On your cycle path Exmouth!

IT'S NATIONAL bike week (18-26 June) and Pedal Power month in Devon, so what better time to try out one of Exmouth's local cycle paths?

The Exe Estuary Trail

The construction of part of the Exe Estuary Trail – which when it's finished will run along both sides of the estuary from Exmouth to Dawlish Warren – has given a huge boost to local cycling. The Exmouth to Exton section is now open and is already proving extremely popular. The next section – up to Darts Farm – has been completed and is awaiting its official opening. Not only has the cycle path made commuting by bike to Exeter easier, but it also provides superb views for leisure cyclists. And it's the perfect route to get a close-up view of the Estuary's rich variety of birdlife. The trail will eventually form part of the National Cycle Network Route 2, running coast-to-coast from Dover in Kent to St Austell in Cornwall.

Cycle to Budleigh Salterton

Another favourite route – which will also become part of NCN Route 2 – follows the disused railway line from Exmouth station to Budleigh Salterton via Phear Park. It's a wonderful scenic ride with many points of interest. And of course there are numerous cycle routes within the town, including along the seafront.

Woodbury Common

All of these are relatively easy rides, but if you like something more challenging, check out the mountain bike trails on Woodbury Common! You can download a map of all Exmouth's cycle routes from the Devon County Council website. As thenewt says (in his Exmouth People review of Knobblies cycle shop): 'Cycling is a great way to see Exmouth, especially in the summer months.'

Cycle and save money!

With the rising cost of fuel and concerns about health and the environment, more people are choosing to leave the car at home and cycle to work. But did you know that if you're employed, you could buy a new bike and accessories for cycle commuting, net of income tax? This represents a saving of over £400 on £1,000 worth of kit, or nearly £500 if you're a higher-rate tax payer! To take advantage of this incentive your employer needs to be registered with the Government-endorsed scheme. To find out more, go to Cycle to Work.

Planning your journey

If you do decide to commute by bike, it's best to plan your journey in advance to make sure you choose the quickest, quietest and flattest route. You can plan a route in Exmouth at Exmouth CycleStreets. It's also possible to combine cycling with rail travel: all First Great Western services from Exmouth carry bikes free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. If you prefer to leave your bike at the station, there are cycle racks at Exmouth where you can secure it before taking the train.

Refresher courses

If you're new to cycling or haven't ridden for some time, you may want to take some lessons or a refresher course. Devon County Council offers free Bikeability Level 2 training for all children in the county aged over 10 via primary schools: for more details visit: www.eastdevonsport.com. There are also adult training days at venues around the county. The Cycle Devon website offers information about training events and on all cycle-related topics, including choosing a bike. They also offer some safety tips for cyclists:

• A good-quality helmet is essential – it could save your life! When you buy a helmet, check that it is no older than three years (you can find the date of manufacture on a sticker inside) and that it is marked with the number EN1078 or BS6863.
• Be safe – be seen! Choose light coloured cycling clothes to make yourself visible – during the winter months high visibility or reflective clothing is paramount. Invest in a good set of lights so that you are seen on the road.
• Give your bicycle a regular safety check. Cleaning and oiling the chain, as well as pumping up tyres every two weeks or so keeps your bike in tip-top condition!

For more useful tips on cycle safety, go to Fit2Ride.

Shop around

For more advice and equipment, check out the two main shops within the town centre – Knobblies and Exmouth Cycles – not forgetting Halfords on the outskirts of town. And there are several local clubs you can join – including CS Dynamo, Cyclists' Touring Club and green activists Xcyle.

So for fitness, to save the environment and to save money, get on yer bike!