Where to ride

Keep Active

More people have been walking and cycling in and around Portsmouth  in recent years, with positive benefits for our roads and neighbourhoods, air quality and people’s health.

Guided cycle rides in Portsmouth 

There are lots of ways to enjoy cycling in Portsmouth. Whether you’re new to cycling or ride regularly, there are events and routes to help you get involved.

 You can join local rides through the online cycling community Ride Social, hosted by British Cycling. You can also set up your own ride. Visit the Let’s Ride website to find out what’s happening near you.

If you’re looking for leisure routes, check out the Visit Portsmouth website. Volunteers from Portsmouth Cycle Forum also organise guided rides around the city. 

To plan your own route, visit the Portsmouth Cycle Streets website or download the Active Travel map.

Improving cycling in the city 

We’re working to make cycling easier and safer for everyone in Portsmouth. This includes improving roads and paths so more people can enjoy the benefits of cycling. 

One of the big projects we’re part of is the Shipwright’s Way – a long-distance cycle route from Alice Holt Forest near Farnham to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. It’s about 50 miles long and will be part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.

Cycle My City campaign 

We’re teaming up with local organisations to help people feel more confident on their bikes. Whether you’re just starting out or already a confident cyclist, there’s something for you. 

 Through the Cycle My City campaign, we’ll offer: 

 Free cycle training 

Confidence-building activities 

Support for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds If you’re an experienced rider, you can become a Cycle Way-Maker. This means using your love of cycling to help others get started. 

 Want to book a free adult group ride? Email us at: travel@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Tips for new cyclists

Find a comfortable place to ride - we like to suggest looking for one of the following:

• A multi-use trail or path (there may be one in a nearby park, or across town, a quick web search for trails will get you started)
• A quiet residential street with little car traffic (look for roads that don't connect major roads, or which wind a lot and have low speed limits)
• An organised social ride or event, such as an open streets event or a social group ride

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