The Borough of Bedford is a great place in which to

Cycle

but it is not just for sport or leisure.

The urban area is relatively flat and has an extensive cycle network of off-road and quiet on-road routes with signal controlled crossings of busier roads making it a
safe, convenient, quick and cheap

short distance
'door to door'
mode of transport

to get you to

Work
School
Shops
Railway Station

or to simply

Visit Friends

It is also kinder to the environment and the excercise obtained keeps you healthy without going to the gym.

CCNB cycle counts at Bedford railway station showed an increase of nearly 90% between 2006 and 2019 but this signiciantly reduced from March 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and commuters working from home. Cycling to the town centre increased 40% between 2006 and 2018 but was affected from 2018 by the enforcement of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) banning cycling in the pedestrianised area which was renewed in 2019 and again in 2022.

2021 Government statistics for Bedford Borough indicate more than 9,000 residents riding their bicycle at least once per week and 26,000 at least once per month.

More than 64% of journeys are less than 5km and 44% less than 2km. Many of these trips by motor vehicles can be made easily by bicycle at no cost using Bedford’s extensive cycle network. The network is expanding each year with a number of additions made during 2022 and further improvements expected in 2023 and beyond.

As well as saving you money, cycling also comes with a number of health, environmental and social benefits. With climate change now a major concern for the planet the more people who cycle the less traffic on our roads and less carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas, from petrol engined cars being released into the atmosphere. The less diesel engined cars on the road the better is the health of all residents.

Riding a bicycle is like swimming, once learnt you will never forget how to do it but if you have never ridden a bicycle or have not cycled for some time and would like to regain confidence in today's traffic there are a number of training courses available in the area.

Let's make 2023 a more 'Town of Cyclists' and Cycle Friendly Communities'.

More people tend to cycle in the summer months and if you have not cycled since last year a little bit of preparation may be necessary to cycle safely.

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