The 3 best cycle routes in Leicester
Leicester offers a variety of cycle routes catering to different preferences. Here are the top 3 options, ranging from easy and scenic to moderately difficult:
From Watermead Park to Everards Meadows and back (easy, scenic): This route, which follows sections of Routes 48 and 6 of the National Cycle Network, is a mostly flat, off-road trail, perfect for a leisurely ride. It uses the well-maintained paths of Watermead Park, the picturesque canal paths and Abbey Park, providing a taste of Leicester’s green spaces. This route is ideal for families with children or occasional cyclists looking for a relaxing ride.
The Great Central Route (Moderate, Varied): This route is a fantastic option for those who want to explore the city and its surroundings. The Great Central Way is a green corridor that offers a mix of on-road and off-road trails. You will encounter canal paths, quiet streets and snippets of countryside, providing a diverse cycling experience. This route is moderately difficult due to some on-road sections and the potential for rough terrain.
Leicester City Center Loop (Moderate, Urban): This route takes you around Leicester’s bustling city centre. Use designated cycle lanes and quieter streets to pass Leicester Cathedral, the New Walk Museum and the bustling market area. This route is ideal for cyclists comfortable with urban riding and for those looking for cultural immersion alongside their cycling adventure. Note that this route may result in traffic interactions, so be aware of your surroundings.
These three best cycle routes in Leicester offer diverse experiences, from peaceful canalside walks to historic railways and picturesque nature trails, catering to cyclists of all interests and abilities.
Bike shops in Leicester
Discover Leicester’s popular bike shops where you’ll find everything from bike rentals and sales to expert advice on bike equipment and repairs.
Rutland Cycling Leicester
- Location: Everard Way, Narborough, Leicester
- Services: Rutland Cycling offers a wide range of bikes including road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes and more. They also provide bicycle fitting, repair and maintenance services, ensuring cyclists can find the right equipment and support to suit their needs.
Future cycles
- Location: 88 Granby Street, Leicester
- Services: Future Cycles specializes in urban and commuter bikes, as well as electric bikes. They offer bicycle sales, repairs and accessories, with a focus on providing a personalized service and expert advice to cyclists in Leicester.
Leicester Cycling Center
- Location: 1 Humberstone Gate, Leicester
- Services: Leicester Cycle Center is a well-established bike shop offering a range of bikes for a variety of purposes including road bikes, hybrid bikes and children’s bikes. They provide bicycle repairs, maintenance and accessories, catering to cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Evans Cycles Leicester
Location: Unit 5, Everard Way, Fosse Park South, Leicester
Services: Evans Cycles is a national chain offering a wide selection of bicycles, including road, mountain and electric bikes. They offer bicycle sales, repair and maintenance services, as well as cycling accessories and clothing.
Cycle Republic Leicester
Location: Unit 5, St George’s Retail Park, Leicester
Services: Cycle Republic offers a range of bicycles and accessories, specializing in urban and commuter bikes, road bikes and mountain bikes. They provide bike repairs and maintenance, as well as expert advice on bike maintenance and upgrades.
These popular Leicester bike shops offer a range of services and products to meet the needs of cyclists, whether you are looking to buy a new bike, carry out repairs or upgrade your cycling equipment.
Where to lock your bike in Leicester
Find out where to lock your bike safely in Leicester, including bike racks in the city centre, Leicester train station, universities, parks and bike shops. Protect your bike with these convenient and reliable options throughout the city.
Leicester city center: Look for bike racks and designated bike parking areas throughout the city center, including near major shopping areas, transportation hubs, and public buildings.
Leicester Station: The station offers secure bicycle parking, including bicycle racks and lockers, making it convenient for commuters and travelers.
- University of Leicester and De Montfort University: Both campuses provide bike racks and secure bike parking for students, staff and visitors.
- Public parks and attractions: Many parks and leisure areas in Leicester offer cycle racks near entrances or popular gathering places.
- Cycle centers and bike shops: Facilities like the Leicester Bike Hub and some bike shops offer secure bike parking as part of their services, often with additional options for bike repairs and maintenance.
Choosing a well-lit and frequented area can improve the safety of your bike. Always use a sturdy bike lock and follow local guidelines to ensure your bike remains secure when parked in Leicester.
Cycling in Leicester City Reddit
Reddit’s r/Leicester subreddit offers a window into the world of cycling in Leicester. Let’s explore some potential positive user experiences:
- “Cycling through Leicester was a delightful experience! The city’s well-maintained bike paths and scenic routes make commuting and leisure travel easy. Riding along the peaceful Grand Union Canal is my favorite, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- “Navigating Leicester on two wheels has been fantastic, especially as a student at De Montfort University. The campus and city are incredibly bike-friendly, with plenty of racks and dedicated lanes that make getting around convenient and enjoyable. It’s not just a matter of practicality; it’s about discovering the charm of Leicester, one pedal at a time.
Local cycling clubs in Leicester
Leicester’s cycling scene thrives with a variety of clubs catering to different interests and skill levels. Here’s a look at some options to consider:
Leicester Forest Cycling Club (LFCC): Established in 1923, this respected club has a rich history. They welcome road cyclists of all abilities, offering supervised training sessions, group rides, time trials and racing opportunities. It is a volunteer-run organization which actively supports and promotes cycling within the Leicester community.
Leicester spokesperson: If you’re looking for a friendly, social cycling experience, Leicester Spokes could be ideal. This club welcomes cyclists of all levels and regularly organizes guided rides at different paces throughout the week, including evenings and weekends. They also plan weekend cycling trips and occasional longer tours, perfect for exploring new places and connecting with other cycling enthusiasts.
Leicestershire Road Club (LRC): This club is aimed at road cycling enthusiasts and organizes training rides, time trials and road races throughout the year. With a focus on competitive cycling, the LRC could be ideal for experienced cyclists looking to challenge themselves and compete in cycling events.
Hinckley Cycle Racing Club: Although not directly in Leicester, this club is a short distance away and welcomes cyclists from the surrounding area. They offer a range of activities for road cyclists, including supervised training sessions, time trials and racing opportunities.
Leicestershire Mountain Bike Club (LMBC): For off-road enthusiasts, LMBC is a great option. They run group walks of varying abilities, exploring the paths and tracks of the Leicestershire countryside. LMBC is a welcoming club for mountain bikers of all levels.
Beyond these clubs, there are also cycling groups aimed at specific demographics, such as Leicester Women’s Velo for female cyclists and Leicester Wheels for All for people with disabilities.
Final verdict
Cycling in Leicester offers a blend of urban convenience and picturesque charm. The city has extensive cycling infrastructure, including more than 70 miles of dedicated lanes and trails like the Grand Union Canal and the Great Central Way. Bike sharing schemes like Santander Cycles Leicester are improving accessibility, while commuter statistics reflect a growing preference for cycling. Practical details on main routes, bike rental options and secure parking spaces ensure a safe and enjoyable cycling experience.
Overall, Leicester is emerging as a cyclist-friendly city, promoting sustainability and providing diverse cycling opportunities for residents and visitors.