Cycling UK

🏰 New Route Alert! We’re excited to introduce Marcher Castles Way, a 291km, 5,000m+ ascent, multi-day adventure that starts in Shrewsbury and winds through the counties of Shropshire, Herefordshire, and Powys (Wales). While it may not feature the towering peaks of Traws Eryri or the length of the Great North Trail, Marcher Castles Way brings its own unique tests. From Roman ruins at Wroxeter to the industrial heritage of Ironbridge, the route leads you through historic landmarks and breathtaking scenery. As you tackle the rolling hills and gradual climbs, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views from Wenlock Edge to the Clee Hills. If you're not ready for the full route, there’s a shorter taster loop—a 97km, 1,300m+ ascent—starting in Shrewsbury. This loop curtails the route by linking Much Wenlock and Church Stretton, making it a perfect introduction to the full Marcher Castles experience before returning to Shrewsbury. Set your daily goals, embrace the challenge, and explore historic castles and quiet countryside at your own pace. 🔗 Ready to ride into history? Download the GPX files here: https://lnkd.in/e_7R-_SN

Ahead of the #AutumnBudget, we, along with a broad range of other charities, academics and NGOs, are urging the Chancellor to dedicate 10% of the overall transport budget to walking, wheeling and cycling. This investment would ease pressure on the NHS, stimulate economic growth and address the climate crisis. Together, we're working towards happier, healthier and greener lives through cycling. Read the letter in full on why this funding matters: https://lnkd.in/du9XT7kH The Association Of Directors of Public Health (UK) Nicola Close MBE British Cycling Jon Dutton OBE Camcycle (Cambridge Cycling Campaign) Roxanne De Beaux Centre for Mental Health Andy Bell CPRE The countryside charity Paul Miner Cycling UK Sarah Mitchell Edinburgh Napier University Global Action Plan Larissa Lockwood Greenpeace UK Doug Parr Impact on Urban Health Mark Heffernan IPPR Stephen Frost London Cycling Campaign Tom Fyans Mums for Lungs Jemima Hartshorn Swansea University Transport Action Network Chris Todd The Ramblers UWE Bristol Uganda Elaine Mulcahy UK Health Alliance on Climate Change #Budget

🚲 The Cycle to Work scheme has changed lives—can it be even better? For 25 years, the Cycle to Work scheme has helped millions save on cycles and discover the benefits of commuting on wheels. And now, exciting changes could be on the horizon! Minister for Local Transport Simon Lightwood has promised to review the scheme. In our latest blog, senior policy officer Monica Scigliano explains how the scheme can be even more accessible and beneficial for everyone. Learn more about how the scheme could evolve: https://lnkd.in/eqgC6mad

How can we encourage more people to be active, ease the strain on the NHS, boost productivity, and ultimately create a happier, healthier nation?   These were the key questions at today’s insightful roundtable in Westminster, chaired by our CEO, Sarah Mitchell. The discussion brought together Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne, Chief Medical Officer Christopher Whitty, Chair of Active Travel England Chris Boardman, Transport Select Committee Chair Ruth Cadbury, backbench MPs, Peers, and leaders from the Walking and Cycling Alliance.   It was inspiring to hear about the collaborative efforts underway within Government to highlight the crucial role that walking, wheeling, and cycling play in achieving a future-fit NHS. We're excited to keep building on these conversations with policymakers and across all political parties across the UK, making the case for cycling’s vast benefits to the nation's health.   Department of Health and Social Care Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom Sustrans Living Streets The Bikeability Trust British Cycling The Bicycle Association of Great Britain The Ramblers

Yesterday, our public affairs manager, Eleanor Goldberg Mitchell, and public affairs officer, Tomos Owens, had the opportunity to visit Parliament to meet with Jess Asato MP, for Lowestoft. We were delighted to discuss a range of local and national issues, and it was encouraging to hear that Jess is a keen supporter of cycling—especially for health and wellbeing. We look forward to working with her in Westminster and supporting her initiatives in the constituency moving forward. While we missed the chance for a photo with Jess due to her busy schedule, we still managed to grab a quick snap outside Parliament! 📸 Stay informed about all our policy and campaign efforts here: https://lnkd.in/dwx4HdS

🚴♀️ On Wednesday in Dunbar, local community members, councillors, and Cycling UK’s board of trustees gathered to celebrate the positive impact of cycling initiatives across East Lothian. With activities ranging from tandem cycling to early years sessions, these projects, supported by SEStran (South East of Scotland Transport Partnership), are creating happier, healthier and greener lives through cycling.    The event showcased cycling’s transformative power, from helping families discover sustainable ways to travel to offering adaptive cycles for those who need extra support. Take Nikki’s story: through our Connecting Communities programme, she began exploring cycling with her young daughter. After borrowing an e-bike and trailer, Nikki soon realised how effortlessly they could replace car trips with family rides to nursery and around town. “[My daughter] has loved going to nursery in the trailer. All her friends want a go. We love it!” 🔗 Visit our website to learn more about these projects and read more inspiring stories like Nikki's from East Lothian! https://lnkd.in/eqsEc2iG

🎤 On Tuesday, a few of our team attended the Transport and Health conference at Bristol City Hall, hosted by Landor Events. The conference was a great opportunity to hear from people working across the two sectors, from academics, to campaign groups, to those working in policy in national and local government, on how we can achieve the maximum health benefits from our transport system. Our very own research and evaluation manager, Dr Kerry Griffiths, delivered an informative presentation on "Ethical approaches to collecting health data on transport projects."   Kerry outlined how we have developed an approach to collecting information on the impacts of our behaviour change projects which is non-intrusive to participants, follows ethical standards and enables us to gather high-quality data demonstrating the real difference that active travel can make to health and wellbeing!   It's amazing to see how our behaviour change projects are driving meaningful improvements in public health. Let's keep moving towards happier, healthier and greener lives through cycling! 🚴♀️   #CyclingUK #ActiveTravel #PublicHealth #SustainableTransport #Wellbeing

🚴 Matthew’s journey with Inclusive Cycling in Greater Manchester Matthew hadn’t ridden a large-wheeled bike since an incident in 2021, but thanks to a recent Inclusive Cycling Experience session in Greater Manchester, funded by Motability Foundation, he rediscovered his confidence and joy. Starting on a trike for stability, he quickly advanced to riding a larger two-wheeled bike—a big leap from his BMX days. With support from our dedicated delivery officers, Ryan and Simon, Matthew not only regained his confidence but also took the lead in helping others during the session. His journey shows the transformative power of inclusive cycling! Read more about Matthew’s journey here: https://lnkd.in/eMUG9dCt Interested in trying accessible cycling? Join a free taster session or sign up for a loan cycle across Greater Manchester: https://lnkd.in/eyCkHPM7 📧 For more information, email: inclusivecycling@cyclinguk.org #InclusiveCycling #CyclingUK #Motability #GreaterManchester #AccessibleCycling 

This morning, our head of campaigns, Duncan Dollimore, was on the red sofa with BBC Breakfast alongside The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, discussing the important topic of floating bus stops and their impact on cyclists, pedestrians, and people with visual impairments. It was a fantastic opportunity to explore how thoughtful design can create safer and more inclusive public spaces for everyone.   Duncan highlighted how floating bus stops, when designed and implemented carefully, can promote active travel while supporting accessibility. We were grateful to take part in a discussion on the improved safety, social and health benefits these designs bring, and how we can all work together to create safer streets for all. Huge thanks to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and BBC Breakfast for shining a spotlight on this important conversation.

🎉 Yesterday in Shrewsbury, we unveiled the highly anticipated new long-distance route: Marcher Castles Way! We dived into the fascinating history and development of this one-of-a-kind cycling route. With its ancient castles and stunning landscapes along the Welsh-English border, this journey is now open for riders to discover. A big thank you to everyone who attended the launch presentation and Q&A—it was fantastic to see so much enthusiasm for this exciting new adventure on wheels! 🔗 If you haven’t already, the GPX files are now available for download! https://lnkd.in/e_7R-_SN