Cycling in and around Chichester
Cycle routes, the Centurion Way and flat terrain
Chichester is a good city for cycling. The terrain is flat, the distances within the city are short, and there are several dedicated cycle routes that make it possible to travel across the city and into the surrounding countryside without spending too much time on busy roads. The compact size of the city centre means that a bicycle is often the quickest and most convenient way to get around.
The Centurion Way is the jewel of Chichester's cycle network. This traffic-free path follows the route of a disused railway line from the southern edge of the city northward to West Dean, running for about three and a half miles through open countryside at the foot of the South Downs. It is used by commuters, leisure cyclists, runners and walkers, and on a fine day it is one of the most pleasant rides in West Sussex. The surface is well maintained, the gradient is gentle and the views of the Downs ahead are a constant draw.
Within the city, cycle lanes and shared-use paths link the residential areas to the centre, the university, the hospital and the railway station. The quality of the cycle infrastructure varies. Some routes are well designed with proper separation from motor traffic, while others are painted lines on busy roads that offer limited protection. The main roads into the city, including the A286 and the approach from the east, can be intimidating for less confident cyclists during peak traffic.
The flat coastal plain south of the city provides excellent cycling territory. Quiet lanes run through the villages between Chichester and the sea, passing through Birdham, Itchenor, West Wittering and Bracklesham. These routes are popular with leisure cyclists, particularly at weekends, and the lack of hills makes them accessible to riders of all fitness levels.
For more challenging riding, the South Downs are immediately to the north. The South Downs Way, running from Winchester to Eastbourne, is a superb long-distance bridleway that passes within a few miles of Chichester. Mountain biking and gravel riding on the Downs offer steep climbs, technical descents and spectacular views.
Bicycle parking is available in the city centre and at the railway station, though demand sometimes exceeds supply. Bike shops in the city provide sales, servicing and repairs, and cycle hire is available for visitors who want to explore the area on two wheels.
The city council has expressed ambitions to improve cycle infrastructure, and various schemes have been proposed and, in some cases, implemented. Progress is gradual, but the direction of travel is towards making Chichester a more cycle-friendly city.
For more challenging riding, the South Downs are immediately to the north. The South Downs Way, running from Winchester to Eastbourne, is a superb long-distance bridleway that passes within a few miles of Chichester and can be accessed from several points in the surrounding area. Mountain biking and gravel riding on the Downs offer steep climbs, technical descents and spectacular views that reward the effort of getting up the hills.
Bicycle parking is available in the city centre and at the railway station, though demand sometimes exceeds supply, particularly on warm days when more people choose to cycle. Bike shops in the city provide sales, servicing and repairs for all types of bicycle, and cycle hire is available for visitors who want to explore the area on two wheels without bringing their own machine.
The city council has expressed ambitions to improve cycle infrastructure, and various schemes have been proposed and, in some cases, implemented over recent years. Progress is gradual and sometimes frustrating for cyclists who feel that the pace of change does not match the rhetoric, but the direction of travel is towards making Chichester a more cycle-friendly city where riding a bike feels safe, convenient and normal.