Bath hacked for cycling with children

Bath has very poor main road cycling infrastructure BUT it is surprising easy to get around without going on main roads or having to navigate major junctions.

To that end, we have done a ‘Bath hacked’ map to show you where all the best low/no traffic routes are. The core network is in thickest green lines, that being the canal, the river path and the Two Tunnels (2T). We marked the schools, main play areas and some key attractions.

On occasions the map takes you along pavements for very short distances. This is not ideal BUT you will find when cycling with children people are generally very understanding of what you are doing ie. having to avoid road danger because children are not provided for. As ever, ‘share with care’ and a offer a smile/thank you and all will be well. (Technically it is a civil offence BUT there is a longstanding instruction to police to not take action where children are cycling on pavements)

We have used ‘with children’ in a loose sense, is so far as Bath is steep and tackling some of the hills with a child on a long tail cargo bike is a different kettle of fish to them cycling alongside you. You may wish to check out the gradients yourself before doing a family cycle up Fox Hill for instance!

In one or two places there are no sensible connections on the road or the pavement (too narrow, too congested etc). In those cases there is a red line. You may want to avoid these, or if you are confident then take up the whole lane with your children on the kerb side of you, the adults closer to the middle. This is called ‘riding primary’ and it the way assertive cycling is instructed these days. You should also stay at least 1 meter from parked vehicles in case someone opens a car door without looking. It shouldn’t be like this and WRB are working to get politicians to deliver better. You can help by writing to your councillor.

Ultimately, being sedentary is very bad for anyone’s health. We hope this map allows you to find the best routes and you enjoy the many benefits of active travel!

Network Map

Routes near Bath

Cycle Sprog specialise in getting children and families on their bikes and out and about.

They have a great page specifically detailing routes in and around Bristol and Bath. Worth a look!