Active Cycling

Benefits of Cycling

According to many fitness experts, cycling is one of the best forms of exercise available. A bicycle can be an inexpensive tool for the fitness conscious to help keep their bodies fit and healthy. It is a versatile machine that is designed to minimize stress as well as maximize exercise efficiency.

Some of the benefits of recreational cycling are as follows:

Cycling increase mobility for those who don't have access to motor transport.
Cycling can be faster than walking, transit or motor vehicles.
Biking is therapeutic for the mind and spirit -- is fun and can make you happy.
Regular cycling helps with personal weight management
Save on the membership to a health club, get your exercise by cycling to work, school, shopping, etc.

Ashford has made good process towards a network of cycle routes in recent years.

The Cycling Challenge

Ashford has won the opportunity to deliver the Cycle Challenge in May 2011 and you and your business have an opportunity to join in.

The Challenge – How it works

CTC are offering free cycle training to adults in Ashford following the challenge. The Challenge run in September gave existing and new cyclists the opportunity in taking part in a revoluntary business orientated competition to get as many people on their bike as possible. The website| has further details.

The Great Kent Bike Ride

There are three routes this year – 5 miles, 35 miles and 60 miles being held leaving Ashford on Sunday 12th June. The 5 mile route is off road using cycle lanes so really great for families and children. The 35 and 60 mile routes take in some great parts of Kent with great refreshment stops on the way. Further details are a click away.

The Big Wheel of Kent Cycle Ride

Three rides across the County including Ashford on 11 June 2011, more details click on the link here.

Cycling Club

The Ashford Derailleurs more information on the club is below:

Ashford Derailleurs Cycling Club is a British Cycling Go-ride Club for riders of all abilities aged seven to adult. We offer coaching in Road Racing, Mountain Biking, Cyclocross and cycling skills. We always welcome new volunteers to the club.

We are based at The Youthy Youth Club at the North School, Mabledon Avenue, Ashford TN24 8BJ.

We meet on Monday evenings during term time from 6.30-8pm and often ride at The Warren and Kingswood. We also go on club rides and take part in events at weekends. These have included events at Bedgebury Pinetum and Fowlmead Country Park.

We are proud to say that Jamie Staff MBE, Olympic Track Cycling Gold Medallist, is our club patron. He coached riders at our 2009 club taster day.

The Club has achieved Club Mark, the Sport England mark of high quality for junior clubs. We achieved this by meeting high standards in:

The playing and participation programme.
Duty of care and child protection.
Sports equity and ethics.
Club management.

For more details please get in contact with:

Michael Keppler Club Secretary, 67 Highfield Road, Ashford, Kent, TN240JT, 07982233924

Email Michael on ashfordderailleurs@gmail.com or visit the website

Useful websites

Explore Kent website| where you will find plenty of ideas involving walking and cycling for all.

For a comprehensive map of cycle route please visit the sustrains mapping page

For more information on travelling round the borough by bike or on foot visit the Best Placed Getting Around webpage|.|

Go Cycle Kent have provided information for cyclists in Ashford:

Kent County Council's website lists several cycle routes and has a Kent Cycle Guide that can show you excellent routes all around Kent.

Bike for All| has online information on cycling routes, cycle etiquette, health and cycling to school.

Cyclestreets is Google Maps for cyclists. You can plan your cycle journey and then you can choose a fast, balanced or quiet route. The website| has more information.

Spokes Cycle Campaign works to improve the conditions for cyclists in East Kent. As well as tackling cycling issues they organise a full programme of rides and cycling events to be enjoyed by everyone.

Want to learn to ride a bike, brush up your urban riding skills, learn how to fix your bike or join a local ride? Cycle Circle is Ashford’s local cycle training and activity organisation.

Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford TN23 1PL
Telephone: 01233 330232 Email: activeashford@ashford.gov.uk