Get into cycling
Cycling is cheap, fun and easy to do. If you're new to cycling, just rusty, or you want to improve your health, this page has information to help you.
Cycling is one of the easiest ways to become more active. It is low impact, can relive stress and improve your mood and self-esteem. Cycling gives you the chance to explore the outdoors, get to know your local area, meet new people and have fun!
Cycling is a great way to get your daily exercise on your own or with members of your household. It is also a fun way of getting to the shops for essential supplies and getting to work or school.
There are lots of health benefits for all ages if you cycle regularly such as helping to prevent cardiovascular disease, some cancers, Type 2 Diabetes and it can improve bone strength and help maintain a healthy weight.

There are various cycling clubs across the county that are suitable for all ages and abilities. To find a club right for you visit our Cycling groups and clubs page.
Tips on how to explore your local area safely
- Enjoy yourself! You're going to feel great.
- Ride local, cycle from home alone or with household members.
- Stay 2 metres away from other people.
- Wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you return home.
- There's no rush, take your time to get fitter and stronger.
- In the countryside, choose paths with least proximity to dwellings.
- There are lots of multi-user routes to enjoy exploring.
- Always be respectful of pedestrians, runners and horseriders and give way to them. Have consideration for pedestrians. Be aware that not all people will be able to hear or see them, give all pedestrians room to move. If overtaking, slow down, alert walkers with a bell or a friendly call and give them space.
- Overtake slowly (stop pedalling if possible) and with plenty of space.
- Do not cycle on pavements or public footpaths. If you need to use a pavement, you must push your bike.
- Travel at a speed that allows you to stop easily. Don't try to get new personal records on busy routes.
- If you are cycling on the road, be aware of other road users so you can anticipate their movements.
- Make sure you indicate your intentions by signalling. Always look behind you before moving out into traffic or turning.
- Don't take unnecessary risks, especially near lorries, trucks and buses as they have blind spots and may not be able to see you. Never cycle on the inside of a lorry, bus or truck.
- Cycle on roads with care and consideration for other road users. Ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends.
- Cyclists must respect the rules of the road, including one-way streets and traffic lights.
- Stay alert to your surroundings. Do not use a mobile phone while cycling.
- Front and rear lights must be used whenever light or visibility is poor. It is illegal to cycle at night without a front white light and a red rear light.
- Follow the Highway code.
- The Highway Code applies to all vehicles including bicycles.
Free cycling activities
There are regular free cycling activities available throughout the county. See below for one that suits you.
As part of Bike Month running in June 2020, Durham County Council has teamed up with Love to Ride to encourage more people to get out on their bikes and cycle for essential travel and leisure journeys.
Residents in County Durham can now sign up at Love to Ride Durham to log their rides and be in with the chance of winning some fantastic prizes provided by Love to Ride. Entry is free and open to all.
Cycle Durham delivers a wide range of cycling opportunities across County Durham, including free weekly led cycle rides.
These rides are suitable for cyclists who are able to ride a bike. If you don't have a bike, don't worry, Cycle Durham can lend you a bike and helmet free of charge for the duration of each session.
Please note rides may be subject to change. To take part in one of our sessions simply turn up on the day. For further information, contact us.
Day | Time | Venue | Postcode |
---|---|---|---|
Sunday | 10.00am - 12.00pm | Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre, Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland | DL16 6JX |
Monday | 10.00am - 12.00pm | Pioneering Care Centre, Newton Aycliffe | DL5 4PE |
Monday | 10.00am - 12.00pm | Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre, Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland | DL16 6JX |
Monday | 10.30am - 12.30pm | Abbey Leisure Centre, Pity Me | DH1 5BQ |
Monday | 1.00pm - 3.00pm | Riverside Sports Pavilion, Chester-le-Street | DH3 3SJ |
Tuesday | 9.30am - 11.30am | Glebe Centre, Murton | SR7 9BX |
Tuesday | 10.00am - 12.00pm | Active Life Centre, Coxhoe | DH6 4DW |
Wednesday | 10.00am - 11.30am | Pioneering Care Centre, Newton Aycliffe | DL5 4PE |
Wednesday | 10.30am - 11.30am | Blackhill & Consett Park, Consett | DH8 5TA |
Thursday | 9.30am - 11.30am | Hardwick Park, Sedgefield | TS21 2EH |
Saturday | 10.00am - 12.00pm | Pioneering Care Centre, Newton Aycliffe | DL5 4PE |
Sunday | 10.30am - 12.30pm | Adventure Lane Recreation Ground, West Rainton | DH4 6PW |
The course is suitable for anyone who can ride a bike but would like to develop their skills.
Throughout the course, you will be offered cycling advice, including:
- Helmet fitting
- Cycle sizing
- Pre ride safety checks
- Safe braking
- Steering
- Gear changes
- Simple hand signals
- Basic maintenance
The programme is designed to build confidence when cycling and will progress from cycling at a gentle pace in a quiet traffic free environment, building up to a moderate pace cycling on quiet roads. The course will offer a programme of beginner's rides that are up to 90 minutes long.
Cycle Durham can lend you a bike and helmet free of charge for the duration of each session.
For further information and course details contact us.
Cycling safety information in schools
Available to all schools in the county, Bikeability (modern-day cycling proficiency) teaches primary and secondary children how to ride their bikes safely on the road. See our Cycling road safety schemes page for more information about the training we provide or contact your school.
- Culture and Sport
- Culture and Sport
- 03000 266 555
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Our address is:
- Regeneration and Local Services
- County Hall
- Durham
- County Durham
- United Kingdom
- DH1 5UL
- Active Travel
- Active Travel
- 03000 26 0000