Cycling in West Lothian

 

Cycling is one of the most affordable, healthiest and environmentally-friendly ways of travelling. In towns and for short distances it is often also the quickest way of getting around. Whether for commuting, leisure or sport, cycling is an efficient and enjoyable activity that allows you to get from A to B quickly and cheaply, and get the recommended 30 minutes of daily activity at the same time. It is also suitable for all ages and abilities.

The benefits of cycling

Cycling has many of benefits, these include:-

Cycling for improved health and fitness

- Cycling regularly will improve your fitness and can help you live a long and healthy life.
- Riding a bike can help you maintain a healthy weight.
- Three quarters of all personal journeys are less than 5 miles long - that's half an hour on a bike.

Switching your short journeys from car to bicycle will benefit your health and your community. You'll be helping to reduce noise and air pollution as well as traffic congestion.

Cycling to save money


If you want to save hundreds of pounds on your travel costs cycling can help you. Save yourself over £700 on public transport and over £1000 on car costs every year by switching to cycling. Cycling is the cheapest form of transport around!

Cycling for the environment

Cycling is pollution fee, noise free and congestion free.

Cycling for Transport

- Cycling is the fastest mode of urban transport, a fact that has been proved time and time again.
- Cycling is also the best mode of transport for also getting your recommended 30 minutes a day light exercise.
- Cycling brings train and bus stations up to 2 miles away within easy reach, no parking charges, and no fighting for a place.

 

We at the council are more than happy to advise you on all things cycling but you may want to check the below resources as well.

Plan your journey


You can use the Cyclestreets website to plan your bike trip. It allows you to enter your origin and destination and shows the best route on a map.

Cyclestreets_WestLothian (new window)

Or try the Bikely website.  The site allows you to plot routes, showing distances and ascent/descent.

Bikely (new window)


Everyday Cycling


British Cycling has launched a website which covers many aspects of everyday cycling - you can record your bike trips, find new routes and even set yourself challenges. 


Everyday Cycling (new window)

Another excellent resource for everything to do with cycling is Cycling England?s Bikes for All website.

Bikesforall (new window)
 

Sport cycling and local clubs

Scottish Cycling (new window)

West Lothian Clarion (new window) - your friendly cycling club

 

Other cycling organisations

Spokes (new window)

Cycling Scotland (new window)

Sustrans (new window)

CTC (new window)