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’s 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’s 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 1 found that:
82% of Londoners feel stuck in a rut, visiting the same places again and again
51% want to discover hidden gems
42% wish they were more spontaneous
55% say they wish they could explore more of the capital city
49 % saying they would love to discover an ‘off the beaten track’ scenic walk
47% would love to sniff out a new restaurant
34% would love to visit a different neighbourhood in the capital
Why Side Quests?
With a single £3.50 day pass, users can hop on and off Santander Cycles, classic or e-bike, 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’s all about veering off the main storyline and discovering something new.
“Side Quests is an excellent new way for Londoners to explore the capital on two wheels. Whether you’re 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.” Will Norman, Walking and Cycling Commissioner
“Santander Cycles is a vital part of London’s 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.” David Eddington, Head of Cycle Hire at TfL
“It 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’ 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’s economy.” Melissa Noakes, Head of Sponsorships and Events for Santander UK
Waterbikes Launch Day Details:
Date: Thursday, 24th July 2025
Time: 12:00–17:00, slots will be 20 minutes per waterbike
Where: Tallow Bridge, In front of V&A East, E20 2AR
Cost: Free – just turn up and ride (first come, first served)
Restrictions: Waterbikes accommodate 2 people, and height restrictions apply. For anyone who doesn’t meet the restrictions, there are Swan Pedalos available.
