Getting Started

According to the Bicycle Association there are over 27 million cycles in ownership in the UK. And no wonder when cycling is so easy, cheap, fast, independent, quiet, sustainable, convenient, direct, healthy and fun.

So if you’re just setting out on the cycling path – congratulations!! And if you’re not then hopefully something on this site might help you to change your mind.

In 1994 the AA found that nearly a third of their members were 'cycling motorists' so using a car for some journeys and a bike for others is perfectly normal. Promoting cycling is not about saying 'the car is bad the cycle is good' - we want to encourage people to think more about the journeys they make and use the right mode instead of just jumping in the car.  

In the UK 60% of journeys of only 1 -2 miles are carried out by car. A large majority of these could easily be made by bicycle - you'd save money and you wouldn't need to take a shower afterwards.

A number of barriers to cycling can be identified including infrastructure, lack of adequate facilities (for example at the workplace), a lack of confidence or even a lack of knowledge about local routes and more. As part of the CDT project we aim to identify local barriers and overcome them to lead to a doubling in cycling levels in the area.

• In the Lancaster District we're continually trying to improve our cycle network. See our coming soon page for information on planned routes. When better, safer and more connected routes for cyclists are put in place, more people feel able to become cyclists. When it becomes noticeable that more people are using the routes this then attracts other people who see how fast the cyclists are getting about.
  
  
• People need to know about our local network. Information on local routes, maps and guides can be found in the getting around section. The TravelSmart project which took place in the District September 2006 -7 engaged with residents about changing their travel behaviour by providing them with comprehensive personalised travel information.
  
  
• If you need cycle training at any level - from complete beginner to advanced - then please get in touch.  More information at www.celebratingcyclingorg/training 
   

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