Hexham town centre closed to cars for cycling event

Tynedale's Bicycle Mayor, Dr David Dixon, has been promoting cycling and its health benefits since he took the post in 2023.

The event On Yer Bike Tynedale, which will take place on Sunday, September 22, aims to get everyone involved in bikes and cycling, regardless of age or mobility.

Bicycle Mayor Dr David Dixon with his daughter, Sequioa Dixon-Greenhill, and their dog Cookie (Image: Supplied)

Dr Dixon said: "I’m doing everything I can to help people get on their bikes and benefit from the exercise and the freedom that cycling brings, whether out in the countryside, commuting, going to the shops, or meeting friends.

"A new cycle route is on its way to bring safety to cyclists between Hexham and Corbridge, and there are plans to extend more cycle routes to towns along the valley." 

READ MORE: Former headteacher steps up as Tynedale's first Bicycle Mayor

The centre of Hexham will be closed to cars on September 22 (Image: Supplied)

He added: "Many people tell us that they aren’t confident to cycle on the roads, and often that they have a bike at home which they don’t ride as it’s hard to get bikes mended in Hexham as there’s no longer a bike shop. If you are older, or younger, or have any mobility challenges at all, it’s hard to cycle on the road amongst the traffic."

Dr Dixon said this led to creating a temporary 500m car-free bike track in the centre of Hexham.

"We have invited some ‘Dr Bike’ mechanics to mend bikes and some bike trainers to help everyone learn how to ride. We will show and promote the new Community Cargo Bike, which will be available for loan for free by businesses and individuals very soon. If you’re a small business which would like to make deliveries by cargo bike, come along and have a look.

"We will have a range of adapted bikes for those who may have thought a traditional bike was not an option for them for disability reasons, and an optimal car-free space to try them out. If you have a mobility challenge, you are most welcome to try it out with registered and qualified instructors to support you."

Scheduled and stewarded rides from Hexham to Warden, along the designated cycle route, are planned at 1pm and 2.30pm respectively. Hexham marketplace will host children’s cycling activities from 1pm.

"Watch out for the rickshaws of Cycling Without Age, and also a unicyclist. We may be lucky enough to have one or two vintage bikes come along," Dr Dixon added.

Hexham's centre will be closed to cars from 10am to 5pm, from the middle of Beaumont Street near the Queen’s Hall to the middle of Market Street near the turning into Cowgarth.

If you need to drive on September 22, go around the town centre, using Haugh Lane, Eilansgate, Priestpopple and Battle Hill.