Cycling - information and advice

Cycling is often the fastest, always the healthiest and, apart from walking, the most environmentally sustainable form of transport. It affords a unique combination of benefits which include improved health, fitness and well-being, as well as reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.

The council recognises that, for short trips, the use of a car or public transport is not always necessary, and that cycling offers a more beneficial alternative.

Cycling in Maidstone Today

Maidstone’s existing cycle network links the town centre to most suburban areas and community facilities, including several schools, Maidstone East train station and Mote Park. The town benefits from a National Cycle Network Route (NCR17) which provides an excellent 11 mile commuter link (approx half off-carriageway) between Maidstone and the Medway towns. In the long term, NCR17 will continue southeast to Ashford, and join with National Route 2 on the South Coast.

Maidstone also has a Regional Route (RR12) which originates in the town centre and extends along the A20 London Road into Tonbridge and Malling. A section of the route within Maidstone borough is traffic free and provides good linkages to local schools in the residential area of Allington. Furthermore, from a leisure perspective, there is a recently established route leading from the town centre to Detling village, where it connects to the Pilgrims Way Cycle Route in the North Downs. This provides an excellent cross-district cycling amenity for residents of Maidstone and beyond.

Maidstone Cycle Strategy

A long-term Cycling Strategy for Maidstone is being developed at present. This will identify potential new cycling routes in the borough and focus on improving existing routes and facilities.

The strategy will provide the basis for making bids for improvements to cycling infrastructure in Maidstone through Kent County Council’s Local Transport Plan, and through funding from new housing and commercial development. The strategy will primarily focus on Maidstone’s urban area because many short trips made by car in this area could easily be made by bike. However, where necessary, the strategy will also tackle issues and potential improvements outside the urban area.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to voice their opinion on the cycling strategy and its overarching Transport Plan as part of the Council’s Core Strategy consultation, which is scheduled to begin in September 2011.

Maidstone Cycle Forum

With support from the KCC Cycling Officer, a Cycle Forum has been re-established in Maidstone in recent months. The Forum brings together officers from the Council, representatives of organisations with an interest in cycling and interested members of the public, to co-ordinate all activities which help to establish, promote and encourage a coherent and safe cycle network.

The Forum’s mission statement is as follows:

"To create a cycle-friendly culture in Maidstone where both residents and visitors of all ages and abilities choose to cycle regularly for those shorter journeys that they do not make on foot."

Since its establishment in March 2010, the Forum has completed a number of cycle related research tasks and has provided advice and guidance to officers. This has included:

Assessment of existing cycling routes in the borough, highlighting issues with surfacing, signage and overgrowth
Assistance with the identification of potential new strategic routes in the borough
Advice and guidance on cycle routes in Mote Park regeneration project
Public Rights of Way advice on off-road routes

Meetings are on a quarterly basis in Maidstone Town Hall and are chaired by Mrs Jan Crowther. If you are interested in becoming involved in the Forum, or would like to make suggestions on a cycling related matter email mcfchair@hotmail.co.uk