I used to commute along there, stopped for exactly this reason. It didn't feel safe/appropriate to go as fast as I wanted so I changed to using Harrow Rd. Now I only use the canal when I want to chill in the sun!
My speed seems ok, I slow down plenty for pedestrians and others coming past just doesn't feel safe the speeds people race towards/past at. I might just do Harrow Rd next time I'm at that training center, even riding out to Dartford over Shooters Hill was better.
I used to commute along there, stopped for exactly this reason. It didn't feel safe/appropriate to go as fast as I wanted so I changed to using Harrow Rd. Now I only use the canal when I want to chill in the sun!