Take the Green Route! Nature Rides

Join our weekly Nature Rides this Autumn! We'll explore the riverside, meadows, parks and woods in the south of York.

Spend an enjoyable hour with us on a leisurely ride, relaxing in vibrant autumn landscapes and feeling the fresh air on your skin. We'll enjoy the colours of trees, berries, the weird and wonderful shapes of fungi, and pause to listen to birdsong. We hope you'll join us regularly and notice how the natural world changes through this beautiful season.

You'll get some gentle exercise, feel happier and healthier, get some gentle exercise, meet friendly people, discover new routes and improve your cycling confidence and skills.

Hope you can join us!

Practicalities

Meet at 12:30pm in the area in the middle of Millennium Bridge. We'll be there from 12:15pm. Look for the friendly people in purple York Bike Belles tops!

Please allow 1 hour for the Ride. It will take place at a steady pace, with pauses to enjoy the nature around us. Group numbers are limited to 8 people. Children accompanied by an adult are welcome, please note you do not need to book a space for a child in a trailer or child seat.

For a Ride, please bring a roadworthy bike and helmet. We can lend you a range of bikes for the Ride, with at least one week’s notice. Please note that it is a condition of our insurance that all riders on led rides wear a helmet. Do let us know in advance if you would like us to lend you a helmet.

Everyone is welcome on a Ride! If you have difficulties pedalling ‘standard’ bikes, you can borrow adapted bikes such as trikes, side-by-side companion and handcycle bikes. If you have reduced mobility, you can book a dedicated Cycling Without Age Ride on a comfortable passenger bike. If you don’t feel confident cycling for 30 minutes or so, we can also offer Start Cycling Support with pre-ride advice, bike hire and a confidence-building buddy session.

Pre-booking for bike hire or Start Cycling support is essential. Please email [email protected] or call us on 07493 692490 at least a week in advance of the Ride.

Please check the weather forecast beforehand and wear suitable clothing. Bring any personal Medic*tion. There are toilets at Cycle Heaven and Rowntree Park. Please do not attend if you are unwell.

Please travel to the activity by cycling or public transport if you can. All start points are easily accessible by bike or bus. Check out York's Cycle Routes and Bus Information.

Take the Green Route!

Take the Green Route! is a new and exciting project for people and nature in York.

Check out the rest of our Autumn Nature Programme of Nature Walks, Rides, Workshops and Socials. You’ll feel happier and more relaxed, enjoy some gentle exercise, have fun learning in small, friendly groups, and help create wilder spaces to restore our natural world.

Take the Green Route! is made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, this two-year project will support a wide range of local people to enjoy nature-friendly walking, wheeling and cycling lifestyles across York.

Finally, can you help our work continue? Our activities are offered free to York residents. We rely on donations and grants to fund our work towards a healthy, green and kind York. Donate here.

Host or Publisher York Bike Belles