Can I cycle along a Slowways route?
The routes as I understand it are great for walkers. But cyclists should not use footpaths (as landowners prohibit it), but only roads, bridleways, etc. Whilst some stiles and gates can be navigated with a bike, others are too difficult e.g. you would need to carry a bike over your head! How can I find a Slowways route which can be biked?
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This forum has largely been replaced by Discord, which explains the lack of activity in the last year.
As an experienced SlowWays walker/reviewer, I can give you a partial answer - SlowWays is primarily a site for walkers, and where possible wheelchairs, buggies etc. A few reviewers may comment on the suitability of routes for cyclists, but fundamentally the requirements of walkers and cyclists are very different, for example walkers may be able to use the verge of a busy road that would be dangerous to cycle on. And yes, a lot of rural routes involve paths where cycles are not encouraged and may face obstacles, especially constrained stiles.
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Yes, SlowWays is presented as primarily for walkers, but wheeling is also mentioned. I assume that this term includes not just wheelchairs and kid's buggies but also bikes. Some kissing gates, styles and ditch crossings for example are just as obstructive to all forms of wheeling. However with the routes I have looked at I find that it is unclear whether a route is wheeling friendly or not. It should be possible to mark routes better in this regard (and maybe describe how to bypass obstructions). On some old railway lines and canal towpaths which I walk there are almost as many cyclists as walkers. My county council tries to ensure all new walking routes are if possible wheeling as well as horse rider friendly.
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