Getting the wheels in motion for a new Cornish cycle hub

Over 60 miles of the main cycle routes in Cornwall are being mapped out and recorded to help inform plans for a new cycling hub in the heart of Cornwall.

As part of the development of Heartlands in Pool two members of the team are in the process of extensively mapping the cycle networks across the county to determine how they could eventually link to the site.

Routes including Mineral Tramways trails and the National Cycle Network will be documented by Heartlands team members Hugo Bugg and Maren Hallenga. Details including the length, altitude and accessibility of the existing cycle trails routes are being recorded to see how they can be improved, link up successfully with Heartlands and how new routes can be developed to improved and increase access to the area.

The £29.5 million Heartlands in Pool is planned to transform Cornwall’s most derelict urban area into a truly inspirational cultural landscape. Heartlands became a reality in 2007 after receiving a £22.3 million grant from the Big Lottery Fund’s Living Landmarks programme, the only project in England to be awarded this funding. Additional funding has been provided by the Homes and Communities Agency, the national housing and regeneration agency for England and Cornwall Council.

Hugo Bugg, one of the cycle project researchers, said: “This has been a really exciting project to
be involved with and we hope our findings will put Heartlands firmly on the map for what is has to offer cyclists.

“Once complete we will have spent more than six months researching the cycle routes and reviewing how Heartlands can link to the established cycle paths, including the Sustrans Network. It is our ambition that Heartlands becomes a hub for all cycling activity in Cornwall.

“The findings of our research will go live once we’ve finished mapping out and reviewing the existing routes during the coming months, people will be able to review our research online on the Heartlands website.”

Scott James, Heartlands Programme Director, said: “We have the opportunity with Heartlands to inspire people to get out on their bikes and promote cycling as an environmentally friendly form of transport for social, recreational, work and tourism purposes.

“Heartlands can become a hub for Cornwall’s cyclists, to establish a Cornish cycling community and offer opportunities to learn about the benefits of cycling, alongside the local history and geography.

“The cycle hire and storage facilities will be positioned close to the centre of Pool Village to ensure that the local community has access to these facilities, as well as making them easily accessible to visitors to the area.”