LONDON cyclists are over the moon after the Greenwich foot tunnel lift finally reopened after almost a year.

It means bikers are can avoid the estimated 96-step journey where they had to haul their bikes for months on end.

While some social media posts suggested the lifts had broken again over the weekend, only days after being fixed, they were fully functional on Monday (March 14) as commuters returned home.

The lifts at both ends of the tunnel have had a series of problems, with the north lift at the Greenwich end believed to have been out of action for 307 days, according to one Twitter account that has been tallying the issue.

This Is Local London: Greenwich council said previously that an international supply chain disruption prevented the elevators from being fixed previously. CREDIT: Kiro Evans - free to use

Greenwich Council has previously blamed international supply chain disruption for not being able to get the parts to repair the lift.

Cyclists said they were relieved about the easier journey they now have across the foot tunnel, which links Greenwich to the Isle of Dogs, after months of frustration.

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But some said they had become used to the spiral stairs, and would continue to use them.

Angus McNelly, returning home from work, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service:”Amazing. It’s almost like you can’t believe it’s happened you’ve been waiting so long. It just makes getting into work so much easier.”

Another man called Joel, who did not provide a surname, said: “It’s much easier. [The journey up the stairs before] was manageable.

"My bike is pretty light, but I came with my girlfriend once and there was a bit of trouble. I love cycling.

"I don’t come to Greenwich too often but it’s a really nice place to cycle.”

Others said the prolonged absence of the lift had made them used to taking the trek up the stairs.

Simon, who did not want to give a second name, said: “I take the stairs anyway. It takes too long when you stand there waiting [for the lift]. I’d rather take the stairs. It’s easier and quicker.

He added of the lifts returning: “I couldn’t care less. It’s the poor fools with heavy bikes that are used to walking up the stairs who suffer.”

James Lewis, another commuter, also said he was sticking to the stairs. He said: “It’s just part of my fitness routine. I’m mainly a runner but might as well use the stairs. You’ve already bought into fitting your exercise around it. But yeah it’s good to see it open again, mind.” 

Greenwich Council has been contacted for comment.