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New Chesterfield Cycle Map Available!
We are thrilled to announce the release of our brand new cycle map for Chesterfield! This map is designed to make your cycling experience in Chesterfield smoother and more enjoyable, whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend explorer, or someone just getting started.
About the Map:
- Dedicated Cycle Infrastructure: Clearly marked paths and lanes exclusively for cyclists.
- Cycle Parking: Conveniently located bike racks and secure parking spots.
- Quiet Roads: Routes using quieter roads to connect different parts of the cycle network.
- Points of Interest: Schools, villages and other places so you can find the best way to get to where you want to be.
- Detailed Sections: Zoomed-in sections of Chesterfield and Staveley for detailed navigation, along with a zoomed-out view of the surrounding national cycle network to put Chesterfield in context.
Where to Get the Map:
- Download: You can download a digital copy of the Chesterfield Cycle map here.
- Physical Copies: Available at Cycle Chesterfield events and Dr Bike. Local information centres like the Tapton Lock Visitors Centre and the Hollingwood Hub will often have copies available too.
Why This Map? We launched this map during the family fun day at Holmebrook Valley Park as part of the recent 2024 Cycle Chesterfield Festival during national bike week. The community’s response was overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to make it widely available now. This map is a result of extensive local experience and input from local cyclists, ensuring it meets the needs of our cycling community.
Special Thanks: We extend our heartfelt thanks to Chesterfield Borough Council for their generous contributions towards the printing of the map.
How to Use the Map:
- Plan Your Route: Whether it’s a daily commute or a leisurely weekend ride, use the map to find the best paths.
- Discover New Places: Explore new routes around Chesterfield, it can be surprising just how how easy some journeys are.
- Stay Safe: Follow the dedicated paths and quiet roads to for a safer, more pleasant ride.
We hope this map enhances your cycling experience in Chesterfield. Get your copy today and start exploring!
We also have a range of other maps and routes available for download.
Happy cycling, Chesterfield!
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Announcing our summer rides
Following the success of the 2024 Cycle Chesterfield Festival, we’re excited to announce our summer programme of events. We have a fantastic lineup of rides and activities to keep the momentum going and bring our cycling community together. Mark your calendars and join us for some great rides this summer!
Friday 5th July – Friday Night Ride
Kick off your weekend with a local evening ride. Meet us at the Chesterfield Town Hall steps at 6:30pm for a leisurely ride around town. A great way to unwind and enjoy the summer evenings.
Saturday 13th July – Women Cycle Too Ride
Join us for a morning ride towards Pleasley and Hardwick, lasting about 4 hours. This ride is perfect for women looking to explore new routes and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow cyclists. For details and to book your place, email wct@inclusivepedals.org.uk. If booking for multiple riders, please indicate the number on booking for insurance purposes.
Sunday 14th July – Ride to Rother Valley on the TPT
Meet us at 10:30am at Queens Park Cafe for a scenic ride to Rother Valley Park using the Trans-Pennine trail. We’ll stop for lunch at the park before heading back to Chesterfield, returning around 3pm. A perfect way to spend your Sunday!
Saturday 27th July – Family Bike Treasure Hunt
A different kind of ride with our family bike treasure hunt. Meet us at Holmebrook Valley Park pavilion from 2pm to take part in the treasure hunt around the park. Prizes for all taking part.
Sunday 28th July – Ride to Adam’s Happy Hens
Join us for a family-friendly ride via the new East West route to Adams Happy Hens. Meet at 1:30pm at Queens Park Cafe and enjoy a delightful afternoon of treats and fun. We’ll return by 3:30pm. Suitable for all ages, especially families.
Friday 2nd August – Friday Night Ride
End your workweek with another local evening ride. We’ll start at the Chesterfield Town Hall steps at 6:30pm and enjoy a pleasant ride through town.
Saturday 10th August – Women Cycle Too Ride
Stay tuned for further details about this ride. It’s another great opportunity for women to come together and enjoy cycling.
Sunday 25th August – Short Local Ride (with pub stop)
Join us for a relaxing ride calling at Holmebrook Valley Park, Ashgate Heights, and Holymoorside. There will be a few ups and downs, but we’ll take it at a comfortable pace. Meet at Queens Park Cafe at 1:30pm and finish by 4:30pm.
Friday 6th September – Friday Night Ride
End your workweek with another local evening ride. We’ll start at the Chesterfield Town Hall steps at 6:30pm and enjoy a pleasant ride through town.
Sunday 15th September – Ben Vernon Charity Ride
Raise money for Cancer Research UK in memory of Ben Vernon. We will start and finish from Vicar Lane underneath the big screen.
Further rides may be added so keep checking back on our website and social media for further details. Hope to see you on one of our rides or, if not, see you out on your bike enjoying Chesterfield and the wider area once summer arrives. Happy riding!
Bike repairs with Dr Bike
Also look out for Dr Bike if you need your bike checking or some free minor repairs. Queen’s Park on the first Saturday of the month, Langer Fields on the first Wednesday of the month and Hollingwood Hub on the second Sunday.
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Chesterfield Cycling Festival 2024 Recap
The 2024 Cycle Chesterfield Festival was absolutely fantastic! What a great way to mark the 101st national bike week. Thank you Chesterfield for all of the support you’ve given to the festival, the community’s enthusiasm and positive spirit were truly inspiring.
Exploring art on the Chesterfield Canal Women Cycle Too going to Creswell Crags Throughout the festival, we were joined by over 170 riders, young and old, exploring local cycle routes. For some participants, it was an opportunity to try a different form of biking, while others cycled further than ever before. For some, it was a friendly reintroduction to the joys of cycling and a chance to learn more of the routes and ways of getting around Chesterfield.
Our varied rides mixed up different lengths on both urban and rural routes. They took us all around Chesterfield, from Holymoorside right out to the county border at Creswell Crags. We looked at public art, enjoyed both urban and rural riding, and visited a variety of local businesses.
Cycling up the East West route Our youngest rider We kicked off the week with a family fun day at Holmebrook Valley Park, where we launched our brand new cycle map for Chesterfield amidst a variety of games and activities. One of the standout moments was the fantastic turnout of over 110 supporters at our social events. Cycle adventurer Emily Chappell captivated an audience at the library lecture theatre with her tales of cycling across continents. The Cycling Conversations evening at Brampton Brewery, featuring two guest speakers, also drew a great crowd and fostered a lively discussion.
Emily Chappell and her cycling adventures Cycling Conversations Dr Bike in action at Hollingwood Hub Treasure hunt winners at the funday We also had practical sessions like Dr Bike repair workshops, ensuring bikes were in top shape, and adapted cycling Triobike trips courtesy of Inclusive Pedals.
Thank you, Chesterfield, for making this festival a success. Your enthusiasm and support have made this an unforgettable event. We have one thing to ask of you: if you enjoyed yourself, and if you’d like to support us promoting cycling in Chesterfield and standing up for cyclists then please consider joining us. Membership costs just £5, and the more supporters we have, the stronger our voice becomes.
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the help of many people and organisations. Big thanks to:
- The Derbyshire County Council Community Leadership Scheme via Councillors Ed Fordham, Ludwig Ramsay & Judy Staton for grants towards the festival’s funding.
- Emily Chappell, Chris Rust and James Hatchett for speaking at our events.
- Inclusive Pedals for support with Dr Bike, Cycling Without Age and Women Cycle Too
- Chesterfield BMX for hosting the BMX session
- JE James for donating prizes for the fun day.
- Brampton Brewery for the use of their beer house on the social night
- The volunteers and organisers of the festival, who made all of this happen.
We haven’t finished yet though – check back on this website or follow our Facebook page to learn about our summer rides. Details coming soon.
We look forward to seeing you all soon, exploring our beautiful area on a bike. Until next time, keep riding and stay safe!
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Help us identify cycle route maintenance issues
We at Cycle Chesterfield are reaching out to the community to help identify and report maintenance issues on our local cycle routes. As you may know, many of Derbyshire’s roads are in poor condition, with potholes and faded road markings causing inconvenience and frustration for all road users. For cyclists, these issues can be particularly dangerous and may discourage both new and experienced cyclists from using these routes.
Our local cycling network, including on-road, off-road, and shared routes, is suffering from neglect and lack of maintenance. This year, Cycle Chesterfield needs your assistance in pinpointing neglected routes around Chesterfield. Whether it’s faded paint markings, damaged surfaces, or overgrown vegetation, we urge you, our members, to speak up and request improvements.
Here’s how you can help:
- Report the Issue: Most of our roads and cycle paths are maintained by Derbyshire County Council. Use this link to report a fault: Report a road fault or ask about a road issue – Derbyshire County Council. Select either “Road condition” or “Pavements and Cycleways” to report the issue.
- Inform Us: Let us know if you’ve made a report. Email us at faults@cyclechesterfield.org with details of the location and a description of the fault. If possible, include a photograph.
By informing us, we can monitor key areas in and around Chesterfield and, if necessary, contact the council directly to request updates. We will share any updates on our website to keep the community informed.
Chesterfield has seen significant improvements in cycling infrastructure in recent years, such as the station link and the East West route. These new routes have provided safe and convenient cycling opportunities across Chesterfield. Our goal is to continue advocating for new cycle routes and the maintenance of existing ones to ensure they remain safe and enjoyable for all.
Thank you for your support in making Chesterfield a better place for cyclists!
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What’s on at the 2024 Cycle Festival
Lets take a closer look at the Chesterfield Cycle Festival 2024 events line-up. As a reminder, all of our rides, and most other events are completely free. You can reserve your tickets right now!
Friday 7th June
The festival kicks off with Adapted Cycling in Queens Park as Inclusive Pedals host a taster session with their range of bikes and trikes for adults with disabilities and their carers.
In the evening, Friday Night Ride: Chesterfield Parks will take us on a tour of several of Chesterfield’s parks.
Saturday 8th June
The Holmebrook Valley Park Cycle Funday. We’ll have activities and games, stalls and displays. Feel free to bring a picnic and explore the park. We’ll lead a ride from town to help people get there.
Sunday 9th June
A choice of rides today. In the morning, the Creswell Crags Women’s only ride will be setting off from Hollingwood Hub heading out to the county border to explore Creswell Crags before returning. The afternoon sees the return of the popular Art Trail ride. We’ll start off in Queens Park as before but will then cover some new ground with different examples of Chesterfield’s dizzying array of public art work.
Dr Bike will be at Hollingwood Hub between 10 and 3 providing free bike checks, adjustments and repairs while you wait.
Monday 10th June
The Avenue Works Grassmoor ride is an evening ride from Queen’s Park out to the transformed Avenue Works site and then on to Grassmoor Country Park before returning to town.
Tuesday 11th June
The Holymoorside pub ride will take advantage of the brand new East/West route to go from Queen’s Park out to Holymoorside. After a quick refreshments stop in Holymoorside we’ll roll back to Queen’s Park.
Wednesday 12th June
The BMX ride will see us ride out (on normal bikes) from the town centre to Ringwood Park where we can see the Chesterfield BMX club ride around the bespoke course, and if you feel up to it, having a go yourself.
Thursday 13th June
Thursday sees a change of pace, we have an adventurer, author and trans-continental race winning cyclist Emily Chappell in the Chesterfield Library Lecture Theatre to tell us about her cycling journey. Don’t worry, you can still cycle there. A small charge applies for this event.
Friday 14th June
The Triobikes will be out in Queen’s Park during the afternoon, offering rides to all. Sit and have a natter on one of the three-seater bikes while one of the volunteers pedals you on a relaxing ride around the park.
You can’t beat a visit to the chippy on a Friday evening. The Holmebrook chips ride will depart from Queen’s Park to Holmebrook for a chippy picnic before returning to town.
Saturday 15th June
The Happy Hens ride will follow the new East/West route, stopping for a cuppa and cake at Adam’s Happy Hens before returning to Queen’s Park.
In the evening there are some short talks and films during our Cycling Conversations social at Brampton Brewery.
Sunday 16th June
The festival ends with a longer ride as we head out from Chesterfield on the Bolsover Trail Explorer
Keeping up to date
You can download the programme below to keep, or spot one of the flyers around town. If you want to keep up to date though, keep on eye on the festival Facebook page or check our festival webpage.
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Save the Date: 2024 Chesterfield Cycle Festival – June 7th to June 16th
We’re excited to announce the dates for this year’s highly anticipated Chesterfield Cycle Festival! Get ready to mark your calendars and join us for ten days of pedal-powered excitement, from Friday, June 7th, through Sunday, June 16th.
This year, we’re taking you on a journey across town, with nine guided rides covering all compass points. From the tranquil landscapes of Holymoorside and Holmebrook Valley Park in the west to the charms of Staveley and Bolsover in the east. Our routes are designed to showcase the best of Chesterfield’s bike infrastructure, highlighting what’s possible while catering to cyclists of all levels. Whether you’re joining us for a leisurely spin or a longer journey, our rides are led at a steady, inclusive pace, ensuring everyone can pedal along and enjoy the adventure.
But that’s not all! Our festival lineup is packed with even more exciting activities to enjoy:
Special Guest Speaker: Emily Chappell: Join us for an inspiring evening as adventurer, author and endurance cyclist Emily Chappell shares her stories and insights into her world on two wheels.
Fun Day in the Park: Gather your family and friends for a day of cycling-themed fun in the park! From treasure hunts to fun interactive games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Adapted Cycling with Inclusive Pedals and their fleet of specially adapted bikes and trikes for people with disabilities and their carers.
Dr Bike: Need a tune-up? Our expert Dr Bike team will be on hand to provide simple bike repairs, ensuring your ride is in top condition for the festival.
Cycling Conversations: Join us for an evening of engaging discussion and film at our “Cycling Conversations” social event. Connect with fellow cyclists, share stories, and be inspired by the power of cycling.
Our festival coincides with the 101st National Bike Week, adding even more excitement and celebration to our ten-day event.
Stay tuned for more details and announcements about the full lineup of events. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to pedal into an unforgettable experience at the 2024 Cycling Festival!
Keep an eye on our website and follow cyclefestchesterfield on Facebook for updates and announcements. We can’t wait to see you there!
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EGM to be held to amend constitution
The current Cycle Chesterfield constitution is out of date. Amongst other issues, it does not reflect the change of name to Cycle Chesterfield. Requests have been received from six members (as required by current constitution) to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting in order to amend the constitution.
Our next meeting on Tuesday 13th February which will be online using Zoom will start with our usual monthly agenda and be followed by the EGM.
Details on how members can join the meeting will follow by email as usual, nearer the date.
The EGM was held as planned, we read through the draft constitution, discussed it and unanimously decided to adopt it.
The constitution is published on our website.
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Support Chesterfield BMX!
Chesterfield BMX club need your help! They are seeking funding to carry out urgent repairs and improvements to the BMX track at Ringwood Park. For a successful bid they need to show public support, you can help by signing the petition below.
The club runs programmes at half-term for local children, teaching them skills and encouraging an active lifestyle. The track is also open to the public to ride on. Funding will provide a safer, more modern track capable of hosting events and allowing riders to reach their potential.
You can keep up with Chesterfield BMX club on facebook.
We have written a letter in support, but please do take two minutes to sign the petition.
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Renew Your Cycle Chesterfield Membership
Thank you for your support for Cycle Chesterfield over the past 12 months! We hope you have had a good year on and off your bike and we wish you all the best for 2024!
Annual membership of Cycle Chesterfield is due for renewal as of the first of January and we hope that you will consider continuing your support for us in 2024!
Membership Rates:
Our membership rates remain unchanged, at what we hope you will agree is a very reasonable rate. Your membership dues contribute to:
- Quarterly newsletters
- Maintenance of the Cycle Chesterfield website
- Insurance coverage for our rides through British Cycling
- Organisation and execution of the summer Cycling Festival
- Support for our regular activities promoting and encouraging cycling in our local area
Annual Rates:
- Adult: £5
- Family: £10
- Unwaged: £2.50
How to Renew: Simple and Convenient
Renewing your membership is quick and easy! We use “Member Mojo” for managing our membership administration, and you have several convenient options to renew:
- Online Renewal:
- Click here to go directly to your Member Mojo “Sign in” page.
- Once you’re signed in you can change and update any of your membership details and any “linked members”, and then renew your membership.
- When you get to the secure “checkout” page, you can pay by any of the following means:
- Any credit or debit card (no card charges)
- Apple Pay and Google Pay are supported
- Alternatively you can pay by initiating a Bank transfer/faster payment/BACS through your online banking
- Offline renewal
- For those preferring traditional methods, we still accept cheques or cash. Please email our Treasurer, Martin Farr, at treasurer@cycle.chesterfield.org for details.
Assistance at Your Fingertips
Encountering any challenges or have questions about the renewal process? We’re here to help! Drop us a line at membership@cyclechesterfield.org, and we’ll ensure a smooth renewal experience for you.
Not a member? Why not? You can join online now via a straightforward and easy process or email us at membership@cyclechesterfield.org to arrange new membership offline.
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2023 in review
Achievements
East/West Route Construction Begins: One of the pivotal moments of 2023 was the commencement of the construction of the eagerly awaited East/West cycling route, connecting Holymoorside in the East to the Royal Hospital in the West. This significant infrastructure project marks a substantial step towards creating a more cyclist-friendly environment across our community.
Inaugural Chesterfield Cycle Festival: A highlight of the year was the first-ever Chesterfield Cycle Festival. This event brought together people over a range of activities, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for cycling. The festival not only celebrated the joy of cycling but also served as a platform to highlight the variety of safe cycling routes we already have and promoted the town.
Art ride Cycle film night Trans-Pennine Loop Five pits ride Campaign Renaming: In a strategic move, Chesterfield Cycle Campaign underwent a renaming to Cycle Chesterfield, more fully reflecting the nature of our efforts. The new name embodies the spirit of our mission and resonates with both existing members and prospective supporters.
Woodall Homes Planning Enquiry: Cycling and walking interests were represented at the planning enquiry into the Woodall Homes Development site that is part of the next phase of Chesterfield Waterside. The positive outcome, with the inspector agreeing in principle that the developer should fund contributions to active travel infrastructure, is a testament to our advocacy’s impact.
Sheffield Bike Stand Installation: Continuing our efforts to enhance cycling infrastructure, we successfully installed a Sheffield Bike stand at Mastin Moor Community Gardens. This addition serves as a practical and visible symbol of our commitment to promoting cycling accessibility.
Membership Increase: We are happy to report an increase in our membership numbers over the past year. The growing support of community members demonstrates a collective commitment to promoting cycling as a viable and eco-friendly mode of transportation. With more members, our advocacy efforts gain strength and momentum.
Regular Activities
Advocacy in Planning Meetings: Our members continued to monitor planning applications in the borough, responding to any that needed better cycling outcomes. We also actively participated in meetings addressing planning issues within the Waterside Development site. Our involvement focused on plans for paths and bridges, contributing to the vision of a more cyclist-friendly environment in Chesterfield.
Led rides: The tradition of Friday night rides continued to thrive, providing cyclists with an opportunity to come together, explore our local routes, and foster camaraderie. These rides not only promote a healthy and active lifestyle but also strengthen the sense of community among our members. We also had two Cycle in Style rides and new in 2023: an extended programme of summer rides.
Summer rides Friday night ride Cycle in style Quarterly Newsletters: Our commitment to community engagement remained steadfast with the regular publication of quarterly newspapers. These publications served as a valuable source of information, keeping our members and the community at large informed about ongoing projects, events, and relevant cycling news.
Monthly Meetings: Our monthly meetings served as a cornerstone of collaboration and planning. These gatherings allowed members to discuss important issues, share ideas, and contribute to the strategic direction of our advocacy group. The consistent turnout at these meetings underscores the dedication of our members.
Hybrid Approach to Meetings: After years of online-only meetings due to the pandemic, we moved to a blend of face-to-face and online meetings in 2023. This hybrid approach means we get valuable face-time, and ensures that we can connect with our community regardless of circumstances, fostering inclusivity and accessibility.
Challenges Faced
Challenges with DCC Dialogue: Despite challenges, including DCC not reinstating the quarterly Cycle Liaison Meeting, we remained steadfast in our commitment to dialogue with local authorities. Continuous efforts are essential to ensure our community’s cycling needs are heard and addressed.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on 2023, we eagerly anticipate the future. We are looking forward to the East/West route being completed in 2024, and also the second Chesterfield Cycling Festival in the summer. We invite all community members to join us in this journey towards a more cyclist-friendly and sustainable future.
Thanks
As we bring the curtains down on the year 2023, it’s essential to extend heartfelt gratitude to those who have been the driving force behind the success of Cycle Chesterfield. Our accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our committee members, the enthusiasm of our volunteers who made the Cycle Festival a triumph, Nigel for orchestrating the delightful Cycle in Style rides, and Lisa, for her tireless efforts on the Waterside site.
A special mention goes to Chris, our outgoing chair, for his leadership, and invaluable contributions. Chris has played a pivotal role in steering our group through its journey, and we express our sincere thanks for his dedication and hard work.
A call to action – Join us
As we reflect on the year’s achievements – from the commencement of the East/West route to the successful Chesterfield Cycle Festival and beyond – we recognise that our accomplishments are not just milestones; they are the result of a collective commitment to fostering a more cyclist-friendly community.
Looking forward, we extend an open invitation to join Cycle Chesterfield. As we embark on the exciting journey into 2024, we believe that the weight of our accomplishments grows with each new member. If you have the time; your support, ideas, and passion will contribute to the continued success of our advocacy efforts, if you don’t then that’s fine – increasing our numbers, increases our weight. You can join us online or email us at membership@cyclechesterfield.org for alternative methods of joining.