Cycling is a fast, effective and enjoyable way of getting about. It is also good for your health, it help keeps you physically fit and can contribute to your mental well being by reducing stress.
Why Cycle?
Around 90% of the population of the Borough live within an easy 10 – 20 minutes cycle ride of the Town Centre. Riding a bike into town or to another local destination can often be quicker than driving, and once there you can park free of charge.
Cycling Demonstration Town
In 2005 Darlington was selected by Cycling England to be one of six cycling demonstration towns in England. The award brings funding, spread over three years, of £1.5 million which will be used to improve facilities and infrastructure for cyclists in Darlington. In addition, there will be additional funding available from Darlington's second Local Transport Plan (2006-2011) to help with the improvements.
Schemes recently completed for cyclists include:
- McMullen Road cycle path
- 10 new parking sites
- Coniscliffe Road cycle lane
- Cemetery Lane off road track and crossing
- Red Hall River Skerne off road track
- Desmond Way track off Brinkburn Road
- Barnard Castle Trackbed
- Cycle parking for schools
- 2005 Events calendar
Work continuing includes:
- Free cycle training for children and adults
- Expanding secure cycle parking across town
- Developing a safe network of on and off road routes
- Providing crossings for major roads
- Encouraging employers to provide for cyclists
- Changing priorities to protect vulnerable road users
- Linking Darlington to the National Cycle Network
- Updating the cycle map
Have your say
Darlington Cycle Forum, which meets four times a year, is your chance to input into the councils plans to provide facilities and activities for cyclists.
For more information about Darlington Borough Council's work to promote cycling contact Greg McDougall on 01325 388 721 or greg.mcdougall@darlington.gov.uk
More information about cycling can be found on our Local Motion website [external link]