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What Is It Really Like Cycling In Newcastle-upon-Tyne?
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, a vibrant city in northeast England, is emerging as a cyclist’s haven. With its growing network of dedicated bike lanes, scenic routes along the River Tyne, and ongoing infrastructure improvements, cycling is becoming an increasingly popular and practical way to navigate the city.
Whether you’re commuting, exploring the local culture, or enjoying recreational rides, Newcastle offers a cycling-friendly environment that promotes a healthy, eco-friendly, and enjoyable urban lifestyle.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne City Cycling Statistics
Here are some key cycling statistics and data points for Newcastle-upon-Tyne:
Cycling Growth: Cycling in Newcastle has increased by over 90% between 2010 and 2020, with the city continually investing in bike-friendly infrastructure.
Dedicated Cycle Routes: Newcastle has over 80 miles of dedicated cycle lanes, including popular routes like the Hadrian’s Cycleway and Coast-to-Coast (C2C) paths.
Cycle to Work Scheme: Approximately 5% of Newcastle’s residents now commute by bike, a figure that’s steadily rising as part of the city’s goal to promote sustainable transport.
Air Quality Impact: The city’s shift towards cycling has contributed to a 10% reduction in harmful emissions in areas with heavy traffic, improving overall air quality.
City Investment: Newcastle City Council has committed over £16 million to enhance cycling infrastructure between 2020 and 2025, part of the ambitious Net Zero Newcastle 2030 initiative.
Cycling Accidents: Recent reports indicate a 20% reduction in cycling-related accidents due to improved bike lanes and traffic-calming measures.
Electric Bikes: The city has introduced public e-bike hire schemes, with a growing network of stations to encourage short-distance cycling, especially for commuters.
Public Bike Share Program: Newcastle has introduced over 300 bikes as part of its public bike-sharing scheme, helping to make cycling accessible to all residents and visitors.
Cycle Bike Hire in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Newcastle-upon-Tyne offers several convenient options for hiring bikes, catering to both residents and visitors who wish to explore the city on two wheels. Here are the top places for bike hire:
- Newcastle Bikeshare Scheme (Mobike)
Newcastle’s bike-sharing scheme provides easy access to bikes across the city. With numerous docking stations in key locations like the Quayside, city centre, and university areas, it’s a flexible option for short-term use. Simply download the app, locate a bike, and start riding.
- The Cycle Hub
Located on the picturesque Quayside, The Cycle Hub is a popular spot for bike rentals, offering a wide range of bikes, including road bikes, hybrids, and electric bikes. They also provide helmets and cycling maps for those wanting to explore the nearby routes along the River Tyne.
- Recyke y’Bike
A charity-based organisation, Recyke y’Bike not only sells refurbished bicycles but also offers affordable bike rentals. Located near Byker, it’s a great option for budget-conscious cyclists who want to explore the city.
- Boom Cycle
Situated in Jesmond, Boom Cycle is another option for bike hires, offering a selection of high-performance bikes for those looking to tackle longer or more challenging rides around Newcastle and its surrounding areas.
These options make cycling accessible and easy, whether you’re looking for a quick ride through town or a longer excursion.
Top 3 cycling routes in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Newcastle-upon-Tyne offers a range of scenic and enjoyable cycling routes, perfect for both casual riders and cycling enthusiasts. Here are the top 3 cycling routes in the city:
- The Quayside to Ouseburn Loop
This popular route runs along the iconic River Tyne, offering stunning views of the river and its famous bridges, including the Tyne Bridge and Millennium Bridge. The route begins at the vibrant Quayside and loops through the creative district of Ouseburn. It’s mostly flat, making it ideal for cyclists of all abilities. With cafes and art spots along the way, it’s perfect for a leisurely ride.
- Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Scenic riverside views, cultural stops, and flat terrain.
- Town Moor and Exhibition Park
This route takes cyclists through one of the city’s largest green spaces, the Town Moor, and then into the beautiful Exhibition Park. It offers a peaceful escape from the hustle of the city, with wide open spaces, wildlife, and tree-lined paths. It’s a great option for families and those looking to cycle at a relaxed pace.
- Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Open landscapes, wildlife, and picnic spots.
- Hadrian’s Cycleway
For more adventurous cyclists, Hadrian’s Cycleway (Route 72) offers a longer and more challenging ride. This historic route follows the path of Hadrian’s Wall and extends out of Newcastle towards Northumberland, with breathtaking countryside views. The Newcastle portion passes along the river and heads west through historic sites, blending nature and history.
- Distance: Varies (Newcastle section is approximately 12 miles/19 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Historical sites, river views, and countryside landscapes.
These routes showcase Newcastle’s diverse cycling terrain, from riverside paths to urban parks and historical trails.
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Bike shops in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Newcastle-upon-Tyne has a variety of bike shops catering to cyclists of all levels, offering everything from new bikes to repairs and accessories. Here are some of the top bike shops in the city:
The Cycle Hub
Located on the Quayside, The Cycle Hub is not only a popular bike rental spot but also a full-service bike shop. They offer a wide range of bikes for sale, including hybrids, road bikes, and electric bikes. The shop also provides repair services, cycling gear, and accessories.
Location: Quayside, Newcastle
Specialty: Bike rentals, sales, and repairs
Start Cycles
Start Cycles is a well-known shop in Newcastle, offering a large selection of bikes from top brands like Giant, Trek, and Specialized. They also provide a range of accessories, cycling apparel, and a workshop for repairs and servicing. Whether you’re into road biking, mountain biking, or casual cycling, Start Cycles has a bike for every need.
Location: Market Street, Newcastle
Specialty: High-performance bikes, gear, and accessories
Recyke y’Bike
Recyke y’Bike is a charity bike shop that sells refurbished bicycles at affordable prices. They accept donated bikes, refurbish them, and resell them to promote sustainable cycling. In addition to sales, they offer basic bike servicing and repairs, making it a great option for those looking for budget-friendly bikes and eco-conscious solutions.
Location: Byker, Newcastle
Specialty: Refurbished bikes, bike donations, and servicing
Team Cycles
Located slightly outside the city in Gateshead, Team Cycles is a popular bike shop offering a variety of bikes, from entry-level to high-performance models. Their friendly staff provide expert advice, and the shop has a dedicated workshop for all types of repairs and maintenance.
Location: Gateshead, near Newcastle
Specialty: Road and mountain bikes, bike fitting, and repairs
M Steel Cycles
A long-established bike shop with over a century of cycling expertise, M Steel Cycles offers a range of bikes for sale, including custom-built options. Their workshop provides top-quality repairs and servicing, and the knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help with bike fitting and advice.
Location: Gosforth, Newcastle
Specialty: Custom-built bikes, professional repairs
These shops offer everything from bike purchases to repairs and accessories, making Newcastle a great city for cyclists looking to maintain or upgrade their ride.
Where to lock your bike in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Newcastle-upon-Tyne offers several secure spots to lock your bike while exploring the city. Here are some of the best places:
City Centre Bike Racks
The city centre has numerous bike racks located in key areas such as Northumberland Street, Grainger Street, and near the Eldon Square shopping area. These racks are generally well-placed and often monitored by CCTV, making them secure spots to lock your bike while you run errands or shop.
Newcastle Central Station
The bike parking facilities at Newcastle Central Station offer secure storage, especially convenient if you’re commuting or traveling by train. There are several racks located just outside the station for easy access.
Universities (Newcastle and Northumbria)
Both Newcastle and Northumbria Universities provide plenty of bike racks across their campuses, with many located near lecture halls, libraries, and student hubs. These areas are typically well-populated, offering an extra level of security.
The Cycle Hub (Quayside)
If you’re cycling along the Quayside, The Cycle Hub provides designated bike parking, and its location near the river makes it a convenient stop for riders exploring the scenic routes.
Public Transport Hubs
Many of Newcastle’s Metro stations, such as Haymarket and Monument, are equipped with bike racks. These locations are ideal for cyclists who combine biking with public transport for commuting.
Shopping Centres
Popular shopping spots like Eldon Square and the Metrocentre offer secure bike parking areas. These racks are typically placed near entrances, with some under CCTV coverage.
Always make sure to use a high-quality lock, ideally a D-lock or combination of locks, to ensure your bike stays safe in these areas.
Cycling in the City Newcastle-upon-Tyne Reddit
User: CycleFanatic88
“Newcastle is honestly one of the best cities I’ve cycled in! The Quayside route is absolutely stunning, especially when you ride along the River Tyne with views of the bridges. Plus, the city has invested a lot in cycling infrastructure lately, so there are more dedicated lanes and bike-friendly paths than ever. Commuting to work by bike has been a game-changer for me – quick, safe, and eco-friendly!”
User: PedalPower_Joe
“I moved to Newcastle a year ago, and cycling around the city has been a highlight for me! Whether you’re a casual rider or into longer distances, the options are great. I’ve been loving the Town Moor and Jesmond Dene routes for weekend rides – peaceful and full of greenery. Also, it’s super easy to get around by bike, and you don’t have to worry much about traffic thanks to the improved bike lanes. Highly recommend cycling in Newcastle!”
Local cycling clubs in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Here are some local cycling clubs in Newcastle-upon-Tyne that cater to cyclists of all levels, offering group rides, training, and social events:
Newcastle Cycling Club
One of the oldest cycling clubs in the region, Newcastle Cycling Club offers a variety of rides, from leisure to competitive cycling. They host regular group rides, training sessions, and events throughout the year, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced cyclists.
Gateshead Cycling Club
Located just across the river, Gateshead Cycling Club welcomes cyclists from Newcastle and beyond. They organize regular group rides, training sessions, and competitions, promoting a friendly and inclusive atmosphere for riders of all abilities.
Tyne & Wear Cycling Club
This club focuses on promoting cycling across the Tyne and Wear area, offering a mix of social rides and competitive events. They emphasize inclusivity and have activities for all skill levels, making it a great choice for anyone looking to get involved in cycling.
Recyke y’Bike
In addition to being a charity shop, Recyke y’Bike also organizes group rides and community events. They focus on encouraging cycling in the community, making it a good option for those interested in social cycling and local initiatives.
Club de Velo Newcastle
A newer club with a growing membership, Club de Velo focuses on social and recreational cycling. They organize regular rides, including themed and charity events, fostering a welcoming environment for cyclists looking to connect with others.
These clubs provide excellent opportunities for cyclists in Newcastle-upon-Tyne to engage with the local cycling community, improve their skills, and enjoy group rides.
Final verdict
In conclusion, Newcastle-upon-Tyne is an excellent city for cycling, offering a vibrant and supportive environment for cyclists of all levels. With its extensive network of dedicated bike lanes, scenic routes along the River Tyne, and a strong cycling community, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the numerous benefits of cycling. From local bike shops and rental options to various cycling clubs and secure parking facilities, Newcastle promotes a healthy, eco-friendly lifestyle.
Whether you’re commuting, exploring the city, or simply enjoying the outdoors, Newcastle is a fantastic destination for cycling enthusiasts.
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Arjun Mertiya
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Since Arjun was a young child, bikes have played a big part of his life. He races bikes, rides bikes and also loves writing about bikes. It’s always just been a way of life for Arjun and a passion that he loves to share with others..
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