Offa’s Dyke Cycle Route

Transport Initiatives in conjunction with Ted Liddle and Snowdonia Active were commissioned by the Offa’s Dyke Partnership to review a potential Offa’s Dyke Cycle Route. The route was suggested by a local cyclist who used a version for a two-day charity ride. In addition, the Offa’s Dyke Centre used to receive requests for a cycle route yet had nothing to offer.

The work involved:

  • Defining a target market
  • Surveying the route and alternatives
  • Researching its economic impact
  • Surveying supporting accommodation and services
  • Consulting stakeholder groups

The market for long distance cycle routes is a changing one. When the National Cycle Network was set up the main users were believed to be independent cycle tourists. Today around 70% of long distance riders are lightweight fast experienced cyclists buying a product including luggage transfer. Our brief envisioned more “family” types of riders. This meant we needed to devise more of a braided product with a challenging route running the length of the dyke with supporting easier and flatter sections where the opportunity arose.

Routes were assessed by the five core principles: Directness, Coherence, Safety, Comfort and Attractiveness. We also considered gradients, some of which were fearsome. A TI devised system, very similar to the recently developed LCWIP route selection tool, was used to choose between routes more suitable for experienced cyclists and those suitable for gentler cycling and being added to the NCN.

Recommendations included

  • Using the route to build infrastructure supporting general cycling in towns. An example was a contra-flow lane in Prestatyn High Street which would also bring the tourists past local shops
  • Signing the challenge route using waymarks but those sections suitable for general cycling with conventional signs
  • Building a tourist product with maps, a website and apps
  • Encouraging local service providers to work with the cycle route.

Other projects we’ve undertaken in Wales have been in Tal y Bont on Usk and the Waterfall Country part of the Brecon Beacons