West Lothian offers some great places to cycle. From our country parks and quieter rural roads to our off-road paths within and between settlements - there is something for everyone.
Browse West Lothian Council's page of suggested cycling routes to see what's available within your community. If you're new to cycling, or it's simply been a while, try a flat, linear cycle along the A89 off-road path to gain some cycling confidence. This path follows the A89 and runs all the way from Bathgate to Newbridge (and beyond to Edinburgh), linking to Livingston, Broxburn and Uphall on the way.
For a leisure route which includes a stop for coffee and cake, try the National Cycle Network (NCN) route 754, otherwise known as the Union Canal towpath. It runs all the way from Edinburgh through Broxburn, Winchburgh and Linlithgow, ending at the Falkirk Wheel. Start at Linlithgow and cycle west over the Avon Aqueduct for a short, half-hour ride.
Follow the Airdrie-Bathgate railway line along the NCN 75 which is mostly off-road - you can join it within West Lothian at Blackridge, Armadale, Bathgate, Livingston, East Calder and Kirknewton. All NCN routes are well-signed.
Try a short 2 mile trip on the Livingston off-road walking and cycling network – start at Murieston and head north on the Newfarm Path, Burnside Path, Loan Path and finally Howden Park Path to end at the fantastic Howden Park Centre. Find a map and step-by-step directions at West Lothian Cycle Streets website.
For more information on where to ride your bike, including links to maps and route planners, visit the West Lothian Council website.
West Lothian Bike Library is a not for profit, community interest company. Passionate about inclusiveness, they help people to get active and connected through cycling and associated activity. Tackle inequalities in health by making cycling an activity for all, regardless of background, income or ability. Their projects and activities aim to improve health and increase independence, confidence, employability and skills. Where cost is a barrier to cycling, they donate and/or loan free of charge recycled bikes to those in need. Offer low cost repairs/service and sales of recycled bikes meaning more people can own a bike and keep it on the road cheaply, whilst raising funds to enable donation services to those who need them.
There is an extensive range of bikes, eBikes and adaptive bikes and trikes available to individuals and groups.
First Step bikes do fantastic work supporting those struggling with addiction and or mental health illness by developing new skills and creating a support network for them. They provide Dr Bike maintenance and have trained led riders. You can read more about their involvement and work here, or check out their Facebook page.
West Lothian Cycle Circuit aims to provide people of all ages and abilities more opportunities to cycle. A joined-up community approach to promote cycling for fun, health, sport and travel. Check out more about their aims and plans here!
There are a number of social, recreation and sport focussed cycle groups in West Lothian. You can search using our groups and clubs feature. The following links will also take you to some of the key clubs and groups in West Lothian:
The Bathgate Alps offer cycling for the more serious cyclist 28 mile Bathgate cycle. Or explore Livingston's amazing off-road cycling network with this circular 7 mile route.