Here you will find information about cycling in Leicestershire and beyond. We think this is a good collection, but it can always be improved so all feedback is welcome.
Local Cycle Maps and Rides
This lists where you can get hold hold of local cycle maps and cycle routes. Many excellent maps are published by the local authorities and are often free.
LCC Cycle Maps - a range of 6 maps covring the city and county of Leicestershire (available Sping 2011)
LCC Cycle Trails - a selection of rides across Leicestershire
NW Leics Cycle Rides - a selection of rides from 13-32 miles in north west Leicestershire
Dust of your bike - an easy 5 mile loop starting rom Market Bosworth
NCN Anniversary Ride - a 15mile ride for our 15th anniversary in 2010, starting from Market Bosworth
Battlefield and Steam - a longer ride of 29 miles starting from Conkers and taking in Bosworth Battlefield
We often get asked for traffic free cycling routes particularly by people with young children. Here are a few suggestions in Leicestershire:
Ashby Wolds Heritage Trail and Conkers
Sence Valley Country Park
Cloud Trail
Riverside Park / Watermead country park
Further afield the CTC maintain a list (Cycle A-Way) of available cycle information by county. Sustrans mapping and the Sustrans shop are also good sources of cycle information. There is also a list of free cycle maps. Mapping also available on OpenCycleStreets. Remember to try the local authority websites.
Route Mapping Software
Lets you plot your own cycle routes, measure distance and depending on functionality print maps and cue sheets or download to you GPS. Make sure the software has road following capability, but with the ability to turn it off to plot routes off road.
Many have search facilities to let you see routes others have submitted in your area
MapMyRide
RidewithGPS
Bikely
GPS Pedometer
Lets you work out how to get from A to B by bike. This is fairly dynamic at present as route planning software specifically for cyclists is no emerging. Some of these are aware of NCN routes and off road tracks. I have had mixed results so use with caution - it would be good to get some feedback on this topic.
Cyclestreets
Transportdirect - also useful for public transport journey planning
LCC are arranging some free cycle training at Watermead, Hinckley and (maybe) Loughborough during summer 2011.
Local Cycle Clubs and Organisation
Nuneaton CTC
Leicester Spokes
Leicester Critical Mass Ride
Cycle Magic
Cycling England - govermant quango being scrapped shortly, but has useful information on web site
British Cycling
CTC
Skyride organises a massed family ride around the (closed) streets of Leicester and also a programme of local led rides. No details yet announced for 2011
SustransHere are a few useful links in to the main Sustrans website ...
Home page
Mapping - find the National Cycle network in your area
Shop - lots of good map publications
Volunteer-Net (Sustrans volunteers only)
Leicester Group covers city and East Leicestershire
Derby Group
