Summer of Cycling – Cycle to Work

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Looking to start cycling to work or school but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with resources and real stories to help you ease into this lifestyle change. Did you know that in Kent, 10.1% of workers walk to work, which is higher than the national average of 9.8%? However, only 1.1% cycle to work compared to 1.9% in England. Let’s change these statistics and work towards reducing car commutes and increasing cycling in Kent!

Cycle to Work Champions

We spoke to Kent residents who take part in cycle-to-work programmes and they told us how it’s transformed their health and lifestyle. Check out their stories for inspiration and tips on how you can get started too.

Maurice

Maurice has become a passionate cyclist and, inspired by his cycling adventures around Europe, he made the bold decision to switch up his job and daily routine to include cycling every day. Rita, his wife, has noticed a positive change in Maurice’s mental health and overall wellbeing since he started cycling into Maidstone everyday.

Louise

For 10 years, community carer Louise has been using her bike to visit elderly patients in Whitstable. It’s a convenient way to get around, saving money and keeping her active and healthy. Her advice? “Don’t let anything hold you back – hop on your bike and enjoy the ride!

Tom

Kent County Council’s bike maintenance expert, Tom, has some valuable tips to help you keep your bike in great condition and ensure a safe ride. Remember, regular maintenance not only enhances your riding experience but also contributes to your safety on the road.

Visit our Active Travel YouTube Playlist

Cycle to Work Schemes

Looking to save money on your commute? The Cycle to Work Scheme in Kent allows you to purchase a new bike and accessories at a discounted rate from local stores. Not only can you save on Income Tax and National Insurance contributions, but you also get to enjoy a healthier and more eco-friendly way of travelling to work. To qualify for the scheme, at least half of your trips to and from work must be made on your bike. To find out more, check with your employer to see what schemes they have to offer!

Lady riding bike

Adult Cycle Training

Kent County Council offers cycle training courses for adults to enhance their cycling skills and boost their confidence. These courses are designed to encourage people to cycle more frequently for both leisure and work purposes. Whether you’re a beginner learning to ride or an experienced cyclist looking to improve your skills, Kent County Council provides a wide range of training options. From basic Learning to Ride sessions to more advanced levels, participants gain the necessary skills to cycle safely in various environments, including busier areas like town centers.

Kent Cycle training offer range of courses for adults, from total beginners to experienced cyclists:

Learn to ride – for beginners and riders wanting to improve their bike handling and confidence. Our aim is to get you riding confidently.
Confident road cycling – to give you the skills and confidence to cycle safely on the road.
Introduction to e-bikes – to learn more about your electrically assisted cycle, or try one of ours before you buy.
E-bike confident road riding – having completed the introduction to electric cycles course, this course will enable you to ride your e-bike efficiently and safely on the road.

Their courses are offered at venues across Kent, which all have parking on site or nearby, and all offer cycle and helmet hire as required.

E-Bike courses are currently available at Gravesend, Canterbury, Maidstone and Deal.

KCC Adult Cycle Training

Town Maps

Exploring your local area is an amazing way to get out and active, but imagine being able to explore your local town on foot or bicycle and discovering the best of what the towns have to offer. A large full-page map shows you all the walking, cycling routes and public transport links so that you can find your way to some of the best things to do in the town, which are also featured. This is simply the best tool for an adventure around some of Kent’s most beautiful towns.

Cycling tagsWalking tagsExplore Ashford Town Walking & Cycling RoutesGet around Ashford quickly and easily with this handy town cycling map! Ashford Save Explore Ashford Town Walking & Cycling Routes to favourites

Boys cycling on the Viking Coastal Trail

Cycling tagsWalking tagsExplore Canterbury Town Walking & Cycling RoutesExplore the medieval city of Canterbury, birthplace of Christopher Marlowe, by bicycle or foot taking in world famous sights such as the Cathedral, St Augustine's… Canterbury Save Explore Canterbury Town Walking & Cycling Routes to favourites

Cycling tagsWalking tagsExplore DartfordDartford is located on the border of Kent, London and Essex, Dartford is one of the most exciting and dynamic towns in the country. Shopaholics… Dartford Save Explore Dartford to favourites

Beaches tagsCycling tagsWalking tagsExplore Folkestone: Walking & Cycling RoutesExplore the historic coastal town of Folkestone, home to the stunning Harbour Arm and Lower Leas Coastal Park, you can even catch a glimpse of… Folkestone Save Explore Folkestone: Walking & Cycling Routes to favourites

Cycling tagsWalking tagsExplore GravesendGravesham has been welcoming visitors for centuries and today remains a well-connected place for tourists and those on business. The borough is as diverse and… Gravesend Save Explore Gravesend to favourites

Women Cycling on the Isle of Harty Trail

Beaches tagsCycling tagsWalking tagsExplore The Isle of Sheppey Walking & Cycling MapExplore the beautiful Isle of Sheppey, a small island off the north Kent coast with a fascinating variety of landscapes from coastal to marsh, there… Sheerness Save Explore The Isle of Sheppey Walking & Cycling Map to favourites

Cycling tagsWalking tagsExplore Maidstone Town Walking & Cycling RoutesExplore the cycle routes of Kent's County Town! From tranquil cycling along the river to beating the traffic and using Active Travel to get to… Maidstone Save Explore Maidstone Town Walking & Cycling Routes to favourites

Cycling tagsWalking tagsExplore Royal Tunbridge WellsRoyal Tunbridge Wells lies in an unspoilt Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The landscape is a patchwork of rolling hills, ancient woods and open heaths,… Tunbridge Wells Save Explore Royal Tunbridge Wells to favourites

Walking tagsExplore SevenoaksExplore Sevenoaks which holds some of England’s most enchanting places, such as stunning stately homes and beautiful gardens, as well as the picturesque landscapes of… Sevenoaks Save Explore Sevenoaks to favourites

Cycling tagsWalking tagsExplore Sittingbourne and FavershamExplore Sittingbourne and Faversham in north Kent offering a lively town centre, excellent food offer, and plenty of access to the surrounding countryside. Faversham, Sittingbourne Save Explore Sittingbourne and Faversham to favourites

Cycling tagsWalking tagsExplore Tenterden Town Walking & Cycling RoutesDiscover and travel around Tenterden quickly and easily with this handy town cycling map! Tenterden Save Explore Tenterden Town Walking & Cycling Routes to favourites

Cycling tagsRunning tagsWalking tagsExplore Tonbridge Walking and Cycling RoutesExplore the medieval market town of Tonbridge in the heart of the West Kent countryside, best known for being home to one of England's finest… Tonbridge Save Explore Tonbridge Walking and Cycling Routes to favourites

Kent Connected

All of our Explore Kent walking and cycling routes are available on the Kent Connected app. The free app includes an exciting journey planner that empowers you to make smarter travel choices which are healthier for you, kinder to the environment and will save you time and money.

Link with the Kent Connected journey planner which will give you a choice of sustainable travel options with detailed information on directions to take if cycling or walking or taking public transport to the start point.

Kent Connected is available on the App Store and Google Play and is perfect if you want to discover new places to explore right on your doorstep.