The National Byway is a sign-posted cycling route round Britain on lightly-trafficked existing rural lanes; with environmental conservation, public health and education, rural regeneration and social inclusion its purpose; the heritage, natural environment and community its focus, thus motivating Britain's 35 million owners by providing a reason to ride their cycles. In creating the route, the National Byway team work from the definition that "heritage" includes all of the prehistoric, geographic, historical, rural, natural and social components that together make up our culture.

 

The project is a direct tactical response to sustainable development strategies, which are about ensuring a better quality of life for all and depend upon the integration of economic, social and environmental programmes.

 

 

When fully operational, The National Byway will inject more than £100 million a year into the rural economy from 8 million journeys annually by an expected 3 million people, as well as contributing towards the quality of public health, reducing motor vehicle usage in rural areas. Creation of regional Byway Rangers will help advance the involvement of the community in the opportunities it provides. It is currently 70% funded and completed.

 

The National Byway meanders through Britain's natural environment, visiting 150 market towns, hundreds of rural communities and more than 1,000 places of interest along the way, including 8 World Heritage Sites. As well as the main route, a series of 50 Loop rides have been developed. These start and finish in the same place - usually a small market town on the main route, and are designed to encourage single-day and weekend or short-break usage. The National Byway route is not flat, it reflects the topography of the areas through which it passes. It is reasonable however, to assume that the majority of the Byway is suitable for any cyclist from the age of 12 years.

 

The Byway route is sign-posted using discreet DfT-approved signs and sign proposals are submitted to local for approval authorities before erection. Signs are only located at point where a cyclist needs to take a directional decision. Where the route is shared with Sustrans, approved joint signage is used. Existing sign posts are used wherever possible.

 

By summer 2007, 2,500 miles of route were operational with signposts in place and informative route maps available, not only showing the way but providing detail of the heritage and countryside through which the Byway passes. The remaining 2,000 miles are in development. Route maps can be purchased off this site and are available from most TICs in relevant areas. Each map indicates the route on O.S. topography on one side, the other side carries information on the natural environment and details of places of interest along the way as well as general information, advice and tourist information contact phone numbers.