Greg records different problem spots across the borough, documenting how certain gates make it impossible to pass through — especially with larger or adapted bikes.
He shares videos of these encounters on his Instagram account, @greg.on.the.bike and recently highlighted a barrier on Robin Hood Lane as a key example of poor design.
The gate forms part of the official London Cycle Network, but navigating it requires him to dismount and lift his bike over the obstruction — a task he says is not just inconvenient but impossible for many.
Greg told the News Shopper: “For many people, especially those with limited mobility, older residents, or anyone carrying shopping or riding with children, this simply isn’t possible.”
He added that even for cyclists with standard upright bikes, the layout and narrow design of many gates mean they have to stop completely, lift their bikes, and negotiate awkward manoeuvres just to pass through.
He pointed out that anyone using bikes with panniers, baskets, child seats or three-wheel adaptations for stability would find many of Bexley’s routes effectively blocked.
According to Greg, the issue goes beyond mere inconvenience. He believes some of the barriers may breach the Equality Act 2010, particularly Section 20, which requires public infrastructure to be reasonably accessible.
While the gates may originally have been installed to prevent antisocial motorbike use, he argues they are now penalising responsible cyclists and other legal users.
He added: “These gates are not stopping regular e-bikes or scooters anyway. The infrastructure was meant to help, but it’s ended up being anti-bike infrastructure rather than anything productive.
“They’re just in the way for people who want to use the parks and quiet paths.”
He described one route as pleasant in theory, following a small river through several parks, but said it quickly becomes impractical due to a series of difficult gates.
Greg said: “The only way for me to do it is lifting my bike over my head. I don’t think anyone would be willing to do that — certainly not repeatedly.”
Greg also compared Bexley’s cycling infrastructure to neighbouring boroughs, particularly Greenwich, where he says the routes feel more inclusive and well-maintained.
“There’s a general attitude over there that’s much more considerate,” he said.
To help document the problem, Greg has been using the CycleStreets mapping tool, a national project run by Cambridge University that allows users to log cycling infrastructure issues and obstructions.
He has mapped a significant number of gates across Bexley, with many marked in red to indicate serious accessibility concerns. Some, he noted, are so narrow that not even mobility scooters or wheelchairs could pass.
He stressed that while not every gate is a problem, key routes used by families, commuters, or disabled cyclists should be prioritised for improvement.
Greg explained: “Where the route creates a logical shortcut for people, and it’s part of the official cycle network, gates like these actively stop people from using it.”
Greg believes small changes, like removing or replacing specific gates, could make a significant difference.
He pointed out that other councils have taken steps to review and update old barriers, and said Bexley should follow suit.
Greg said: “There’s a massive movement in the country to improve active travel.
“Just small things like removing unnecessary barriers would have a massive benefit for everyone — for disabled people, for parents cycling with children, and for anyone who just wants to use the park without having to battle the infrastructure.”
Bexley Council was approached for comment.
