In 2005 Darlington was selected by Cycling England to be one of six cycling demonstration towns in England. The award brings funding, spread over three years, of £1.5 million which will be used to improve facilities and infrastructure for cyclists in Darlington. In addition, there will be additional funding available from Darlington's second Local Transport Plan (2006-2011) to help with the improvements.
Cycling Town Review 2005/09
In September 2009 a review of the Cycling Demonstration Town project was produced to highlight the progress that has been made during the project so far. The Review shows where funding has been spent, in particular on developing the network of cycle routes and new cycle parking as well as activities in schools, workplaces and in producing information such as maps and self guided ride leaflets. The Review also includes a summary of the results of the ongoing monitoring of cycling through a number of measures.
Cycling Town Review 2005/09 [pdf document]
Darlington became a Cycling Demonstration Town in October 2005 and received £500,000 from the Department of Transport each year for the duration of the project. This was match funded by Darlington Borough Council.
Since 2005 we have focussed on producing radial routes to the town centre from the edges of the urban area. The radial routes have been designed to take cyclists on quieter roads and off road routes parallel to the main roads to encourage new and returning cyclists.
For more information contact Louise Neale on 01325 388716 or louise.neale@darlington.gov.uk
To report any damage, broken glass/debris or other problems with the cycle network in Darlington please call 01325 388777.