Cycling - Special Interest
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Cycling to work
Many people in Sheffield are switching to the cycle as a quick, reliable and healthy way to get to work. When considering this as an option you might like to think about the following:
- Your employer might have a travel plan setting out how it is encouraging its employees to travel in ways that include cycling. There may be a scheme to help you buy a bicycle. There may be showers and changing facilities if you get sweaty on the journey and secure cycle parking you can use.
- What kind of bicycle to buy - we recommend a hybrid bicycle or a folding bicycle if you are also using public transport on the journey. See Equipping yourself.
- Are you ready to cycle? See our Beginners guide and Cycle Coaching for advice.
Cycling for leisure
See Getting Around for information about travelling in Sheffield.
You might be particularly interested in cycling in the Peak District. See the Peak District visitor information website, which has a Walking and Cycling routes section.
The Trans Pennine Trail also has many stimulating routes that you could try. The Sheffield Cycle Map has details of where the trail is locally. See the GPS (Global Positioning System) Cycle Routes website for many routes available on the Trans Pennine Trail and National Cycle Network.
Other routes in Sheffield you could try are:
- Five Weirs Walk - mainly off road route from the city centre to Meadowhall
- The Peak Centenary Way - an off road route from Endcliffe Park to Forge Dam, and if you fancy a climb just continue along the bridleway to Ringinglow
Cycling and disabled people
A disability might not be an obstacle to cycling. There are some cycles that are designed to help out:
- Hand Crank - powering the cycle by hand
- Side by Sides - cycling with support from another cyclist
- Tricycles - with that extra wheel there is no need to keep your balance all the time
- Tandems - allowing partially sighted and blind users to cycle with a sighted partner
There is a project in Sheffield called Wheels for All which helps people with different needs to cycle. This includes trying out different kinds of cycles. Call Steve Marsden on 0114 250 0613 or email steve.marsden@ctc.org.uk for more information.
Before starting to cycle we recommend you arrange some Cycle Coaching. This will help build up your skills and start you thinking about which routes would be appropriate. Some will be easier to use than others.