Cycle routes launched for people to explore district

Ben CarrLeicester
Blaby District Council People stood gathered around a bike in front of a building. Three are three men and two women pictured. 

Blaby District Council
Both routes have been designed to suit different abilities and confidence levels, Blaby District Council said

Two new cycle routes have been launched to encourage residents and visitors to explore Blaby by bike.

Both routes begin at Everards Meadows with one that takes cyclists into Blaby, Leicestershire, while the other goes to Leicester city centre.

Everards Meadows was chosen as the starting point for the routes as it joins up to route six of the National Cycle Network, provides waymarked trails and offers "easy access to the wider district," Blaby District Council said.

The two routes were unveiled at an event to coincide with English Tourism Week on 18 March.

The Blaby route takes riders along Great Central Way and the Guthlaxton Trail to the end point of Bouskell Park.

The Leicester route also begins on Great Central Way taking riders through Aylestone Meadows, Bede Park, and then into the city centre where it ends in Horsefair Street.

The authority said the project was funded by a Legacy Grant from Leicestershire County Council.

The grants aim to help local organisations and community groups launch travel and transport initiatives for the benefit of residents.

Marc Greenwood, Blaby District Council director for place, said: "We are proud of the many varied attractions we have in the district and are always keen to shout about them and encourage visitors, whether that's from near or far.

"However, given the challenges of climate change and wanting to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents we are also keen to promote sustainable and active forms of travel."

Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.