Newcastle has a great network of bike tracks, many of them follow drains, like this one:
Others, like the famous Fernleigh Track, use an old train line. There is even one at least which uses an old tram track, leading to Jesmond Park:
This makes bike riding on these tracks really safe and enjoyable as they are not highly used, mostly.
I really wish we had something like this where I live. I love getting out on my bike but I am terrified of getting hit by a car. Which is also why I don’t ride with the kids either. It’s just too scary!