If you’re considering moving to, or within, Bristol, transport is likely to be high on your list of considerations - particularly if you value an active, low-carbon lifestyle.
Regularly featured in lists of the best places to live in the UK, Bristol combines a strong quality of life with an extensive network of traffic-free cycle routes, bike paths and easy access to green space. Whether you’re commuting or exploring in your free time, the city is exceptionally well suited to getting around on two wheels.
Bristol is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading cycling cities. Home to more than 100 miles of traffic-free bike paths, it has long been celebrated for its commitment to sustainable transport, earning its status as the UK’s only European Green Capital.
That reputation was established early on with the opening of the Bristol to Bath Cycle Path in 1986. This flat, scenic 13-mile route became Sustrans’ first major project and helped set the standard for traffic-free cycling in the region - long before cycling infrastructure became a national priority.
Located in North Bristol, Brabazon sits right on the edge of this impressive cycling network. With quick access to key routes such as Concorde Way, one of the city’s main traffic-free paths into the centre, it’s an ideal base for both everyday commutes and longer leisure rides.
The neighbourhood itself will also be criss-crossed by seven miles of new traffic-free cycle routes, connecting directly into Bristol’s wider network of quiet, carbon-free bike paths. So where could they take you?
Bristol's Best Bike Paths: Key Routes
Bristol to Bath Cycle Path
Starting from Brabazon: BS34 4AB
Length: 18 miles
Estimated time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Bristol to Yate Cycle Path
Starting from Brabazon: BS34 4AB
Length: 8.8 miles
Estimated time: 1 hour 11 minutes
Bristol to Bradford on Avon Cycle Path
Starting from Brabazon: BS34 4AB
Length: 25.8 miles
Estimated time: 3 hours 37 minutes
Bristol to Bradford on Avon Route
Commute by Concorde Way
The Fastest Cycle Route from Brabazon to Bristol Centre
An almost entirely traffic-free seven-mile path leading into the centre of Bristol and Temple Meads Station, Concorde Way is accessed in less than five minutes by bike from Brabazon. What better way to start your working day than with a leisurely (or not so leisurely, if that turns your wheel), ride into town?
The bike-friendly infrastructure does not stop upon leaving the path, as there are countless bike parking spots at Temple Meads Station where you can safely leave your bike. If the weather turns inclement during the day and you failed to pack your waterproofs, the new North Filton Station, which is due to open at Brabazon in 2026, can be reached in under 25 minutes from Temple Meads!
Explore a Range of Destinations from Bristol by Bike
There’s way more to life on a bike than a cycle to work in your best stretchy trousers, right? Precisely.
Living in this part of the country means going beyond the commute and opening yourself up to exploration of a wonderful range of bike routes and novel destinations, easily reached on two wheels.
The Avon Cycleway
Let’s Go Large!
The Avon Cycleway is a serious loop, running 85 miles around the outside of the Bristol urban conurbation. It passes near Brabazon to the north and east, and has plenty of jumping-off points to get you back home on other parts of the network if you aren’t keen to tackle it one day.
This route will take you through some beautiful parts of the area, and can essentially be split into four sections. The southern section, which happens to be the hilliest part, takes in Chew Valley Lake, the dramatic Pensford Viaduct, and the Stanton Drew stone circles.
The eastern section follows some considerably easier gradients along the Bristol & Bath Bike Path, passing the Avon Valley Railway at Bitton, a fabulous little tourist spot in its own right.
To the north, the route takes you through glorious open commons and woodland near Iron Acton, Yate, and Thornbury.
Finally, the western section features spectacular estuary views of the River Severn and the Welsh coast on its far shore, leads you past many small orchards whose fruits supply the plentiful Somerset cider makers, and also takes in the Victorian pier at Clevedon seafront.
Bristol to Bath Cycle Path
Bike to the Georgian Splendour of Bath… and Beyond
The Bristol to Bath Bike Path follows the track bed of the former Midland Railway, which closed in the late 1960s. This is a route steeped in the history of the region, originally used for horse-drawn wagons carrying coal in the 1830s before being redeveloped for steam trains, transporting goods to and from Bristol and its port.
These days, it is a calmer, serene way to take a two-wheeled bike trip from Bristol to Bath, through tree tunnels and with dense woodland. Never more than a couple of hundred meters away for much of the ride, the River Avon meanders its way gently towards its confluence with the River Severn beyond Bristol.
The more adventurous riders again can extend their journey by carrying on past Bath, through two of Brunel’s longer tunnels at the Two Tunnels greenway (complete with piped classical music!), and on towards the beautiful town of Bradford on Avon – with a station serving Temple Meads should your legs not fancy the return ride!
Other Cycle Routes from Brabazon
Why Stop There…?
With so many other routes of varying lengths to be discovered get on your bike and go exploring!
If you're looking for a bike or need a repair, Bristol is home to a great range of bike shops to suit every budget. You wouldn’t expect anything else of course, in a wonderful city which holds the bicycle dear to its heart – and its beautiful surroundings too.
Plan your route today and don’t miss out on the vast network of bike paths surrounding Brabazon - your next adventure is just a pedal away!