Get on your bike for Bike Week 2025!

This year Bike Week runs from 9 to 15 June and it's the perfect opportunity to saddle up and enjoy the many positives of travelling on two wheels.

Organised by Cycling UK, Bike Week showcases the different ways that cycling benefits us all; whether it's to commute to work, to improve your physical or mental health or just to enjoy some fun with the family.

It's also better for the environment. Swapping one journey a week from car to bike reduces the average person's carbon emissions from travelling by 67%. [1]

Those with their own bikes have a wide range of cycle routes to choose from in and around Guildford. There's opportunities to explore stunning greenways and take in unique vistas without having to worry about traffic.

Information about cycle networks in Guildford can be found on Surrey County Council's website, but here's some good routes to try:

• Downs Link

The Downs Link is a traffic-free trail which takes you from the North Downs Way near Guildford to the seaside at Shoreham-by-Sea. It mostly follows the line of a disused railway and as a result, makes for easy and safe cycling.

The whole length is about 37 miles, but it can be cycled in sections and is particularly well suited to families. There's a two-mile link from Guildford town centre to join the trail near Peasmarsh, following National Cycle Routes 22 and 223.

• River Wey Navigation

The River Wey Navigation links Guildford with the Thames Path on a route which is largely traffic-free. Most of the route is on the towpath alongside the River Wey so there's some stunning views to enjoy. You'll pass Sutton Park, Pyrford and Byfleet before finishing in Weybridge where you can pick up the Thames Path.

Those without their own bicycles needn't miss out either. Beryl Bikes are now available in Guildford, thanks to a joint project between us, Surrey County Council and the University of Surrey.

Using a Beryl bike is convenient, quick, and cost-effective. Download the app from the Beryl website to get started and find where the bikes are located around Guildford. Bikes can be booked using the app and they all come with bells, brakes and lights for safe riding.

To coincide with Bike Week 2025, Beryl is running a 'Saddle up and Save' campaign to encourage more people to choose active travel:

• 15% off 100-minute bundles
• Code: BIKEWEEK15 (redeemable via the promo tab in the Beryl app)
• One use per person and valid only from Monday 9 June to Sunday 15 June 2025.

Beryl e-bikes can only be used within Guildford town boundaries and won't be operational beyond the geo-fenced area of Guildford town. This area is outlined in the Beryl app.

Lead Councillor for Environment and Climate Change, Cllr George Potter said:

"Tackling the climate emergency is one of our key priorities as a council. We completely support the aims of Bike Week and the benefits that cycling brings not just to our health and wellbeing, but to the environment too.

"Our borough's cycle routes and greenways provide the ideal setting for riding a bike in places where people can get away from traffic and enjoy our natural landscapes.

"We have invested in our cycling network across Guildford, including our partnership with Beryl Bikes, to give people greener alternatives to travelling by car. Bike Week 2025 is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of this improved network and do your bit in the fight against climate change and air pollution."

More information about Bike Week 2025 can be found on the Cycling UK website.

[1] How Riding A Bike Benefits the Environment | Transportation

Published date: 6 June 2025