Liverpool Cycle Tours offers a unique and eco-friendly way to explore Liverpool. Founded by an avid cyclist and former secondary school teacher, Phil, the company has been guiding tourists through the city for 13 years. Here’s a closer look at what makes Liverpool Cycle Tours special.
The Birth of Liverpool Cycle Tours
The inspiration behind Liverpool Cycle Tours stems from a personal passion for cycling and the city’s rich cultural history. Phil explains, “I’ve been cycling for many years and use a bicycle for daily travel as I don’t own a car. Once Liverpool celebrated the European Capital of Culture in 2008, tourism seemed to boom, and after doing bicycle tours in other cities, I thought that Liverpool deserves one too! That was 13 years ago, and although I was still a secondary school teacher in the beginning, it soon became my full-time role!”
Unique Experiences on Two Wheels
One of the great things about Liverpool Cycle Tours is that it can offer people experiences that are impossible to get through other modes of transport. Cyclists can explore parts of Liverpool that are inaccessible by car, bus, or taxi. The tours traverse through scenic spots like Sefton Park, Princes Park, Calderstones Park, Stanley Park, and Everton Brow, as well as Otterspool Promenade which offers the perfect backdrop for a cycling adventure.
Diverse Tour Options
The company started with standard folding bikes and later expanded to include electric bikes (ebikes). Phil recalls, “Up to 2016, we just had standard folding bikes as they can be adjusted to any size. I explored the very first ebikes and then slowly built up a fleet of 15 folding ebikes to use on our tour of The Beatles.” Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated selling a large portion of their fleet, the company has bounced back with renewed vigor.
The Beatles tour is a highlight, crafted by passionate musicians who provide in-depth narratives about the band, enriching the experience for fans. “Our tour of The Beatles is quite special as we are all musicians and have a deep understanding of the band and are also big fans!” Phil shares.
Another unique offering is the football stadium tours for Liverpool FC and Everton FC, initiated last year. “We started this tour last year, and it’s the first of its kind! The history of both clubs is very interesting, and we tell that story whilst also visiting Everton Park, Stanley Park, parts of Liverpool that NO OTHER tour can go to, and we also visit the new Bramley Moore Stadium under construction.”
Liverpool Cycle Tours also offer a city centre tour, a Liverpool pub crawl tour and stag and hen cycle tours.
Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Liverpool Cycle Tours is committed to sustainability. All ebike batteries are charged using a solar system built by the Phil himself. “I’m very much an eco nut and so set up a 24v system myself on the roof of our bicycle storage unit. It can easily charge the ebike batteries and has generated 150kwh of power since I built it last year.”
Memorable Moments and Personal Touch
Phil loves the interactions with diverse tour-goers, recalling one particularly rainy tour with a family from Texas. “One of the wettest tours I’ve ever done was with an amazing family from Texas who just didn’t let the rain put them off and even though we all had waterproofs on (we spend a fortune on these each year!) They had such a positive attitude and it made me think then that’s all you need in this life and everything will be cool.”
Advice for First-Time Cylce Tourists
For those considering joining a Liverpool Cycle Tour, the founder has simple advice: “Come with a smile and an open mind! We will do the rest.”
Liverpool Cycle Tours offers an unparalleled way to see Liverpool, combining history, culture, and the joy of cycling. Whether you’re a Beatles fan, a football enthusiast, or simply looking to explore the city and its beautiful parks, there’s a tour that’s perfect for you.
Find out more and book a Liverpool Cycle Tours visit liverpoolcycletours.com
Follow @liverpoolcylcetours on Instagram and Facebook.
