The Cycle Exeter staff are now part of a new and exciting Sustainable Travel Team within Devon County Council. We are planning a new website but in the meantime please go to www.cycledevon.info

Helen Pidd’s Bike Blog on the Guardian website also offers some handy tips on how to prepare for the darker nights in her article how to shrug off the winter.

We are still testing this exciting new journey planner so please have a go and give us feedback by e-mailing cycleexeter@devon.gov.uk on the routes it suggests.  We can then tinker with the programme to ensure that we always suggest the best route

So have a go and tell us what you think – Cycle Exeter online journey planner

“I just did my level two Bike It course. I did it with another 8 or 9 students and I enjoyed it. The instructors were nice and good.

I cycle a lot on the weekends, especially because my dad owns a bike shop. I go for days out in Holden woods and Bickton.

The best thing about cycling is when it’s really sunny and you can feel the wind in your face. It’s really fun pedalling and making the bike go – much better than sitting in a car where you don’t do anything!”

Logan Wraith – Smith, 7 years old

“I cycle to school every day with my mum. She taught me how to cycle.

I like cycling because it’s much faster than being in a car, and it’s more fun and makes me happy. On a bike you don’t get stuck in traffic.

The best thing about cycling is when you get to go through the park and see the grass and trees and it’s pretty.”

Phil Clark – Teacher, 56

“We were one of the first schools to run Bike It in Exeter, in 2006. We had a strong school travel plan before that but were always hesitant with cycling because staff were nervous about the safety aspects of it. But with Bike It everyone really opened up, and now we actively encourage kids to cycle to school.

The instructors are always great with the children, who really enjoy the training. I cycle to school myself and I’m a firm believer in using cycling to improve kids’ concentration when they get into the classroom.

Now we have at least forty children cycling to school out of 360 on a daily basis when four years ago we had zero children cycling to school, and Cycle Exeter has funded a new bike shelter to accommodate our extra cyclists.

We put on lots of events – biking breakfasts, free ID stamping from the police on bikes – Andrei Burton came and wowed the kids too. One day we ran a ‘bling your bike’ competition. 150 kids cycled to school that day – there were prizes for the most spectacular efforts!

A big factor in getting children to cycle, and their parents to let them, is confidence. The Bike It training really helps with reassuring them both that cycling on the roads is very possible to do safely. Some parents are apprehensive at first, but then when they see the positive effects cycling has on their kids – health, concentration, independence – they want to get them signed up to the higher levels of training.

The Cycle Exeter campaign is fantastic. It’s really raised the profile of cycling and made it easier for us to convince parents to let their children cycle. We didn’t have the time to put into getting training for the children and they’ve made it really easy. I definitely feel like times are changing and cycling is very much still on the rise – thankfully.”

Jasmine Gibbins, 11

“I cycle to school every day with two or three friends, and on weekends to my piano lessons by myself. I also go on lots of long, fun rides with my friends. We go to Topsham or the Turf Lock or on a ride to Exmouth from Limpstone. It’s fun to get around like that.

My mum is laid back because I got cycle training and she knows I’m safe. I’ve done all three levels – the instructors were really nice and the lessons were very fun.

It’s always good to go on a bike because you can go anywhere and you don’t have to wait for a bus – you just bike straight over. Buses aren’t as reliable as that. Also, Exeter is a safe place to cycle in.”

Lesley Gibbins, Jasmine’s mother

“Jasmine did cycle a bit before she got training, but after doing the three Bikeability levels she’s really got confident now, which is important for safety.  It’s also made me a lot more relaxed. I know the routes around Exeter are really well designed and that she’s sensible. That’s not to say I don’t warn her to be cautious!

There’s a cycle path all the way to school so she can go every day and it’s really easy for her. I don’t have to worry about commuter traffic either, so it’s a weight off my mind.

I’m glad she cycles as it’s a really healthy thing to do, and where her friends have had training she has company which is nice for her and reassuring for me. I think the confidence lessons have really been good for her.”

“I’ve been cycling since I was a child and used to ride to school. There weren’t very many of us but it was the cheaper option.

I’ve been commuting to work now for the last nine years. Exeter is a city where everything is easily accessible by bike. The cycle tracks are absolutely superb and it’s nice that getting to work is an enjoyable experience – there are some lovely sights to see from the bike tracks, and you feel like you’re out and experiencing things, even on your daily commute – especially if you try new routes out from time to time.

Because of the brilliant cycling infrastructure in Exeter there’s no need to worry, and anyway the city is abundant with wide, traffic – free cycle paths for those that are nervous. There’s also a very friendly culture for cyclists – before, cycling on paths wasn’t the done thing but now with the new dual cycle and foot paths people are a lot more receptive.

It seems ridiculous to spend money on a gym membership when you cycle every day. This is a way of making exercise a daily habit that fits into your life; it’s just about making that initial step in the first place to get started.

I also cycle on weekends with my family. My child is just five and he’s been cycling since he was three! I took him to nursery in a trailer on the back of my bike before he started school. I think it’s absolutely important to give children the chance to get started from a young age. After all, I did!”

Anjumn Kanani, mother

“My husband and I started getting our children on bikes from an early age because we thought cycling was an important skill to have, as well as really good way to spend time together and get fit.

That’s when we started getting into it too. Now my sons are thirteen and nineteen, and both cycle a lot with their friends. I cycle mainly on the weekends with my family and sometimes to work.

One of our favourite routes is Exeter St David’s station to the Turf Lock – the family cycle along the river regularly, and stop to picnic on the way.

The way I see it, cycling is the best way to exercise in the nicest possible manner, whilst you’re out in the fresh air and enjoying the scenery. As a working mother, it’s difficult to have the time to keep fit and if I can make a nice day out of exercise whilst spending time with my family it seems the perfect way of doing it!”

Christine Daly, Cycle trainee

“I took part in cycle training in January 2008 and started completely from scratch – I didn’t know how to cycle! I’d moved over from London in 2007 and I thought Exeter seemed like such a lovely city to cycle in – so it was the perfect opportunity to learn.

The trainer was absolutely brilliant. At first I was really nervous and we started in a car park, my confidence grew very quickly as my trainer cycled alongside me and chatted to me which helped me to relax and soon my confidence grew. We went on cycling trails along the river and that really helped build me up. It wasn’t long till I felt confident enough to cycle on the weekends without him.

I enjoy cycling mainly for leisure. My partner and I went to Haldon Forest last weekend for a ride and it was so nice – I’m even thinking of a cycling holiday! It’s a nice way for us to spend quality time enjoying Exeter’s scenery.

I find cycling is absolutely great for my state of mind and mood. It takes your mind off work and the stresses of the day as you take in the calmness of the environment, and it brings about a sense of happiness and confidence. It’s a free de –stressor! It just makes you think a lot more when you’re surrounded by the world as opposed to a gym sitting on a stationery bike. You don’t even notice you’re exercising.

The best thing about riding is the sense of independence you get. You don’t need to worry about the car or parking. You can just stop anywhere, stay as long as you like for free, and then hop on again!”

Tricia Simpson, 65

“I took part in cycle training two years ago, after not having cycled since I was about ten years old. I was pretty hopeless at first – I caused quite a lot of trouble in my group. At one point I panicked, fell, and caused a huge pile-up! The teachers were brilliant though and my team were so nice. I soon began to really get into it.

Two years on, I cycle seven miles every day – I think it helps my dodgy knees- and on the weekends quite a lot more. I’ve bought bikes for my family for when they come to stay and my husband is really keen now too! We’ve been on cycling holidays everywhere – Holland, Croatia, Ireland, the Lake District…

Cycling is great for lots of reasons. In Exeter I avoid the main roads because I prefer the back lanes where it’s quieter and I can enjoy the scenery. There are so many beautiful things to see like the young lambs playing in the fields and the wild flowers in the hedgerows, unexpected things you just wouldn’t see in a car.

Cycling’s really sociable too – at first you start off with a nod, then a smile, and now I stop and chat to other cyclists and tractor-drivers on my way! I’m so glad I took up training – it’s really improved my quality of life”.

Jasmine Gibbins, 11

“I cycle to school every day with two or three friends, and on weekends to my piano lessons by myself. I also go on lots of long, fun rides with my friends. We go to Topsham or the Turf Lock or on a ride to Exmouth from Lympstone. It’s fun to get around like that.

My mum is laid back because I got cycle training and she knows I’m safe. I’ve done all three levels – the instructors were really nice and the lessons were very fun.

It’s always good to go on a bike because you can go anywhere and you don’t have to wait for a bus – you just bike straight over. Buses aren’t as reliable as that. Also, Exeter is a safe place to cycle in.”

Lesley Gibbins, Jasmine’s mother

“Jasmine did cycle a bit before she got training, but after doing the three Bikeability levels she’s really got confident now, which is important for safety. It’s also made me a lot more relaxed. I know the routes around Exeter are really well designed and that she’s sensible. That’s not to say I don’t warn her to be cautious!

There’s a cycle path all the way to school so she can go every day and it’s really easy for her. I don’t have to worry about commuter traffic either, so it’s a weight off my mind.

I’m glad she cycles as it’s a really healthy thing to do, and where her friends have had training she has company which is nice for her and reassuring for me. I think the confidence lessons have really been good for her.”

“I started cycling when I was young, but got really keen when I was about thirteen. I started riding to school and for transport on the weekends, and then I started to enter small competitions in my spare time. That eventually led to the British championships and then the world championship!

Cycling is my preferred mode of transport around Exeter. There have been so many really good new cycle paths and improvements put in place over the past three or four years by Cycle Exeter – there are shortcuts and little loops all the way through the city so you can cut out a lot of time. It’s also not hilly at all – fantastic!

My kind of cycling isn’t your every day kind, but I do practice in Exeter because it’s great for natural set ups. It’s difficult to pinpoint my favourite spot, but the Quay has some really nice lines.

I really support the Cycle Exeter project and that’s why I’ve been involved since the beginning. It’s quicker to get around by bike than any other form of transport and I think it’s something we should really encourage because it’s another way of enjoying Exeter. People often overlook it, but when I cut through rush hour traffic jams it hits me how many people would benefit from cycling more!”

Logan Wraith – Smith, 7 years old

“I cycle to school every day with my mum. She taught me how to cycle.

I like cycling because it’s much faster than being in a car, and it’s more fun and makes me happy. On a bike you don’t get stuck in traffic.

The best thing about cycling is when you get to go through the park and see the grass and trees and it’s pretty.”

Amber Richardson, 10 years old

“I just did my level two Bike It course. I did it with another 8 or 9 students and I enjoyed it. The instructors were nice and good.

I cycle a lot on the weekends, especially because my dad owns a bike shop. I go for days out in Haldon woods and Bicton.

The best thing about cycling is when it’s really sunny and you can feel the wind in your face. It’s really fun pedalling and making the bike go – much better than sitting in a car where you don’t do anything!”

Yash Patel, Health Policy Manager

“I never used to cycle but then a year and a half ago, when my son (9 years old at the time) took up training, I decided to do it too. My role at work involves looking after heart and cancer services and I was very aware of the dangers of being overweight, especially as both of my parents had heart disease. I encourage my patientss much faster than being in a car, and it’s more fun and makes me happy. On a bike you don’t get stuck in traffic.

The best thing about cycling is when you get to go through the park and see the grass and trees and it’s pretty.”

Amber Richardson, 10 years old

“I just did my level two Bike It course. I did it with another 8 or 9 students and I enjoyed it. The instructors were nice and good.

I cycle a lot on the weekends, especially because my dad owns a bike shop. I go for days out in Haldon woods and Bicton.

The best thing about cycling is when it’s really sunny and you can feel the wind in your face. It’s really fun pedalling and making the bike go – much better than sitting in a car where you don’t do anything!”

Yash Patel, Health Policy Manager

“I never used to cycle but then a year and a half ago, when my son (9 years old at the time) took up training, I decided to do it too. My role at work involves looking after heart and cancer services and I was very aware of the dangers of being overweight, especially as both of my parents had heart disease. I encourage my patients to cycle as a way of staving off or combating these health problems and thought that if I was going to be promoting cycling then I should learn how to do it myself first. That way I could say, ‘if I can do it, you can do it too’.

I was very nervous when I started training but I was quickly put at ease. You’re in a group with like-minded people, a lot of whom can’t cycle or haven’t cycled for ages, and the training goes slowly enough that you never feel rushed. It’s a really enjoyable experience.

They taught us everything – from simple things like stopping the bike and getting on and off the bike to eventually being able to go on the roads and reading cycle route maps. It left me a confident cyclist.

I’ve worked with a lot of heart patients and I know that the last thing you want to do when you’re middle-aged is put on some lycra and go to the gym. The great thing about cycling is that it isn’t embarrassing, and it’s fun and easy to learn, unlike the gym which can feel intimidating for overweight, unfit or older people.

Now, cycling for me is another way of keeping physically fit. The great thing about it is that it’s something the whole family can do, and it’s a lot less lonely than running because you can chat along the way.

Now the whole of my family have bikes and we regularly go on long leisurely bike rides on the weekends. Devon is very safe to cycle in, and has such beautiful countryside – especially in this gorgeous weather!”

Tricia Simpson, 65

“I took part in cycle training

“My husband and I started getting our children on bikes from an early age because we thought cycling was an important skill to have, as well as really good way to spend time together and get fit.

That’s when we started getting into it too. Now my sons are thirteen and nineteen, and both cycle a lot with their friends. I cycle mainly on the weekends with my family and sometimes to work.

One of our favourite routes is Exeter St David’s station to the Turf Lock – the family cycle along the river regularly, and stop to picnic on the way.

The way I see it, cycling is the best way to exercise in the nicest possible manner, whilst you’re out in the fresh air and enjoying the scenery. As a working mother, it’s difficult to have the time to keep fit and if I can make a nice day out of exercise whilst spending time with my family it seems the perfect way of doing it!”

Christine Daly, Cycle trainee

“I took part in cycle training in January 2008 and started completely from scratch – I didn’t know how to cycle! I’d moved over from London in 2007 and I thought Exeter seemed like such a lovely city to cycle in – so it was the perfect opportunity to learn.

The trainer was absolutely brilliant. At first I was really nervous and we started in a car park, my confidence grew very quickly as my trainer cycled alongside me and chatted to me which helped me to relax and soon my confidence grew. We went on cycling trails along the river and that really helped build me up. It wasn’t long till I felt confident enough to cycle on the weekends without him.

I enjoy cycling mainly for leisure. My partner and I went to Haldon Forest last weekend for a ride and it was so nice – I’m even thinking of a cycling holiday! It’s a nice way for us to spend quality time enjoying Exeter’s scenery.

I find cycling is absolutely great for my state of mind and mood. It takes your mind off work and the stresses of the day as you take in the calmness of the environment, and it brings about a sense of happiness and confidence. It’s a free de –stressor! It just makes you think a lot more when you’re surrounded by the world as opposed to a gym sitting on a stationery bike. You don’t even notice you’re exercising.

The best thing about riding is the sense of independence you get. You don’t need to worry about the car or parking. You can just stop anywhere, stay as long as you like for free, and then hop on again!”

Yash Patel, Health Policy Manager

“I never used to cycle but then a year and a half ago, when my son (9 years old at the time) took up training, I decided to do it too. My role at work involves looking after heart and cancer services and I was very aware of the dangers of being overweight, especially as both of my parents had heart disease. I encourage my patients to cycle as a way of staving off or combating these health problems and thought that if I was going to be promoting cycling then I should learn how to do it myself first. That way I could say, ‘if I can do it, you can do it too’.

I was very nervous when I started training but I was quickly put at ease. You’re in a group with like-minded people, a lot of whom can’t cycle or haven’t cycled for ages, and the training goes slowly enough that you never feel rushed. It’s a really enjoyable experience.

They taught us everything – from simple things like stopping the bike and getting on and off the bike to eventually being able to go on the roads and reading cycle route maps. It left me a confident cyclist.

I’ve worked with a lot of heart patients and I know that the last thing you want to do when you’re middle-aged is put on some lycra and go to the gym. The great thing about cycling is that it isn’t embarrassing, and it’s fun and easy to learn, unlike the gym which can feel intimidating for overweight, unfit or older people.

Now, cycling for me is another way of keeping physically fit. The great thing about it is that it’s something the whole family can do, and it’s a lot less lonely than running because you can chat along the way.

Now the whole of my family have bikes and we regularly go on long leisurely bike rides on the weekends. Devon is very safe to cycle in, and has such beautiful countryside – especially in this gorgeous weather!”