Sky Ride Southampton

Sky Ride events are over until next spring, but there are still tons of opportunities for you to get out on your bike.

Whether you’re saving money, considering the environment, avoiding the traffic jams, getting fit or wanting to take in some breathtaking scenery – let us point you in the right direction with cycling tips, clubs and routes in your local area.

Cycling support in Southampton 
If you’re looking for a brilliant place to cycle; Southampton is it. The city has rides and routes for all abilities and all the family.  British Cycling works with Southampton City Council to promote various new opportunities, new initiatives and new incentives to get you on your bike. For more details on rides, routes, clubs and so much more, click here.

Hampshire County Council also provides a large amount of information about cycle opportunities in the county. If you would like to download a free cycling map or simply find out more about local training or cycling events in the county, click here.

The Southampton Cycling Campaign offers information and support to new cyclists. They provide a friendly community for riders to explore and expand their experience. Their aim is to improve cycling facilities and opportunities in and around the Southampton area for health, the environment, convenience and pleasure. Click here to find out more.

SUSTRANS is a national sustainable transport charity. Amongst other things, they provide cycle training for adults and children, led cycle rides and bike maintenance. Projects in Southampton include a free over-50s cycle ride! Contact Kelli Stephens on 02380 515234 or [email protected] for information.

Places to cycle 
There are a number of amazing routes and venues in the Southampton area to help you make the most of your cycling experience – there really is something for everyone.Part of what makes Southampton so great for cycling is that it has 29km of cycle lanes, tracks and shared use footways, making the city centre easy to navigate on a bike.A free map and guide to city cycling in Southampton can be obtained from their website.  

Calshot Activities Centre
The Calshot Velodrome is the only banked indoor velodrome in the south of England. It’s a national standard track and it’s open to everyone. Get guidance from a top coach and soon you could be whizzing around the track on one of the lightweight bikes. Visit www.calshot.com for more information.

The New Forest
Explore this beautiful area by bike and discover the heath lands, woods, wildlife and villages. The New Forest cycle network map links the main New Forest villages, Forestry Commission sites and some of the many visitor attractions. Although the network uses some of the quietest roads in the area, there are a few junctions with busy main roads, making them unsuitable for unaccompanied children.          www.hants.gov.uk/tourism/cycling/newforestTo find out about bike hire and a huge range of other cycling services in the area, head to the New Forest Cycle Support website.

The Itchen Riverside Boardwalk
The Itchen Riverside Boardwalk is now open! Completing the National Cycle Network route 23, it links the airport, Swaythling, Riverside Park, St Denys, the city centre and the ferry terminal. Click here to find out more.

Joining a local cycling club
British Cycling can help you to find a club that’s right for you. Click here to use the ‘club finder’ to find a club near you on:

If you’re looking to join a club to improve your cycling or simply for a bit of fun, there are some great British Cycling affiliated clubs in Southampton that will be happy for you to go along and ride with them.

Sotonia Cycling Club: [email protected]
Chapel Tristars Junior Triathlon Club: www.chapeltri.org
Crabwood Cycling Club: www.crabwoodcc.org
Southampton Road Club: [email protected]
New Forest Cycling Club: www.newforest.co.uk

Training 
If you've been inspired and are keen to improve your cycling skills or maybe learn a new discipline, there are a number of organisations in your area running courses and workshops. Street Tread offers comprehensive training to everyone in and around Southampton. It’s part of the Sustrans Southampton Active Travel Project.  E-mail [email protected] or call 02380 515206 for more information.