A NEW bike route which promises to showcase the best of Barnsley’s history and scenery has been unveiled as part of a multi-million initiative to boost cycling numbers.
Designed to encourage communities to get involved in the fun and freedom of cycling, the scheme - South Yorkshire By Bike - includes multiple family-friendly sections for people to explore.
Mayor Oliver Coppard and Ingbirchworth-born Olympian Ed Clancy revealed its 250-kilometre route this week, which connects Barnsley with its South Yorkshire neighbours.
It enters the borough at Bullhouse before making its way to Penistone, Silkstone Common, Gilroyd, Locke Park, Barnsley town centre, Cundy Cross, Stairfoot and Wombwell before exiting at Mexborough.
Mr Coppard said: “We have a huge amount to be proud of in South Yorkshire.
“Our new cycle route showcases just some of those truly amazing places and spaces, our history and our future.
“It’s the ideal way to support people of any age to get out and about, and to build their confidence in cycling as well as seeing the very best of our region.
“I want South Yorkshire to be a place where everyone has the choice and the chance to travel and move differently.
“Getting people moving more and moving differently is key to my ambitions for improving our region’s health, wellbeing and happiness.
“South Yorkshire By Bike is all about breaking down the barriers that stop people getting out to enjoy cycling and helping our communities to explore the very best that the area has to offer, whether that’s our heritage, cultural sites, waterways, stunning countryside or infrastructure.
“That’s why I’m proud to share this route, so that everyone can get out there and go and see for themselves.”
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) previously secured £4.86m from the government’s Active Travel England Fund to encourage residents to walk and cycle.
About £500,000 will be ring-fenced for a pilot project to loan e-bikes to people - free of charge - at the county’s active travel hubs such as the one at Barnsley Interchange.
Ed, who is also South Yorkshire’s active travel commissioner, added: “A big part of my mission to help people to walk, wheel or cycle more is not only providing the confidence and the right environment to give it a go, but also getting more people excited about the fun and freedom of cycling.( “It is a beautiful region and we want to create as many great places to cycle everyday journeys as we can over the coming years.
“South Yorkshire By Bike showcases the best the area has to offer, visiting some brilliant places for short, easy bike rides, taking in industrial heritage, cultural attractions and green spaces.”
