Posts

Campaigning

  • Active Travel News in Leighton Buzzard and Linslade + Dr Bike!
    Hello cycling fans, we’ve got several important news items for you today, so let’s get stuck in. Leighton Buzzard’s LCWIP Consultation Central Bedfordshire Council has released their new LCWIP (Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan) for the town. They’ve released a PDF document detailing their plans for the area, and want your feedback. You can […]
  • Bye bye Morrisons barriers!
    Following the town council Partnership meeting at the start of last month, I was wondering what I ought to get stuck in to next. I said I was going to see where I could get to with the barriers outside Morrisons as I did say I’d try and see if we could get them removed. […]
  • Critical Need for Traffic-Free Cycle Route to Planned New Leisure Centre to Alleviate Town’s Congestion Woes
    The proposals for a new leisure centre in Leighton Buzzard has been met with mixed reactions the town’s residents. However, the absence of a direct traffic-free cycle route has raised significant concerns about exacerbating existing congestion issues and thwarting efforts to combat climate change. Leighton BuzzCycles is hopeful that Central Bedfordshire Council will realise this […]
  • Leighton Buzzard Town Council Partnership Meeting (4th February)
    Hi everyone, time for a writeup on the Partnership meeting at the start of this month. As you may have noticed we went on as much of a media frenzy as we can muster leading up to this, as we were aware that the current format of Leighton Buzzard’s high street would be discussed. We’re […]
  • Leighton Linslade Town Council endorses Buzzcycles Cycle Strategy
    At a meeting of the full Council on the 25th April Leighton Linslade Town Council unanimously endorsed the latest version of the Leighton Linslade Cycle Strategy produced by Buzzcycles. Leighton Buzzard and Linslade and compact towns with many places being within 15 minutes walking or cycling time.  The purpose of the strategy is to provide […]
  • May Fayre Dr Bike, Local Transport Survey and May Group Rides
    Hello BuzzCylcists, I hope like me you’re managing to get out on your bike despite the unseasonably cold weather! We’ve already been on our first group ride of the year, if you’ve missed the ride report helpfully written by fellow ride leader Paul, you can find it here. News on future rides coming soon! Just […]
  • Morrisons Cycle Barriers
    I’ve always found these cycle barriers outside Morrisons to be terrible. In the past few years I’ve purchased a Larry Vs Harry Bullitt Cargo bike – many of you will have seen me with it when we’ve been running Dr Bike and other activities, such as the Climate Change meetings we had at All Saints […]
  • New Cycling Infrastructure – Lake Street and Heath Road
    Good news – Leighton Buzzard is in the midst of getting some new cycling infrastructure built! A new painted cycle lane on Lake Street close to the high street, and a shared cycle lane and pedestrian footway between between Kemsley Drive and Heath Park Road on Heath Road. We’d like to go over our thoughts […]
  • News for May: Dr Bike and Railway Station Survey
    Hello everyone, hope you’ve been enjoying the dry albeit a bit chilly bank holiday weekend. At least the rain that is forecast to start in a few hours upon writing this didn’t start on Monday instead! I managed to get in some miles with friends from LBRCC on Saturday morning on my road bike which […]
  • Stearn Land Housing Development Consultation
    Hello everyone, sorry for the short notice but there’s a new housing development that has came up and the consultation period is rather short. Part of what we do at Leighton BuzzCycles is comment on these planned developments as a means to try and get cycling infrastructure built in to new housing estates. We want […]
  • The Town Council Partnership Meeting, and our High Street
    Note: this post was edited to remove links that are no longer available Since June of 2020, Leighton Buzzard’s high street has been pedestrianised, described in the Leighton Buzzard Observer at its inception as an “experimental closure is part of an 18-month traffic order”. This was initially set up to maintain social distancing during a […]
  • Tom’s Email to CBC Councillors
    After a frustrating experience cycling on the road yesterday (second in as many weeks), I was very close to writing a snarky facebook post or tweet on my personal feed for my friends and family, vocalising my irritation*. Instead I managed to convince myself to use that energy to write an email to our Central […]
  • Update on Leighton Buzzard Railway Station Cycle Security
    Go straight to our poll: Update on Leighton Buzzard Railway Station Cycle Security Hello BuzzCycles members, we’ve got an update on the state of Leighton Buzzard’s railway station regarding cycling security. We’ve been chasing this issue since January, so far the the progress has been slow, frustratingly. We’ve been trying to get an updateout of […]

General

  • A Fresh Look for Leighton BuzzCycles New WebSite
    Welcome to our new and improved website! We’re excited to unveil our redesigned website, which is designed to improve your cycling experience in Leighton Buzzard. With a fresh, modern look and a mobile-friendly design, you can now access all the latest information about our activities, events, and campaigns right at your fingertips. What’s New? What […]
  • Dr Bike at Linslade Canal Festival 27 July 2024
    Prepare your bike for summer with a free 20-minute health check at the Linslade Canal Festival on July 27th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The BuzzCycles team will inspect your bike’s key parts to ensure a smooth and safe ride, including wheels, tyres, frame, gears, chain, pedals, cranks, and steering. Booking is recommended to secure your slot. Don’t miss out on this free opportunity to get your bike ready for summer!
  • Leighton Linslade Cycling Plan to be discussed at LLTC + Bike Buddies and Group Rides
    I’m feeling inspired – I’ve just watched this video on YouTube: Honestly I’m jealous that they have such a big cycling community like that. I’ve been getting my fix of cycling community lately by travelling to London…I’ve struggled with trying to work out how to create something similar in Leighton Buzzard and Linslade. It’s difficult! […]
  • News for May: Dr Bike and Railway Station Survey
    Hello everyone, hope you’ve been enjoying the dry albeit a bit chilly bank holiday weekend. At least the rain that is forecast to start in a few hours upon writing this didn’t start on Monday instead! I managed to get in some miles with friends from LBRCC on Saturday morning on my road bike which […]

Planning

  • Critical Need for Traffic-Free Cycle Route to Planned New Leisure Centre to Alleviate Town’s Congestion Woes
    The proposals for a new leisure centre in Leighton Buzzard has been met with mixed reactions the town’s residents. However, the absence of a direct traffic-free cycle route has raised significant concerns about exacerbating existing congestion issues and thwarting efforts to combat climate change. Leighton BuzzCycles is hopeful that Central Bedfordshire Council will realise this […]
  • Stearn Land Housing Development Consultation
    Hello everyone, sorry for the short notice but there’s a new housing development that has came up and the consultation period is rather short. Part of what we do at Leighton BuzzCycles is comment on these planned developments as a means to try and get cycling infrastructure built in to new housing estates. We want […]

Ride

  • BuzzCycles Led Group Rides 2024
    Leighton BuzzCycles is organizing group rides from May to September 2024. Wednesday rides start at 18:30 at the Market Cross, with the last on September 4th. Saturday rides vary in location and time, covering various routes suitable for different cyclists. They aim to promote cycling and welcome riders of all levels and bike types.
  • Easy Family Cycle Route at Rushmere
    New from Spring 2024 – Easy Family Cycle Route While cycling through Rushmere on a recon of Route: Greensand Country Cycleways – Heath Way discovered that Rushmere have been busy “We’ve been working hard to build a new easy cycling route for families coming to the park with the kids and their bikes and it’s now […]
  • Group Ride Tiddenfoot Waterside Park
    Wednesday 1 May 2024 BuzzCycles held its first Wednesday group ride to take advantage of the lighter evenings. The weather was changeable all day, but the evening proved to be the best part of the day for some cycling. 4 of us set off at about 6:37. Tom our ride leader took us down the […]
  • Group Ride to the Coffee Barn at Liscombe Park
    Saturday 6th April 9:30 We met at the Propellor Monument. BuzzCycles held its first group ride since the pandemic. Five of set off he Propellor Monument to grab a coffee at Liscombe Park. With everyone refreshed and the ride going so well we decided to extend the route to pass through Soulbury, Hollingdon, Stewkley, Cublington, […]
  • Route: Canal to Tiddenfoot Lake Return via Blackbridge Path
    The April Leighton Buzzard Cycle Route of The Month takes you on a 3.5 mile ride starting at the Fly Past Monument, celebrating aircraft manufacturing history. The well-surfaced, shared-use paths lead through Tiddenfoot Riverside Park, showcasing natural beauty, and onto the old Leighton Buzzard to Dunstable Railway. Take a slow, shared-use path on Grovebury Road, passing through Parsons Close Park before heading back to Leighton Buzzard. Komoot, a popular route planning app, offers detailed maps and navigation for this route. Remember to use it safely and enjoy the journey. Refuel at the cafes and bars in Leighton Buzzard town centre after the ride.
  • Route: Greensand Country Cycleways – Heath Way
    The Leighton Buzzard Cycle Route of The Month for May is a 12-mile ride using part of the Greensand Ridge. The route includes the historic market town of Leighton Buzzard, the Grand Union Canal, woodlands and lakes of Rushmere Country Park, and sand quarries around Heath and Reach. The circular route can start from various points in Leighton Buzzard and can be adjusted using the Komoot route planner. The route is mainly on-road and offers parking at Rushmere-Stockgrove entrance. Komoot is recommended for following the route. It’s a great way to explore the area on a bike, and the app is free to use.
  • Route: Linslade Woods – Bideford Green Loop
    The Leighton Buzzard Cycle Route of The Month for September starts at the Fly Past Monument and passes through quiet residential areas, a shared use cycle path near Linslade Woods, and the Rock Lane Bridleway. The route is suitable for all types of bikes, with some dirt tracks easily avoidable by diverting onto Himley Green. It finishes at the edge of Leighton Buzzard where cyclists can find refreshments.
  • Route: Parks and Canal a Family Friendly Cycle Route
    The Leighton Buzzard Cycle Route of The Month for July provides a virtually traffic-free journey suitable for all, especially families with children. Highlights include cycling along the Ouzel Valley and the Grand Union Canal, as well as exploring Tiddenfoot Waterside Park. The route finishes at Parsons Close Recreation Ground, offering a cafe and Adventure Play Area for with with energy to spare
  • Route: Town Centre – Lower Ascott via Well Lane
    The October Leighton Buzzard cycle route takes riders through picturesque countryside west of the town, including Ledburn and Lower Ascott, before returning along a cycle path by Wing Road. Highlights include views of Ascott House and a challenging climb on Well Lane, ideal for those seeking a scenic cycling adventure.
  • Route: Town Centre – Wing via Park Gate
    In June, the Leighton Buzzard Cycle Route of The Month covers a 10-mile (16km) stretch to Wing, offering picturesque views. The route takes cyclists through Wing Road, Park Gate, and Ledburn, passing close to Ascott House and Grounds. As Wing is elevated, cyclists will climb out of Leighton Buzzard to reach it. The top of Park Gate offers stunning southerly views, with the return journey passing through Leighton Road, Mentmore Road, and Parsons Close.
  • Route: Vandyke Road – Riverside Ride – Town Centre
    The August Leighton Buzzard Cycle Route of The Month starts in the town centre, passing through Hockliffe Street and Hartwell Crescent. History buffs can visit the Commonwealth War Graves on Vandyke Road before continuing through residential streets to Sandy Lane and then onto Riverside Walk. The route ends at the Fly Past Monument, close to Leighton Buzzard Town Centre. Highlights include the Commonwealth War Graves and the tranquil Ouzel Valley.

Routes

  • Route: Canal to Tiddenfoot Lake Return via Blackbridge Path
    The April Leighton Buzzard Cycle Route of The Month takes you on a 3.5 mile ride starting at the Fly Past Monument, celebrating aircraft manufacturing history. The well-surfaced, shared-use paths lead through Tiddenfoot Riverside Park, showcasing natural beauty, and onto the old Leighton Buzzard to Dunstable Railway. Take a slow, shared-use path on Grovebury Road, passing through Parsons Close Park before heading back to Leighton Buzzard. Komoot, a popular route planning app, offers detailed maps and navigation for this route. Remember to use it safely and enjoy the journey. Refuel at the cafes and bars in Leighton Buzzard town centre after the ride.
  • Route: Greensand Country Cycleways – Heath Way
    The Leighton Buzzard Cycle Route of The Month for May is a 12-mile ride using part of the Greensand Ridge. The route includes the historic market town of Leighton Buzzard, the Grand Union Canal, woodlands and lakes of Rushmere Country Park, and sand quarries around Heath and Reach. The circular route can start from various points in Leighton Buzzard and can be adjusted using the Komoot route planner. The route is mainly on-road and offers parking at Rushmere-Stockgrove entrance. Komoot is recommended for following the route. It’s a great way to explore the area on a bike, and the app is free to use.
  • Route: Linslade Woods – Bideford Green Loop
    The Leighton Buzzard Cycle Route of The Month for September starts at the Fly Past Monument and passes through quiet residential areas, a shared use cycle path near Linslade Woods, and the Rock Lane Bridleway. The route is suitable for all types of bikes, with some dirt tracks easily avoidable by diverting onto Himley Green. It finishes at the edge of Leighton Buzzard where cyclists can find refreshments.
  • Route: Parks and Canal a Family Friendly Cycle Route
    The Leighton Buzzard Cycle Route of The Month for July provides a virtually traffic-free journey suitable for all, especially families with children. Highlights include cycling along the Ouzel Valley and the Grand Union Canal, as well as exploring Tiddenfoot Waterside Park. The route finishes at Parsons Close Recreation Ground, offering a cafe and Adventure Play Area for with with energy to spare
  • Route: Town Centre – Lower Ascott via Well Lane
    The October Leighton Buzzard cycle route takes riders through picturesque countryside west of the town, including Ledburn and Lower Ascott, before returning along a cycle path by Wing Road. Highlights include views of Ascott House and a challenging climb on Well Lane, ideal for those seeking a scenic cycling adventure.
  • Route: Town Centre – Wing via Park Gate
    In June, the Leighton Buzzard Cycle Route of The Month covers a 10-mile (16km) stretch to Wing, offering picturesque views. The route takes cyclists through Wing Road, Park Gate, and Ledburn, passing close to Ascott House and Grounds. As Wing is elevated, cyclists will climb out of Leighton Buzzard to reach it. The top of Park Gate offers stunning southerly views, with the return journey passing through Leighton Road, Mentmore Road, and Parsons Close.
  • Route: Vandyke Road – Riverside Ride – Town Centre
    The August Leighton Buzzard Cycle Route of The Month starts in the town centre, passing through Hockliffe Street and Hartwell Crescent. History buffs can visit the Commonwealth War Graves on Vandyke Road before continuing through residential streets to Sandy Lane and then onto Riverside Walk. The route ends at the Fly Past Monument, close to Leighton Buzzard Town Centre. Highlights include the Commonwealth War Graves and the tranquil Ouzel Valley.