Green Wheel: City's 60-mile cycle network marks 25 years

The Shanks Millennium Bridge, over the River Nene at Stanground Washes, provides a fully off-road link between Peterborough and Whittlesey

New signage will be installed to mark 25 years of a city's circular cycling network.

Peterborough's Green Wheel – a 60-mile cycling network with inner and outer routes and 'spokes' linking them to the city centre – was one of the first large-scale projects delivered by local environment charity Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT).

Created in September 2000, the £11m project saw the construction of Shanks Millennium Bridge over the River Nene, completing a fully off-road route between Peterborough and Whittlesey for cyclists, horse riders, and pedestrians.

To mark the silver jubilee anniversary of the project, PECT is planning to refresh and install 60 boards, celebrating the social, natural, and cultural history of Peterborough and its rural surroundings.

PECT is planning to refresh interpretation boards and directional signage over the coming weeks

The cycle network, made up of off-road cycle paths, bridleways, and low-traffic roads, linked country parks at Ferry Meadows and Crown Lakes with picturesque villages, such as Marholm and Peakirk, and the Flag Fen Archaeology Park.

PECT chief executive officer, Stuart Dawks, said: "Many Peterborians will have happy memories of cycling and walking the Green Wheel over the years. It's one of the great things about Peterborough.

And it's more than just a network of routes connecting the city's cherished green spaces.

"Over the coming months, we'll be repairing and replacing some of them, and cutting back overgrown vegetation.

"We'll also be working to improve and refurbish the directional signage. Parts of the Green Wheel have changed, and we want to make sure people can still find their way around it easily."

Mr Dawks hopes the network can be further expanded over the coming years.

"It is a beautiful setting....In the next 25 years, I would like to see the Green Wheel expanded... who knows, connecting it up to Stamford even, that would be brilliant."

'Asset for the city'

The network comprises off-road cycle paths, bridleways, and low-traffic roads, linking country parks at Ferry Meadows with picturesque villages outside Peterborough

Philip Thomas, marketing officer at PECT, called the Green Wheel a "great asset for the city".

"For some, it's a healthy way to get to work or school. For others, it's a scenic route to the countryside at weekends", Mr Thomas said.

To commemorate 25 years of the Green Wheel, PECT is also asking people to send digital postcards in the form of photos, videos, and short messages recalling memorable days, favourite views, and beloved pit stops on the network.