A summer of cycling along the Tyne Derwent Way

We've had a fun cycling summer along the Tyne Derwent Way, with plenty happening on two wheels — from community rides to e-bike adventures, and even smoother paths to ride on.

North East Easy Riders at the Staiths

First up, we've loved hosting Mark's North East Easy Riders Facebook group, which Big Local has partnered with this summer. Mark has been running friendly, inclusive rides from Staiths Space while our friends at Big Local Gateshead undergo their exciting building refurbishment.

If you're keen to get involved, check out the group; many of the rides explore stretches of the Tyne Derwent Way, perfect for anyone looking to cycle in good company.

E-Bike August with Bike Dr Dave

A highlight of the summer was E-Bike August, delivered by Bike Dr Dave and funded by Cycling UK's Big Bike Revival. Across three weeks, people of all cycling abilities and backgrounds got on Dave's fleet of e-bikes and went on a cycling adventure:

Week 1, Dave ran a 'try an e-bike' session, where newcomers and returnees had the chance to go for a 'tootle' on an e-bike and see if it was for them (spoiler; it was! People came back for the next two weeks).

Week 2 was a short ride to the Derwent and back, no more than half an hour. This is a lovely ride to try if you're looking for a gentle, flat circular along the Tyne Derwent Way - why not try it?

Week 3 a fleet of cyclists rode the entire Tyne Derwent Way to Derwent Caravan Park and back — with the wind at our backs and smiles on our faces. It was a treat to see the landscape change from zooming past the Metrocentre to arriving in the gorgeous Derwent Valley.

It was such a joy to feel the boost that being out in nature on a bike gives. Huge thanks to Dave for making it happen — we're already looking forward to more e-bike adventures in future!

  

Cycle Path Improvements

All of this was made easier thanks to the cycle path improvements completed over the past few months. Regular riders will have noticed smoother, wider, better-maintained paths along the stretch of the Derwent from its meeting with the Tyne to the Swalwell roundabout, along with some path widening at Dunston.

This is just the start of a wider programme of improvements along the Tyne Derwent Way. There's still a long journey ahead, but it's a good start.