Non-Standard Cycle Routes

Accessible routes suitable in the most part for all types of cycles (may still be limited to certain access points – see ‘Suitability notes’ or ‘Things to note’ in each guide).

Two wheels, one in front of the other, is not the only way to cycle. There’s a whole world of wonderful devices on wheels that allow people to explore and get around — including the tricycle (trike), side-by-side tandem, handcycle, recumbent and wheelchair tandem. Cargo bikes, ever growing in popularity, as well as bikes with trailers or tag-alongs can be included here too. Categorising them all together, they’re often known just as “non-standard” cycles.

Unfortunately, when councils previously installed barriers at the entry points to their off-road cycle routes, they often completely blocked access for all these legitimate users, too. While the Equality Act (2010) should now address this and make all future routes fully accessible, this often still isn’t entirely the case — and it’s an ongoing, tiresome struggle to get all the obnoxious a-frames, chicanes, stiles and pinch points of the past removed.

The routes here are, sadly, the few deemed to be suitable for non-standard cycles along their full length, with good accessibly at their key entry points (note this might not still be true for every entry point — see the ‘Suitability notes’ and ‘Things to note’ sections of each guide for specific tips).

For more about cycling beyond the bike, see Wheels for Wellbeing and their excellent guide to inclusive cycling.