Not only is cycling good for you, it is good for the environment. From the very young to the very old, everyone will benefit from riding bikes. You can cycle to work, school or the shops. Every area of the UK has developed special cycling routes. The National Cycle Network website Sustrans will help you find a cycle route near you
If you haven’t cycled much before or you’re out of the habit of cycling, find yourself a traffic-free area to start off in, such as your local park.
Practise riding single-handed so you can make hand signals, and get comfortable looking over both shoulders to improve your visual awareness.
To learn to cycle with confidence, see Cycling UK’s cycle training or Bikeability for information on training schemes, some of which are free.
Before you start cycling in traffic, check the Highway Code for up-to-date rules and regulations for cyclists.
From charity rides to park cycles, signing up for a bike ride is a great way to stay motivated and experience the great outdoors. Find a bike ride near you using British Cycling’s Let’s Ride.
For short journeys, any good working bike will do. You might have an old 10-speed racer, a shopping bike or a bargain mountain bike that you could use. Make sure it is roadworthy – consider having it serviced at a bike shop.
With a new bike, a bike shop can advise you on the correct frame size and help you select a bike to suit your budget and the type of cycling you want to do.
There are many bikes available for people with disabilities. The two main providers of specialist bikes are Wheels for All and Cycling UK.
For most people, cycling is a safe and effective form of exercise. If you have any health concerns or an existing medical problem, see your GP before you start.
Regular cycling can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. It can also boost your mood and keep your weight under control.
For health benefits, adults and older adults should do at least 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity activity each week.
Children and young people should do at least an hour (60 minutes) of moderate to vigorous intensity activity every day.
A 30-minute ride will count towards your recommended weekly activity target.
Petition organisers on Redbourn Common – Pam Calvert, Rachel Mackie, Simon Barnes and Ruth Crowther with the 1800+ signed petition
More than 1,800 people have backed a petition calling for a
safe route for cyclists, runners and pedestrians.The existing road is said to have become ‘extremely hazardous’ and ‘often dangerous’ over the last few years. Two motorists were killed in a head-on collision last October.
On Tuesday 21st July 2020, cycle shop owner Simon Barnes presented the petition to St Albans DC councillors.
The proposed lane would link up the 14km Nickey Line – part of the Oxford to Welwyn Garden City National Cycle Network route – to the 9km Green Ring around St Albans.
According to Simon, a pop-up, temporary or permanent cycle lane – which he said would meet the criteria that the government’s emergency active travel fund – would improve the route.
“Previous road traffic calming measures have been challenging on this dangerous piece of road, with 18 deaths and nearly 50 major accidents recently,” he continued. “A cycle lane that narrows the existing road space will, by default, improve concentration and speed compliance.”
At the meeting of the full council the petition was accepted by executive member for highways and the environment Cllr Phil Bibby.
Cllr Bibby said the council was fully aware of the challenges on this stretch of road between Redbourn and St Albans, which “has a chequered accident history”.
Herts county councillor for Harpenden rural, Annie Brewster, in a recent statement said “I am confident a segregated cycle lane will be considered favourably should the grant funding become available to Hertfordshire County Council.”
The AIR team are experienced cyclists. Using Strava they have plotted and produced several cycle rides available to all comers.
To use Strava routes you need to join. Or to access the routes in .pdf format click the routes in the panel. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader you can download it here
The Bike Loft in Redbourn High Street and its owner Simon Barnes is a major asset in the village. They will repair bikes and make sure a new bike is just right for you. They will also tell you the best cycling routes and which local cycling groups you may wish to join
The Bike Loft
70 High Street, Redbourn, St Albans, AL3 7LN
Tel: 01582 742900 Email: info@thebikeloft.co.uk
Due to increasing traffic congestion, it’s often quicker to travel by bike. A journey of 1.5 miles for instance, takes about 10 mins by bike. There are a number of off-road cycle routes and safe cycle paths across St Albans for cyclists.
A district-wide cycle map is available to help both new and experienced cyclists to plan their routes across the St Albans District.
The map is downloadable click here. Simply use the move and zoom functions in your Adobe Acrobat Reader to view different areas of the map at larger scales. You can print specific sections by selecting ‘Print Current View’ and then selecting ‘Fit to Printable Area’ and ‘Colour’ in your print settings.
AS well as downloading it from the link above, you can pick up your free copy from local libraries, cycle shops, Tourist Information Centre and at the Council offices. You can also ask to be sent a copy by emailing contactus@stalbans.gov.uk
Redbourn is ideally placed for cycle rides. It is on National Cycle Route 57 where the Nickey Line offers a gentle safe ride to Harpenden/Hemel Hempstead and beyond. Many people use Redbourn Road to St Albans.
Discover over 300 cycling trails in Redbourn.
Join over 20 million people on Me And My Ride
See 361 cycle routes and 45 cycle courses in Redbourn by clicking here
Based in St Albans, Verulam Cycling Club (VCC) is one of the oldest and most active sport cycling clubs in Hertfordshire, with over 500 members. We cater for serious club riders and competitive racers.
Among our activities are club rides, youth development, road racing, track racing, time-trials, cyclocross, sportives, audax, the occasional bit of mountain biking, plus training sessions, such as turbo and chain-gangs.
To join the VCC and hear about their latest activities click here
British Cycling (formerly the British Cycling Federation) is the main national governing body for cycle sport in Great Britain. It administers most competitive cycling in Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. It represents Britain at the world body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and selects national teams, including the Great Britain (GB) Cycling Team for races in Britain and abroad.
Joining an organised bike ride is a fantastic way to meet new people, make new friends and keep fit and healthy. On British Cycling’s website in the Redbourn area you’ll find a host of different cycle rides for people of all ages and abilities.
To join an Active In Redbourn ride or for more information contact Pam Calvert .
To register for rides or for more information email Pamcalvert@outlook.com
Women-only bike rides created by HSBC UK Breeze offer fun, free bike rides for women of all abilities across the UK.
For bike rides specifically for women visit at www.breeze.co.uk.
These range from starter rides through to longer adventures depending on your confidence and experience. The Breeze network is particularly active in the Redbourn area and rides regularly leave from outside the Hub in the High Street. They are organised by trained leaders who are there to support and encourage you.
The social side of these rides is very important and there is always a half way stop for coffee and cake! For more information email Pam Calvert
