The 5th August 2021, is Cycle to Work Day, encouraging employees to take to two wheels and use peddle power to get to work. Tying into the Cycle to Work Scheme which is offered by many employers, the day encourages an active and positive healthy lifestyle, not only aiding physical health but mental health too.
In 2018, over 40,000 people took part in the day and already 25,291 commuters have pledged to set their wheels in motion this year. Thanks to our well positioned homes, commuting via two wheels doesn't need to be a special occasion. Our housing developments are all equipped with secure cycle storage and many are easily connected to cycle paths, or scenic cross-country pathways.
For those wondering where to begin, plotting a route has never been easier thanks to apps such as Google Maps and Strava, showing you the best route and an estimated time. In celebration of the day, we are offering a £1,000 Halfords voucher to those who reserve a home at select developments this August.
Safety Comes First
Whilst cycling is a fantastic way to explore the local area or travel to and from work, the roads can be a dangerous place. With some routes taking you through busy towns and villages it is important to follow the rules:
- Plan your journey. This may sound silly but if you know your route well, you can plan the route more effectively, which means less accidents
- Anticipate movements and be aware. Look and signal to show drivers what you plan to do, make eye contact where possible
- Think about road positioning. Ride decisively and don't get pushed to the kerb if riding on busy routes. You need to maximise your vision and be seen
- Memorise the highway code, if you haven't already
- Get a helmet, and wear high vis accessories
- Add lights to your bike for dusk and night time cycling
For those keen to balance town and country living, many of our properties not only boast fantastic cycle links but also woodland walks, independent shops and restaurants as well as rail and road connections.
HINCHLEY WOOD
Our brand-new collection of properties at Woodleaf GardensinHinchley Wood, launched last weekend. A boutique development of just 10 houses and three apartments, Woodleaf Gardens is ideally situated for cyclists thanks to its scenic cycle paths and access to vast green spaces.
For City commuters, London Victoria is just a 13-mile cycle away whilst those looking for a slightly quicker journey can reach Hinchley Wood railway station in under 10 minutes via bike where they can connect to Waterloo in just 28 minutes.
Hinchley Wood has plenty to offer its residents and Woodleaf Gardens is located within walking distance of all amenities, from cafes to award winning restaurants there's something for everyone here. The hustle and bustle of Esher isn't far away either, reachable in just 15 mins via bike or a 5-minute drive, the town is home to a selection of restaurants and packed with a variety of independent shops.
For those on the hunt for greenspaces, Woodleaf Gardens is only 3 miles from Bushy Park, known for its waterways, gardens and grassland, providing a perfect spot to soak up the sun with family and friends.
HAYWARDS HEATH
Potters Place in Haywards Heath is positioned moments from the town centre, a small scheme that has been designed with community at the centre Potters Place features just nine three and four bedroom properties.
Cyclists can seamlessly reach Haywards Heath railway station in just 3-minutes, where they can connect to London Victoria in 46 minutes. For those with children, Beech Hurst Park Miniature Railway is just a five-minute walk from home, located within the 13-acres of Beech Hurst Gardens teaching little ones to ride a bike couldn't be easier thanks to its winding pathways, hidden benches and children's play area.
GODALMING
Amber Lodge in Godalming, provides luxe apartment living just moments from the historic market town and its enviable amenities. A small collection of just one and two bedroom properties, residents can easily connect to Guildford and London via two wheels whilst also profiting from fast rail connections and access to the A3.
Commuters who regularly work in Guildford town centre can reach its bustling centre in 30 minutes via bike or 9 minutes via train. For London's city workers, Godalming station is a three-minute cycle away and provides connections to London Waterloo in under one hour.
The great outdoors isn't far away either, Winkworth Arboretum, home to 95 acres of beautiful shrubs and trees, is just a 10-minute cycle or five-minute drive away, providing an impressive backdrop for woodland walks or bike rides year-round. The River Wey and its footpath also provide a scenic spot to unwind after a busy week.
EPSOM
Epsom Reach and its variety of three-bedroom apartments are positioned within walking distance of Epsom town centre. A hit with London workers, Epsom provides the perfect balance between town and country living thanks to its seamless connections to the capital, vast greenspaces and quaint British pubs.
Epsom train station can be reached by just three minutes on bike, and from here commuters can reach London Waterloo in 39 minutes, London Bridge in 44 minutes and London Victoria in 39 minutes. For those up for a slightly longer bike ride to the office, the City of London is just a 16-mile cycle away.
Alexandra Recreation Ground is just a short walk away and is home to the local cricket and football pitches, martial arts centre, bowling green, basketball and tennis courts as well as an outdoor table tennis facility. Rosebery Park is also close by with a children's play area and duck pond creating a picturesque spot for a stroll. For those who like a longer walk, Epsom Downs is less than two miles away and offers fantastic walking routes, while residents who enjoy horseracing can take advantage of the Epsom Downs Racecourse, famous for the Epsom Derby. Epsom Common is just a short drive away, home to a variety of walking or running routes, Epsom Lake and a range of country pubs.
MAIDENHEAD
Waterside Quarter in Maidenhead provides a luxurious collection of one and two bedroom apartments, located in the midst of the bustling town centre. Offering the perfectly balanced lifestyle with fantastic links into the city, beautiful surrounding Berkshire countryside and a vibrant town centre with a plethora of bars and restaurants, the development also enjoys a number of safe routes ideal for cyclists.
Maidenhead train station is a five minute cycle from the development, where commuters can pick up trains into central London stations such as London Paddington in as little as 31 minutes. From here, the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City tube lines can be picked up, transporting commuters all around the Capital or, for those that want to see the city in all its glory on their journey to work, Soho is a 15 minute cycle away, whilst the bright lights of Canary Wharf can be reached in just over half an hour by bike.
Closer to home, keen cyclists in Maidenhead have plenty to explore. The River Thames cycle path can be picked up at Boulter's Lock, where cyclists can follow it South towards Taplow and Dorney Lake before reaching Windsor and enjoying a view of the iconic Royal castle. For a safe ride for all the family, Windsor Great Park spans 2,020 hectares and bicycles are permitted in the majority of the stunning grounds.
EDGWARE
Hillgrove House is positioned just minutes from Edgware's vibrant High Street, and in a fantastic position for commuters looking to embrace London living, without the extortionate price tag. With London Help to Buy available on all plots, first-time buyers can find a fabulous first home on the outskirts of London, with unrivalled links into the centre of the Capital for work and play.
Just a three minute cycle from Hillgrove House, Edgware underground station provides services to stations along the Northern line including Camden Town (22 minutes), King's Cross (27 minutes) and London Bridge (37 minutes). For those that prefer cycling to the underground, Camden Town can be reached in 51 minutes by bicycle, whilst London Bridge is just a 13 mile cycle away. Closer to home, residents can cycle along the A5 to Wembley in just 35 minutes, a sure way to enjoy match days at Wembley Stadium without the stress of public transport!
