Cycling by Steve Kidd

Cycling is the most efficient way for taking the majority of journeys. Many people miss this. Most people ignore this. Welcome to these pages. I hope you find something useful on them.

Cycle Route Classification. Cycle routes have not been classified, until now! They have all kinds of names (tracks/ routes/ paths etc) and all kinds of quality (all too often poor). From now on, we call them cycle routes, and give them a score between one and ten. The score will be given if the route meets simple criteria of safety and quality. If we can adopt a consistent system, it will perhaps be a useful tool against those who try to patronise us with substandard quality and safety

The cycle routes described so far are mostly in the Wakefield MDC area. There are assessments of very good routes in Lancaster and York, and one in Leeds, but seventy of them so far are ones designated by WMDC on their map 'Cycle Routes in the Wakefield District' April 2000. This is far from an endorsement or recommendation of all these routes, and on many you will see the tip 'Use the Road'.

These routes, if not suitable for utilitarian cycling may have qualities as recreational, Mountain bike, or foot paths. There are some which are impassable, and a few which are actually good. If you disagree with the assessments please email me.

At the top and bottom of every page you will see the link bar.

Please use it to see if a cycle route has been classified, and to send in information about your routes.

Coast to coast cycling: If you are planning a coast to coast bike ride in the north of England, you must read these pages. I have done four, with four different children, and the Morecambe to Scarborough route is the best by several miles and several thousand foot of climb. Trust me!

Other stuff: If you're browsing around, here's some