Discover 4 Beautiful Accessible Cycling Routes in York for Every Ability
York is one of the best cities in the UK for accessible and inclusive cycling. With traffic-free paths, riverside routes, nature reserves, and family-friendly trails, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy cycling at your own pace.
At Get Cycling CIC, we help people of all ages and abilities discover the freedom of cycling through our range of disability bikes, adult tricycle bikes, recumbent cycles, tandems, and adapted cycles.
Whether you are looking for a gentle ride, a family adventure, or a route suitable for a specialist bike, these accessible cycling routes around York are some of our favourites
Cycle the Solar System route
One of York’s most popular traffic-free cycling routes, the Solar System Route follows a former railway line between York and Riccall.
Along the route, you’ll find a scale model of the solar system with each planet positioned at the correct relative distance. It is a fun and educational ride that appeals to both children and adults.
Why it works well for inclusive cycling:
- Mostly traffic-free
- Smooth tarmac surface
- Suitable for recumbents and tricycles
- Gentle gradients
- Plenty of places to stop and rest
This route is ideal for families, first-time riders, and anyone hiring a specialist bike.
All routes and information here
2. Rawcliffe Meadows and Clifton Ings
If you enjoy wildlife and open spaces, Rawcliffe Meadows offers a peaceful cycling experience close to the city.
Traffic-free paths wind through floodplain meadows where you can enjoy nature, spot birds, and explore at your own pace. The route can easily be adapted to suit different distances and abilities.
Highlights include:
- Accessible paths
- Family-friendly routes
- Open countryside views
- Picnic areas and facilities nearby
This is a great choice for disability tricycles, adapted bikes, and inclusive family rides.
Beginning at Rawcliffe Park & Ride, this ride takes you through beautiful floodplain meadows teeming with wildlife. The traffic-free paths are ideal for children, and the looped trails mean you can tailor the ride to your family’s abilities. Look out for birds, wildflowers, and the occasional Highland cow grazing in the meadows. There’s even a fantastic playground near the starting point for a post-ride break.
Askham Bog
Askham Bog is an idyllic nature reserve tucked away in the southwest of the city. Championed by Sir David Attenborough himself, it’s well-loved and visited by locals seeking a bit of peace and greenery.
Combining cycling with nature, Askham Bog provides a shorter route that is suitable for riders looking for a relaxed outing.
The accessible cycle route leading to the reserve makes it easy to reach, while the boardwalks and wildlife areas offer plenty to explore once you arrive.
Many visitors enjoy:
- Quiet surroundings
- Wildlife watching
- Flat and accessible paths
- Short, manageable distances
It is particularly popular with families and riders looking for a gentle introduction to cycling
Knavesmire Woods
If you’re looking for a woodland ride with plenty of space for little ones to roam, Knavesmire Woods is a wonderful option.
One of the closest woods to Get Cycling, Knavesmire Wood is a great place to let the little ones explore the forest and let off some steam.
For a simple, accessible ride close to the city centre, the paths around Knavesmire offer wide open spaces and easy cycling.
The largely flat terrain makes it suitable for a wide variety of specialist cycles, including recumbent trikes and adult tricycle bikes.
Benefits include:
- Easy navigation
- Traffic-free sections
- Accessible surfaces
- Plenty of room for larger adapted cycles
It is an excellent route for building confidence and enjoying a leisurely ride.
Cycle route from Get Cycling
Inclusive Cycle Hire in York
Not everybody can ride a conventional bicycle, which is why we offer a fleet of specialist cycles designed to help more people enjoy cycling. Book now
Our hire fleet includes:
- Adult tricycle bikes
- Disability tricycles
- Recumbent cycles
- Wheelchair accessible cycles
- Tandems and side-by-side cycles
- Adapted bikes for children and adults
Trying the right cycle can make all the difference to comfort, confidence, and independence. Inclusive cycle hire allows families and disabled riders to explore York together in a way that works for them.
Start Your Accessible Cycling Adventure
York’s network of accessible routes makes it an excellent destination for inclusive cycling. Whether you are an experienced rider or trying a specialist bike for the first time, there are routes suitable for a wide range of abilities and interests.
With the right cycle and the right route, more people can experience the freedom, enjoyment, and wellbeing that cycling brings.