Cycling - information and advice

If you’re commuting to work, popping to the local shops, or just want some fresh air, why not consider going by bike. Bracknell Forest has a great network of cycle paths to help you get around safely, avoiding the traffic and the queues. For maps, journey planning and finding like minded people, please see the information below. 

Local Ride Leaders wanted

Bracknell Forest Council are working in partnership with British Cycling and SKY to deliver a number of local led rides for cyclists of all abilities over the next two years. Further details will be available soon.

Bracknell cycleways

The importance of cycling as a form of transport in Bracknell has been recognised since the creation of Bracknell New Town. Purpose-built, traffic-free cycle routes were planned and built to provide a very comprehensive network.

Carrying on from the initial routes, new stretches of cycleway are being sought in all major housing developments.

If you would like to explore the cycle network in Bracknell Forest download our cycling maps on the right, or pick one up from your local council building or library.

Beehive Road Cycle Route improvements

A much improved pedestrian and cycle route is now in place between the Jennets Park/Wyckery Copse housing developments and the business park and leisure complex to the north of Berkshire Way.

A new illuminated footpath/cycleway was completed earlier this year as part of the Wyckery Copse development and cycle wheeling channels added by the council to the Berkshire Way footbridge to aid cyclists in transporting their cycles over the bridge.

The latest phase of improvements has seen almost half a kilometre of new street lighting installed by Bracknell Forest Council north of the footbridge along the quiet section of Beehive Road, which completes the illumination of the route and should make it more welcoming during the dark winter mornings and evenings.

Colour-coded corridors

Some key sections of the cycle network are now benefiting from colour-coded signage to make them easy to follow. So far, there is a Red Route (PDF, 1725kb) which connects the Look Out Discovery Centre and Coral Reef Waterworld to Bracknell town centre, the Blue Route (PDF, 488kb) which is a circular route running from Coral Reef to Lily Hill Park, and the Yellow Route (PDF, 1299kb) which runs from the town centre via Wildridings, Great Hollands, Hanworth and Birch Hill to South Hill Park - where it links up with the Red Route.

The Green Route, from Bracknell town centre to the border with Ascot is currently in development.

Separate route maps for these sections can be downloaded from this page, or you should be able to pick one up from your local library.

Cycle journey planner

The cycle network in Bracknell Forest has now been added to the national Cycle Journey Route Planner.

This website allows you to plan a door-to-door journey by bicycle. You can choose whether you want the quickest, quietest or most scenic route, and then print out a map and directions. The cycle journey planner can be used for journeys that begin or end in neighbouring authorities.

Leisure cycling

There are many opportunities for leisure cycling in Bracknell Forest, from mountain biking in Swinley Forest to circular routes on the traffic-free cycle network. 

We have provided a suggestion for the 'Ride and Seek' (PDF, 1341kb) 6-mile circular ride using the cycleways and shared footpath/cycleways. This is perfect for families or those not very confident about cycling on the road. Why not have a go and making your own circular route using our cycle maps. 

For more adventurous or experienced riders there is a 140-mile round-Berkshire route. The map is no longer in production, but you can get the download version by emailing us on sustainable.travel@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. Bracknell Forest Council can only be responsible for that part of the route in our borough. 

Love to Ride Bracknell  

If you want to join an on-line cycle community, and challenge friends and family to a virtual cycle race then check out the Love to Ride Bracknell web site. 

Commuting to work by bicycle

If you live near to where you work, cycling can be a great way to reduce your travel costs and build regular exercise into your daily routine. There are lots of things your employer can do to make cycling to work more attractive. For more information visit the cycling section of our Workplace Travel plan guide (PDF, 991kb). You can also search for someone to share your cycle journey with by visiting the council’s Travelshare website. 

Bike Week 

Bike Week, the annual cycling celebration, takes place in June each year. Details of local events will be available soon.