Cycling information

Salisbury is a cycle-friendly city withan extensive cycle network of cycle lanes, cycle tracks and bridleways.

Salisbury also contains many 20mph zones, including the City Centre, Bishopdown and Bishopdown Farm, which make it safer to cycle.

The Salisbury Joint Transportation Team is working to improve the developing cycle network in the City, in line with the Salisbury Transport Plan. Wiltshire County Council is responsible for improvements for cycling outside of the Salisbury and Wilton area.

Cycle Map

The Salisbury Cycle Map shows all the cycle routes in the city. You can see the National Cycle Network routes being developed by Sustrans, and leisure routes and rides such as the Wiltshire Cycleway. The map also shows locations of cycle parking in the city centre.

The reverse side shows tips for safe cycling and useful contact details of local cycling groups.

Download or view the Adobe PDFSalisbury and Wilton cycle map 1.6mb.

You can also get a printed copy of the cycle map at the Salisbury Tourist Information Centre.

Alternatively, you can call the Joint Transportation Team on 01722 434325 or send an email with your address to: transportation@salisbury.gov.uk

The Cycle Liason Panel

The Joint Transportation Team leads this consultation group comprised of members of COGS (Cycle Opportunities Group for Salisbury), Wiltshire County Council's Road Safety and Travelwise teams and a Salisbury District Council elected Councillor. The CLP aims to increase the level of cycling in the city through developing an improved network and publicising cycling through maps and local events.

The CLP meets bi-monthly to look at and comment on designs and proposals drawn up by the Joint Team for new cycle infrastructure improvements and discuss any current issues.

The CLP also plans and manages the annual National Bike Week events held every June in Salisbury. Past events have included a Commuter Challenge, a ride round the City led by the Mayor and a Cycling Picnic.

In 2000, the CLP produced a Cycling Strategy for Salisbury and Wilton which sets out the aspirations for the promotion of cycling in Salisbury. View or download the Salisbury and Wilton Cycling Strategy

(Acrobat PDF 60KB).

The National Cycle Network

The Joint Transportation Team is working with Sustrans, an independent sustainable transport charity on developing two National Cycle Network routes in the Salisbury/ Wilton area.

The NCN will offer 10,000 miles of safe attractive and high quality routes for cyclists across the UK. These comprise a mix of traffic-free routes and traffic-calmed and minor roads. The NCN runs through urban areas and provide valuable routes into the countryside.

NCN Route 24 will run from Bath to Southampton via Salisbury, and NCN Route 45 will run from Gloucester to Salisbury via Salisbury Plain and Stonehenge. The Joint Team are working with Sustrans on their implementation of the routes through Salisbury and Wilton.

Cycle safety

Basic rules

  • Be considerate to other road users, especially pedestrians
  • Ride in single file on cycle tracks, lanes and narrow roads when in traffic
  • Obey traffic signs and traffic light signals
  • Wear a helmet
  • Don't ride on the pavement unless it is part of a shared-use cycle route
  • Avoid riding too close to another vehicle
  • Don't cycle the wrong way up a one-way street
  • Look out for parked vehicles and for doors opening in your path
  • Don't cycle too close to the gutter, keep about half a metre from the kerb, which will allow you to see and be seen
  • Don't weave in and out of parked cars, maintain a straight line so drivers can see you
  • Don't weave in and out of parked cars, maintain a straight line so drivers can see you

Cycling in different conditions

Cycling at night

Cycling at night is just as practical and brings all the same benefits as cycling by day. However there are some simple but important steps to ensure that you are both safe and within the law.

Lights and reflectors
The law states that you must have at least two lights attached to your bike - a white light at the front and a red light at the rear. In addition you must have an efficient red reflector at the rear. Flashing LED lights are not permitted on their own, but can be a useful supplement. There is a wide disparity in the price of bike lights, however for regular night cycling you should consider investing in a bright halogen light for the front.
Dress for visibility
It is advisable to wear bright reflective clothing when cycling at night. A reflective jacket or waistcoat that slips over your coat will help to define your shape in the dark. Reflective patches, badges, tape and stickers can be applied anywhere on the bike or rider, and are recommended to maximise your visibility.
Be alert
At night it is easier to spot approaching cars because of their headlights but remember that you may be dazzled by lights on full beam.

Cycling in the wet

Wet weather (or at least the threat of rain) puts a lot of people off cycling. However, despite the reputation of the great British weather it's actually quite rare for regular cyclists to get a soaking. You should wear bright clothing and consider using your lights; use waterproof clothing; check your bike especially brakes, tyres and gears, more regularly.

Cycle carefully
While roads in general will become more slippery in the rain, surfaces such as painted road markings and metal plates can provide very little friction in the rain and can be extremely hazardous. Avoid applying your brakes too sharply - instead, cycle more slowly and carefully, especially down hills and around corners.

Cycling in very hot weather

It's not usually necessary to take any special precautions for short everyday trips. However, on longer journeys, remember to use suntan lotion or to cover your arms and the back of your neck. It's also advisable to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and take extra clothes for when you stop and may cool down.

Basic Cycle Maintenance

What you need

There is a range of bicycle tools available, however all you need to start with are screwdrivers, Allen keys, spanners, a pump, tyre levers, cleaning rags, an old toothbrush, lubricants and a puncture repair kit.

Daily maintenance

Each day you use your bike, give it a quick onceover. In particular, check the condition of the tyres and their pressure.

Weekly maintenance

Lubricate exposed moving parts of the bike, such as the chain and gear mechanisms taking care not to get any on wheel rims or brake blocks. Clean dirt and grease off wheel rims with a cloth and some lubricant spray.

Monthly maintenance

Wheels
Check tyre pressure and condition. Make sure your wheels are properly fastened and in line with the frame.
Brakes
Check the brake blocks for wear and ensure they contact squarely with the rim, not the tyre. Replace worn or frayed brake cables and adjust brakes so that the brake levers don't come into contact with the handlebars when braking hard.
Gears
Check gears work correctly and cables move freely (though it's best to leave gear repairs to a bicycle mechanic). Clean the chain with a rag soaked in degreaser then re-oil
Steering
Check for looseness in the handlebar and stem and tighten where necessary
Pedals
Pedals should spin freely so check the pedal axles for looseness and tighten.
Frame
Regularly inspect the frame for any damage. Ensure the seat height is correct and that the seat post bolt is tight.

Downloads

Information:

Contact details:

Telephone:
01722 434325

email:
tranportation@salisbury.gov.uk...

Postal address:
Salisbury Joint Transportation Team
37 Endless Street
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP1 1DP