Cycling
Easy rider
Discover the road less travelled. Jersey is one Europes best kept secrets for cyclists - stunningly beautiful, safe and the landscapes constantly changing from beach, to valley, to woodland. Even better, the island boasts a 96-mile sign-posted network of winding tranquil 'Green Lanes, for you to explore.
Cycle hire
Aardvark / Zebra Cycles
9 The Esplanade and 10 Commercial Street, St Helier
Tel: 01534 736556
Harringtons
Route des Genets, St Brelade
Tel: 01534 741363
Jersey Cycletours
Old German Tunnels, St Aubin
Tel: 01534 482898
Cycle Routes
- Route 1 Round Island Coastal Circuit - 40 miles / 64 km
- Route 1b Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust to St Martin - 2 miles / 3.5 km
- Route 2 Waterworks Valley - 2 miles / 3.5 km
- Route 3 East to West - 14.5 miles / 23 km
- Route 4 St Aubins Bay to St Johns Village - 5 miles / 8 km
- Route 5 Vallée des Vaux to Liberation Square - 2.8 miles / 54.5 km
- Route 6 St Ouens Bay to St Aubins Bay via St Peter - 4 miles / 6.5 km
- Route 6a St Peters Village to The Living Legend - 2 miles / 3.5 km
- Route 7 Victoria Village to St Helier - 2 miles / 3.5 km
- Route 8 La Houge Bie to La Rocque - 3.5 miles / 5.5 km
- Route 9 Liberation Square to the Tennis Club in Grands Vaux - 1.24 miles / 2 km
Town Cycle Network
A newly developed Town Cycle Network now links into the existing 96 mile way marked routes. A series of radial routes using Liberation Square as the starting point or 'hub' have been installed. The routes are suitable for novice riders who may not be confident in traffic and who require a safe and clearly visible route to the edge of town.
Green Lanes
The charm and historical interest of many of the Islands minor roads is derived from their ancient origin. We know from early records that all roads above four feet in width were under Royal supervision and that Jersey had adopted the Norman custom of classifying roads by width so that we find them variously called via regia, cheminium regis, semita regis, in other words ranging from the Kings Highway to the path or sentier. There were also certain 'rights of way, sometimes across fields such as the Chemin du Moulin and the Chemin des Morts (used for carrying a coffin from a house to a church).
To protect these quiet country lanes, Jersey has introduced a network of over 45 miles of 'Green Lanes. These quiet country lanes have a speed limit of 15 mph and give priority to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. 'Green Lanes exist in all but two of Jerseys twelve parishes and can be identified by a distinctive 'Green Lane road sign.
CYCLE SAFETY
- Check your bike before cycling. Are the brakes in working order? is the saddle the correct height? Is a bell fitted and working? If you are going to cycle at nights, are the lights working? Is there a bicycle lock?
As a cyclist you are using a vehicle, like any other rider or driver. You must obey the Road Traffic Law at all times. Concentrate, try to anticipate what is going to happen ahead of you and think safety. Do not take risks.
- Do not jump red lights.
- Stop at yellow lines.
- Do not ride on pavements.
- Do not ride bicycles off road or on any of the cliff paths.
- Do not disobey 'One way, 'Keep left, 'No entry and other road signs.
- Children must wear a helmet and adults are advised to wear one.
- Remember, you need lights to ride at night - it is the law.
- When approaching a pedestrian, use your bell to warn of your approach - particularly if the pedestrian is elderly and may not hear you coming.
- Keep to speed limits, particularly on cycle tracks which are used by walkers.
- Ensure that you and your child can be seen by other road users, particularly at night.
- Do not cycle on the beach, particularly if you have hired a bike. The sea and sand can damage your bicycle and you will lose your deposit if you do not comply.
- Always lock your bike (or lose it!)
- Where possible use cycle parking.
- If you have a mechanical problem, pull clear of the traffic before attending to it.
- When overtaking another cyclist always ring your bell, check behind you and signal.
- Always signal your intentions well in advance of turning, overtaking, slowing down or stopping.
PTGH wish to thank Jersey Tourism for their help in providing the above information.
15/11/07
