One of the most visited counties in England, Cambridgeshire is regarded as the cycling capital of the UK. The Greater Cambridge Partnership has invested over £115m in active travel, which comprises walking, cycling and horse riding, including the Chisholm Bike Trail in Cambridge.
Cambridge was awarded National Cycling Town status in 2008 and was included in the route of Stage Three of the 2014 Tour de France (Cambridge to London), with international athletes hurtling down King’s Parade on Monday 7th July 2014.
Cycling, alongside walking, is the cheapest, healthiest and most environmentally friendly way of travelling. Research shows that cycling four miles daily reduces the risk of heart disease by 50%. It’s also good aerobic exercise and doesn’t strain joints or muscles. The Fellows House has 10 bikes to rent alongside protective equipment – the first hours of rental are complimentary. A deposit is required, find out more here. Cycling events are organised throughout the year, culminating in Bike Week, a nationwide celebration of cycling, on 6-12 June 2022.
Camcycle’s Reach Ride – May Bank Holiday
If you are in Cambridge on the May bank holiday (2nd May, this year) you can join Camcycle and friends for their annual Reach Ride. It is a leisurely group cycle starting at the Guildhall in Cambridge Market Square at 9am for a 10am departure and ending at the historic Reach Fair at 12pm, when the Fair is opened by the Mayor of Cambridge.
The Reach Fair dates back over 800 years, featuring a Maypole, Morris dancing, stalls, fairground rides, refreshments and entertainment. The Ride is free and open to all ages – it is 15 miles each way and has different starting points along the way. See the website for more information.
Ready, steady, on your bike!
Now you are all kitted up and raring to go, which are the best routes and itineraries? You can use Google Maps, click directions and click the bike icon to devise your route. Choose The Fellows House as a starting point. If you are very new to Cambridge, you might want to start with these destinations:
Cambridge Market Square (7 minutes) – shopping and sights
The Backs, Queen’s Road (8 minutes) – colleges and green spaces
Grantchester Cambridge (18 minutes) – a riverside walk or cycle across the meadows that inspired the English rock band Pink Floyd. If you reach The Orchard, stop to sample their iconic scones.
Bike parking
There are several parking areas in central Cambridge, but they might get busy during University’s term times. If you would like to park your bike securely, the Grande Arcade has a bike park underground that is accessible off Corn Exchange Street.