Peak District Really Gearing Up For Tour De France

The knock on effect of the Tour De France in this country is immense as hundreds of country lovers will be able to take part in a variety of cycling events as the Tour de France comes to the Peak District with millions of pounds worth of improvements. Communities are already benefiting from funding grants as they prepare for the global spectacle which hits the Peak District during Day Two of the race as it wends its way from York to nearby Sheffield on Sunday, July 6.

The Peak District National Park Authority told how an 18 mile route includes Holme Moss, Woodhead Pass and Langsett Ranger Centre while Government and council Tour-inspired funding are developing new cycle links.

The Peak District will have a lasting legacy from the Tour

A Peak District National Park Authority spokesman said: “The communities involved in the Tour route - including Bradfield, Penistone, Langsett and Holme - will go all out to involve local people and entertain visitors and the authority is helping with grant support.”

The Department for Transport is pumping £5m into the authority’s Pedal Peak District Project to strengthen cycle links with nearby cities and £2.5m more is coming from Derbyshire County Council and Sheffield and Barnsley councils.
Work on the cycle links started this year and by 2016 it is hoped The White Peak Loop connecting the High Peak and Monsal Trails will be complete as well as the Little Don Cycle-link, connecting Sheffield and Barnsley to the TransPennine Trail.

The Hope Valley link will provide a continuous cycle route along the Hope Valley from Hathersage to Castleton and there will be a Staffordshire Moorlands Cycle-link connecting Stoke-on-Trent to the Roaches and Waterhouses.

As part of the Pedal Peak District Project communities and businesses can also apply for grants of up to £10,000 for facilities, equipment and services for improvements as part of the cycling boom. Improvements could include secure overnight cycle parking, bike locks at cafes, cycle racks, inner tube vending machines and bike pumps.

Bamford’s community pub, the Angler’s Rest, is using a grant for cycle racks and pumps and the Arkwright Society is creating a cycling hub at Cromford Mill. Community groups like LeTourHolmfirth will be co-ordinating related Tour de France events including family cycle rides, a streetbikes community ride, cycle-cross for novices as well as cycling club and cycle-themed events during Holmfirth film and arts festivals.
 
LeTourHomfirth organiser David Cumming said: “The day of the race will be phenomenal but we want it to have a legacy that lasts into the future by getting more people out on bicycles and keeping fit and having fun.”