Celebrate Le Tour in Yorkshire, slowly

Sustrans is launching a new guide to cycling in Yorkshire to celebrate the arrival of the Grand Depart of the Tour de France this July, and encourage people to explore the region by bike.

Launching on the 5th July, the Slow Tour promotes 21 of the best cycle routes in Yorkshire.

The routes included in the Slow Tour of Yorkshire are part of the 14,700-mile National Cycle Network.

There are 21 stages of The Slow Tour of Yorkshire to complete, each route varies in length but on average are 10 miles long. The routes have been selected by Sustrans for being easy to access, convenient, and, above all, on traffic-free or quiet routes.

The Slow Tour maps are free to download and easy to use; by following the routes featured on the maps cyclists will be led along converted railway tracks, down tranquil canal towpaths, past historic buildings and be able to take in the natural beauty of Yorkshire at their own pace.

To encourage people from across Yorkshire and beyond to take part in The Slow Tour, the majority of the 21 stages start and finish at train stations where bike hire is often available, for those who do not have a bike.

Sheridan Piggott, Sustrans Smarter Choices Coordinator in Yorkshire said:

“You don’t need to be a professional racing cyclist to enjoy cycling this summer. There are a thousand miles of National Cycle Network to explore in Yorkshire, and we’ve chosen the best ones so you don’t have to. Whatever your cycling ability, we hope you will be inspired by the Grand Depart to dust off your bike, download the Slow Tour maps and try out the easy cycling routes this beautiful region has to offer.”

Dr Ian Cameron, Director of Public Health, Leeds, said:

“Physical activity is a priority for public health professionals across the country. An active lifestyle offers significant protection against a wide range of diseases, but many of us are not active enough to benefit our health. All sources – from the Chief Medical Officer to the Department of Health, from NICE to the WHO, confirm that walking and cycling are easy and accessible ways to become more active.

“The Slow Tour of Yorkshire is in itself a great way for people to enjoy our countryside and get some healthy physical activity. I also hope it may also encourage more people to try cycling to work or school on a regular basis, which would improve population health across the county.”