Get tips, information and resources on cycling...
Tees Valley cycle maps
Plan your cycle routes to work, school or further afield. A great way of getting from A to B while getting exercise and fresh air.
Hard copies of the principle maps are available from local hubs and council offices. Alternatively, you can contact us on 01325 40 50 40 or info@letsgoteesvalley.co.uk to request any maps you need.
Tees Valley Walking & Cycling Route Network Map
Available to download as a high-resolution PDF document now!
There are miles of great cycle routes around Darlington and the Walking and Cycling Map will help you find the best route for you to get to A to B.
You can pick up a cycle map from the Dolphin Centre, town hall, library or Bike Stop on Skinnergate, Darlington.
Cycling in the town centre
There is a number of pedestrianised and one-way streets in Darlington town centre so please make sure you're cycling in the right direction! Details of where you can and can't cycle are on the map download above.
if you need advice on the best route for you, pop into Bike Stop [external link], Darlington's active travel hub, where staff will be able you speak to you about your options.
The Hartlepool Walking and Cycling map provides routes and visitor information from coast to country!
You can get a hard copy of it from Hartlepool Council Civic Centre on Victoria Road or email tony.davison@hartlepool.gov.uk or call 01429 523259.
A hard copy fold-out walking and cycling map for Middlesbrough can be downloaded here! You can also pick up a hard copy from Middlesbrough Cycle Centre in Middlesbrough Bus Station.
For more on cycling in Middlesbrough, visit the cycling pages on Middlesbrough Council's website [external link] or visit Middlesbrough Environment City [external link].
Redcar & Cleveland has miles of beautiful coastline and wonderful forests to explore on two wheels. Download your map of cycle routes here:
You can find more cycling routes around Redcar with the online MyRedar Map [external link]. Pick up a hard copy of the map from Redcar library.
With routes stretching from north to south and all the way along the River Tees, Stockton has an abundance of safe cycling routes for every journey within the borough. Find them all here:
You can pick up a printed map from The Hub on Stockton High Street, where they can also provide information about free guided rides and maintenance courses. They will also help you plan your journey from A to B, with their huge wall map!
Stockton Council has produced a booklet on walking and cycling in Stockton-on-Tees [pdf, external link].
For more information about cycling in Stockton visit www.stockton.gov.uk.
Here is a selection of routes that have been developed over time. We'd love you to try them out, but please note that these may not been risk assessed or tested for a period of time. These routes are to be ridden at your own risk. (Sorry, we have to say that!)
Darlington self-guided routes
Circular routes
- Brinkburn Local Nature Reserve and West Park
- Cemetery Lane to Nunnery Lane
- River Skerne to Red Hall
- Whinfield
- Firthmoor and Skerne Park
- Firthmoor and Lingfield
- South Park, Mowden and Hummersknott
- Rockwell, Faverdale and Town Centre
- Middleton St George
- Walworth
Radial routes
These routes are the cycle routes from the outskirts of Darlington into the town centre using off-road paths or quiet residential streets. Each route has its own colour and is well signposted along the way.
- Green: Westpark route
- Yellow: Mowden route
- Grey: Hummersknott route
- Black: Blackwell route
- Red: Haughton route
- Blue: Morton Park route
Middlesbrough self-guided routes
- Marton West Loop (5 miles) [pdf, external link]
- Coulby Newham, Acklam and Easterside (9 miles) [pdf, external link]
- Pallister Park to Stewart Park (2 miles) [pdf, external link]
- Newham Grange to Hemlington Lake (1.25 miles) [pdf, external link]
- Stewart Park – Newham Grange (1.5 miles) [pdf, external link]
- Hemlington Lake (3.5 miles) [pdf, external link]
- Riverside Loop (6 miles) [pdf, external link]
- East Middlesbrough loop (4 miles [pdf, external link]
Stockton-on-Tees self-guided routes
- Billingham and Wolviston [pdf, external link]
- Hardwick, Roseworth & Thorpe Thewles [pdf, external link]
- The Ingleby Way [pdf, external link]
- Portrack Loop [pdf, external link]
- West Stockton Wanderer [pdf, external link]
- Riverside Rambler [pdf, external link]
- Central Stockton Loop [pdf, external link]
Stockton Council has produced a booklet on walking and cycling in Stockton-on-Tees [pdf, external link].
Family-Friendly self-guided routes
We all know that cycling is great for us as individuals, but it's also a fantastic family activity too. Getting out with the children give us a chance to bond with shared experiences and, let's face it, we all feel like a big kid when we're on a bike!
Take a picnic and enjoy the ride!
View our family-friendly cycle routes here
Cycle parking in the Tees Valley
Thanks to The Hub, Stockton, you can now view cycle parking facilities in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton on this interactive map. The green symbols show secure under-cover parking facilities.
Click the image below to go to the map.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore what other cycle routes the UK has to offer, we have selected a few useful links to help you plan your next trip:
Don't go it alone - book a Bike Buddy to keep you company!
Are you thinking about cycling to work, but not sure where to start? Our free 'Bike Buddy' one-to-one guided ride scheme is here to help!
Your Bike Buddy ride leader will plan a safe route from your home to your workplace, according to your cycling ability and confidence. They will then ride with you from home to work, guiding you along the way, advising you on how to manage junctions, roundabouts or any other sections of the journey you're not sure about. After your ride with your Bike Buddy, you will have the confidence to cycle safely to work again and again.
We operate throughout Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton.
The scheme starts on 1 July 2020, but you can pre-register for the service from 11 June. Simply complete the form below and we'll get in touch to make the arrangements.
Bike Buddy Registration Form:
Guided rides and cycle training in Tees Valley
Wherever you live in Tees Valley, follow the links below to find a guided bike ride to suit you in the boroughs of Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees. Sign up on your own, with a friend or partner, or bring the kids. Grab your wheels (or borrow some from the Hub!) and get out there!
There are rides to suit all abilities, from complete beginner to more experienced riders.
PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO COVID-19, GROUP RIDES MAY NOT BE RUNNING. PLEASE CONTACT THE ORGANISERS BEFORE TURNING UP!
Bike Stop is currently closed to the public, but the team are on hand to take your queries over the phone, including taking appointments for cycle maintenance to keep people moving to get to work. Call the team on 01325 788857 or visit https://www.facebook.com/BikeStopDarlington/ for up to date information and how-to videos so you can work on your bike at home.
Thank you for your patience.
Darlington rides are organised by Bike Stop [external link] on Skinnergate in Darlington.
To book a place or find out more, call 01325 788857 or email rob.archer@bikestop.org.uk.
Adults Confidence Ride
Wednesdays, 10am-11am and 1pm-2pm, South Park, Darlington, DL1 5TG
Free sessions to help you gain confidence on your bike in a safe environment. Bikes and helmets available to borrow for free.
Adults Learn to Ride
Thursdays, South Park, Darlington, DL1 5TG
One-to-one sessions with a trained instructor to get you riding on two wheels. Complete beginners welcome. The cost is £20 for up to three sessions. Bikes and helmets available to borrow for free.
Ladies-only Rides
Bike Stop are keen to run ladies-only rides. If you are interested in women's rides, please contact Bike Stop on 01325 788857 or email rob.archer@bikestop.org.uk
Volunteers Wanted!
If you are a keen cyclist and want to give something back, how about becoming a volunteer ride leader! Bike Stop is looking for experienced cyclists who would be willing to run small group rides around Darlington. Full training will be given. If you'd like to know more, contact Bike Stop on 01325 788857 or email rob.archer@bikestop.org.uk.
Bike Stop also sell great value refurbished and new bikes and e-bikes, with interest-free loans and payment plans if required.
Guided rides in Hartlepool are run by Sustrans [external link] on behalf of Hartlepool Borough Council. The programme of guided cycle rides in Hartlepool will be starting up again in Spring 2020.
Relaxed weekly ride
Mondays, 11am, Brierton Sports Centre, TS25 4AF
Rides are suitable for all abilities and lead by a qualified instructor. Most rides will include a café stop for a nice cuppa and a slice of cake!
Bikes available on request.
Call 01642 617672 or email stocktonactivetravel@sustrans.org.uk to book a place.
A number of guided rides are run by Middlesbrough Environment City on behalf of Middlesbrough Council. There are rides to suit every level of ability and confidence, all led by qualified instructors. All rides are free!
- Easy rides: Between 5 and 10 miles, suitable for anyone who can ride without stabilisers, on flat, quiet cycle paths.
- Moderate rides: Between 10 and 20 miles, on some quieter residential streets but mainly flat cycle paths, great for people wanting to build confidence on roads at a gentle pace.
- Challenge rides: Between 20 and 50 miles, mainly road riding with some hills, suitable for more experienced riders.
No need to book, just turn up.
For more information call 01325 219620 or visit www.menvcity.org.uk [external link] or www.facebook.com/menvcity [external link]
Wednesday Middlesbrough Ride
Wednesdays, 10am-12.30pm
Moderate ride. Meet at Middlesbrough Cycle Centre, TS1 3BX
Middlesbrough College Ride
Wednesdays, 3pm-5pm
Moderate ride. Meet at Middlesbrough College reception, Dock Street, TS2 1AD
Thursday Teesside University Ride
Thursdays, 10am-12.30pm
Moderate ride. Meet at Middlesbrough Tower, Southfield Road, TS1 3BX
Women's Ride
Thursdays, 1.30pm-4.30pm
Moderate ride. Meet at Middlesbrough Environment City, Sandy Flatts Lane, TS5 7YN
Friday Middlesbrough Ride
Fridays, 10am-12.30pm
Easy ride. Meet at Middlesbrough Environment City, Sandy Flatts Lane, TS5 7YN
Friday Teesside University Ride
Fridays, 1.30pm-4.30pm
Challenging ride. Meet at Middlesbrough Tower, Southfield Road, TS1 3BX
The Redcar Active Travel Hub [external link] (run by Middlesbrough Environment City) offers guided rides around the borough for anyone wanting to get out on two wheels, whatever their level of ability and confidence.
All rides are led by a qualified ride leader and bikes and helmets are available to borrow.
To find out more, call 01642 579820 or email info@menvcity.org.uk.
The Sustrans Hub [external link] is a great place to start your cycling journey. The Hub runs a number of guided rides for complete beginners to more confident riders, throughout the week, with a variety of routes and cafes to keep things interesting!
Bikes are available to borrow free of charge.
To find out more or to book a place, call 01642 617672 or email stocktonactivetravel@sustrans.org.uk
All rides start and end at The Hub at 147 Stockton High Street, TS18 1PL (on the corner with Wellington Square).
Cycle training for adults
Dates and times to suit you
These are one-to-one or small group sessions with qualified Bikeability instructors for people who want to gain more confidence in cycling on Stockton's roads. The sessions are tailored to your needs to cover the specifics of your own personal journeys. A fantastic service! More info is on The Hub website.
Tuesdays Easy Riders
Tuesdays, 10am-12pm
Gentle rides for new or returning cyclists to build confidence. 5-8 miles in distance.
Thursdays Pedal On
Thursdays, 10am-1pm
Gentle pace, further distances for intermediate riders. 12-16 miles in distance.
Further Afield Fridays
Fridays, 10am
Faster pace, on roads, 18-20 miles for a good run out. 18-20 miles in distance.
Weekend rides
The Hub also runs occasional weekend rides and walks. Keep an eye on their website for their next weekend outing!
The Thornaby Funriders is a fun, informal club where cyclists of all levels are invited to join the gang, from complete beginners to more advanced riders.
They meet at various times during the week and weekend, and offer beginner's training, short rides and medium rides. Everyone is welcome!
Check out their Facebook page at:
Current support and maintenance services
Please contact your local active hub for information about what services are being offered at the moment. Some services are offered by appointment only so you must call or email in advance.
Active Travel Hubs in Tees Valley
There are five Active Travel Hubs in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, and Stockton. Active Travel Hubs are places you can go to find out more about cycling in your local area. They offer a variety of services (different facilities offer different services):
- Group bike rides and walks
- Learn to ride and cycling confidence sessions for beginners
- Maintenance advice and courses
- Secure bike parking
- Route planning and maps
- Refurbished bikes for sale
- Volunteering opportunities
Find your local active travel hub below:
Bike Stop Darlington
31 Skinnergate, Darlington, Co Durham, DL3 7NR
Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm
Tel: 01325 788857
Email: Rob.Archer@bikestop.org.uk
Website: www.bikestop.org.uk [external link]
Facilities and services:
- Guided group rides and adult learn-to-ride lessons
- Cycle maintenance courses for beginners and experienced cyclists
- Cycle maps
- Guided walks in South Park and other green spaces
- Dr. Bike maintenance sessions at schools and offices
- Secure bike parking
- Work placements and work experience
- Volunteering opportunities
- Repairs and servicing
Hartlepool Borough Council Active Travel Hub
Administration:
Level 4, Civic Centre, Victoria Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8AY
Tel: 01429 523259
Email: safeonthemove@hartlepool.gov.uk
Summerhill Country Park Cycle Clinic:
Summerhill Lane, Hartlepool, TS25 4LL
Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm, Sunday 11am - 4pm
Tel: 01429 284584
Email: summerhill.enquiries@hartlepool.gov.uk
Website: www.gethartlepoolactive.co.uk/summerhillcountrypark [external link]
Facilities and services:
The Hartlepool Active Travel Hub aims to promote and develop sustainable travel in Hartlepool. Contact the Hub for information about:
- Detailed advice on bus and train travel in the Hartlepool area
- Local guided bike rides
- Local guided walks
- All levels of cycle training for any age from learn-to-ride to urban skills riding
- The Bikeability training programme for schools
- Learn to ride ‘balance bike’ sessions
- Bike servicing
- Bike maintenance training courses
- Dr Bike – bike repair sessions
- Walking and cycling route planning
- Pedestrian Training in schools
- Active travel events
- The Hartlepool Cycling Development Plan
Also look out for local promotions encouraging walking, cycling and travel by public transport.
Middlesbrough Cycle Centre
Middlesbrough Bus Station, Unit 4, Newport Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 5AE
Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm
Tel: 01642 579820
Email: info@menvcity.org.uk
Web: menvcity.org.uk/mcc/
Facilities and services:
- Free secure cycle parking, lockers and changing facilities
- Cycle training, including Bikeability
- Bicycle maintenance courses
- Guided rides for all levels of ability
- Guided walks
- Yorkshire Bike Library [external link] for free bike loans
- Cycle and route maps
- Shopmobility [external link] and mobility scooter hire
Hands-on courses are run out of the Bike Academy [external link] located in Jelly Stone Park Training Centre, Grovehill, Middlesbrough. These include: cycle maintenance training, national standards road safety, learn-to-ride and ride champion training.
Redcar Mobile Active Travel Hub
Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm
Tel: 01642 579820
Email: info@menvcity.org.uk
Website: www.menvcity.org.uk/redcar-active-travel/ [external link]
Facilities and services:
The Redcar Active Travel Hub provides walking and cycling advice in and around the Redcar and Cleveland area. Operating from a van, they can offer:
- Guided bike rides
- Guided walks
- Cycle maintenance courses
- Dr Bike services in workplaces
- Cycle training
- Bikeability and pedestrian training in schools
The Hub, Stockton
147 Stockton High Street, TS18 1PL
Tel: 01642 617672
Email: stocktonactivetravel@sustrans.org.uk
Web: thehubstockton.wordpress.com [external link]
The Hub Stockton, run by national walking and cycling charity Sustrans, offers free information and advice on all aspects of cycling and walking, with regular guided rides and walks, and training courses on cycle maintenance and on-road cycling.
The cycling parking facility is completely free with no hourly limits, just make sure you pick it up the same day you drop it off!
Facilities and services:
- Weekly guided rides
- Free cycle parking from 7.30am–5.30pm, Monday to Friday
- Lockers and changing facilities
- Cycle maps and personalised route planning
- Free bicycle MOT checks every Thursday
- Bike Maintenance courses
- Dr Bike sessions for workplaces, schools or other groups
- Road cycling guidance
- Guided group walks around Stockton
Current maintenance services
Please contact your local active hub for information about what services are being offered at the moment. Some services are offered by appointment only so you must call or email in advance.
Cycle maintenance
Learning to look after your bike is essential for keeping you and your bike safe while cycling.
Watch the videos below for instant tips on how to fix minor repairs and look after your bike.
There are also several free or low-cost maintenance courses at active travel hubs around Tees Valley to help you keep your bike on the move.
Sometimes, you just need a quick show and tell of how to do something, to help you get on your way. Here, you'll find a number of videos on how to address maintenance issues, some created by us and some created by other experts in the cycling world. Watch and learn!
Before you set off - The M-Check
Giving your bike the quick once over before you start each journey will make sure your bike is roadworthy and safe. Video from Cycling UK.
How to fix a puncture
The bain of every cyclists' life! But easy to fix with a little bit of know-how and some basic tools. Video from Cycling UK.
How to inflate a bicycle tyre
A flat tyre shouldn't stop the fun! A quick pump and off you go!
How to put the chain back on
If you're out and about and your chain comes off, it's not the end of the ride for you! Find out how to get your chain back on quickly and easily.
How to remove the front wheel
Getting the front wheel off your bike is essential if you need to fix a puncture, or put your bike in the car. Easy when you know how!
How to keep your bike going in winter
Just because it's winter, it doesn't mean you have to stop cycling! This handy video from Cycling UK give you advice on how to stay safe on the roads.
Bike Stop, Darlington
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6-7pm
Bike Stop [external link] runs a series of maintenance courses from their premises on Skinnergate in the town centre. Each week focuses on a different issue so you can build up a working knowledge of your bike over a number of sessions.
Cost: Adults £10, juniors (age 10-18) £5
Call 01325 788857 or email rob.archer@bikestop.org.uk for more information.
Summerhill Country Park, Hartlepool
Mondays 10th, 17th and 24th February 2020, 5.30-7.30pm
Learn how to maintain and repair frames, brakes, forks, gears and sort out your flat times! Lead by a fully qualified level 3 Cytech instructor at Summerhill Cycle Clinic [external link] at Summerhill Country Park
Cost: £15 for three sessions.
Call 01429 284584 or email summerhill.enquiries@hartlepool.gov.uk for more information.
Middlesbrough Bike Academy, Albert Park
The Bike Academy [external link] is the training hub of Middlesbrough Cycle Centre, part of Middlesbrough Environment City and provides a number of maintenance courses and cycling training sessions. Training takes place at a variety of dates and times, so please contact the Academy to find a course that suits you.
They also provide Dr Bike sessions at workplaces.
Call 01642 579820 or email info@menvcity.org.uk for more information.
Redcar Active Travel Hub
The Redcar Active Travel Hub [external link] is a mobile service that helps residents and workers in Redcar walk and cycle more for their everyday journeys.
Basic cycle maintenance training
They offer a number of basic cycle maintenance courses to the general public, community groups, and local workplaces. They can be organised to meet your needs and at a time that suits you. An accreditation can be worked towards, if required.
Cycle Recycle
Fix it and keep it! People on the Cycle Recycle programme will learn how to fix common faults and how to ride safely. At the end of the course, participants can keep the bike they have been working on. These courses can be tailored to suit individual needs and can be accredited if required.
Call 01642 579820 or email info@menvcity.org.uk for more information.
The Hub, Stockton
Wednesdays, 9.30am-12.30pm
From their central Stockton location, The Hub [external link] runs free maintenance courses so you can learn the basics of fixing your bike. The course covers:
- How to replace and patch an inner tube (fix a flat tyre)
- The ‘M-check’ safety check of your bike
- Adjusting gears & brakes
- How to tell when to replace items (brake pads, rims, bearings, etc.)
- Adjusting your headset
- What products & techniques to use to care for your bike
Split into two parts, the course runs from 9:30am–12:30pm on a Wednesday, with the second half at the same time the following Wednesday.
Call 01642 803441 or email stocktonactivetravel@sustrans.org.uk to book your place.
Cycling safely in Tees Valley
Choosing to cycle as an alternative to driving is a great way to keep fit and help the environment. But, with the number of cars on our roads increasing, it’s important to be aware of basic road safety to keep you and other road users safe.
The 'do's for cycle safety:
1. Be aware
You will encounter a lot of different things when you are cycling. Stay alert and keep your eyes peeled for fellow road users including drivers, pedestrians, other bikes and larger vehicles.
Anticipate what other road users and pedestrians might do. Watch out for people crossing the road or getting off the bus as well as for parked cars – doors have a habit of being thrown open.
2. Have confidence
You have as much right to be on the road as drivers. Be confident, avoid the gutter and take up the best position on the road. Try to keep at least 50cm from the kerb. This helps you avoid puncture causing debris and obstacles like drain covers.
British Cycling has a great video illustrating the ideal cycling position for commuting [external link].
3. Show drivers what you plan to do
Always look and signal before you move away, stop or turn. Riding confidently and decisively, using clear hand signaling communicates to drivers what you intend to do. If you are new to cycling or it’s been a while, why not start off on quieter roads or off-road in a park or cycle path in order to build up your confidence and practice single-handed riding to signal.
If you would like to have some training you can contact the Tees Valley cycling and walking Hubs about cycle confidence courses and beginner rides. Or look on the Bikeability website [external link] for details of cycle training near you. [external site]
4. Be visible
Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective clothing in low light and at night. If you are wearing a backpack consider getting one that is bright (for during the day) as well as reflective or has reflective strips.
Always use lights between sunset and sunrise, remember it’s the law. Lights are fairly inexpensive and can be found at any local bike shop or from the Hubs listed above.
Read more about night-time cycle safety.
5. Follow road rules
If you would like to remind yourself of these you can take a look at the Highway Code rules for cyclists [external link].
6. Plan your route in advance
Use a downloadable cycle map or tools like CycleStreets [external link] and the journey planner on our site make it easy to plan your route by bike.
Each of the local authority areas in the Tees Valley has a printed cycling map, available for free. Contact your nearest Active Travel Hub to get hold of a copy.
7. Secure your bike
Keep your bike safe by using a bicycle lock and registering your bike with the Bike Register [external link], a free, police-approved scheme to help you protect it against thieves.
Free and secure cycle parking is available in Darlington town centre, Middlesbrough Cycle Centre [external link] and The Hub Stockton [external site]. Bike Stop [external site] in Darlington also offers secure parking for a small annual fee.
Check out the map of cycle parking in the Tees Valley put together by The Hub at Stockton!
8. Protect your head
Wearing a helmet is not a legal requirement. Wearing a helmet could however save you from a head injury, it can also increase your visibility in traffic. A helmet makes some new cyclists feel safer and more confident.
9. Show consideration
Acknowledging a courtesy from a driver, pedestrian or another cyclist makes for a more enjoyable journey.
10. Some things to avoid when riding a bike:
- Jumping red lights
- Riding on pavements
- Riding the wrong way in one-way streets (unless signs say that cyclists are permitted to do so)
- Riding across pedestrian crossings
- Riding when under the influence of drink or drugs
If you’re ready to get out on the road with your bike you might like to familiarise yourself with cycling road signs. For the most common ones, visit the Cyclescheme website: Cycling signs and road markings [external link]. We recommend learning the Highway Code rules for cyclists (59-82) [exernal link] as well.
For more tips on staying safe whilst cycling click through to The Bike Storage Company website [external link] where they have an excellent page on Bike Safety in the UK, or to RoSPA where you'll find tips on sharing the road [external link].
Happy and safe cycling!
