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Cycle routes
These days it is possible to enjoy a great day's riding without needing to ride on a road filled with cars and lorries. There are a range of traffic-free routes, from cycle lanes to converted old railway lines and forest tracks, to explore.
Many local authorities publish free route maps for regular cyclists and tourist information centres often hold details of scenic cycle paths in the area, many of which may be part of the National Cycle Network. This is a network co-ordinated by the charity Sustrans and involves hundreds of organisations, including local authorities, businesses, landowners and environmental bodies.
The National Cycle Network currently provides more than 10,000 miles of cycling routes throughout the UK. About one-third of the Network is on paths which are free from cars and lorries, with the rest using quiet lanes or traffic-calmed roads in towns or cities.
Traffic-free sections of the National Cycle Network use disused railway paths, canal towpaths, forest tracks, routes through country parks and bridle-ways to provide a suitable place for children and new cyclists to practice their skills. Some paths are also used by walkers, people with disabilities or horse-riders. Many of the routes go from town to town or from city centres into the countryside and make for a great day out. While the National Cycle Network is ideal for family rides or longer cycling holidays, many people simply choose the routes as an alternative route to work, school or the shops.
Another way to enjoy cycling, and possibly involve the whole family, is to go for family days out or to go on an organised cycling holiday. There are many national cycle events and specialist holiday firms who can help you (see below).
Further information
- www.sustrans.org.uk - Sustrans website which provides information on the nearest cycle paths in your area (located on the route mapping section of the Sustrans website)
- The Official Guide to the National Cycle Network and a range of guides covering other routes throughout the country are available from Sustran's online shop, bookshops, tourist information centres and some cycle shops
- www.ctc.org.uk - Cyclists Touring Club website which offers travel and route information for the UK and for over 90 countries around the world free to members. CTC rates its library of nearly 600 sheets as a unique source of information for members who like to go travelling on their bikes
- www.lcc.org.uk - London Cycling Campaign (LCC) website which offers free maps of routes in and around London
- www.transportforlondon.gov.uk/tfl/cycle_guide.shtml - Transport for London (TFL) free cycle guides. TFL offers free localised guides to cycling in greater London that show the best routes for cycling, locations of cycle shops and railway stations with cycle parking, and useful contacts
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