Colchester is Britain’s oldest recorded town, first referred to in AD 77. It is a garrison town, surrounded by quaint countryside and benefits from its proximity to Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, located in Essex. The town itself hosts a selection of beautiful parks and nature reserves – notably, Castle Park, which holds Green Flag status as an outstanding green space. Colchester’s surrounding rural area provides some lovely cycle routes. There is the Painter’s Trail through the Dedham Vale, the Viewfinder Trail – a favourite of landscape art lovers, and the popular off-road High Woods route. The town is also linked to two Sustrans NCN routes; 1 and 51, the latter of which is featured in the Wivenhoe Trail, from the town’s centre, following the River Colne. This year the Essex Castle Charity Cycle Ride will take place on the 23rd July, offering cyclists the choice of a 25, 50 or 75 mile circular route, starting at the castle, heading out into idyllic countryside.
Colchester was named a Cycling Town in 2008 and subsequently received a £2.1 million grant from Cycling England, matched by Essex County Council. This funding has been used to promote cycling, through the development of existing cycling infrastructure and the creation of new routes. It has provided better cycle route signs, improved cyclist crossings, more cycle facilities and better access to Colchester’s centre and its academic institutions, such as the University of Essex’s campus. The project has been handled as a partnership, between Essex County Council, Colchester Borough Council and local cycling organisations. The CycleColchester website was set up after receiving the accolade, and provides access to useful tools like TownMaps, WeatherCheck and CycleStreets, which assist cyclists in planning their routes safely, before they set off. Further to these resources, CycleColchester travel advisors have visited households in the town, promoting cycling whilst offering valuable advice, such as route planning and bike safety.
Dangers that cyclists must be aware of, when cycling on the roads of Colchester, include those presented by other vehicles. Impatient or selfish drivers can overtake cyclists too close, or even cut in to cycle lanes, in order to undertake vehicles waiting to turn right. Often, vehicles will move out of driveways without looking, straight in to a cycle lane, causing serious injury to a cyclist using the lane. If you have been involved in a cycle accident, contact us for expert legal advice on your entitlement to compensation. You may be able to claim for repairs to your bike, and other expenses as a result of your accident. Our fully qualified team of cycle claims lawyers are understanding and have many years experience, so call today for friendly, no-obligation advice.
