RDPE » 1SW Off-Road Cycling

1SW RDPE Sustainable Rural Tourism

'One World-Class Region for Off-Road Cycling'

Delivery of the 1SW RDPE bid can be broken down into three key elements, all of which will be developed and marketed in a co-ordinated way across the region:

1) Development of six off-road cycling ‘hub’ sites to enable beginners and intermediate cyclists to get out, enjoy themselves and develop their skills. These sites are at varying stages of development, with some of them requiring a great deal of planning and consultation work before final plans can be drawn up. These sites are based in:
i) Teignbridge – Delivery partner is Forestry Commission
ii) East Dorset – Delivery partner is Forestry Commission
iii) Forest of Dean – Delivery partner is Forestry Commission
iv) North Somerset – Delivery partner is Bristol City Council
v) Plym – Delivery partner is the National Trust
vi) North Cornwall - Delivery partner is the National Trust

2) Development of four ‘start pedalling’ trails at sites managed by the South West Lakes Trust. These sites will have a cycle trail with small adventurous cycle play areas to encourage enjoyment of cycling alongside other outdoor activities such as sailing, fishing and windsurfing.

3) Development of better information and a warmer welcome for off-road cyclists across the 14 Protected Landscapes of the Region. This is being co-ordinated by the South West Protected Landscapes Forum. Quality information and guidance will be developed to ensure that people have a legal, enjoyable and sustainable ride in these beautiful and sensitive areas. Support will also be given to tourism businesses in these areas to maximise the benefits from off-road cyclists to their businesses.

The map below shows where the six hub sites (green circles), lakes (blue with black dots) and Protected Landscapes (green shading) are.

The 1SW project is not run on a commercial basis. It aims to develop and promote quality sustainable off-road cycling across the region. The Project will promote relevant commercial providers and sites that are not funded from the RDPE bid but can meet customer quality and environmental sustainability standards. If you are involved in delivering off-road cycling across the region, from a cycle shop to someone with a business idea, we would like to hear from you to discuss how we can help promote you as part of a regional package. Our aim is to maximise the benefit of the adventurous off-road cycling market for the whole region’s economy.