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

🎅🚴 Santa delivers cycling joy! 🚴🎅 Smiles, excitement, and festive cheer filled Whiteinch Primary School and Bonnybroom Nursery this week as Santa teamed up with Cycling UK to deliver brand-new bikes to delighted children! This heart warming event is part of the Play Together on Pedals programme, helping kids across Glasgow build confidence, discover the freedom of cycling, and bring families closer through active travel. Find out how this festive surprise is transforming lives and creating a healthier, happier and greener future for Glasgow's children. 🎄✨ Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gVHVfV-E

Our head of policy and public affairs, Simon Bowkett, and public affairs manager, Eleanor Goldberg Mitchell, attended the UK100 parliamentary reception on Wednesday evening. The event highlighted the importance of empowering local authorities to make decisions tailored to their communities. They had the opportunity to speak with the event host, Deirdre Costigan MP, about how active travel can contribute to tackling climate change. It was inspiring to connect with organisations and individuals all working towards the shared goal of creating a healthier planet for everyone.

🌿 The Welsh Government’s draft budget for 2025-26 has sparked discussions within the active travel community. While the transport budget has increased, much of the funding is focused on broader initiatives, raising concerns that cycling and wheeling could be deprioritised. Tomos Owens, Cycling UK’s public affairs officer, highlights the importance of continued investment in active travel to help Wales meet its carbon budget and legally binding net-zero targets. Active travel is a vital part of building a healthier, greener, and more connected Wales. Read more about why this matters and what’s at stake here: https://bit.ly/4iE0kRF

According to today's transport stats, cycling continued to account for just 1% of all kilometres travelled in Great Britain in 2023. Together, we can change that! By making cycling a bigger part of everyday journeys, we can create cleaner, greener, healthier communities. 👉 Join the movement: https://lnkd.in/eDFXj6gZ 🔗 Access the Transport Statistics here: https://lnkd.in/gcB-GBcg

🚴♀️ Cycling for all: How to overcome challenges and inspire change 🚴♂️ Did you know that while 94% of adults in England have learned to ride a bike, cycling accounts for just 2% of all journeys? The interest is there - 43% of people want to cycle more, and 57% support more cycle lanes. But something is holding people back. At Cycling UK, we’re tackling these barriers head-on. We work hard to lobby for space to cycle safely. From safety concerns to confidence building, our behaviour change projects are making cycling more accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for communities across the UK. Through our behaviour change initiatives, we help people: ✅ Discover safer routes ✅ Build confidence in their cycling skills ✅ Make cycling part of their everyday lives ✅ Here’s what one participant shared: "Cycling used to intimidate me, but through Big Bike Revival, I’ve gained the confidence to cycle every week, visit friends, and even do the school run." By addressing challenges like bad weather and access to resources, our projects support over 100,000 people a year to experience how cycling can work for them. 🚲 Curious about how we’re driving change? Read the full article to learn more about our evidence-based approach and its impact: https://lnkd.in/evf39VqD Together, we’re creating happier, healthier, and greener lives through cycling. 🌍

"I wouldn't be where I am today without Cycling UK." Cycling gave Andrew purpose, freedom, and the chance to help others. With his handcycle and cycling buddies, he found hope again. He asks that you please help others like him—whatever the size or shape of a bike, it can change lives. But it only happens with the help of people like you. Cycling changes lives and so can you, donate today: https://lnkd.in/ek6C645W

🚴♀️ Cycling into a healthier, happier, and greener future in Aberdeenshire 🌍💚 This week, we celebrated the incredible impact of the Aberdeenshire Bothy and Cycle Access Fund (CAF) at an inspiring event at Newton Dee Camphill Community. Local residents, leaders, and partners came together to reflect on how these programmes are transforming the way people travel and connect across the region. Since 2019, the Aberdeenshire Bothy has empowered over 5,000 participants with cycling skills, confidence, and community rides. In 2023, it won the Scottish Transport Award for Excellence in Walking, Public Realm, and Cycling. The Cycle Access Fund (CAF), launched in 2024, has further expanded access to bikes, repairs, and shared-use cycles, making cycling more affordable and inclusive for people across the northeast. 🌟 Highlights: ✔️ Over £108,000 in grants awarded. ✔️ 75 bikes provided to those facing financial challenges. ✔️ Hundreds of activities and rides encouraging healthier, greener lifestyles. 💬 Hear from participants: “The rides have made cycling an enjoyable and regular part of my week.” – Jim, 70. “Thanks to this scheme, I’m now commuting by bike, saving money and enjoying the fresh air.” – Gordon. 👉 Read more about the impact of these transformative programmes here: https://lnkd.in/gsNvfa67

♀️ Happy #100WomenInCycling 2024 Day! Today, we spotlight the trailblazing women shaping the future of cycling. From fearless adventurers to passionate advocates, skilled mechanics to inspiring mentors, these 100 extraordinary individuals are pedalling change, breaking barriers, and spreading the joy of two wheels far and wide. 🚴♀️ Meet the women rewriting the cycling story for 2024: https://lnkd.in/ej7tiDrN 💬 Who’s your cycling hero? Share their name below and join us in celebrating the unstoppable women transforming the cycling world!

Cycling has the power to transform lives - unlocking new opportunities, boosting well-being and bringing people together. For Paul, cycling was more than a ride - it was a lifeline. It gave him purpose, rebuilt his health and strengthened bonds with his family and community. At Cycling UK, we’re committed to creating life-changing opportunities like Paul’s for thousands of people every year. But we need your help to keep making a difference. 🎥 Watch Paul’s inspiring story and help us change more lives. Donate today: https://bit.ly/3AQouao #CyclingUKWinterAppeal