also run rides for teenage girls. Nearest borough group is Lambeth (as of 2025). | |
Formerly CTC (Cyclists Touring Club). Organised rides inc. beginners. Has midweek daytime rides. | |
Meets in Kingston; Regular rides take place each week ranging from social gatherings to serious training. | |
Rides start from either Clapham Common, Richmond Park or Crystal Palace | |
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Meets Kingston Market Place You should be able to do two laps of Richmond Park in less than an hour (7miles / 11km per lap). You should be able to ride for 35miles / 60km or more. | |
GoodGym helps you get fit by doing good. A group of local residents who run, walk, or cycle to help out community projects and older people in Merton. | |
Club rides of varying distances from 20 miles upwards For Beginner Members, the club hosts events in Richmond Park, to give you a taste of group riding | |
Rides start at Horton Country Park car park Road and off-road rides | |
Large club. Rides start from Brighton Road, Surbiton. Club rides, TT’s, Audaxes, Road Races, CX, Track Various abilities catered for. | |
Merton Cycling Campaign’s “parent” organisation. Check the Events Calendar for rides and and events near you, including in Merton! | |
Large performance-oriented club. Road and gravel rides, from Hampton Court, plus Richmond Park circuits. “We are cyclists with a competitive edge” “Women’s Cycling is an integral part of our club” Rides cater for everyone from serious race hitters to the more casual social rider. Junior members can join. | |
meetup.com is a platform for organising social events. Search for “cycling” on the home page. There’s a variety of cycle rides and events on offer, including cycle weekends and holidays. There’s often a per-event charge, and some events are run on a commercial basis. | |
Offers tandem cycle rides, of varying lengths on the first Sunday and third Saturday of each month, suitable for visually-impaired riders. All abilities are welcome, from beginners to seasoned cyclists. Sighted tandem “pilots” also welcomed! | |
A small, friendly community of BMX riders, supporters and enthusiasts. | |
FREE Group Trike Rides - Morden & Mitcham Parks Can’t ride a two-wheeler? - fun social trike rides out in the fresh air.
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A locally-run interest group aimed at those not (or no longer) working full-time. Includes regular cycle rides. | |
Rides from Woodies Freehouse, Thetford Road, New Malden Has a women’s group.
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“A welcoming South-East London cycle club for kids, families and adults.” A large club with 30% women riders. Sunday rides start in Penge. Participation in competitive road, cyclocross, track, TT, hill climbs. Track sessions at Herne Hill Velodrome. | |
Road cycling club catering for most levels of ability. Rides departing from Richmond Park New member joining session once a month in Richmond Park.
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A youth cycling club created to provide cycling opportunities for local young people, in a safe environment with access to British Cycling coaches and support. Weekly sessions each Saturday at Northey Ave, Cheam. Focus on mountain biking/cyclocross, with opportunities for other disciplines | |
Rides from outside the Velosport shop on Upper Richmond Road. | |
Multi-sports club (running, cycling, swimming, triathlon - but you don’t have to run or swim!). Rides start from Wimbledon town centre. |
Expectations for club riding
You should ensure your cycle is road-worthy: has brakes that stop you effectively, tyres that are in good condition and correctly inflated and gears/chain that are serviceable and function correctly, and all parts and accessories securely attached. If in doubt, consult a bike shop or knowledgeable friend (and there are almost always knowledgeable club members who will be happy to assist you). The bike should “fit” you (not too big or small), with the saddle height set correctly, controls within easy reach and the bike comfortable for the distance you’ll be doing.
If it’s a road club, they may expect you to ride a road bike with drop bars; check with the club.
You’ll be expected to respect the rules of the road (Highway Code), and there are additional conventions of riding in groups you should be aware of, which will vary by club. You’ll likely be expected to carry at least one spare tube, a pump and a multi-tool, but there’ll be plenty of riders happy to assist you should you suffer a puncture or mechanical problem (that’s one of the advantages of club riding!). Optionally, consider carrying a small lock, as thefts from outside cafes are not unknown.
You should carry lights if there’s any possibility of night riding, and these are also advisable in lower-light conditions (e.g. gloomy winter days) or where a ride goes through areas with lots of tree cover. Make sure your lights are charged and working!
Check the weather forecast before a ride, and dress for the weather. Carry an extra layer/waterproof if conditions are changeable; if you might have to take off a layer as the temperature and/or weather changes, plan on where you’re going to keep it. Apply sun-block if needed. Sunglasses/glasses advised both for sun protection and to keep bugs/dirt out of your eyes.
You should carry enough nutrition (food) and water for the ride. Longer rides will normally stop at eateries, and you should be able to top up your water bottles at these, should you need to.
Many (but not all) clubs may expect you to wear a helmet.
Carry a phone and money/bank card, so you can buy food/drink, contact your fellow riders if you get “dropped”, and in case of emergencies.