CYCLE West - Cross Channel Cycle Tourism

Dorset County Council has been awarded €460,000 from a European fund to promote the SW England and NW France channel region as a destination for cycle tourism.

The "CYCLE West" project has been made possible in Dorset through using funding for the Weymouth Relief Road cycle tracks as 50% match funding. More detail about the overall project is at the Cycle West website (opens in a new window) .

The CYCLE West Project in Dorset: The Grand and Petit Tour de Manche

The main focus of the project in Dorset is the "Petit Tour de Manche" (PTM), a 240 mile route from Poole - Dorchester - Weymouth - Jersey - Saint Malo - Cherbourg using Condor and Brittany Ferries. This follows National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 2 and Route 26. NCN 2 also forms part of the larger "Grande Tour de Manche" which passes through Devon to Plymouth.

Infrastructure Improvements

To support the PTM route, the CYCLE West project is funding infrastructure improvements:

Targeted upgrades of NCN Route 2 between Dorchester and Studland, completing missing links in Dorchester and signing optional 'spur' routes to key attractions;
Creating a continuous cycle route between Weymouth Ferry terminal and Dorchester by completing NCN Route 26 between the towns; and
Providing cycle parking at key tourist attractions and transport interchanges on the route.

As infrastructure schemes are developed to progress the project, separate consultation on specific schemes will take place.

Schemes and consultations in progress

Public Consultation on the proposals for this route completed in February 2012, securing overall public support. Consultation feedback and a design review has highlighted some minor changes are required. The scheme is planned to be completed in Feb/March 2013 to synchronise with the anticipated return of Condor sailings from Weymouth.

A reversible rail infill pilot using deferred set bitumen topped with a crack sealant was installed in March 2012 on a 20m section of rails at the Eastern end of Custom House Quay. A rubber flange filler infill pilot will also be tested over a 20m section of rails and is scheduled for installation in May 2012. This pilot is necessary to assess the performance of the rail infill in live traffic and the installation/removal process.

The rail infill pilot has been extended to early 2013 to test how the pilot materials perform in a range of weather conditions and how they respond to water ingress, high and low temperatures and freeze thaw action. The rail infill is an unusual engineering project without precedent and the extended pilot means we can best understand and plan for any future maintenance for both DCC and Network Rail and ensure value for money by installing the right materials.

NCN 26 - Westham Bridge to Manor Roundabout

The route will follow the existing cycle track adjacent to the Swannery car park and Radipole Park Drive, then following quiet roads to Manor Roundabout, where it joins the existing cycle network built as part of the Weymouth Relief Road. The route will consist of minor infrastructure upgrades and cycle route destination signage with the PTM logo and will be designated as NCN 26. Works will be completed during 2012.

NCN 26 - Stadium Roundabout to Sawmills Lane, Dorchester

This upgrade was completed in December 2011 and provides a traffic free connection from the Weymouth Relief Road cycle track at Stadium Roundabout into Sawmills Lane. It is designated NCN 26 and the PTM logo will be retrofitted to the existing signs in summer 2012.

NCN 26 & NCN 2 - Sawmills Lane to Max Gate, Dorchester

Preliminary designs have been completed for this scheme, which uses existing bridleways to connect into the existing NCN 2 at Max Gate. Subject to consultation, construction is anticipated to commence in later summer 2012.

Economic Benefits

Promoting cycle tourism will open our area to a new tourism market and diversify our offer. Touring cyclists spend money and economic benefits of similar routes include:

Tourists (out of region visitors) using four cycle routes in the North East generated £5.9 million in 2006, supporting 95 full-time equivalent jobs.

Tourists (out of region visitors) using The Celtic and Taff Trails in Wales generate £9.9 million per annum, supporting 183 job

Marketing our area as a venue for active/adventure holidays

Touring cyclists from the UK, France and Germany have been identified as the main market for the routes. Touring cyclists may complete the route in 4 days as a challenge or take 1 week to 10 days to leisurely explore our beautiful channel region and its attractions. A marketing budget of €1.2m is promoting the channel region as a destination for cycling and active holidays. This represents a great opportunity for B&B's, hoteliers, attractions, cycle hire companies and bike shops, tour operators and baggage portage to expand their business into the growing market for sustainable, eco-friendly tourism. Measures planned include:

A Cycle Guidebook promoting the PTM, to be launched in autumn 2012
A CYCLE West Hospitality Sector Seminar hosted in Dorset to promote opportunities to local business. This is planned for autumn 2012
A marketing campaign
Media promotion including hosting maps, accommodation and attraction information at www.francevelotourisme.com (opens in a new window) (opens in a new window)

Delivery

Dorset County Council is managing the overall project in Dorset, supported by Weymouth & Portland Borough Council who are leading on marketing. Work must be completed by autumn 2013. Officer contacts are: