Cycling is a great way to get around; it’s sustainable and quicker than most other forms of transport for short journeys. In fact, it’s three times faster than walking and a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as well as visiting local sites and amenities within your area. Within a short 15 – 20 minute cycle, you can reach the heart of Ipswich town centre and train station.
Did you know 36% of Dutch people list travelling with their bicycle as their most frequent way of getting around?
Claim your £50 voucher to get any equipment that may assist you with your cycling trips, such as bike parts, clothing, lights, maintenance and more.
Looking for something different?
There is a combination of on road cycle lanes and traffic free cycle lanes close to the Henley Gate development. The local cycle routes 12 and 2 are just along Dale Hall Lane and Cemetery Lane, taking you directly to the town centre, providing links to other places such as Rushmere and Maidenhall. The local cycle routes connects you to part of the National cycle routes 1 and 51, providing links further afield such as Dover, Oxford and even Scotland.
View and download the Ipswich cycle map here
National Cycle Route 51 takes you to Felixstowe, whereas route 1 connects to Norwich.
Did you know the National cycle route 1 is also part of a longer route called EuroVelo 12 which connects to Norway and Holland? EuroVelo is a network of 15 fantastic long-distance cycle routes which connect the whole European continent. These cycling trails are a cycle tourist’s dream: epic journeys which take in some of the best landscapes and places of cultural interest in Europe.
Useful websites
Here are some of our recommendations on useful apps and websites that could help with your cycling journey.
Love to Ride
Love to Ride is a community platform that encourages more people to ride their bikes by organising bike rides, challenges and more. They work to promote a supportive online platform, allowing you to log your rides, and encourage others to get pedaling and promote human interaction.
Cycle to work schemes
Cyclescheme is an employee benefit that saves you 26%-40% on a bike and accessories. You pay nothing upfront and the payments are taken tax efficiently from your salary by your employer. You can also request a cycle to work package of more than £1,000, allowing you the freedom to save on e-bikes, cargo bikes and specialist adapted cycles.
Cycle Streets
Cycle Streets is a journey planner that lets you plan a cycle journey. Simply enter your starting point and destination, it will show you the fastest route, quietest route and balanced route. It will also show you the journey time, distance, calories burnt and CO₂ avoided.
The Way to go Suffolk
Get involved in cycling in Suffolk and download your free cycling route maps. The Way To Go Suffolk is a Suffolk County Council run website that works to help residents in Suffolk to travel conveniently and sustainably.
E-bikes
E Bikes are a healthy and easier commute to work compared to traditional cycling. It is great if you simply want an extra assistance with pesky hills and a boost for longer journeys.
Not sure if you want to commit to one yet? Visit Halfords for a free trial for up to 6 hours on an e-bike to see if this is the way forward for you!
We are Cycling UK
Looking for information about cycling in Suffolk? Cycling UK provides routes, events, clubs and advice to inspire you to cycle in the county.
Extra resources
Do it yourself…
It’s always useful to be able to do basic bike servicing so you can maintain the health of your bike. This will ensure a safer, easier ride with no technical difficulties!
This short video runs over the top tips when doing it yourself:
Or, let someone else do it…
If you’re not feeling confident enough for DIY, or just dont have the time, here are some local bike shops that can help you out:
Cycling on Road
Cycling on the road can be daunting. We understand while many people might want to cycle more, they lack the confidence to do so. Therefore here are some links that could help you build your confidence on the road!
Free Cycle Training
The Suffolk Road Safe Team are now delivering sessions for families who want to cycle more regularly, whether to keep fit, to commute to work or school, or to go and visit friends!
The session will be about 3 hours long and free of charge. They will come to you, chat about what you are trying to achieve, and then work on your route or specific challenges that you have.
Some of the things you’ll learn include:
- how to ride with your children so that you can help them gain confidence;
- a simple system for remembering how to deal with different road scenarios;
- how to improve your safety at any junctions you use;
- how you can use your road position to control other road users and enhance your safety.
Find out more here.