Capital of Cycling Note: We offer free lessons for anyone over 16 who is wanting to build up their confidence – this is a great place to start if you’re struggling to know where to start!
Bradford District has some brilliant cycling routes, from canal towpaths and greenways to quiet valley roads and new protected infrastructure. Planning a good route makes riding easier, safer, and more enjoyable. This guide explains how to find the best routes, which apps to use, and where the key cycling infrastructure is across the district.
Start with the type of ride you want Before choosing a route, think about:
- Whether you prefer flatter terrain
- Whether you want off-road paths or quiet roads
- How confident you feel mixing with traffic
- Whether you want the quickest route or the most pleasant one
- Whether you need step-free access or places to stop
Bradford has hills, but there are plenty of gentle routes if you know where to look.
Key cycling infrastructure in Bradford District
These are the main corridors and paths that make cycling easier:
- Leeds–Liverpool Canal Towpath: flat, scenic, traffic-free, running through Shipley, Saltaire, Bingley and beyond
- Bradford–Shipley Greenway: protected, mostly flat route linking Canal Road to Shipley
- Leeds-Bradford ‘Cycle Superhighway’ – not the prettiest but off-road/protected route for most of the journey
- Great Northern Railway Trail: quiet, off-road route between Cullingworth and Queensbury
- Horton Park and Lister Park routes: good for short, local trips
- Quiet valley roads: Apperley Bridge, Esholt, Saltaire, Harden, and parts of the Aire Valley offer gentle gradients
These routes are ideal for beginners, families, and riders who prefer avoiding steep climbs.
Best apps and websites for route planning
These tools help you find safe, comfortable routes based on your preferences:
- Komoot: excellent for canal paths, greenways, and scenic routes https://www.komoot.com
- CycleStreets: offers quietest, balanced, and fastest route options https://www.cyclestreets.net
- Google Maps (Cycling Mode): good for quick planning and elevation profiles https://maps.google.com
- OS Maps: great for off-road routes, bridleways, and trails https://osmaps.com
- Walk, Wheel & Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans): shows National Cycle Network routes https://www.walkwheelcycle.org
- British Cycling Routes: curated leisure rides and local loops https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/letsride
- Strava Routes: popular with regular riders, shows real-world usage https://www.strava.com/routes
Using more than one app helps you compare options and choose the route that feels best.
Popular Bradford District routes from CycleBradford
(A website that’s not kept up-to-date but these routes are okay)
- Saltaire to Bingley (Canal Towpath) https://cyclebradford.org.uk/routes/saltaire-to-bingley/
- Shipley to Apperley Bridge https://cyclebradford.org.uk/routes/shipley-to-apperley-bridge/
- Great Northern Railway Trail (Cullingworth to Queensbury) https://cyclebradford.org.uk/routes/great-northern-railway-trail/
- Bradford to Shipley Greenway https://cyclebradford.org.uk/routes/bradford-to-shipley-greenway/
- Harden and Goit Stock Loop https://cyclebradford.org.uk/routes/harden-and-goit-stock/
- Esholt and Aire Valley Loop https://cyclebradford.org.uk/routes/esholt-and-aire-valley-loop/
- Lister Park to Saltaire https://cyclebradford.org.uk/routes/lister-park-to-saltaire/
- Bradford City Centre to Saltaire https://cyclebradford.org.uk/routes/bradford-to-saltaire/
- Queensbury to Thornton Viaduct https://cyclebradford.org.uk/routes/queensbury-to-thornton-viaduct/
These routes are popular because they avoid steep hills, use safe infrastructure, and connect key destinations.
How to choose the right route
Look for:
- Flat or gently sloping sections if you prefer easier riding
- Off-road paths like the canal if you want to avoid traffic
- Quiet residential streets for short local trips
- Routes with parks, benches, or cafés if you want rest stops
- Good lighting if riding in winter or evenings
If you’re new to cycling, start with the canal or greenways and build confidence gradually.
Tips for planning safe and enjoyable rides
- Check the weather before you go
- Avoid steep hills until you know your limits
- Look for routes with fewer junctions and roundabouts
- Use the quietest route option in CycleStreets for calmer journeys
- Save your route on your phone before setting off
- Tell someone where you’re going if riding alone
If you’re riding with children, stick to off-road paths or parks.
Where to get advice Local knowledge is often the best route planner. You can ask:
- Friends or colleagues who cycle regularly
- Local community groups and clubs
- Community organisations such as Capital of Cycling or UpCycle
- Facebook groups like Bradford Cycling Community or West Yorkshire Cycling
People are usually happy to share their favourite routes or help you avoid tricky sections.
Try a few routes and see what feels right Everyone has different preferences. Some riders love quiet back streets, others prefer off-road paths, and some enjoy valley roads with gentle gradients. Try a few options and see which ones feel comfortable and enjoyable.
If you’re planning routes for an e-bike See our separate guides: How to Buy an E-Bike and How to Afford an E-Bike. E-bikes make hills easier, but good route planning still helps you get the most out of your rides.
Final tips
- Start with flat routes like the canal or greenways
- Use route-planning apps to compare options
- Ask local riders for advice
- Choose routes that match your confidence level
- Enjoy exploring Bradford’s parks, valleys, and waterways
Bradford District has some fantastic cycling routes once you know where to look. With the right tools and a bit of local knowledge, you can plan rides that are safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.