Information about cycling

Find your way around Bristol by bike, using the updated cycle maps. These are available for:

• Bristol
• South Gloucestershire
• Bath and North East Somerset 
• North Somerset.

There are also maps and leaflets for:

• Avon Cycleway
• Bristol-Bath Railway Path (BBRP)
• Eight leaflets giving basic advice on all aspects of cycling.

To obtain a copy of any of these maps and leaflets visit Cycle Maps & Leaflets.

Cycling events

Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride is an annual event hosted by the council. It attracts thousands of people to cycle routes of varying lengths starting and finishing in Bristol.

Bristol's Bike & Walk to Work Breakfast is an annual event organised by the Council that will take place on Tuesday 17 June 2008 (7:30am - 9:30am). In addition to a free, organic, locally sourced, breakfast there are a variety of activities that will be of interest to walking/cycling commuters.

National Bike Week promote local events and rides that appeal to new or returning cyclists. Most events are free and open to everyone.

Car Free Day is held annually in September and aims to encourage people to try travelling to work using sustainable modes, including public transport, cycling and walking.

The CTC is the UK's largest and oldest cycling organisation.  Visit the Bristol CTC's website for further information about local cycle rides and events.

Facilities for cyclists

National Cycle Network (NCN) has four routes radiating from Bristol: - North to Gloucester, East to Wiltshire, Reading, South to Somerset, and West to South Wales. The NCN serves local routes to work and schools and between local communities. For further information on the NCN in Bristol Tel: 0117 903 6834. For national information visit the Sustrans website or Tel: (0117) 929 0888.

Bristol and Bath Railway Path is a 13 mile off road route between the cities of Bristol & Bath. The path is open to walkers and cyclists and access is provided for disabled users. For more information take a look at the dedicated website using the link above.

Bristol Bike Shed is a ‘Cycle Resource Centre’ providing secure parking, showers, lockers and access to maintenance facilities plus cheap coffee at the Mud Dock café. It is located on The Grove near Queen Square. The project is being funded by the DfT, the council and Mud Dock, who will run the centre.

Bike Buddies is an internet based scheme, launched on 1 May 2003, which aims to match experienced cyclists with would-be cyclists, or anyone who has had a long layoff. The web site has a pool of experienced cyclists to act as the ‘Buddies’.

Lifecycle UK offers a range of services to existing and ‘would be’ cyclists. Lifecycle can be contacted for one to one adult cycle training (£25/session), route advice, cycle racks and support in setting up Bike User Groups – (0117) 929 0440.

The Highway Code has a section on rules for cyclists covering clothing, road junctions, roundabouts and more.

Hourbike - the bike hire network coming to Bristol soon. Click on the link to find out more and register your interest.

Further information

For further information on the City Council’s Cycling Strategy visit Joint Local Transport Plan

Visit the Cycling City webpage for further details about Bristol and South Gloucestershire Councils'  successful bid.

Contact details

For further information on cycling in Bristol:

Email:  traffic.management@bristol.gov.uk
Telephone:  0117 903 6822 (Traffic Management Helpline)
Fax:  0117 903 6830
Write to: Traffic Management Team, 4th Floor, Wilder House, Wilder Street, Bristol, BS2 8PH