Northern Ireland’s second city may be hilly but it’s surrounded by enviably quiet countryside that makes for great cycling.

Derry~Londonderry is known as the Walled City for its intact 400-year-old walls, a one-mile circuit whose ramparts you can still walk around today. It’s also, of course, known for its double-barrelled name, an issue that’s politically charged enough that ‘London’ is sometimes painted over on road signs.

Londonderry is the official UK name but it’s referred to (and signposted) as Derry in the Republic of Ireland. Both names are diplomatically used, usually separated by a tilde rather than a forward slash. Derry sees more usage conversationally and is how it’s referred to in the title of Northern Ireland’s most-watched TV series, Derry Girls.

The best type of bike for cycling in Derry~Londonderry

Derry~Londonderry is wet even by UK standards. In terms of the number of days per year when it rains, as opposed to the total amount of rainfall, it’s the rainiest city in the UK. Mudguards are a no-brainer, as is a good waterproof jacket.

It’s also fairly hilly, as the River Foyle runs through a deep valley. Although there are low-lying parts, such as Bogside, there are also hills and some steep streets. A bike with a wide gear range will make commuting more enjoyable – as would an e-bike. Either will make weekend rides easier, too.

If you’re going to ride without electric assistance, it’s a toss up between a gravel bike and a traditional touring bike like the Ridgeback Tour (RRP £899.99). A touring bike is heavier and less sporty but invariably comes with commuting essentials such as mudguards and a pannier rack, as well as lower gears. The Ridgeback Tour is a case in point. Its 32mm tyres are sufficient for rail trails like the Foyle Valley Cycle Route and won’t buzz and drag on tarmac like some gravel tyres, and the riding position prioritises all-day comfort.

While almost any e-bike would work fine for urban rides around Derry~Londonderry, the Elops Long Distance 500 Electric Assist City Bike Step-Through Frame (RRP £1,599.99) from Decathlon is good value and gives you the option of going further afield at the weekend. Its 504Wh battery provides a range of up to 70 miles. It’s a well-equipped, hybrid-style e-bike with mudguards, a rear rack and integral lighting. Hydraulic disc brakes are dependable stoppers, particularly in the wet, and the 1x8 drivetrain means you won’t have to hammer the battery by max-powering up every hill.

Derry~Londonderry’s transport network

Derry~Londonderry’s major road and rail network is underwhelming for a city of its size. The historical political divisions between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland mean that this border city misses out on motorway links, and it’s literally the end of line by train.

The lack of bigger roads means more traffic on roads cyclists might use. There are some traffic-free routes, mostly on the banks of the Foyle – and across it, via the Peace Bridge – and in the north-west of the city. A route planning website/app such as CycleStreets will be helpful if you’re just starting out in cycle commuting.

Northern Ireland’s rail network is sparse in general and especially so for Derry~Londonderry. You can only go east from the city. Belfast is typically a two-hour journey, via Coleraine (where there’s a spur to Portrush) and Antrim. Rail operator Translink has a fairly liberal attitude towards cyclists, however. Up to four bikes are carried for free on a first come, first served basis – but only after 9.30am on weekdays.

Bus services are also run by Translink, so you can plan bus journeys using the same website or app. You can search for rail only, bus only or combined routes. Bikes are carried for free on Translink’s Ulsterbus services “provided that suitable space is available and you do not get in the way of others” – and that you travel after 9.30am on weekdays. You can’t take bikes other than folders on Foyle Metro bus services.

Derry~Londonderry has a cargo port at Lisahally, which played an important role in the Second World War, and an airport.

Local rides in Derry~Londonderry

The first five miles or so of the Foyle Valley Cycle Route run along a former railway line and are traffic free, making a nice out-and-back ride of 10 miles for family cyclists. More confident cyclists can carry on along minor roads to Strabane (21 miles away) before returning. You can also explore both banks of the Foyle on traffic-free paths, using the Peace Bridge or Craigavon Bridge to link them together.

For road rides, the Sperrin Mountains are in easy reach. It’s an Area of Natural Beauty with quiet roads and climbs that are packed close together. The North Antrim coast is a flatter alternative, or you could invest in Sustrans’ map of the whole area, Derry~Londonderry & the North West Cycle Map; it has a selection of nice routes. As ever, joining a local cycling club is the best way to broaden your biking horizons. Try Foyle Cycling Club.

For a day out mountain biking, Davagh Forest (about 30 miles away) is probably the best bet. There’s a range of trails for different abilities: a 1.5-mile green route, a 3.6-mile blue route and a 10.5-mile red route. There’s also a pump track, a skills loop and all the usual trail centre facilities. Gortin Glen Forest Park is nearby as well, offering short red and blue routes.

Bike shops in Derry~Londonderry

Derry~Londonderry has fewer bike shops than you might expect from its size. There are Cyclescheme retailers in the vicinity, however. Here are three rated highly by customers.

Total Cycling has a bricks-and-mortar shop in Derry~Londonderry, plus an online shop. Established in 2000, with a particular focus on lightweight road and mountain bikes, its bike brands include Cannondale, Colnago, Genesis, Pinarello, Ridgeback and Tifosi. Customer comment: “Very helpful in answering all my questions and suggested the bike for my needs.”

Claudy Cycles is 10 miles away in Claudy and claims to offer the largest range of bikes in the Northern Ireland’s north-west. Bike brands on sale include Claud Butler, Dawes, Fuji and Merida. Customer comment: “Quick and efficient service. Good advice on equipment.”

Roe Valley Cycles is in Limavaday, 15 miles away. The family-run shop stocks bikes from Forme, Giant, Liv and Trek. Customer comment: “Excellent bike shop… top quality customer service. Nothing is a bother.”

Keeping your bike secure in Derry~Londonderry

Derry~Londonderry had the worst crime rate in County Londonderry for bike theft when it was assessed in January 2023. But that needs to be put into context: only one bike was stolen during the whole month! When compared with England, Wales and Northern Irelands as a whole, the city’s crime levels are significantly lower than average.

Nevertheless, always lock your bike whenever you turn your back on it, ideally with a Sold Secure Gold or Diamond rated lock. Lock the bike through the frame to a sturdy piece of street furniture or a dedicated cycle stand. If you have a high value bike or will be leaving it locked up for an extended period – for example, overnight – use two locks.

The vast majority of bike thefts take place not on the street but in ‘semi-private’ locations at home. That means on your property but not in the house – for example, a garage, shed or garden. Lock your bike to a wall or ground anchor if it will be in one of those locations. Alternatively, park it indoors.