Sustrans volunteers have gone out in force to update signs along the Avenue-Verte London to Paris route, including painting the route’s distinctive mileposts in Olympic colours.
The 247-mile walking, wheeling* and cycling trail is part of the National Cycle Network, created by the charity Sustrans. Around half of the route in England is traffic-free.
The Avenue Verte is an inspiring link to the Paris 2024 Olympics. It runs from the London Eye to Notre Dame, via London, Surrey, West Sussex and East Sussex.
Volunteers have installed and improved signs on the 98-miles of the route through England to support anyone who wants to ride all or sections of it during the summer.
They checked signs from the trail’s start at the London Eye, through to the ferry crossing at Newhaven.
Volunteers also painted several eye-catching ‘Millenium Mileposts’ along the Avenue Verte in the striking colours of the Olympics, as well as silver and gold. Sustrans installed the 1.5 metre, cast iron structures at key junctions along the 12,500 miles of National Cycle Network, in 2000.
Volunteers have painted distinctive mileposts along the Avenue Verte in Olympic colours. PHOTO: Toby Spearpoint/Sustrans
John Gillespie is a Sustrans a volunteer who has been signing the route. He recalls:
“The Avenue Verte was the first solo trip that I did, and have good memories of it from both sides of La Manche.
“It runs through our local section of National Cycle Route 21. I frequently see long distance tourists on their way either to London or to Paris.
“I’ve cycled a number of Sustrans routes over the years. Some have been well signed and some not so. I’m keen to ensure that cyclists can navigate their way down the NCN21 easily without looking at a map, or their phone.”
Sustrans has also reprinted its cycling guide book of the Avenue Verte to support challenge riders.
The Avenue Verte includes several popular traffic-free popular sections such as the Cuckoo Trail (East Sussex), the Worth Way/Forest Way (East and West Sussex) and the Wandle Trail (London). These are all well-used local routes for short journeys, with over 40 schools located along the trail.
Many local people are unaware that the route is a direct link to Paris. Ahead of Paris 2024 Sustrans officers distributed Olympic games -inspired Avenue Verte packs to schools along the route on the English side to encourage children to get active and explore their local walking, wheeling and cycling path.
Toby Spearpoint, volunteer officer at Sustrans said: “A massive thank to all our volunteers who have helped to update and improve the signs along the Avenue Verte.
“We expect many people will attempt the route this summer. We want to wish them a safe and happy journey, and hope our colourful signs help to get everyone in the Olympic spirit!
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“But you don’t have to be into sport to explore the Avenue Verte. The route has several beautiful traffic-free sections which are perfect for all ages to travel short distances on foot, mobility aid or bicycle.”
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Volunteers installed several new Avenue Verte signs and updated others. PHOTO: Toby Spearpoint/Sustrans
The Avenue Verte is the French name for a cycle route from Paris to London via a ferry crossing from Dieppe to Newhaven. It was set up to coincide with the London Olympics and Paralympics in 2012.
The route has thousands of everyday users who use sections of it as a local path the travel on foot, wheelchair or bike. Each year some people attempt to complete the whole challenge route from the London Eye to Notre Dame.
Sustrans is the UK charity which helps more people walk, use a mobility aid (wheel) or cycle. It is the custodian of the National Cycle Network.
