Want to start a new hobby? 10 women-only and inclusive North East cycling clubs and rides

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Looking for a new hobby that’s wheel-y fun? Why not hop on a bike and explore the North East? 

You’re never too old to give something new a spin. Cycling is a fantastic way to stay fit, save money on commuting and enjoy breathtaking views across the region.

Whether you’re gliding along the Northumberland coastline or weaving through peaceful woodlands, Go Smarter Go Active offers accessible, family-friendly cycling routes to help you get started on your journey.

Need to plan your journey? Use the Nexus Journey Planner to reduce your carbon footprint, and did you know some off-peak Metro services and X-line buses even welcome standard (non-folding) bikes? So, saddle up and get ready for an adventure.

From women-only clubs to inclusive rides for all abilities, cycling is a sport for everyone. Here’s our guide to cycling in the North East in 2025… 

THE NORTH EAST CYCLING CLUBS FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES 

Breeze North East

Breeze North East is a fun, non-competitive cycling program by British Cycling for women of all shapes and sizes, offering social rides in Newcastle, Gateshead and Durham. These free rides are all about chatting, meeting new people and enjoying the ride, often ending with a café stop.

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Squeaky Wheels, North Tyneside

Cycle to stay fit, meet people and enjoy weekend or evening rides on quiet roads and paths. Rides vary from steady to challenging – perfect for regular cyclists, and no one gets left behind.

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Women That Ride, Whitley Bay 

Cycling has long been empowering women and at Women That Ride they celebrate that freedom. This non-competitive group focused on boosting fitness, confidence and self-esteem through fun, social rides.

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Linskill Riders, North Shields

Linskill Riders is a friendly cycling club in North Shields offering guided rides, skills sessions and Dr Bike workshops. All ages and genders are welcome and they host women-only rides too. 

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Kidical Mass, Newcastle

Kidical Mass Newcastle is a group of local organisations organising family-friendly rides to encourage more kids and families to cycle, while raising awareness for safer cycling in the area.

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Cycling Minds (The Hextol Foundation), Hexham

Cycling Minds offers free, supported e-bike rides around Hexham to help locals improve their mental and physical health. They support you if you’re facing health challenges, providing a fun, inclusive and empowering environment.

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South Shields Velo Cycling Club

South Shields Velo Cycling Club is a friendly, growing club for all abilities, with over 220 members. For just a £15 annual membership, they offer regular rides, coaching for kids and a supportive community for all riders.

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Gateway Wheelers, Houghton Lee Spring

Gateway Wheelers is a charity that helps people with disabilities enjoy cycling, offering rides three to four days a week. They are currently hosting donation-based Sunday rides to make them accessible to everyone.

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Easy Riders North East, Jarrow

Easy Riders North East, based in central Jarrow, is a friendly cycling group led by qualified cycle leaders and first aiders. Cyclists over 16 are welcome to join their short to medium free rides along the River Tyne, with details posted in advance.

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Teams Wheelers, Gateshead

Teams Wheelers is a community bike club in Gateshead that encourages cycling for all, especially new or returning riders. They offer training for ride leaders, bike maintenance and first aid, along with regular social rides and long-distance events across the North East. Anyone can join a ride for £1 and hire a club bike for an additional £1.

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FANCY GOING SOLO? HERE’S SOME NORTH EAST CYCLING ROUTES

Sunrise Stroller, Benton

Distance: 1.2 miles

VIEW THE ROUTE

The Sand Dancer, South Shields

Distance: 3.1 miles

VIEW THE ROUTE

All Around the Boundary, Chopwell Woods

Distance: 5.2 miles 

VIEW THE ROUTE

ParkLife!, Newcastle

Distance: 6.6 miles

VIEW THE ROUTE

Walk The Line, County Durham

Distance: 17.5 miles

VIEW THE ROUTE

HOW TO GET STARTED

Whether you’re looking to cycle for fitness, social reasons or to save on commuting costs while avoiding traffic, cycling offers plenty of benefits. Check out the Cyclescheme and Bike 2 Work Scheme, which provide discounts and finance options for bikes, including specialised and adapted models, to help you get started. Additionally, The Cycle Hub, Newcastle, offers bike rentals and hosts workshops to get you on the road with confidence.

NORTH EAST BIKE RIDES HAPPENING IN 2025

Cheese and Coffee - Sunday 23rd March MORE INFO
Intermediate Bike Ride (Rising Sun) – Tuesday 25th March MORE INFO
Cycle Hub Loop - Sunday 30th March MORE INFO
Tracks ‘n’ Trails (Northumberland) – Sunday 30th March MORE INFO
Souter Lighthouse and The Leas – Sunday 6th April MORE INFO
Bamburgh Castle Cycle Sportive 2025 – Sunday 13th April MORE INFO
Social Ride – Every 2nd Friday MORE INFO
Baltic to Gibside Bike Ride – Saturday 5th April MORE INFO
Family Bike Ride – Friday 11th April MORE INFO
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Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager

After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…

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