Cycling is a great way to stay healthy and it's good for the environment too. The borough of Rochdale enjoys many scenic cycle routes for both commuting and leisure.
Where you can cycle in the borough
We support cycling by providing cycle lanes across the borough of Rochdale.
- Download cycling maps from Transport for Greater Manchester - they include cycle lanes across Greater Manchester.
- Watch the Ride More Rochdale video on Vimeo (00:02:19) - see some of the great places you can ride your bike across the borough.
Cycle clubs and training courses
There are local cycling clubs and courses you can join to learn how to ride and maintain your bike.
- Cycling and bike maintenance courses from Transport for Greater Manchester
- Rochdale Cyclists Touring Club and The East Lancashire Road Club
- Join Your Trust's inclusive cycling programme
Borrow a bike for free
You can borrow a bike for free from the bike library in Kirkholt, Rochdale. The bike library is at 45 Mornington Road, Kirkholt, Rochdale OL11 2DJ.
You can find out more about the bike library, as well as other cycling groups and facilities in Greater Manchester, on the It's Your Move website.
Mountain biking
You can try mountain biking at Hollingworth Lake Activity Centre.
They run several sessions throughout the year for both adults and children.
Off-road biking
Are you thinking of buying a quad bike, mini motorbike or go-ped for your child to ride off-road?
Don't - there is nowhere legal to ride them within the borough of Rochdale.
- It's illegal to ride off-road vehicles such as quads, scramblers, mini-motos and go-peds on any public space in the borough of Rochdale. This includes parks, pavements, waste grounds or parkways.
- If your child rides an off-road bike, they'll be breaking the law. There's also a risk of a hefty fine, a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), a Community Protection Notice (CPN) or a breach of tenancy.
- Bikes need to be specially built to ride on the road. The rider needs to be over 16 and have registration documents, MOT, road tax, insurance, a license and an approved crash helmet - just like a real motorbike.
- Riders risk serious injury, even death, to themselves and pedestrians.
Report an off-road biker
You can report an off-road biker to:
- The police - ring 101
- Crimestoppers - anonymously ring 0800 555 111
It would be good if you knew the name and address of the rider, what clothing they were wearing, and the type of off-road bike they were riding, such as a quad bike, scrambler, mini-moto or go-ped.