The Chilterns Cycleway

The Chilterns Cycleway will be launched on Friday 18th June, 2010.

Plans for the event are still underway but will include a Cycle Relay, where teams are spaced around the route to start off at the same time and to ride a section of the route. In this way the whole route will have been ridden within a couple of hours.

This will not be a race but a chance to enjoy the scenery along the route. If you would like to take part please put this date in your diary now and email me, Roger Lerry. I will email the details when they are finalised. A number of Chiltern cycle clubs will be taking part. There will also be a series of ‘taster rides’ on offer in the week following the launch of the Chilterns Cycleway. These will be led by volunteers and encourage the public (particularly less confident cyclists) to try out a section of the route.

The Chiltern Way

The Chilterns Cycleway is a 170 mile (274 km) circular route in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, linking attractions, market towns and places of interest. The route is on-road, mostly on quiet lanes, and will be clearly signposted.

The Chilterns Cycleway was based on parts of the best existing cycle routes and these were linked up. The Original idea was to pass through main Gateway Towns to link with public transport and an outline route was done by the C.T.C (the national cyclists organisation). This was refined mainly by the Chiltern Society Cycling Group but when finished the Auditor, Mike Furness felt that even crossing busy roads at these towns was too dangerous for families. The route was therefore modified to bypass these towns and they are now linked to the route by spurs as are some attractions. At these main market (gateway) towns additional circular day and half day cycle routes will be available. These will be both on and off-road, aimed at cyclists with a range of abilities and graded accordingly. This should ensure there is something for everyone.

There has been one great disappointment in the route which was to have crossed the Thames at Mill End by the weir and this was one of the most beautiful parts of the route. The Highway Authorities and the lock keeper objected to this. It may be that on a hot day in the summer there would have been congestion but during the week and at other times of the year we regularly use this weir and meet very few other users. However the route was moved away from the weir, which is a great shame as cyclists have as much right to enjoy the scenery as other users. My advice is to use the weir but to avoid busy times.

The Chilterns Cycleway is a partnership project of the Chilterns Conservation Board and was Chaired by Annette Weiss with the Chiltern Society and the C.T.C. having contributed the route and the Highway Authorities contributing in other ways. Sustrans was involved initially but as this was a leisure route and not for sustainable transport they did not feel able to contribute.

A Chilterns Cycleway section will also be added to the Chilterns Conservation Board website and a route guide book and promotional leaflets are currently being developed.

 
The Chilterns Cycleway is launched on 18th June 2010

This new 170 mile (274 km) circular route in the Chilterns, links attractions, market towns and places of interest. The route is on-road, mostly on quiet lanes, mostly in the Chilterns AONB and will be clearly signposted.

Click here for details.

Re-cycle it!

Sustrans is the leading sustainable transport charity. It has developed more than 1,100 miles of cycle routes in the UK and organises ‘Active Travel’ to encourage people to make more journeys by bicycle.

They need used bicycles (in reasonable working order if possible). Ring Jeremy on 07836 208752 or Chris on 01525 22105.