Cycling
Discover a world of cycling opportunities right here. From group rides and cycling clubs to workshops and community events, there is more of a cycling offer in our borough than meets the eye.
Get involved, meet fellow cyclists, and make the most of what our #OutdoorTown has town has to offer.
Limitless Cycling
British Cycling offers limitless opportunities for everyone to get involved in the world of cycling, and now there are exciting new developments in the borough.
Burnley is the perfect place to discover the joy of cycling and wheeling, and backed by British Cycling’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation we continue to strive for our wonderful #OutdoorTown to be limitless.
Burnley is fast becoming a hub for inclusive, accessible cycling, thanks to a strong partnership between Active Lancashire, British Cycling, Burnley Borough Council, Burnley Leisure and Culture, Burnley West and East Primary Care Networks, Canal & River Trust, Newground Together’s Great Outdoors Team, and other local organisations.
Through this collaboration, we’re already seeing exciting developments take shape across the borough:
Cycling Development Officer in Post
A dedicated Cycling Development Officer is now in place to support and grow local cycling opportunities, coordinate inclusive programmes, and help make cycling more accessible for everyone in the community.
Cycling Hub in Padiham
Work is well underway to establish a hub of cycling activity in Padiham. This has included the development of a junior cycle track designed to help new or younger riders build confidence in a safe, simulated environment.
Inclusive Community Cycling Sessions
Regular cycling sessions are now being delivered in different locations across Burnley. These are open to all and feature a wide selection of adapted bikes and trikes, ensuring that everyone can take part – regardless of ability or experience. Bikes are available to borrow, so there’s no need to own your own to join in.
Improved Routes and Infrastructure
Alongside these sessions, work continues to highlight and develop accessible cycling routes across the borough. This includes improvements to signage, access points, and existing infrastructure to support safer, more enjoyable journeys by bike.
To stay up to date with current sessions and developments, make sure you’re following the OutdoorTown Facebook page or check the local events calendar for the latest opportunities to get involved.
Working together to make cycling the easy option, and our #OutdoorTown Limitless.
Go Velo
Go Velo Burnley can kickstart your cycling journey by offering tailored support and training that builds confidence and skills for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refresh your cycling knowledge, Go Velo provides practical, hands-on guidance that empowers you to navigate the roads safely. By fostering a community of cyclists, they not only enhance your fitness but also promote sustainable travel, making it easier for you to embrace cycling as a regular part of your lifestyle.
For more information about their courses, groups and support across the borough, click the button below.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, the towns vast cycle network is waiting for you to explore. Check out some of the routes and apps below that could help you plan and stay motivated on route.
Burnley Cycle Map
With a growing network of cycle routes, Burnley is becoming a great place to cycle, with greenways, canal towpath and quiet roads, there are an array of routes to explore avoiding the worst of the traffic BurnleyCyclemapruralside2015.pdf (visitlancashire.com)
Richards Route
We’re lucky to have some amazing award-winning parks across our borough and it’s worth seeing them all, at different times of the year, to fully enjoy their true beauty. This route aims to take in every one of our six main parks while avoiding too much traffic or built-up areas.
You can follow the full route, break it down into smaller loops or you could find your own version.
Towneley and Rowley Trails
A 6 mile route starting near the garden centre in Towneley Park. The route takes you up to Brunshaw Road and onto Brun Valley Forest Park, completing a circuit of the River Brun after passing Rowley Lake. The route then joins the Leeds Liverpool canal travelling down the Straight Mile towards Finsley Gate before a return to Towneley Park.
Find the route here.
Kamoot
Kamoot is all about changing the way that people explore, and for millions of people it is their connection to the outdoors. Kamoot has pulled together their Top 20 Bike Rides and Cycling Routes around Burnley.
You can explore all the routes which includes detailed information, tips and photos here.
Love to Ride
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just beginning your biking journey, Love2Ride aims to inspire and support you every pedal of the way. Their platform connects a vibrant community of bike enthusiasts, offering a wealth of resources, challenges, and events to help you get the most out of your ride.
From finding the best routes and improving your cycling skills to tracking your progress and celebrating your achievements, Love2Ride makes cycling fun and accessible for everyone….. and its free!
Take a look, sign up and share your next ride and challenge here at Home : Love to Ride Lancashire
Love to Ride also have an App, making it easier for you to get involved. Download the App and help make Lancashire better for biking by rating your local routes and more.
Active Cycles
By refurbishing and upcycling pre-loved bikes, we provide affordable and accessible options for individuals and families to kickstart their cycling journey.
Cycling isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about exploring new places, enjoying the fresh air, and staying active while having fun. So, swing by our shop, find the perfect bike for you, and join us in pedaling towards a healthier, happier lifestyle.
Pop Up Shop Location
Fleet Walk – Charter Walk Shopping Centre, Burnley Town Centre
Shop Opening Times
The shop is a “pop up” and was in Burnley for 11 weeks. The Pop up is now closed after selling over 100 bikes to the residents of Burnley to help them on the cycling journey.
You may have seen some upcycled bikes dotted across our town centre. These bikes have been lovingly created by an array of partners who are passionate about getting people outdoors in our borough. Did you spot them all?
Click on the links below to find out more about our partners…
