Cycling in Sunderland

The City Council recognises the valuable contribution that cycling can make towards the development of a healthy city and provide more sustainable transport in Sunderland. Cycling has many other benefits, it's relatively cheap to begin using and get around by bicycle, is available to majority of local communities and promotes greater social inclusion, and is a physical activity proven to directly improve peoples health.

Downloadable versions of the citywide cycleways (or contact the Planning Policy Section to order a paper copy).

Part 1 (Sunderland North, Sunderland South, Washington)  ( pdf 6.3mb)

Part 2 (Sunderland South, Houghton/Hetton, the map key and the City Centre) ( pdf 4.2mb)

Improvements in Sunderland

Cycle routes are being improved across the city, including the incline between Copt Hill public house and Broomhill in Houghton, also the bridleway between Grindon Hill and Middle Herrington. More safety works have been made on the seafront and a hazardous 50mm lip on the cycleway has been removed.

Watch out for more improvements to the Sea to Sea (C2C) route in 2009. This will include a new artwork at the end of the route to celebrate the achievements of cyclists finishing the whole of the C2C or W2W routes. A brand new cycle surface will be created from Castletown to east Southwick, including anti-slip surfaces on inclines, tarmac and street lighting through the Southwick Gyratory. To complement these works, a north/south cycle route will be created between Southwick town centre and Pallion, plus formalised cycle use on the Queen Alexandra Bridge.

Cycle North East 2009

The Cycle North East Magazine 2009 ( pdf 2.7mb) provides a guide to cycling in Tyneside, Northumberland, Sunderland and other areas, the magazine includes information relating to cycle rides and events, cycling organisations and clubs, links to the best cycling websites, and what local councils have been doing for cyclists.

Previous versions of the magazine are available for reference including Cycle North East Magazine 2008 ( pdf 5.7mb) and Cycle North East Magazine 2007 ( pdf 3.0mb).

Further information on cycling in Sunderland

Wearside Family Cycle Group - The Wearside Family Cycle Group is a club especially for beginners and intermediate cyclists. It was created by the City Council, Sustrans Rangers and local Wearside CTC, and anybody is welcome! People aged 8-75 years have been making good use of the club with ride distances between 12-40 miles long. The group meets fortnightly.

On your bike! ( pdf 1.8mb)
The Cycling Strategy for the City which recognises the valuable contribution that cycling can make towards the development of more sustainable transport in Sunderland.

Our Cycling Vision
Latest news, plans and proposals relating to cycling in the City - Cycling Development Action Plan( 1.7mb)

Bede's Cycle Way ( pdf 0.5mb)
Cycle Bede's Way and enjoy a great day out.

Where Can I Ride My Bike?
Ride our local trails for fitness and pleasure, or take on some of the North's tougher challenges!

Cycling Contacts
Clubs, organisations and links to other websites.

For other cycling information in the region see the Tyne and Wear Local Transport Partnership webpages

UDP / LDF Team - Tel: 0191 561 1537 / 0191 561 1576
Sustainability Team - Tel: 0191 561 1535
Information Team - Tel: 0191 561 1536
Email: planningpolicy@sunderland.gov.uk

Planning Policy Homepage
Planning Homepage