Staying active outdoors through cycling
As well as being able to increase your levels of physical activity, once you have your bike, choosing to cycle rather than drive or take public transport can save you money as well as help the environment.
Health benefits
With all the benefits of outdoors physical activity, regular cycling can reduce the risk of a number of serious illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. It can also boost your mood, improving the symptoms of some mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Cycling can also help you maintain a healthy weight.
Cycling is a low-impact exercise, meaning it’s easier on your joints compared to high-impact aerobic activities like running.
Witton Park Cycle Centre
Based in the beautiful surroundings of Witton Country Park, the Cycle Centre is in an ideal location to help people who are new to cycling or are returning after a long period of time.
The Cycle Centre team provide low level Pedal Round the Park sessions to help build confidence whilst out on public pathways and also Cycling Taster sessions on the safety of Witton Park Arena’s Outdoor Track. A number of trikes are also available during these sessions so just about anyone can get out and enjoy the rush of the wind on their face.
For more information check out our Get Active page.
Cycling Hints and Tips
Check out our re:fresh Cycling You Tube Playlist for lots of handy hints and tips to get you started on your bike.
Balance Bike Basics
Not forgetting about our futurre cyclists, here are some handy videos to help your little ones get started on two wheels.
East Lancashire CONNECT Cycling App
Cycling is a great way to get around – whether you are an experienced cyclist or just looking for a gentle ride out, you’ll find something for everyone in the Blackburn with Darwen area.
If you are looking for some cycling inspiration why not download the East Lancashire Cycling App from our partners at CONNECT.
East Lancashire is very well served with lovely cycle routes ranging from ideal utility and commuting rides through to those that explore the open spaces and beautiful countryside of the area.
The Connect East Lancashire Cycling App details over 30 of these cycle routes, categorised into Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced, plus gives a lot of other relevant information on cycling services and support available in the area.
For each route there is an interactive map and navigation text (with voice option) making it easy for you to follow on the ground.
New routes are being added on a regular basis. Click here for more information.
The Weavers Wheel
Weavers Wheel has been funded trough the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership delivering a strategic cycle network for Blackburn with Darwen, part of the wider East Lancashire Strategic Cycle network.
Weavers Wheel is a 26km route encircling Blackburn Town Centre and is the inspiration of local residents Kev and Vicky Riddehough and is based on the successful Preston Guild Wheel, which now attracts nearly 100,000 cyclists a year.
As well as the main wheel there are spurs radiating out to key employment locations such as Samlesbury Enterprise Zone and Whitebirk as well as spokes into Blackburn Town Centre providing direct access to local employment, education, retail and leisure opportunities for cyclists and walkers.
Local artwork can now be found around the Weavers Wheel that has been locally inspired by schools, community groups and organisations. We encourage all of you to get out on your bikes and ride all or parts of the Weavers Wheel.
WEAVERS WHEEL BOOKLET:A booklet of a variety of rides for all abilities can be downloaded here Weavers Wheel Booklet
An overview of the Weavers Wheel can be viewed here Weavers Wheel & Development Sites Map