Silvertown tunnel is set to open on 7 April and Transport for London (TfL) has just revealed the final details of its new zero-emission Cycle Shuttle Service.  

The tunnel will allow cyclists to take advantage of the new cross-river connection as TfL confirm the service will run on opening day and is expected to encourage more active travel across the area.

The service will be able to carry a variety of standard and non-standard cycles and will be free to use for at least the first year, operating every 12 minutes from 06:30 to 21:30.

It will have two stops, one on each side of the river, with the 'north' stop located on Seagull Lane close to Royal Victoria DLR station, and the 'south' stop located on Millennium Way near the junction with Old School Close.

Lorna Murphy, Director of Buses at TfL, said: “We're pleased to share the final details of our innovative cycle-shuttle service, which will provide important cross river connectivity for a range of cyclists through the Silvertown Tunnel.

“This free service will help people cycling in east London cross the river safely and encourage more active travel across the area.

“We have designed this service to support as many different cycle designs as possible within the physical space available, and we look forward to seeing Londoners using it once the Silvertown Tunnel opens on 7 April.”

E-bikes, as well as Santander Cycles and third-party hire bikes or e-bikes will also be allowed to use the service.

Size restrictions of 2.14 metres in length, 0.76m in width and 1.4m in height at the handlebar, and a maximum combined weight of 300kg for cycle, rider and any cargo apply.

The bus itself will have two separate bays for cycle storage and can hold four standard cycles, one bay will be prioritised for non-standard cycles.

Additionally dedicated luggage racks will also allow for folding cycles, luggage and equipment to be stored aboard the service.

Paul Lynch, Managing Director of Stagecoach London, added: “We've been busy getting the buses and drivers ready for this new service and we're looking forward to welcoming customers with their bikes on board.

“This new bus service simply means that cyclists can also benefit from the important new transport link under the river, and we're pleased to be entrusted with providing it by TfL.”

The shuttle service can only be used for cyclists however TfL stated pedestrians travelling without bicycles will be able benefit from other cross-river services when the tunnel opens, including the new SL4 Superloop route.