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Getting around
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This page gives you advice about getting around Sheffield by bicycle.
Cycling on roads
The Sheffield Cycle Map is a guide on the many routes available to cyclists in Sheffield.
Using quiet routes parallel to busy roads is often a useful way of cycling through the City.
There are many cycle lanes (on and off the road) around Sheffield, cycling is permitted in most bus lanes and there are some shared use routes with pedestrians.
For further advice on how to interact with traffic on roads follow the link to drive safe cycle safe. If you think you need help cycling on road free adult cycle training is available - see the cycle training page.
Tackling hills
Hills are harder if you are new to cycling or haven’t cycled for some time. It takes time to build up your strength and endurance. The most common mistake beginners make is to work too hard at the beginning of a hill, in too high a gear, and get tired before the top. Here are a few tips for mastering Sheffield’s hills.
- Wherever possible, pick a route that has a gradual gradient, even if that means a longer cycling distance
- Try to choose a bike with a very low first gear - remember that getting up hills is as much about technique as it is about strength and endurance
- At the bottom of the hill let the bike slow down, push a little harder on the level ground – keep shifting your gears down, even to your lowest gear if necessary but maintain a steady pace
- Build up to cycling all the way up the hill and don’t be afraid to get off and walk – you should find that you will be able to cycle further up the hill each day
Cycling alongside drivers and pedestrians
Remember when cycling you must follow the highway code and when you are in shared use areas with pedestrians remember that they have priority. When cycling, be careful and be polite to others. Using your bell can be a useful way to tell people you are approaching!
Cycling along canals
If you plan to cycle along canals either as a route to work or for leisure rides then you will need a cycle permit available free from British Waterways - follow this link to the waterscape website. The code of conduct for cycling on canal towpaths is available on the British Waterway website.
Other route resources
To order a copy of "Sheffield and South Yorkshire Cycle Routes", send a cheque for £3.50 made out to Pedal Pushers Sheffield Cycle Campaign, to Simon Geller, Cycle Routes Book, 12 Carfield Ave, Sheffield S8 9HY. For more infomation see the Pedal Pushers website.
Trans Pennine Trail offers a predominantly off-road leisure route along interesting corridors through Sheffield. The whole route offers a route from Southport and Liverpool to the west and Hornsea to the east.
If you need further assistance on the planning routes then the local cycling campaign group Pedal Pushers offer route planning advice on their website. The site also offers some additional cycle routes.
Cycle parking
A map of cycle parking locations in Sheffield City Centre can be downloaded from the cycle parking page.
Downloads
A cycle route map for Rother Calley Country Park. (1.40 MB)
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