14/08/2015
Leicester, a city often celebrated for its rich history and vibrant culture, is also steadily growing as a hub for cycling enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider looking for an upgrade, a beginner eager to embrace two wheels, or simply visiting and keen to explore the city on a bicycle, knowing where to start is key. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through Leicester's bustling cycling scene, from premier bike shops to scenic routes and secure parking spots, ensuring you're well-equipped for your next cycling adventure.
Where to Purchase Your Perfect Pedals
Finding the right bicycle is the first step towards enjoying Leicester's diverse cycling landscape. The city offers a range of options, from dedicated, expert-led bicycle shops stocking the latest models to more budget-friendly second-hand dealers.
Rutland Cycling Leicester: A Premier Destination
For many in Leicester, Rutland Cycling Leicester stands out as a top-tier destination for all things cycling. As a family-owned and operated business, it prides itself on a friendly, expert team composed of cyclists themselves. This ensures you receive advice and guidance rooted in genuine passion and experience.
Rutland Cycling Leicester boasts an extensive inventory, featuring a full range of bikes suitable for every discipline – from sleek road bikes designed for speed, robust mountain bikes for off-road thrills, comfortable hybrids for urban commuting, to the increasingly popular electric bikes. Beyond bicycles, they stock a comprehensive selection of cycle clothing and essential equipment from the world's best cycling brands, ensuring you're fully kitted out for any ride.
What truly sets Rutland Cycling apart are its unique services. They offer custom bike builds, allowing you to tailor a bicycle precisely to your specifications and riding style. For those still undecided, their cycle demos and hires provide an invaluable opportunity to try out various models before committing to a purchase. This is particularly beneficial for electric bikes, as they have over 100 models available to see and try out on dedicated traffic-free cycle trails right at the shop. This hands-on experience allows you to truly feel the difference and make an informed decision.
Furthermore, Rutland Cycling Leicester isn't just about sales. Their tech-accredited workshop is a cornerstone of their service, offering everything from routine servicing and essential repairs to intricate custom upgrades. This means you can rely on them for the lifespan of your bike, ensuring it remains in peak condition.
Other Reputable Bike Shops for New Cycles
While Rutland Cycling Leicester offers a comprehensive experience, Leicester is home to several other well-regarded bike shops that cater to various needs and budgets. You'll find established names like Evans Cycles and Halfords, which are often your go-to for a wide selection of mainstream bikes and accessories. For a more local touch, Julie’s Cycles comes highly recommended by the local cycling community. Both Julie's Cycles and Rutland Cycling are conveniently located, typically no more than a 15-minute drive from the city centre, making them easily accessible for most residents.
Discovering Pre-Loved Rides: Second-Hand Options
For those on a tighter budget or simply seeking a sustainable option, the second-hand market in Leicester offers excellent value. Shops like Fix My Bike Cycles and The Bike Pedlar specialise in pre-owned bicycles. These establishments often refurbish bikes to a high standard, providing an affordable way to get a reliable set of wheels. Buying second-hand can also be a fantastic way to find unique or vintage models, adding character to your cycling adventures.
Beyond the Purchase: Services and Maintenance
Once you’ve acquired your bike, ensuring its longevity and performance requires regular maintenance. The tech-accredited workshop at Rutland Cycling Leicester, as mentioned, is an excellent option for servicing, repairs, and custom upgrades. Many other local bike shops, including those selling new and second-hand bikes, also offer comprehensive repair and maintenance services, ensuring your bike stays in top working order for many miles to come.
Leicester has been making strides in becoming a more bike-friendly city. While cycling here can be a mixed bag, significant efforts are underway to improve the experience for cyclists.
Leicester's Cycling Landscape: Progress and Potential
Historically, cycling statistics for Leicester have shown room for improvement, with a study indicating a relatively low percentage of people cycling at least once a week. Concerns about safety have also been noted, with reports of cyclist injuries. However, the city has been committed for the past 15 years to making Leicester a more accommodating place for cyclists. The ‘Connecting Leicester’ project, for instance, has specifically aimed to enhance links between different parts of the region, making them more accessible for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
It's estimated that approximately 17,000 people cycle regularly in Leicester. While this accounts for about five per cent of the city's population, it demonstrates a significant and active cycling community that continues to grow. The city centre itself is surprisingly well-pedestrianised, with cycling lanes laid out in many areas, facilitating safer and more enjoyable urban rides.
Exploring Leicester's Premier Cycling Routes
Leicester offers a variety of cycling routes, catering to different preferences and fitness levels. Whether you're looking for a quick spin or a longer excursion, there's a path for you:
- Leicester to Market Harborough: This longer route, taking just under two hours, offers a picturesque journey through the Leicestershire countryside, connecting two charming towns.
- Stamford Arms Pub Route: A shorter ride, typically under half an hour, leading to a popular local pub, perfect for a leisurely outing and a well-deserved break.
- Watermead Park Route: Another enjoyable ride lasting less than half an hour, this route takes you to the beautiful Watermead Park, offering tranquil views and a peaceful escape from the urban hustle.
- New Walk: While traditionally a traffic-free walkway for over 200 years, New Walk is a beautiful stretch within Leicester’s city centre that provides a scenic and pleasant environment for a gentle ride, though it's primarily for pedestrians.
- Rothley to Western Park: For those looking to venture a little further afield, this route provides a great experience of Leicestershire's varied landscape.
- Martinshaw Woods: A lengthier venture, this route offers a more immersive experience in nature, ideal for cyclists seeking a more challenging or extended ride.
Cycle Hire in Leicester: Temporary Wheels for Urban Adventures
For those who prefer not to own a bike, or are just visiting, Leicester’s bike hire schemes are gradually improving. The city is set to launch its own ‘Boris Bikes’-style public bike hire scheme, with Leicester City Council securing substantial funding for its implementation. This initiative, expected to be underway by autumn, promises to make cycling even more accessible across the city, though the exact cost to hire a bike is yet to be announced.
In the meantime, there are existing options for bike hire. Future Cycles, located right in the heart of Leicester’s city centre, is a convenient choice for quick access to rental bikes. Slightly further out, Green Hybrid Bikes also offers hiring services, providing flexibility for different starting points.
Secure Your Investment: Bike Parking in Leicester
One of the key considerations for any cyclist is secure parking. Leicester is commendably well-equipped with plenty of safe places to leave your bike, offering peace of mind.
Town Hall Square Secure Parking
In the bustling city centre, on the corner of Town Hall Square and Horsefair Street, you’ll find a secure indoor parking area specifically designed for bikes. This facility goes beyond just parking, offering additional amenities such as showers, changing rooms, toilets, and lockers, making it incredibly convenient for commuters or those spending a day cycling around town. It operates with generous opening hours: from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM on Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday.
Leicester Railway Station Parking
For those travelling into or out of Leicester by train, the railway station provides excellent bike parking facilities. It can accommodate a substantial 222 bikes, ensuring ample space even during peak times. Located underneath the station in what was formerly the old Red Star parcels area, this secure parking zone features changing rooms, CCTV surveillance, air conditioning, and a secure key fob entry system. There’s even a departures screen, allowing you to keep track of your train schedule while preparing for your journey.
Comparative Overview of Leicester Bike Services
| Shop/Service | New Bikes | Used Bikes | Repairs/Service | Bike Hire | Custom Builds | E-Bike Demos |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutland Cycling Leicester | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Julie’s Cycles | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Evans Cycles | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Halfords | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Fix My Bike Cycles | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| The Bike Pedlar | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Future Cycles | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Green Hybrid Bikes | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Leicester a good city for cycling?
While cycling in Leicester has historically had its challenges, the city has made significant commitments over the past 15 years through initiatives like the 'Connecting Leicester' project to improve cycling infrastructure. The city centre is increasingly pedestrianised with dedicated cycling lanes, and there's a growing community of around 17,000 regular cyclists. So, while there's still progress to be made, it's certainly far from impossible to enjoy cycling here, with many picturesque routes available.
Can I try an e-bike before buying in Leicester?
Absolutely! Rutland Cycling Leicester offers an excellent opportunity to try out electric bikes. They have over 100 e-bike models available for you to see and test ride on their dedicated traffic-free cycle trails, allowing you to experience the benefits of electric assistance firsthand before making a purchase.
Where can I get my bike serviced or repaired in Leicester?
Rutland Cycling Leicester has a tech-accredited workshop that provides comprehensive servicing, repairs, and custom upgrades. Many other bike shops in Leicester, including Julie’s Cycles, Evans, and Halfords, also offer repair and maintenance services, ensuring you have multiple options for keeping your bike in top condition.
Are there safe places to park my bike in Leicester?
Yes, Leicester is well-equipped with secure cycle parking. The city centre offers a secure indoor parking area on the corner of Town Hall Square and Horsefair Street, complete with showers, changing rooms, and lockers. Additionally, Leicester's railway station provides secure parking for over 200 bikes, featuring CCTV, air conditioning, and a key fob entry system, making it very safe to leave your bike.
How much does it cost to hire a bike in Leicester?
Currently, the cost to hire a bike in Leicester can vary depending on the provider, such as Future Cycles or Green Hybrid Bikes. Leicester City Council is also implementing a new public bike hire scheme, similar to London's 'Boris Bikes,' which is expected to launch by autumn. The specific pricing for this new scheme has not yet been announced.
Conclusion
Leicester, truly a 'hidden gem of England' for cyclists, offers a surprisingly robust and continuously improving environment for two-wheeled exploration. From the comprehensive offerings of Rutland Cycling Leicester, providing everything from bespoke builds to test rides on dedicated cycle trails, to the diverse range of new and second-hand bike shops, finding your ideal ride in the city is easier than ever. Coupled with expanding bike hire options, improving infrastructure, and secure cycle parking facilities, Leicester is genuinely embracing its potential as a cycling-friendly city. So, whether you're a local or just visiting, grab a bike and discover the charm of Leicester from a fresh perspective.
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