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Sunderland City Council

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Sunderland City Council
Civic Centre
Burdon Road
Sunderland
SR2 7DN

Tel. (0191) 520 5555
Calls may be recorded for quality and training purposes
image: City of Sunderland cycling logo Sunderland recognises the enormous contribution that cycling can make to sustainable transport, environmental improvements and good health.  

 

The Council is committed to developing cycling facilities throughout the City, linking homes to employment, shops, education, recreation and medical facilities and ensuring that cycling is fully integrated into Council policies, funding bids and new development.  In the last seven years we have created or improved more than 60 kilometres of route suitable for cycling, and we plan to double this figure over the next five years.

 

City-Wide Cycle Network

The Council aims to create a comprehensive cycle network for the City.  The National Cycle Network provides the backbone for this, connecting Washington, both sides of the River Wear, the coast and City Centre and the South of Sunderland.  The network of cycleways is planned to expand in Washington and Houghton, where country parks and old mineral lines are being opened to cyclists providing links to homes in the area.

These are some of our achievements to date:
image: C2C by Stadium of Light The C2C, from Workington and Whitehaven, now greatly improved and staying on the north bank of the River Wear.  Links Washington to north Sunderland and the coast (17km) external link www.C2C-guide.co.uk  
image: National Route 1 at Barnes National Route 1: linking the City Centre northwards to Seaburn and South Shields, and southwards to Ryhope, Seaham and Middlesbrough
image: National Route 1 at Barnes Walney to Wear (W2W) - a brand new 160 mile tourist route from Sunderland and Hetton-le-Hole to Barrow-in-Furness, via the Durham Dales and South Lakes Image: External Link Iconwww.cyclingW2W.info  
image: metro and cycleway The new 4km Metro cycleway, linking the City Centre to South Hylton, and on to Cox Green
image: cyclist crossing Wearmouth Bridge Cycle lanes on either side of the Wearmouth Bridge
image: cycleway at Doxford International Upgrading the Stephenson Trail from Silksworth to Doxford International up to cycleway standard
image: cycle/bus lane in City Centre Lane restrictions allowing cyclists to use bus lanes in the City Centre and along Durham Road, Sunderland
image: herrington country park Cycle tracks throughout the new Herrington Country Park
image: bridge on Central Route Cycleways along the Central Route at Biddick Woods (Shiney Row) and new development at Ryhope
image: cycletrack at A1M Rickleton to Crowther In west Washington, a new route linking Rickleton to Crowther Industrial Estate
image: route construction Downhill to Fulwell Along the Northern Boundary from Downhill Sports Complex to Fulwell Quarries

Our priorities:

  • Continue to develop cycle routes with the ultimate aim of all households being within easy reach of the City cycling network;
  • Link to major employment centres, City Centres, towns and villages, schools, and everyday facilities;
  • Provide safe and secure cycle parking opportunities throughout the City;
  • Work with neighbouring Tyne and Wear and Durham authorities on developing a wider cycling network and Best Practice design standards;
  • Promote and publicise the City cycleways and encourage people to use bikes more often;
  • Promote cycling for recreation - tourism and local use, and encourage healthier lifestyles.


Policy framework:
image: bicycle On Your Bike! is the cycling strategy for the City describing how the Council plans to promote cycling.  
 

The Council also has a wider framework of policy concerning environmental and sustainability issues and Local Agenda 21.  Visit our Sustainability pages to learn more.

Cycling home page

 

last updated 15/11/07