Cycling UK releases 140 cycling routes to mark 140th birthday
- National cycling charity celebrates major birthday and reflects on decades of successful campaigning and outreach
- 140 routes released across the UK, donated by celebrities and cycling advocates such as Clare Balding and Chris Boardman
To celebrate this milestone birthday, Cycling UK has released 140 cycling routes for all abilities around the UK, donated by well-known public figures such as presenter Claire Balding, Olympian Chris Boardman, adventure cyclist Mark Beaumont, Paralympian Karen Darke and Transport Minister Jesse Norman MP.
Round-the-world record holder and Cycling UK member Mark Beaumont’s route is naturally a real epic, covering Argyll to Aberdeen over 240 miles.
Those looking for something more sedate may enjoy Clare Balding’s route, a relaxing scenic route around Loch Katrine.
In Cycling UK’s spirit of being for all cyclists, the routes cater for all abilities, from easy family days out to lengthy adventures, and can be found in every corner of the UK.
Each of the 140 birthday routes reflects a close connection to Cycling UK; each one represents a part of the charity’s history, from campaigning successes to annual events, or was donated by someone who has worked closely with Cycling UK.
Over the past 14 decades, Cycling UK, or CTC as it was known until 2016, has helped achieve monumental law changes and established landmark projects for cyclists. Among its achievements is the right for cyclists to ride on the roads in 1888, helping in the development the Cycling Proficiency Scheme in the 1950s, and more recently launching the successful pothole reporting app, Fill That Hole.
But it’s not just regular cyclists who’ve benefitted from Cycling UK’s work. The charity currently runs hundreds of Community Cycle Clubs around the UK, which help people from all walks of life – refugees, mental health patients, the elderly – unlock the benefits of cycling.
Transport Minister Jesse Norman MP commented: “As an avid cyclist, I warmly congratulate Cycling UK on its 140th anniversary.
“As Transport Minister, I have worked very closely with Cycling UK on cycle safety, training, investment and a host of other issues, including most recently e-cargo bikes. Much done, much more to do!”
Cycling UK CEO Paul Tuohy commented: “For 140 years we’ve been a voice for everyone who cycles, but also those who do not, those who are put off cycling due to safety fears, poor infrastructure or cultural barriers.
“Cycling is one easy solution to so many of society’s problems, from improving air quality and easing noise pollution in towns and cities, to improving the health and fitness of people of all ages. We will continue to work to ensure cycling is accessible for everyone.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Cycling UK, the national cycling charity, inspires and helps people to cycle and keep cycling, whatever kind of cycling they do or would like to do. Over a century’s experience tells us that cycling is more than useful transport; it makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone. www.cyclinguk.org
- The 140 routes can be found here: https://www.cyclinguk.org/140-routes Anyone can access the routes online, each of which include top tips, recommended stops and GPX files to download. Contributors also include cycling journalist Matt Lamy, Timmy Mallett, Dan Farrell/Moulton, Michael Hutchinson ‘Dr Hutch’, Cyclist.co.uk, Road.cc, Cycling Plus, MBR magazine, London Cyclist magazine (LCC), Pashley, See.Sense, Jura Clothing, Condor Cycles, Spa Cycles, Moulton Bicycles, Pinnacle Bikes and Evans Cycles.
- A full timeline of Cycling UK’s history and achievements can be found here: https://www.cyclinguk.org/about/history/ctc-history-timeline
Press contact information
For more information contact the national Cycling UK Press Office on 01483 238 315, 07786 320 713 or email [email protected]
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