Bicycles are an efficient, healthy, quiet, sustainable and non-polluting means of transport. If more people travelled by bike, we would observe benefits in noise, air pollution and visual amenity through reduced congestion leading lead to a better environment. Reduced CO2 emissions would also be achieved helping to tackle Climate change.
Due to its speed and ability to carry loads easily (through panniers) bicycles are the ideal replacement to cars for the short (up two miles) journey. These currently account for 50% of all trips taken. A journey of 1.5 miles only takes ten minutes by bicycle (cycling at 8mph).
In addition, there is a range of health benefits to cycling. For example cycling reduces the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and the most common form of diabetes.
St Albans City and District Cycling Map - Available now
A district wide cycle map is now available to help both new and experienced cyclists to plan their routes across the whole St Albans District. The map shows a variety of routes such as on-road cycle lanes, shared pavement routes, off-road routes and routes suggested by local cyclists.
The map is free from local libraries, local cycle shops, the Tourist Information Centre and at the Council offices on St Peters Street, St Albans. If you would like to be sent a paper copy of the map please contact cycling@stalbans.gov.uk or telephone 01727 819359.
You can download the map and print specific sections by clicking the link below. The map is A1 in size but by using the move and zoom functions in your Adobe Acrobat Reader you can view different areas of the map at larger scales.
When attempting to print the area of the map you have selected, do ensure that you select 'Print Current View', 'Fit to Printable Area' and 'Colour' in your print settings.
Specific Cycling Routes
As well as the district-wide cycle map, leaflets are also available of local off-road cycling routes. At the end of each description, you can click on the links to find out more on each route and to download a PDF of that specific route. If you would like a paper copy of the leaflets, please telephone 01727 866100 and ask for extension 2359.
To report a fault on the Alban Way or Nickey Line please telephone 01727 819366 or email groundsmaintenance@stalbans.gov.uk
The Alban Way
The Alban Way is a trail of approximately 6.5 miles for cyclists and walkers along the former railway line between St Albans and Hatfield. It is an important link in the local sustainable transport network and forms part of Route 61 of the National Cycle Network.
It can be joined at a number of access points, including Highfield Park (Fleetville, St Albans), Ellenbrook Lane (Hatfield) along its length. Limited car parking at access points is available at the former London Road station in St Albans, the site of the Smallford station in Smallford Lane, and at the eastern end (where it meets the A1057 just off the Great North Road north of Hatfield Station).
The Alban Way does not just serve as a transport route for people, but also as a green corridor for plants and animals. Many bird, insect and mammal species can be found. If you look carefully you may be able to see the former railway platforms in the undergrowth.
Along the way there are several artworks which have been commissioned as part of St Albans District Council's public art strategy.
The project is supported by the Millennium Commission, National Cycle Network, Countryside Commission, St Albans City and District Council, Welwyn Hatfield Council, Herts County Council (Environment), Countryside Management Service, Groundwork Hertfordshire, Watling Chase Community Forest, RMC (St Albans Sand and Gravel Co. Ltd.) and the University of Hertfordshire.
The Nickey Line
Approximately 8.5 miles long the Nickey Line footpath and cycle way is a former railway line that links Harpenden, Redbourn and Hemel Hempstead. The route forms part of route 57 of the National Cycle Network.
The Nickey Line can be joined at a number of access points along its length. Some access points are via steps, due to embankments of the original railway line. Level access points exist at Adeyfield Road, Eastman Way and Redbourn Road in Hemel Hempstead; at Gaddesden Lane, Chequers Lane, High Street and Redbourn Lane in Redbourn and at Townsend Lane, Park Hill, Moreton End Lane in Harpenden.
The route passes through Yew Tree Wood, open countryside, past Hornbeam and Hazel coppice and through land used for agricultural crop research. The wood and grassland habitats are home to a wide diversity of animals, including butterflies, shrews, foxes and birds.
The Ayot Greenway
The Ayot Greenway is approximately 2.5 miles long and is open to cyclists, walkers and horse riders. The route is between Welwyn Garden City and Wheathampstead. It follows sections of the formal railway line that linked Welwyn Garden City and Luton.
Sections of the route form part of National Cycle Route 12. This is where the route passes between Welwyn Garden City, through Sherrardspark Wood and into Ayot Green. At Ayot Green the National Cycle Network then continues north to Ayot St Peter and beyond.
The route begins in Welwyn Garden City at Campus West, although the best access point from the town is at Bridge Road. Parking is available at Campus West.
The route passes through Sherrardspark Wood to Ayot Green. Two pubs and additional parking is available.
From Ayot Green the route travels through open countryside past Hunters Bridge, Sparrowhall Farm and Robinson's Wood to Black Bridge (a restored tip). This takes you to Sheepcote Lane in Wheathampstead. Parking and eating establishments are available in Wheathampstead.
For Rights of Way, use the Ordnance Survey EXPLORER map, sheet 182 St Albans and Hatfield.
Date of last review: 28 July 2010