by Peter Scott

Created on: March 06, 2009   Last Updated: March 07, 2009

Cycling Circuits: The best rides out there

While this is a very subjective topic, I am sure there are plenty of common themes in our favourite cycle rides. These will be conditioned by our enthusiasm, type of bicycle, fitness, circumstances and environment. I am lucky enough to live on the edge of a small city, allowing easy access to surfaced country lanes and minor roads for some great road bike circuits. The region was a former hotbed of industry which has since disappeared, with the result that most former rail lines have been converted to cycle and foot tracks.

What constitutes your favorite circuit? I have several circuits, and they have several things in common, five of which I now list:

1. The least amount of traffic

On or off road, cyclists are vulnerable to traffic collisions and other accidents. If you can use a route that has fewer vehicles, it is therefore going to be safer. This factor obviously depends on your circumstances - you might live in the middle of a busy city and have to traverse busy streets to find a safer route. However, there might be a park through which you can ride, even if it means a little extra distance to get there. Perhaps you live near a waterway where there is a parallel cycle track.

2. More left turn that right turns [unless you cycle on the right hand side of the road, in which case more right turns than left]

The least amount of turning into oncoming traffic makes your circuit far safer. You have less conflicting traffic movements and can make smoother progress.

3. Few traffic signals.

There is nothing worse than starting your cycle, only to have to stop several times in the first ten minutes. My best routes avoid as many traffic lights as possible; I do this by avoiding built-up areas and sometimes using cycle routes where appropriate.

4. An option for some shelter from the wind

I live in an area where there is a prevailing south-westerly wind. Like may cyclists, I like to start into the wind when I'm feeling strong, and have the advantage of a tail wind when returning, especially if I am tired from my exertions. Sometimes the wind can be very strong, particularly if you're riding into a headwind, so I will often choose a circuit where the hills provide some shelter from the wind. It might mean that I have to climb up some more hills than usual, and get a blast of headwind when I get to the top of the hill, but it is possible to cycle into the general direction of the wind, and then return on a road that is more open and takes advantage of the tailwind.

5. A route than includes some variety and attractions

Sometimes we can get into a habit of using the same circuit too often. I try and avoid this by adapting my circuits to include something new, or by introducing an incentive. You might know somebody living near part of your larger circuit - make a detour and pop in to see them! If you're a shopping enthusiast, there might be a new store on the other side of town. Jump on your bike and go and see it. You might like cars - why not cycle to the car showroom and see the latest models on the forecourt? Perhaps you like nature, heritage, and culture - there are many reasons to use your bike to get to such interesting features. You can then decide whether to stop and have a look, or simply pass and return again next week.

I hope you have some ideas for your favourite cycle circuits and I wish you much happy and safe cycling.

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