Plans are under way to make Northumberland the 'premier cycling holiday destination in England.'
Local businesses with an interest in cycling, as well as major landowners in the country such as the Forestry Commission and Northumberland National Park, were brought together to discuss how the tourism industry in Northumberland can capitalise on the huge increase of cycling tourism.
Aims included discussing how interested parties can work together to create a seamless cycle friendly visitor experience and how best to market it.
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One of the first developments is the Northumberland Cycling Charter, where businesses will be able to demonstrate they have all the requirements of a 'Cycling Friendly' establishment, to give visitors confidence in bringing their bikes along on a trip.
Ruth Tweedie, tourism development officer for Visit Northumberland said: "We know that many of our visitors enjoy cycling as part, or all, of their holiday so it is vital that we coordinate our offer to ensure that they can have the best experience possible.
"This is the start of making Northumberland a premier cycling holiday destination in England."
Sustrans, the walking, wheeling and cycling charity and custodian of the National Cycle Network, estimates that leisure and tourism cycling contributes £650m a year to the economy and supports over 15,000 jobs, with 1.23m overnight cycle trips per year in the UK.
According to the EuroVelo study, the average spend on one of these trips is £360 or £46.75 per day. In addition, the National Travel Survey showed an increase in participation in cycling of 26% during the Covid pandemic.
The county is already home to some fine cycle trails, including the Coasts and Castles Cycle Route, which is part of the North Sea Cycle Route, the world's longest international cycle route which passes through seven countries along the North Sea. There's also Hadrian's Cycleway (Route 72), which connects many of the attractions along Hadrian's Wall.
In the last year, some famous faces have enjoyed cycling in Northumberland too, including Star Wars and Indiana Jones actor Harrison Ford and comedian David O'Doherty.
