Bath hacked for safe cycling

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 haven marked the schools, main play areas and some key attractions.

On occasions the map takes you along pavements for very short distances or over pedestrian crossings. This is not ideal BUT you will find when cycling especially if with children people are generally understanding of what you are doing ie. having to avoid road danger because your safety is not provided for. As ever, ‘share with care’ and an 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 people cycle on pavements to avoid the danger of using the road). You may prefer to get off and push these distances if you can.

When taking these routes with children, clearly Bath is has some substantial inclines and tackling some of them with a child on a long tail ecargo bike is very different t to having them cycling alongside you. You may wish to check out the gradients yourself before doing a family cycle up Fox Hill for instance! Indeed, it is generally best to check out routes in advance.

In one or two places there are no sensible connections on the road or the pavement (too narrow, too congested, one-ways 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. 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!