Gloucester, a good place to walk and cycle

This map shows the street layout of Gloucester City Centre with cycling routes marked. It also shows Cycle routes on quiet roads and off road links, cut throughs and shared cycle and pedestrian routes. Where possible, busy roads have been avoided. The bike is ideal for short journeys and the compact nature of Gloucester means you can get to the centre very quickly. The flat terrain and many new cycle lanes and footways also make it a safe place to walk and cycle. The more adventurous cyclist and walker can soon find quiet country lanes out of the city to  the villages of Elmore and Highnam. From Quedgeley there is a direct cycle link into the city for commuters, shoppers and for leisure use alongside the sharpness canal.

Keeping Fit

Cycling and walking have both been shown to improve personal fitness. By cycling or walking for 30 minutes per day you can improve both heart, lungs and overall muscle tone. By building cycling or walking into your daily routine you can stay fit and healthy whilst just getting where you want to go. Don't forget walking and cycling can be fun too, by moving around you can see and experience your local environment much closer, enjoying sights and sounds that you might miss when in a vehicle. Taking a group or family out can also be fun.

School Run

A good way to start is building cycling or walking into your daily routine. Why not get the children to walk or cycle to school each day? Work out the safest route and start now. All of Gloucesters schools are within walking or cycling distance. Walking and cycling helps reduce local traffic congestion, reduces noise and makes local streets safer for everyone.

Walking from Gloucester

Gloucester is a good base for walking and exploring some of the lesser known parts of the Severn Vale. Walkers can explore the Sharpness Canal towpath starting from the Docks, visit Llanthony Priory and the historic village of Hempsted which is ideal for walkers. Closer to the City is Alney Island from where you can watch the famous Severn Bore. Walkers can also join the Sharpness Canal and towpath and walk south from Elmore Lane to Sharpness (15 miles). A walk northwards from the Docks to the Cathedral and St Oswalds Priory or roam around the pedestrianised City Centre.

An alternative and more undulating walk can be joined by following the signs from Gloucester Docks to where you can join the Severn Way long distance footpath. This can be followed south to Hempsted, Elmore, Water End, Upper Framilode and Slimbridge. Following the path north leads to Maisemore, Sandhurst, Apperley and Tewkesbury.

Average Distances from Gloucester

Think - could I walk or cycle for my journey? It takes 20 minutes to walk a mile, it takes 10 minutes to cycle a mile. It can take less depending on fitness.

The National Cycle Network

The National Cycle Network is a comprehensive network of safe and attractive places to cycle throughout the UK. Ten thousand miles are due for completion by 2005, one third of which will be on traffic-free paths, the rest will follow quiet lanes or traffic calmed roads. It is co-ordinated by the charity Sustrans, with support from over 450 local authorities and other partners. Sustrans Route 41 passes through Gloucester. For information on routes in your area contact: Sustrans: 35 King Street, Bristol BS1 4DZ. Information Line: tel. 0845 113 0065, or email at info@sustrans.org.uk, or on-line at www.sustrans.org.uk

Maps and Routes

The cycle routes on this map are advisory only and consist primarily of quieter roads linking residential areas with local attractions. Plans have been drawn up by Gloucester City Council for a city wide cycle network, some sections of this have been included in this map where completed. The City Council is also working with Sustrans, Gloucestershire County Council and other Gloucestershire District Councils to complete route 41 of the national cycle network which passes alongside Quedgeley and up to the cathedral passing north out to Elmbridge.

The resulting network provides a range of new routes for exploring Gloucester and the surrounding countryside. Whether you are on foot or bicycle, these convenient routes offer people a safer and more pleasant travelling environment taking them through areas not easily seenwhen going by car or bus.

Cycle Forum The City of Gloucester Cycle Forum has been established to help cyclists and acts as a consultation and discussion group in order to improve facilities for all cyclists in Gloucester. The forum meets every two months and is a public meeting where anyone can come along and express their views on cycling. If you would like to attend a meeting contact Cycle Forum on Gloucester 01452 396209. For more information on Cycling and walking in Gloucester, visit www.gloucester.gov.uk or telephone Gloucester 01452 396209. Cycle Shops in Gloucester Discount Cycle Warehouse 53-55 Worcester Street, Gloucester, tel 01452 381699. Mitchells Cycles 260-264 Barton Street, Gloucester, tel 01452 411 888.

Cycling and Walking in the Barton, Tredworth and White City Area's

We also have a guide to Cycling and Walking in the Barton and Tredworth areas of the city.

Reporting of Potholes broken glass on cycle lanes or the highway:
Gloucester City Council 01452 396396 or visit our Report It section - www.gloucester.gov.uk/libraries/templates/reportit.htm
Gloucestershire Highways 08000514514

Cycle Training
Is offered for both adults and children by the road safety unit contact:

• Gloucestershire County Council tel 01452 425600
• Lifecycle uk Bristol 01179290440
• Gloucester City Cycling Club - The club organises rides for various abilities every Sunday ,rides or events on most Tuesday evenings and Wednesday evening time trials in the summer. For more information visit www.gloscitycc.co.uk or tel01452 423078.
• Bicycle Action Group Gloucester, Is the local campaign group for cyclists. Contact :01452 423078  or visit www.bagg.org.uk

Last Updated: 16/02/07