North Somerset’s popular Pier to Pier Way walking, cycling and horse-riding route is set to benefit from new funding to help more people get active.
National Highways has provided additional funding to support community engagement activities based in Clevedon, including three new volunteer ride leaders to help more people learn or get back into cycling.
Residents who are keen to support others in building confidence on a bike are encouraged to come forward by emailing sustainable.travel@n-somerset.gov.uk. Training will be free, offering a valuable opportunity to build skills while supporting the local community.
The Pier to Pier Way, part of the Coastal Towns Cycle Route, links Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare and is a huge success. Around 100,000 trips were recorded in its first year, double the original target of 50,000, and this has now risen to 125,000 trips within 18 months, with further growth expected over spring and summer.
The funding will also support a range of free activities to encourage more people to use the route, including:
- free adult cycle training sessions
- eight guided health walks in May as part of North Somerset Walk Fest
- “Dr Bike” sessions offering free bike checks and maintenance
- opportunities to try electric bikes before buying
On Saturday 9 May at Clevedon Cars and Coffee, The Hawthorns in Clevedon, visitors can refresh their cycling skills, try e-bikes and accessible trikes, and get their own bike serviced for free. The event will also feature a display of retro camper vans.
The range of activities is being delivered with partners including, National Highways, Strawberry Line Café, AtkinsRéalis, UFO E-Bikes, Clevedon Cars and Coffee, Owl in the Oak café, and North Somerset Council Public Health.
Cllr Hugh Malyan, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said:
This funding comes at the perfect time, as we head into the spring and summer months.
The Pier to Pier Way not only supports healthier travel choices but also helps boost our local economy by connecting communities and encouraging people to spend time and money in our coastal towns.
Alistair Ryder, Managing Demand and Active Travel Team Leader, National Highways
We’re committed to investing in active travel routes for communities close to our roads.
By making infrastructure, such as the pier-to-pier route more accessible, we’re supporting people to choose different modes of travel which can have a positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing.
These initiatives aim to reduce congestion, improve health and wellbeing, and help people feel more confident using local walking and cycling routes, while creating opportunities to meet others and enjoy outdoor activities. This funding builds on National Highways’ earlier £1.3 million investment in the route, including improvements to the river crossings at Tutshill Sluice and construction of the path.
Volunteering opportunities in Clevedon build on a successful model in Weston-super-Mare, where six trained volunteer ride leaders deliver free “Cycling for Better Health” sessions for people returning to cycling or looking to build confidence.
If you want to book in for a refresher adult cycle training session, please contact via email: strawberrylinecafe1@gmail.com