Get on your bike with new ride app

A new app has launched to let people discover the fantastic cycling and walking routes across Pennine Lancashire.

The app is free to download on all Apple and Android phones and there are choices for those just learning to ride or getting back in the saddle after several years – and the more adventurous can head out along the intermediate and advanced level rides.

Featuring 25 rides, it is available for download now in time for the Easter Holidays – giving you a great opportunity to spend the Easter break cycling in the borough with the family or friends.

It is also a great way for people to keep in shape and explore the wonderful and varied scenery in Blackburn, Darwen and further afield.

The app also features a route guide for the new Weavers Wheel cycling network that is currently being developed across the borough and which should be completed by 2018.

Funding for the app has come from the Connecting East Lancashire project, new name for BwD Connect, and it was developed in partnership with local cyclists to encourage more residents and visitors to try cycling in our beautiful borough.

In partnership with British Cycling this app will be part of an ongoing promotion of cycling across the spring, summer and autumn.

The app can be found on the Apple Store by searching Blackburn Cycling Routes alternatively use the links below:

Android – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.libertyapps.bdcycling

Apple – https://itunesconnect.apple.com/WebObjects/iTunesConnect.woa/ra/ng/app/1045026036

Councillor Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said:

We are very excited to be launching this new app. Cycling and walking have many benefits, not only to improve health but also as a fantastic social and family activity.

This app lets people plan ahead and find the best routes for them, from beginners to advanced, and there are some beautiful and interesting journeys which might reveal parts of the borough and the Pennine area that you haven’t seen before.

Blackburn with Darwen Council are proud to support Connecting East Lancashire and I hope people will start spring by downloading the app, getting on their bike or pulling on their walking boots and setting off on an adventure.”

Councillor Mustafa Desai, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said:

The health benefits of walking and cycling in tackling ill-health, obesity and the rising cost of physical inactivity are invaluable and so it’s hugely exciting to see an app like this being launched. The digital agenda is a very exciting area of health care that is only going to be keep growing and can be crucial to achieving better overall health and wellbeing.”

Kev Riddehough of the Young Weavers said:

The lanes of Lancashire and Yorkshire are the finest gym I could ever wish to visit and they are open every day.  Cycling in our borough has never been as good or as easy as it currently is now thanks to sustained investment by the Council and I am delighted to have been able to help create this new app in partnership with the Council and Pennine Events to showcase some of my favourite rides along superb quiet lanes which reveal the beauty of the borough and the wider region we live in that is accessible by bike.

Split into three sections, Beginner Routes, Intermediate Routes & Advanced Routes there is something for all levels and ability. Once you’ve explored our immediate area and you’ve grown in confidence this app offers people the chance to change gear to the next level with lengthier rides from the borough out into Yorkshire.

People should download this free app and make the most of their leisure time with family and friends.”

Pennine Events Director Mark Sandamas said:

Pennine Events were delighted to be able to aid the development of the Blackburn with Darwen Cycle App.  Having helped to create the original Blackburn with Darwen cycle routes booklet a number of years ago, it has been great to be able to help the feature move on to the next level.  We look forward to seeing many users and of course making the most of the app ourselves!”