Families, beginners and rusty cyclists are being helped to explore Portsmouth on bike this summer with the introduction of 10 new colour coded quieter routes.
Portsmouth City Council are introducing the 10 routes to guide cyclists to different parts of the city using quieter roads and cycle paths, which are more suited to less confident cyclists. Coloured stickers on lampposts mark out the routes and give instructions such as when you need to dismount, use a crossing and which direction to travel.
There are five routes between the north and south of the city and five routes between east and west, some of which connect so you can plan a journey to key destinations including the seafront, The Hard and Fratton Park; as well as to schools, colleges, shops and workplaces.
Councillor Jim Fleming, cabinet member for Traffic & Transportation at Portsmouth City Council, said: "Portsmouth is an ideal city for cycling as it is flat and compact which makes it an easy place to travel by bike. Our new quieter routes suggest a way to cycle to popular locations, making use of 20mph roads, the cycle network and where possible avoiding busy roads and junctions. I hope this will encourage you to get out on your bike this summer to explore the city and leave the car at home. "
The stickers are being put up around the city and the new quieter routes will be officially launched at an event in Bransbury Park, Portsmouth on Tuesday 11 April. The event, which will run from 11am - 4pm, will be an opportunity to find out more about the routes, pick up a free map, take part in fun cycling activities and get your bike checked by the Bike Doctor.
Cycling is simple, cheap and one of the easiest ways to get more active, healthier and reduce unnecessary car journeys which will improve air quality and congestion in the city. Regular cycling has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and some cancers.
To view the new quieter routes search 'cycling' at www.portsmouth.gov.uk or collect a map from your local library.
