£100k cycle boost for Peak District business

Pedal Peak for Business, a joint project by the Peak District National Park Authority and Derbyshire Dales District Council, has offered grants totalling £104,000 to nearly 50 local businesses since launching in 2017.

The cycle tourism market is growing by 10 to 15 per cent every year and mall to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which cater for cyclists in the Peak District National Park have benefitted from individual grants of between £105 and £11,000.

Café-owners, accommodation providers, attractions and cycle hire operators are among those to have improved facilities for their cycling customers thanks to the Pedal Peak for Business project.

Innovations in cycling technology in recent years has also allowed the National Park’s own bike hire centres to expand the range of equipment available, including electrically supported and mobility cycles to open up trails to a wide range of audiences.

Carol Parsons, Pedal Peak Business Officer said: “Our Pedal Peak for Business grants paid 50 per cent towards the cost of cycle storage sheds, bike wash facilities, public pumps, workstations and bike stands to help businesses attract cyclists and benefit their business.

“We’ve been able to help businesses to be more competitive in the £2.9 billion cycle tourism market and boost the National Park’s visitor economy at the same time.”

The grant scheme will close in December or once the remaining funds have been spent.

Interested businesses should contact carol.parsons@peakdistrict.gov.uk as soon as possible to find out more.

More than 60,000 cyclists used the Monsal Trail in the Peak District National Park last year, with an average of spend of £13 per day. With a number of trails popular with cyclists in the Peak District, the cycling economy is estimated to be worth several million pounds.

Innovations in cycling technology in recent years has also allowed the National Park’s own bike hire centres to expand the range of equipment available, including electrically supported and mobility cycles to open up trails to a wide range of audiences.

Carol Parsons added: “By supporting businesses to meet cyclists’ needs we can help make the Peak District National Park a fantastic destination for cyclists, and encourage more spending in the area.”

The Pedal Peak for Business project teamed up with Cycling UK’s Cyclists Welcome scheme to promote the Peak District National Park and local cycle-friendly businesses to anyone who is planning their cycling holidays and wants to find places to stay and eat near to their cycle routes www.cyclistswelcome.co.uk.

Matt Mallinder, Cycling UK’s Director of Influence and Engagement said: “Cycling UK is delighted to see the Peak District National Park, partners and local businesses working together to make more cyclists welcome. The Peak District National Park has so much to offer the cyclist – from relaxed family outings, testing road runs, or exploring off the beaten track. There’s plenty to entice people along to one of the best spots for riding in the country and now there’s added reason for them to stay and contribute to the local economy.”

The Pedal Peak for Business initiative is part of the £1.49million Growing the Visitor Economy in Derbyshire programme, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) until 2019. Further information at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/pedalpeak.