As part of the ‘Do You Ride Otley Cycling Strategy’ we want to encourage more local residents, particularly families to feel it is safe to use a bike for short, local journeys. This guide intends to provide you with the information needed to enjoy cycling in and around the town.
Our recommended routes aim to avoid main roads by using quiet roads and off road traffic free options. All the safer cycling routes are in 20mph zones, except the Riverside estate and the Weston estate, although it is hoped that the speed limit will be reduced in this latter area in the near future.
There is a traffic free route that runs parallel to Bradford Road and this is ideal for learning to ride your bike and building up confidence on your bike – although note there is a steep section half way along this route that does require extra care.
On some parts of the identified safer routes you may also need to push your bike for short stretches. Always please be courteous to pedestrians where use of a route is shared.
To accompany this leaflet there are plans to run a series of led social rides in and close to Otley so no big hills! These rides will explore the safer cycling routes and aim to build confidence through riding in a small group.
You can also enjoy the cycling trails to be found on the Danefield side of the Otley Chevin Country Park where there are a number of bridleways to use.
Cycling is fun, healthy and often quicker than a car for short journeys and a valuable life skill for children. Using your bicycle to get around town will help you keep fit and healthy, while helping maintain the charm of our beautiful market town by reducing congestion and air pollution.
So get on your bike and enjoy!
Cycling Tips![]()
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- Wear a helmet
- Ride to your own ability
- Follow the Highway Code www.gov.uk/highway-code
- respect other road and path users;
- Look all around when making a manoeuvre and signal clearly;
- Be seen – wear bright, high visibility clothes that will not get caught in your bike wheels;
- ‘M’ check your bike to make sure it is safe to ride. For more details, see the Sustrans link: http://bit.ly/2hCypH4
- Be alert and plan your route – make sure if you are cycling with young children, you cycle behind them;
- Be secure – lock your bike to something solid like a cycle stand in a visible and well-lit area;
- Get trained – book onto a course to help build your skills and confidence: check out http://cycleleeds.co.uk
- Get trained – book onto a course to help build your skills and confidence: check out http://cycleleeds.co.uk
Good Cycling Code
Give way to pedestrians;
Remember that some people are hard of hearing or visually impaired;
Please give way to wheelchair users or horse riders;
Ring a bell or politely call out to warn of your approach.
Useful Cycling Signage
Whilst we have endeavoured to ensure that the information in this guide is accurate, we cannot guarantee that it is free from errors and omissions; in particular it should only be treated as an indication of safer routes and should not be considered as a legal document. This guide was funded by Otley Town Council.