Active Travel
At Malvern Hills District we are committed to encouraging Active Travel.
Active Travel contributes to the vision of the five year strategic plan ‘to enhance the Malvern Hills District as a destination to explore and an outstanding place to live and work’.
Free Cycle Training
Free cycle training is on offer for adults aged 16 and over.
The free Bikeability training is suitable for all abilities, from those who can't cycle to those more experienced.
Training will be delivered by qualified cycle instructors with experience in delivering National Standards Bikeability training.
Upcoming sessions:
Saturday, 29 June 2024
Sport Dyson Perrins Leisure Centre, Yates Hay Road, Great Malvern, WR14 1WD.
- 9.30am - 12pm (traffic free session)
- 1pm - 3.30pm (on road session)
Saturday, 13 July 2024
Tenbury High Ormiston Academy, Oldwood Rd, Tenbury Wells WR15 8XA
- 9.30am - 12pm (traffic free session)
- 1pm - 3.30pm (on road session)
Traffic free sessions are aimed at those who can’t cycle at all and want to learn to ride in a completely traffic free environment, or for people who are a bit wobbly and want to brush up on basic skills, without going anywhere near a road.
Morning sessions will cover cycle handling and control skills, pedalling, bike maintenance and being aware of surroundings.
Afternoon sessions are for those who can already ride a bike and signal but want to build confidence in and around traffic.
These sessions will be on quiet roads and will assist with skills such as negotiating hazards and junctions, understanding the road and positioning whilst experiencing live traffic.
For those who want to take cycling to the next level, instructors can take people on more advanced roads, where they will experience riding and negotiating on more complex roads and junctions with speed limits above 30mph.
The sessions are also available for those with e-bikes, as long as riders don’t exceed 16mph when on the course.
Participants will need a bicycle and a helmet.
To book a place contact Sue, Active Travel Officer:
What is Active Travel?
Active Travel journeys are those made by using some physical activity like; walking, cycling, e-cycles, scootering or wheeling.
They are usually short journeys to a destination i.e. shopping, dropping children off to school, clubs, travelling to work, to appointments, or visiting family and friends. Active Travel can form part of a longer journey i.e. to the bus stop or train station, or picking up a lift in a car.
Benefits
- Reduces carbon emissions
- Creates safer and more beautiful places to live
- Helps builds community spirit and contributes to the local economy
- Improves physical health: walking and cycling are the most effective ways to fit in regular daily physical activity
- Contributes to good mental well being
- Saves money
- And it’s enjoyable and feels good!
Tips for Active Travel:
- Plan your route, this is not necessarily the same route you would travel by car
- Work out how long the journey will take
- Choose an appropriate day to do it on
- Check weather conditions, dress for the weather
- Leave enough time to walk, cycle/wheel to where you are going
- Tell someone your plan
- And go……
We are happy to discuss your active travel needs and may be able to assist in bike parking, bike-marking events, advice, resources etc. Please contact Sue Martyr, Active Travel Project Co-ordinator:
Resources:
Walking and cycling routes
Malvern Walking & Cycling Map (worcestershire.gov.uk)
Journey planner | Cycling UK (a good route planner which allows you to look for quieter and off-road routes, as well as the fastest and most direct route).
Cycle Malvern – A good place to go by bike (cycle parking and local information).
Malvern Hills Car Clubs – Community Car Share (malvernhills-carclubs.org.uk) (e-bike to work scheme and e-bike loan scheme).
Business, communities and schools: Active Travel plans
ModeShift Stars is a Worcestershire County Council supported scheme to encourage making Active Travel plans: Modeshift STARS - Travel Plan in Education, Business & Communities
Walking bus and bike bus:
A bike bus or walking bus are ideal ways to travel to school as a group. They are normally organised by parents and both alleviate traffic congestion around schools, are fun, social, healthy and easy to organise
What is a bike bus and how can I set one up? - Sustrans.org.uk
Reporting issues:
Report a road or path issue | Worcestershire County Council concerning roads, footpaths, pot holes, signage etc