There is a growing network of cycle routes in the North East both on and off road. Please contact anne.clark@newcastle.gov.uk if you would like a copy. For cycle maps of other local authority areas contact them directly through their websites or by phone, or see our list of useful contacts.
You can find advice on door-to-door cycle journeys at Newcastle CycleStreets or www.transportdirect.info. You can choose the quietest, quickest or most recreational route. If you don’t know the area of the city check the suggestions for instance using aerial photos before trying it out.
If you are planning to travel from home to work check to see if anyone else in the same building comes from your area and can offer you advice.
Once you get where you are going you’ll want to be sure you can park your bike safely. We have installed cycle stands across the city centre and are adding to the number all the time. Most of these are plain Sheffield-type stands so it’s always wise to bring your own lock. Most multi-storey car parks have cycle parking and some have lockers for helmets, lights etc. You will need your own padlock for the lockers. Check the up-to-date map of public cycle parking.
Most large organisations will have their own cycle parking. Check on their websites or ask at their Reception desks. If your own employer doesn’t have cycle parking why not suggest it to them.
If you want to cycle in the city centre but feel you live too far to bring your own bike, think about travelling in by public transport and using a hire bike to get around. Check www.scratchbikes.co.uk website for details.
Potholes can be a danger to cyclists and others. In the UK, there’s an average of one road defect for every 110 metres of road. Local councils have a duty to maintain the roads, but we can only fill a pothole if we know about it. All roads in Newcastle are regularly inspected but potholes and other problems can crop at any time. If you want it repaired, you have to report it.
The best way to do this is through Envirocall, the single point of contact for environmental issues within the boundaries of Newcastle upon Tyne. As well as road and footpath repairs, street lighting and traffic lights, you can report problems of fly tipping, graffiti and overhanging bushes. You can contact Envirocall or phone 0191 274 4000. You will need to give them as much information as possible about where the problem is so that it can be found and fixed.
You can also contact www.fillthathole.org.uk Fill That Hole is the easy way to report potholes and road defects. They pass on the details to us to follow up. Fill That Hole keeps track of all problems and when they are sorted. The benefits of this system are that you can check if your pothole has already been reported and compare councils to highlight good and poor performance. The draw back with Fill That Hole is that if we can’t find the problem from the description we are sent by them, we don’t have your contact details to ask you for more information.
The majority of road users are courteous and sensible - after all that’s the best way to stay safe. Sadly a small minority can cause problems for everyone. If you have a serious incident while out cycling you should contact the police, on 999 if it is an emergency or on 03456 043 043 for non-emergencies. Check the police website for more about how they can help you.
If your problem is with a taxi you can also contact us as the licensing authority here email: jonathan.bryce@newcastle.gov.uk .
If you have problem with a bus driver, take note if you can of the registration of the vehicle and report it to the bus operator along with the date and time.
If you have problem with a pedestrian the first thing you need to remember is that they are classed as more vulnerable than you and you have a responsibility towards them especially if they are very young or old or have special problems. That said some pedestrians do wander into cycle lanes, step off the road unexpectedly or can seem just downright put out that you are cycling along happily and they aren’t. Don’t give them an excuse: make sure you can be seen; ring your bell; stay off the pavement; and slow down.
Page last updated: 8 May, 2012
