The main cycle route on the park is Sustrans Route 1, of which the walkway forms a key constituent part. Most of the other way-marked paths on the site are cycle friendly provided that cyclists give way to walkers and use them in a sensible and considerate manner. The maps and walks section of this system gives details of all cycle ways in the park.

The park is integrated into the Sustrans National Cycle Network and cycling is actively encouraged within the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees, which has over 250 miles of recommended cycle routes ideal for commuters, families and schoolchildren alike. A map of cycle routes within Stockton is available from our request a leaflet section, although it is not available electronically and must be posted.

Health Benefits

• Cycling improves strength, balance and stamina
• Regular cyclists enjoy the same level of fitness as non-cyclists who are 10 years younger
• Cycling helps to lower blood pressure and resting heart rate
• Cyclists suffer fewer knee injuries than runners
• Cycling can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis
• The faster you cycle the more calories you burn – cycling at 10mph burns 240 calories per hour
• Cycling reduces your stress levels and gives you a feeling of well being

Places to go - Things to see

Feel the benefit of gentle exercise away from heavy traffic, and enjoy the surprise as you pass through areas of green open space and countryside, even in the heart of urban Stockton.

Whether as a visitor or a resident, you will discover many new and interesting attractions along Stockton's Cycleways:

• Cross the Tees on the spectacular Tees Barrage
• Stop off and relax at Billingham Beck Valley Country Park
• Enjoy a cup off tea at the Old Station House, Wynyard Woodland Park.
• Admire the sculptures as you cycle through the Great North Park

Cycling to School

Cycling to school has many benefits - chief among them is it improves children's fitness and self-confidence, and kids who ride are proven to be more alert at school. Cycling to school accompanied by a parent can be a great way to travel. It gives the child and parent time together and it can be a time to develop cycling and traffic skills. As children get older their ability to deal with traffic increases. Parents can help plan the route and do a practice ride with the student before his or her first ride to school.

Cycling to Work

According to figures produced by the National Census, around 66% of journeys to work are under five miles. Yet most people still choose to drive this short distance to their workplace when hopping on a bike would be healthier, greener, and take roughly half the time as sitting behind the wheel of a car. Today it has never been easier or safer to cycle either all or most of the way to work. Not only are there more and more cycle paths, but most railway stations and bus termini now have secure and free parking for cycles. A new generation of special commuter bikes have been developed, combining both comfort and speed. Not only that, there are now bikes which can fold down to the size of a small briefcase, enabling you to take it on the train with you.

Good Cycling Code

Stay safe, be courteous and enjoy your cycling!

On Roads:

• Always follow the highway code
• Keeps your bike roadworthy
• Use lights in poor visability
• Be seen
• Consider wearing a helmet

On shared use paths:

• Give way to pedestrians
• Keep to your side of dividing line
• Take care at bends, junctions and entrances
• Remember that many people are hard of hearing or visually impared don't assume they can see you or hear you

Stockton's Commitment To Cycling

Stockton Council is committed to improving opportunities for people to cycle, bringing the benefits of better health, low cost transport and a pleasant environment to communities throughout the Borough. To find out more contact either: George Callaghan, Cycling contact on 01642 526735, e-mail george.callaghan@stockton.gov.uk or Mike Edwards, Road Safety contact on 01642 526737, e-mail mike.edwards@stockton.gov.uk

For details on cycle parking at rail stations in the Stockton area telephone Sustrans on 01642 803441 and for more details on the Sustrans National Cycle Network call 0845 1130065 or visit www.sustrans.org