If you’re planning your first bike ride of the summer, you might be looking for nearby routes, fun places to explore, or tips on staying safe when cycling to school in the new term. This guide covers the benefits of summer cycling, great UK routes to try, and essential safety advice to help you enjoy every moment of the holidays.
What are the benefits of cycling in the summer?
Cycling during the school summer holidays brings a range of benefits, from experiencing the great outdoors to keeping active and exploring new places.
Fresh air
Video games and TV are great, but nothing beats the feeling of exploring the world on a bike or scooter. Riding outside gives you a real sense of freedom, boosts your mood, and helps you stay active while enjoying fresh air and sunshine.
Exploring new places
Heading back to school after six weeks off can feel a bit daunting. Summer is the perfect time to build confidence by trying new things. Cycling or scooting lets you explore new places, learn new skills and enjoy a sense of independence, all of which help you feel more prepared for the new school year.
Good practice
If it’s been a while since you last rode, summer is the ideal time to get back into the swing of things. Practising balance, steering and hazard awareness now will help you feel more confident if you decide to cycle to school in September.
Exercise
Cycling is a great way to keep fit and healthy, particularly if you’re no longer attending your regular P.E classes and after school sports clubs that you usually would in term time.
Where can I find the best summer cycling routes?
Local parks and nearby cycle paths are great places to start if you’re still getting to grips with cycling or feel apprehensive about riding your bike further afield.
For those who feel confident to venture out, there are many fantastic cycling locations across the UK to enjoy on your own or with friends. Here are just a few of our favourites:
The Forest of Dean – Gloucestershire
- Length: 14.4km
- Suitable for: All abilities
The circular cycle trail in the Forest of Dean can be accessed from a range of starting points and is suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. The route is clearly waymarked, and there are many picnic sites along the way, perfect for stopping off, taking a break with friends and savouring the forest’s natural beauty. However, there are plenty of other routes available to explore in the FOD, check out our blog on the Best cycle routes in the Forest of Dean for more inspiration.
Manifold Track – Staffordshire
- Length: 12.8km
- Suitable for: Beginners / New cyclists
The Manifold Track is a popular route for both walkers and cyclists, following the old Leek and Manifold Light Railway. A mostly flat terrain, the Manifold Track is a perfect cycling route if you’re looking for a gentle, pleasant ride. With little surprises along the route, such as Thor’s Cave, this adventurous cycle route has plenty to keep you entertained.
Liverpool Loop Line – Merseyside
- Length: 17.4km
- Suitable for: Intermediate riders
The Liverpool Loop Line is an excellent cycling route for those looking to build confidence on their bike or scooter, as it’s mostly flat and free from traffic. Although the route is close to Liverpool city centre, the greenery provides a calming escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This route links several neighbourhoods, with well-maintained, treelined paths, making it perfect for practicing commuting to school.
The Downs Link – West Sussex
- Length: 36 miles
- Suitable for: Advanced riders
The Downs Link is a long‑distance trail connecting the North Downs to the South Downs, following old railway lines and quiet bridleways. While the full 36‑mile route is a challenge, there are plenty of shorter, beginner‑friendly sections perfect for summer cycling. This trail is a good mix of woodland, open fields and riverside paths. Plus, there’s lots of cafes to stop to grab a cool drink and a sweet treat. We recommend joining at Guilford for a shorter, flatter ride.
Goosey Foot Tarn trail – Cumbria
- Length: 4km
- Suitable for: Beginners
At only 4km long, the Goosey Foot Tarn trail is ideal for those looking for a simple cycling trail. The beginning of the route has a mild ascent but once this has been conquered, the route is downhill from then on. The Goosey trail is great for spotting sculptures, as it’s well known for it’s outdoor art illustrations and the wide, unpaved tracks are perfect for anyone with a mountain or trail bike. Plus, it only takes 20-30 minuets to complete so a couple of laps are great for those who are just getting back into the saddle.
Cycling safety tips for teenagers
Safety is one of the biggest priorities for parents when teens start riding their bike, especially if they’ll be cycling to school on their own. Before heading out on any summer adventures, it’s important to understand the key rules for cyclists and how to stay safe on both cycle paths and roads.
You can find full details of UK cycling rules and regulations within the Highway Code rules for cyclists to help stay safe while biking to school in September. However, below are some top tips to help you stay safe on your bike:
Adhere to the best cycling practices
Best cycling practices include wearing a bike helmet, obeying traffic signs and assessing your speed. Adhering to these rules when cycling over the summer will ensure you are well prepared if you do choose to ride a bike to school during the new term, particularly if cycling alone.
Learn the rules of the road
Learning the rules of the road will help you become more aware of potential risks and develop overall safety awareness. Basic road safety rules include looking behind and using arm signals before turning, and paying attention to traffic lights and road signs.
Reflective clothing
Wearing light coloured and reflective clothing will help increase your visibility while out cycling, which is especially important if cycling during the winter months after school. Simple fluorescent accessories such as high-vis arm bands can make all the difference, helping you be seen more clearly on your bike.
Bike security
When you reach the stage where you’re confident enough to cycle to school, it’s essential that your bike remains secure when left unattended, as you don’t want to come to the end of the day to find your bike missing. A good idea is to use two bike locks for extra security, by combining a D lock and a cable lock makes your bike harder to steal as thieves need different tools to break each one.
Remove or secure quick‑release parts
If your wheels or seat have quick‑release levers; consider locking them or taking them with you to prevent parts from being stolen. If you’re at school, then try storing these removable parts in your locker or another safe place inside a building.
Use a bike rack
Aways secure your bike to something solid like a metal bike rack. Avoid fences or posts that can be lifted or cut, most schools have a designated bike shed so ask a teacher or friend to point it out for you if you’re not sure. In the winter months, you’ll also want to make sure your bike is in a well-lit area, as thieves are less likely to target high-traffic areas, so if you can park your wheels with other cyclists, this is another plus.
Inspect your bike
Before heading out on your bike, you should make sure you need to check a few things:
- Check your tyres – make sure they’re pumped up to the correct pressure and free from cuts or debris. Packing a bike pump can also go a long way.
- Test your brakes– squeeze both levers to ensure they’re working smoothly and stopping the bike properly.
- Inspect your chain – a clean, well‑lubricated chain helps your bike run quietly and efficiently.
- Adjust your saddle height – your legs should be almost straight at the bottom of each pedal stroke for comfort and control.
- Check your handlebars – make sure they’re straight, secure and move freely when you turn.
Free 25 Point Bike Health Check
If your bike hasn’t been rode for a while, then why not book it in for a Free Bike Health Check with one of our helpful bike experts. During your free bike health check, we’ll inspect the following:
- Frame, saddle and handlebars
- Wheels; tyres, rims, spokes and hubs
- Brake system; levers, calipers, pads and cables
- Drivetrain; gears, levers, chain, bottom bracket, cranks and cables
- A visual check for all e-bike electrical components to highlight any physical damage that may affect performance
If we spot a problem that requires a repair or a service, we can book your bike in, at the first available opportunity, so it can be repaired by one of our qualified mechanics.
Pack the essentials
If you’ve been riding for a while, you’ll know that cycling isn’t just about hopping on the bike and riding away, there are a few things you should always carry with you. Check out our handy checklist below.
- Helmet — protects your head and is the most important piece of cycling safety gear
- Water bottle — staying hydrated keeps your energy levels up on longer rides
- Bike lock — essential for keeping your bike secure whenever you stop
- Lights — important for visibility, even in unpredictable summer weather
- Puncture repair kit — tyre levers, patches and a mini pump can save the day
- Multi‑tool — handy for tightening bolts or making quick adjustments
- Phone or GPS — useful for navigation or contacting someone if needed, a phone holder or a cycle computer is a great option
- Snacks or an energy bar — great for keeping your energy up on longer rides
Now it’s time to get out on two wheels and experience all that the great British summer has to offer. Whatever your cycling needs are this summer and beyond, it’s essential to be fully equipped.
