The Eden Project is inviting cyclists on bikes of all shapes and sizes to pedal through the iconic site for the first time, this Bank Holiday Monday (May 6).

Cyclists and cycle clubs are being encouraged to make Eden the destination for their Bank Holiday morning cycle with a suggested arrival time of 11am.

After a pitstop for a complimentary snack and drink, at midday the cyclists will then be invited to take a guided cycle tour through the various outdoor habitats of Eden – otherwise known as the Tour d’Eden – culminating in a snaking climb up the challenging land train route. This route is being opened to bikes especially for this day.

Eden already gives a discount for cyclists but for one day only, people from Cornwall and Devon – whether they cycle to Eden or not – will be able to take advantage of the return of the Locals’ Annual Pass which allows unlimited entry to Eden for a year, costing just £7.50. Proof of residence and a photo ID is required.

Cyclists who ride to Eden for the event but don’t live in Cornwall or Devon can still take advantage of a specially discounted rate of £15 for adults. Young cyclists aged 16 or under will be admitted free. Everyone who rides their bike to Eden on the day will get a special cyclists’ snack breakfast as part of the entry price.

Riders are being encouraged to come from all corners of the South West and they have the option to use the picturesque clay trails for their route through Eden’s surroundings. Eden, along with Wheal Martyn, Sustrans and a variety of local businesses, agencies and community members have come together to form the Clay Trails Partnership to make sure that the trails are available to cyclists, walkers and horse-riders alike.

Cyclists are being asked to arrive at 11am on Monday May 6 at the Visitor Centre (Eden’s main entrance building) where secure cycle parking will be provided. The Tour d’Eden will set off from the Visitor Centre at 12 noon and will take a route up the hill to Orange Car Park. They will then circle the Eden outer estate before hitting the downhill route to the Core, riding through the Eden site and then up the steep, winding land train route back to the Visitor Centre. Organisers emphasise that it is not a race, more of a cycling parade.

The Tour d’Eden is part of the Start initiative’s Be the Start campaign. Taking place throughout May, the campaign will help people find out about all the different, simple ways people can live a more sustainable lifestyle and be the start of the better, more sustainable future we all want. Start which was inspired by HRH the Prince of Wales and its objective is to present an inspiring picture of a sustainable future.

The Locals’ Annual Pass is available exclusively to people whose primary residence is in Cornwall or Devon (i.e. addresses with postcode starting TR, TQ, PL or EX). Visitors should bring photo ID with their address on it such as a photo driving licence (which has both) or alternatively a passport accompanied with a utility bill to prove that your primary residence is in Cornwall or Devon.

The Eden Project