Latest citywide cycle route maps for York now available

Cycling City York has launched a brand new citywide cycle route map, which acts as a comprehensive, user-friendly guide to cycling routes and facilities across York.

The handy, pocket-sized map has been updated to include details of all the new cycle routes that Cycling City York has funded during the past year, as well as useful journey time information for those commuting to and from work, school or college and people cycling in their spare time who may want to adopt a more leisurely pace.

It highlights just how quick and easy it is to commute across York by bicycle. For example, it only takes 18 minutes to get from the outer ring road to the city centre.

Everything from bridleways - which are accessible to cyclists - to places of interest, such as schools, colleges and major employers, is marked on the map. There’s also advice and information on cycle training, leisure rides, bike security and lots more. Cycle shops are highlighted on the map so that cyclists know where to go to get their bikes repaired and obtain expert advice.

Programme manager for Cycling City York, Graham Titchener, said: “The new maps have been produced to replace a much earlier version that had become dated and care has been taken to make them even more user-friendly. The markings have been simplified wherever possible and the colours have been improved so that it’s even easier for cyclists to choose the best route for their journey.

“The maps are a really comprehensive guide to the broad range of cycling routes and facilities in York, and also contain lots of additional advice and information about cycling-related activities. We hope that they will prove useful to both residents and visitors, especially the introduction of the cycling timescale chart and circles, which gives you an idea how long it will take to get to your destination.”

The maps are free of charge and available from cycle shops, libraries, leisure centres, City of York Council offices and from the Cycling City York website at www.york.gov.uk/cycling

The news comes on the back of last months launch of the first four in a series of new off-road leisure ride maps, which feature handwritten notes about facilities and places of interest along the way, and have been devised, designed and tested out by a team of local volunteers.

Linda Capel, marketing group manager for Cycling City York, said: “Because they follow off-road routes, all four rides are ideal for families looking for fun things to do during the summer holidays. Even the youngest cyclists will be able to manage the rides.”

Cycling City York also runs a series of led cycle rides, which are suitable for those who haven’t been cycling for some time but want to get back in the saddle or anyone who wants to get out and meet other cyclists. The dates for the September rides will are available from www.york.gov.uk/cycling