Recent years have seen significant growth in the use the bicycle both for leisure purposes and as a means of transport.

The benefits of cycling are manyfold - it is cheap, healthy and environmentally friendly.

There are principally two main cycle-ways in Hertford - Eastwards through Hartham to Ware along the River Lee and beyond; and Westwards along the path of the old railway to Welwyn Garden City - The Cole Green Way. Both of these form part of National Cycle Route 61.

The significance of cycling is recognised in The Transportation Plan produced by the local authorities' and the following measures have been proposed:

• To encourage cycling by creating a network of cycle routes, providing good links between residential and industrial areas, schools, recreation sites, shopping centres and employment areas.
• Improved cycle parking facilities.
• New cycle routes between Hertford North railway station and Hartham.
• Improved crossing facilities on the A414.
• New cycle routes within the town.
• Extension of cycle route from Cole Green Way to Hertford North railway station.
• Erection of cover over cycle stands at Hertford North Station.

Excursions

The District and County Council jointly publish leaflets describing two circular cycle rides through the countryside to the North and South of the town. These leaflets are available at the Tourist Information Centre:-

Cycle Shops

There are three shops in Hertford that sell bicycles and cycling accessories: