Sustrans is the co-ordinator of the hugely popular National Cycle Network. Offering over 12,000 miles of walking and cycle routes on traffic-free paths, quiet lanes and traffic-calmed roads, there is now 75% of the UK population living within two miles of a route! The Network is well signed. It connects towns and villages, countryside and coast throughout the UK.
So if you're looking to walk or cycle to work, the shops, school, railway station or just spend some much needed leisure time walking or cycling then why not discover your nearest National Cycle Network route?
Download a copy of our 2008 National Cycle Network map illustrating routes throughout the UK - published Feb 08 (PDF).
Our interactive mapping within this section can help you find your nearest route - just enter your postcode. There are many ideas and free maps available to help you along. The Sustrans shop stocks useful maps, guides and accessories to ensure you make the most of your time on the Network.

Volunteer Rangers_,
As a Sustrans Ranger you will help to look after and promote a section of the National Cycle Network near your home and so encourage more people to walk and cycle.
You will become the 'eyes and ears' for Sustrans and local authorities and we'll rely on you to deal with minor problems yourself and report major problems so they get dealt with rapidly. This ensures routes are kept as safe and attractive as possible for walkers, cyclist and wheelchair users.
Over 2,500 Volunteer Rangers work together in 190 local groups and help Sustrans to manage the National Cycle Network in the UK. If you can make a regular contribution helping to look after your local route, why not join us? 

What do Volunteer Rangers do?
There are several key tasks for Rangers, most to be carried out monthly, other less frequently.  These include checking the signing on the National Cycle Network, reporting missing signs and sometimes putting up temporary ones, plus a signing check of your whole route in the spring. You will need to keep an eye on the vegetation and cut back overhanging branches and brambles, monitor and report potholes and other hazards and keep an eye on sculptures and mileposts, including minor maintenance. Rangers looking after route managed by Sustrans return brief monitoring reports twice a year.
How much time does a Ranger spend volunteering?
The monthly checks may take 2 to 4 hours depending on the length of your section. Some Rangers spend more than this and become more involved with maintenance, local events, publicity and other Sustrans projects. However we never forget that Rangers are volunteers and we are very grateful for any time you can give.

What else can Rangers do?
Organise a bike ride or walk - many people have bikes, but not necessarily the confidence to use them or the knowledge of where to go - you can help them change that.
Lead a community workday - build a bench, widen a path, paint a bridge, organise a litter pick or put up bird boxes. Anything is possible.
Put up a display or organise a stall - as a charity, Sustrans relies on Rangers to be ambassadors, passing on information to others so they know where to walk and cycle and how to support Sustrans.
Be our voice on local forums - and help Sustrans to develop routes and projects that will increase the numbers of people travelling in a way that benefits their health and the environment.
Recruit more supporters for Sustrans - adopt a local library, bike shop or health centre and make sure it is kept well stocked with leaflets and information about Sustrans and the National Cycle Network.
Whatever you do, one thing unties Volunteer Rangers - an interest in helping more people to discover and enjoy the National Cycle Network.
Let's work together
Sustrans work with many partners to develop and look after routes and you will become part of this team.
Local councils (the Roads Service in Northern Ireland) are usually responsible for maintaining routes and ensuring they are safe.  Volunteer Rangers work in close partnership with them to agree their role and to keep them informed of problems that need their attention. 

Most volunteers also work closely with neighbouring Rangers and many work together in groups co-ordinated by Liaison Rangers.  Ranger groups keep in close touch with Sustrans Regional staff and meet regularly to plan their work as well as to socialise. Rangers often share their routes with one or more volunteer Rangers.
Join the team, volunteer as a Ranger today and you can help more people to walk and cycle in your area.
Rangers come from all walks of life and all age groups. You may find that your local Ranger lives in the next street! As the Network grows we need more Volunteer Rangers in most areas, as they have a vital role to play.
What do I do now?
You may only have a couple of hours a month or it may become one of your principal interests. Whatever time you can offer, we would like to hear from you. To apply, please download an application form (pdf or doc) or telephone 0117 9150 110 to have an application pack posted to you.
Sustrans Ranger programme is grateful for financial support from the National Assembly for Wales, the National Lottery, the Scottish Government, many local authorities and the following charitable trusts: The GW Cadbury Trust, The Gilbert and Eileen Edgar Foundation, The Raphael Trust and The Tesco Charity Trust