Five new cycling routes have been created as a free download by Stocksbridge countryside management charity, the Steel Valley Project, to help people discover new places to ride in their local area.
Developed in response to an increasing number of cyclists as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions, the routes are aimed at people who are new or returning to cycling, along with those just wanting to explore and find out how to link the local network of roads, tracks and rights of way.
Located around the urban edges of the Sheffield Lakeland area, the series of five cycle routes vary in length from 5 to 14 miles and are relatively easy going with a mix of road and off-road sections. Although there are some tough hills which may need pushing up, the aim is that they can be ridden on gravel, hybrid or mountain bikes.
The project has been supported by National Lottery players through the Heritage Fund and the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership. Trek Sheffield Fox Valley have added their support and, to celebrate the launch of the cycle routes, are also giving a free t-shirt to people who ride all five of them (terms and conditions apply).
Speaking about the project, Trek Sheffield Fox Valley said: “We are super excited about the l aunch of the Sheffield Lakeland Cycling Routes. 2020 has been a remarkable year for many reasons and cycling is one of the areas that has really grown globally.
“On a local level we have seen our E-Bike, Mountain Bike, Road and Fitness bike sales soar. Our workshop team have been busy servicing bikes that have been in hiding for many years, people are re-discovering their love of this sport, commuting to work, Going By Bike to run errands, playing an important part in saving our planet; we love to see car journeys being exchanged for bike trips.
“Cycling is great for physical and mental wellbeing. Here at Trek our mission is to get more people on bikes and this initiative is goes hand in hand with this statement, the Sheffield Lakeland routes will provide a safe and beautiful environment to pedal in, we are looking forward to the partnership and this project evolving.”
The cycle routes are located in Stocksbridge, Wharncliffe, Loxley, Rivelin and Redmires and can be found on the Steel Valley Project’s website www.steelvalleyproject.org/cycle-routes where GPS files with directions can be downloaded free of charge. The page also includes further details about the offer from Trek.
Tom Newman, Steel Valley Project General Manager said “The Covid-19 restrictions have brought huge changes and we’re really excited to be able to share these routes which will hopefully give people confidence to get out and explore the local area on their bikes.
“We’ve had a long standing relationship with Trek Sheffield, who support the Steel Valley Ride every year, so it’s great that they wanted to get involved in this project by donating free t-shirts to people riding all the routes. Everyone who claims a free t-shirt by the deadline in April 2021 will also be entered into a prize draw to win a £150 Trek voucher.
The Steel Valley Project in Stocksbridge was formed in 1988 and delivers environmental, community and countryside projects in the area and is a registered charity.