B6530 - a campaigning victory

This short route is testament to one of Cycle UK’s local campaigners, Ted Liddle, who campaigned for an impressive 19 years to get Advisory Cycle Lanes (ACLs) installed along this section of the B6530, which forms part of the increasingly popular Hadrian’s Cycleway (NCN72).

Unfortunately, this road was one of the less pleasant (and more dangerous) parts of the route, often busy with traffic, and Ted felt it didn’t provide a route which would be safe for an unaccompanied 12-year-old, as the NCN is supposed to do. In his position as a Cycling UK Right To Ride rep, Ted lobbied Northumberland County Council to add ACLs along the road to make the entire cross country route safer for cycling.

Ted’s work in producing a detailed report on the importance of ACLs on this route was a success – and the road’s centre line was removed, and ACLs were added for 860 metres – a modest but important length which had become a pinch point for cars and cyclists heading into and out of Corbridge village.

Ted’s work highlights that while its vital to win funding for cycle routes, networks and infrastructure, local campaigners can play an invaluable role in making sure those routes remain safe and accessible for cyclists of all abilities, and whether you ride this road as part of a coast to coast tour via the NCN72 or as a local circuit, make sure to tip your hat to the determined work of Cycling UK’s very own Ted Liddle as you pass by.