"By seeing London, I have seen as much of life as the world can show" Samuel Johnson.

Love London. Embrace the good, humour the bad and avoid the ugly; then you can dispense with feeling like a stranger, after all no matter where you are from you can still call London home. At eight million people and stretching more than 30 miles at its broadest point, London is by far the largest metropolis in western Europe and though not one of the world's most populous cities it could arguably be the most diverse and culturally influential. History and geography mean the city's inhabitants come from all corners of the globe bringing with them their traditions and culture. The resulting exchange of ideas generates innovation, new trends are created, new ideas are traded and the buzz is palpable.

Geographically London is like a colourful urban patchwork quilt. There is no true centre but an amalgamation of towns and neighbourhoods each with their own distinct characteristics. For this reason, many Londoners struggle to leave their borough or neighbourhood save going to work or an event. However, London is everywhere and there is no better way to explore it than by bike.

So what's to see and do? There are four world heritage sights, free world famous museums and art galleries, palaces, a parliament, churches, clocks and cathedrals; there is one mighty river, several smaller rivers and gentle canals; there are sporting events from rowing to football and the Olympics in 2012; there's modern and old architecture; wildlife reserves, world famous parks, royal forests with deer, ancient woodlands and public commons; there are libraries, botanical gardens, shopping and more shopping; cutting edge fashion, music venues big and small; markets for food, antiques, home wares and flowers; there's Bollywood films, studios, live sets and Hollywood premiers; there are restaurants of every description, cocktail bars and sushi bars, old man pubs and banging nightclubs, there is something for everyone and the best way of getting there is by bike.

So whether you're an eager, inquisitive visitor or a jaded analyst from Kensal Green, saddle up and explore the city from a fresh, new perspective. Bicycles allow you to access more places in less time. No longer stuck in traffic or fighting against elbows and armpits on a crowded train but able to whiz along as free as the breeze. Use these routes to piece together the islands of geography centred around tube stations and liberate yourself from the underground. While for those visiting the city these rides will allow you to do so much more than just scratch the surface that's provided by traditional guidebooks which often concentrate on the centre. Where to Ride London will take you out to the lesser known, but just as worthwhile outer communities that make the city so unique. London is so complex and spread out that conventional sightseeing can never do it justice.