Toolkit aims to help Hambleton businesses be cycle friendly

A new toolkit aimed at businesses that are looking to become more cycle friendly has been launched in Hambleton and across the North York Moors.

The District Council has worked with the North York Moors National Park Authority to create a resource pack for local businesses to help them tap into the ever increasing cycling market.

As part of this Hambleton businesses can join the North York Moors ‘cycling friendly’ scheme and be included on an interactive map that helps cyclists plan their trips.

Earlier this year the council used money from its ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) ‘Welcome Back Fund’ to deliver a series of free workshops to encourage local businesses to capitalise on cycle tourism.

This money was set aside to help market towns bounce back from the covid 19 pandemic.

To ensure that there was a lasting benefit to this piece of work and to give more businesses the opportunity to investigate and potentially become more cycle friendly the workshop has now been turned into a toolkit.   It covers:

  • the character and value of the cycle market
  • the needs and expectations of cyclists
  • cycle tourism related opportunities
  • business development and promotion to the cycling market

Many businesses have been considering how to become more cycle friendly and this toolkit explores the reasons why, the expectations of cyclists, the opportunities, and helps with the practical changes to be made,” said Hambleton District Council leader, Councillor Mark Robson.

“The cycle market is expanding all the time – the popularity of this as a sport and as a hobby has increased enormously in recent years and it is vital that businesses embrace this and make provision for people visiting them by bike.”

Steve Hewitt, owner of The Joiners Shop coffee shop in Ingleby Cross, is using the new toolkit to boost his business.#

“As a rural business based on the Coast to Coast walking route, we are always looking at how we can increase our reach,” he said.

“Over our first five years we have many cycling customers, many of who have become regular visitors, however it is always useful to step back and look at what we can do better.

This latest tool from Hambleton and the National Park has become an invaluable help with this process.    Over the coming months we shall be looking into how we can improve the experience for our cycling customers!”

Tom Hind, chief executive of the North York Moors National Park Authority, added: “The landscapes of the Hambleton district and the National Park have so much to offer cyclists and after the Tour of Britain raced through the region in September we hope more people than ever will feel inspired to explore the region on two wheels.

“This interest creates and opportunity for businesses to attract new customers and in some cases, all that is needed is an understanding of what cyclists are looking for during their travels.

“We have made a commitment in the national park’s new management plan to promote the region as a premier recreational and family cycling destination in the North of England and we are delighted to be working with the district council to make that happen.”

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