Cycling FAQ's

Can I cycle on the pavement?

Cycling is prohibited on most footways. However, in certain areas, the legal status of the footway has been changed to allow cycling.  Where this has occurred you will either see a blue, shared use sign, or there will be cycle markings on the footway itself to show that cycling is allowed.  

Is it possible to change the status of a route to allow cycling?

In some circumstances it is possible to change the status of a footpath or footway to allow cycling, however this can be a lengthy process. There has to be a good case made for a change in status, e.g. 20 years evidence of cycling can be beneficial for the conversion of a public footpath to a restricted byway that allows cycling. If the route is on a footway, a width of at least two metres is normally required.

I’ve heard about tax-free bike purchase – how does it work?

The government has set up a tax-free bike purchase scheme to encourage more people to cycle to work.  Your employer will buy the bike, and then you will repay the cost of the bike through salary deductions before tax over the course of a year.  If you are a higher rate tax payer this will save you around 50% on the cost of a new bike.  For further information please see the information on the Department for Transport website.

I want to cycle to work, but my employer doesn’t provide any cycle parking or other facilities – what can I do?

Worcestershire County Council provide free cycle stands to businesses and other organisations who want to provide cycle parking for staff and visitors.  These stands have to be installed by the recipient.  

If you are an employer and would like any further information on encouraging staff to travel to work sustainably, please email us or call 01905 766876

I want to use a trailer with my bike, but find that the barriers on cycle tracks prevent me from getting through.  What are you doing about this?

Cycle barriers/bollards are used either to control speed on the approach to junctions with busy roads, or to prevent the illegal use of motorcycles on cycle tracks and footpaths.  It is now our policy to avoid using them wherever possible.  Where it is necessary to use a calming feature, such as on a steep slope, we will always try to find an alternative to using barriers/bollards. If there are any particular areas where you believe cycle barriers to be a problem please email us or phone 01905 766876

Where can I find out about cycle training?

Worcestershire County Council is offering free adult cycle training sessions to Worcestershire residents over the age of 18. Email us or call 01905 765765 for more details.

We also provide cycle training for children through schools. Email us or call 01905 768473 for details.

What is the National Cycle Network?

The National Cycle Network, is a nationwide network of cycle routes on a combination of quieter roads and off road cycle routes.  It is managed by the charity Sustrans.  Find out about National Cycle Network routes that pass through Worcestershire or  visit  www.sustrans.org.uk for more details.

What cycle maps are available?

Worcestershire County Council currently produce cycle maps for Worcester, Evesham, Pershore, Malvern, Bromsgrove and the Wyre Forest District.  A further two maps are also available showing routes between Worcester and Droitwich, and Worcester and Pershore.  In the future we hope to be able to provide a map for each of the major towns. These can be viewed from our cycling maps page.

I would like to cycle to work, but the route is along a busy road and there are no cycle routes. What can I do?

Firstly, look to see if there is an alternative route which uses quieter back roads as these can often be just as direct. One of our maps might help you to identify an alternative route.

If you have a suggestions for a new cycle route, please put your request in writing to Sustainable Schemes Team, either by emailing scheme@worcestershire.gov.uk or by sending a letter to Safe and Sustainable Travel Unit, Environmental Services, County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP

Can I take my bike on public transport?

Most trains will take bikes, although on some services you may have to book in advance. For further information please see  www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Generally pedal cycles are not allowed on buses and it is at the discretion of the bus company whether folding bicycles are accepted.

However the Malvern Hills Hopper, which operates in the Malvern area on weekends and bank holidays, has a bike rack on the rear of the bus.