Cycling demonstration towns

Cycling demonstration towns were part of a UK policy initiative to promote cycling that ran from 2005-2011.

2005: launch
In 2005, 6 towns in England were chosen to be cycling demonstration towns to promote the use of cycling as a means of transport.

The decision was made by Cycling England, a body set up by the Department for Transport. Each year for three years the towns received £500,000 to spend on cycling (apart from Aylesbury which received £300,000).

In 2005 the cycling demonstration town status was awarded to:
 * Aylesbury
 * Brighton and Hove
 * Darlington
 * Derby
 * Exeter
 * Lancaster with Morecambe

2009: extension
In 2009 the following towns and cities were also awarded additional funding. At this time, the term 'Cycle Demonstration Town' was changed to 'Cycling Town', reflecting that the initiative had moved from a pilot stage into full operation.


 * Blackpool
 * Bristol (cycling city)
 * Cambridge
 * Chester
 * Colchester
 * Leighton Buzzard with Linslade
 * Shrewsbury
 * Southend
 * Southport
 * Stoke-on-Trent
 * Woking
 * York

2011: cancellation
The programme ended in 2011 when Cycling England was disbanded.