Free cycle-friendly bundle to help businesses accommodate cyclists over festive period and year round

• ​The accreditation highlights the ways in which businesses are going the extra mile to welcome local and visiting cyclists
• Participating businesses can get a free cycle-friendly gift bundle worth over £400
• Cyclists can enjoy new family-friendly cycle routes and use Cycling UK’s mince pie calculator for some fun competition
• Applications are free, easy and can be completed online

Local businesses can make the most of families spending quality time together over the festive period and year round by welcoming people enjoying a series of new short cycle routes in Kent, Cornwall and Norfolk. Distances range from 7 all the way up to 146 miles making them ideal for people looking for fun ways to be active, spend time outside and work off those extra mince pies.

Cycling UK is keen to encourage locals and visitors to enjoy the many recently developed family-friendly cycle routes in each area, while helping local businesses make the most of passing trade. This is all part of Cycling UK’s work as part of its role in the European Development Fund’s EXPERIENCE project which has run in the area since 2019. 

As a fun Christmas competition, Cycling UK has compiled some of its favourite routes in the areas and highlighted how many mince pies each one is worth.

Cycling UK’s Mince Pie Route Guide

1 mince pie: Samphire Hoe, Kent (8 miles) – the perfect distance for even the littlest riders, this is an easy pedal along the clifftops to the edge of Folkstone.

2 mince pies: Mullion Coves, Cornwall (17 miles) – this loop has something for everyone as it offers coastal views, a fresh sea breeze and quiet rolling lanes on a mix of on- and off-road surfaces.

3 mince pies: Medieval meandering, Norfolk (39 miles) – this route is one for the history buffs as it gives a great look at historical and natural riches that typify the landscape of north Norfolk.

20 mince pies: The West Kernow Way, Cornwall (148 miles) – created by Cycling UK, the West Kernow Way is a beautiful circular bikepacking route steeped in history along the western half of the Cornish peninsula. This route is perfect for riders looking for a multi-day trip, or for those looking to enjoy a short section in one day.

No matter which route people choose, riders can stop at a café or shop to enjoy well-deserved Christmas treats along the way.

Businesses who welcome or are interested in welcoming cyclists are encouraged to apply for Cycle Friendly Places accreditation to receive free advice, publicity and equipment bundles. This includes cycling specific tools worth more than £400 to keep their customers on the road, entry to a database for cycling tourists and inclusion in Cycling UK’s route maps.

It will also reach the charity’s 71,000 membership base, plus 86,000 Cycle magazine readers and 600 affiliated cycling clubs.

Sophie Gordon, campaigns officer for Cycling UK, commented:

“The Cycle Friendly Places accreditation is an excellent opportunity for businesses to make the most of the pedalling pound and reach a wider audience over holiday seasons, and during quieter periods.

“Providing facilities to dry damp clothing, offering a secure area where visitors can lock their bikes and having tools available for simple bike repairs are all fairly simple to implement and attract a wide range of cycling customers.

“Often businesses are already offering these services and they just need a hand advertising them to draw in their target audience which is where the Cycle Friendly Places accreditation comes in.”

Cycle tourism spending from cyclists in the UK generates £520m per year. There are 1.23 million overnight trips each year, benefiting small businesses in particular, and these contribute £433m to the economy. A survey of riders of King Alfred’s Way, a route starting in Winchester that Cycling UK launched in 2020, showed that on average cyclists spent £83.60 per day on food and accommodation.

With utility cycling and cycle tourism in mind, many businesses have taken steps to ensure that they offer a welcoming space for cyclists to stop off for a bite to eat or to rest their head for the night.

By attracting cyclists and encouraging sustainable travel and tourism, businesses can tap into a large market and attract more customers.

Joe Mullane, owner of New Flying Horse in Wye, Kent commented:

“The Cycle Friendly Places accreditation helped us identify things we could be doing to attract more cyclists year round. The spare bike parts and shoe dryers we offer are going down a treat.

“Recently we’ve had several guests stop in who are doing the Cantii Way. Most of them know that we are Cycle Friendly Places accredited and have facilities to give them a warm welcome.”

During the pandemic, the UK saw a 169% rise in journeys taken by bike. Current cost-of-living pressures mean that even more people continue to consider their daily travel options, with many choosing to cycle as an alternative to driving to save money.

Additionally, cycling staycations are becoming a first choice for many as people opt to swap their holidays abroad for a cheaper alternative which has a smaller environmental impact.

To find out more about Cycle Friendly Places and to apply for free accreditation visit cyclinguk.org/cyclefriendlyplaces.

ENDS