Cycling Activities in Redbourn
Riding a bike is very good for you
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
Cycling safely
- practise in a safe environment
- wear a helmet
- be seen and heard
- check your bike
- be alert and plan your route
- always follow the Highway Code
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.
Join a bike ride
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.
NHS cycling tips
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.
Health benefits
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.
Local Cycle Rides
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
Strava Cycle Routes
- A 30 mile route using quiet lanes via Great Offley
- A 10 mile route to Flamstead and back.
- A 14,5 mile circular route passing through the villages of Flamstead, Markyate and Studham.
- A 18.8 circular route from Redbourn to Whipsnade Tree Cathedral.
- A 18.9 mile circular cycle route to Dunstable Downs.
- A 20 mile circular route to Ashridge passing through the National Trust estate and the historic Ashridge House.
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
Contact Details
The Bike Loft
70 High Street, Redbourn, St Albans, AL3 7LN
Tel: 01582 742900 Email: info@thebikeloft.co.uk
Cycling in St Albans Area
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.
Contact Details
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 Cycle Rides
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
Contact Details
See 361 cycle routes and 45 cycle courses in Redbourn by clicking here
Verulam Cycling Club
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.
Contact Details
To join the VCC and hear about their latest activities click here
British Cycling
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.
Contact Details
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 www.letsride.co.uk you’ll find a host of different cycle rides for people of all ages and abilities.
To access British Cycling routes near Redbourn click here.
British Cycling for Women
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.
Contact Details
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! If you’d like more information you can email pamcalvert@outlook.com.