Our Coast, Our Sea - Bikes in tow on the Northumberland Coast

6 August 2010

Cyclists now have a new opportunity to explore remoter areas of the stunning Northumberland Coast on their bikes as a brand new specialist bike trailer hits the roads for the first time.

The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership have supported local transport charity WATBus to buy a new purpose-built bike trailer, enabling them to transport groups of cyclists to areas of the Northumberland Coast they wouldn’t otherwise be able to get to.

Colin Hall, Cycle Development Officer at WATBus explained ‘’ This new box trailer is designed to transport up to 18 bikes with capacity for additional luggage or even tents for more adventurous expeditions! It also keeps everything dry and secure.

The trailer will be towed by WATBus’s fleet of minibuses, meaning that one driver can now transport 16 passengers with their bikes reducing the need for several vehicles.

This new service enables WATBus to provide easy and affordable access to Northumberland’s fantastic countryside and support many group and club leisure activities”

Cllr Pat Scott, Chair of the AONB Partnership said “We are delighted to have supported this project through our Sustainable Development Fund, WATBus and their new trailer will provide many opportunities for people to explore this wonderful coastline, especially for people who may not have otherwise had the opportunity, I would like to wish them every success with this project”

Iain Robson, Recreation and Access Officer for the AONB Partnership added “More and more people are finding that cycling is the best way to see the AONB and this project will help many more people discover the AONB by bike. Cycling has a low impact on this beautiful place but a high impact on the local economy as cyclists stop at local businesses to refuel themselves rather than their cars”

WATBus have organised a series of short day rides in and around the Northumberland Coast AONB, collecting cyclists from either Ashington or Blyth. The rides aren’t too strenuous and many are suitable for people who don’t cycle regularly. For more information about these rides or the project generally, contact Colin Hall on 01670 522999 or email cycling@watbus.org.uk