We think it would be useful for our members to have access to a stock of cycling pictures for use in promotional and publicty materials. To make this easy we've set up an account on Flickr so that you can upload photos. You can put any images you have of everyday cycling: going to the shops, off to work, visiting the park or simply out for a ride. 

All you need to do is visit Cyclenation Flickr Gallery and set up an account (its really very easy) but if you already have a Flickr account you need only to add us as a contact. Once we have a few images uploaded, we will create themed sets: family cycling, city cycling, facilities and so on.

12th February 2011

Jeremy Clarkson on this week’s top gear suggested that cyclists deserve to get cut up

He made these comments in conversation with Richard Hammond about a BBC programme on the increased use of helmet cams by cyclists. The programme reported that some cyclists use the cameras to record the increase in dangerous and inconsiderate behaviour on the part of drivers. His response was to state that the cyclists ‘deserve it’.

His justification? They get to the front of the traffic before him and they don’t pay Road Tax.

Well we’ve got news for him - no body pays road tax. Road tax doesn't exist it was abolished in 1937 because Winston Churchill didn't want motorists to think a token payment gave them ownership of the road. It's Vehicle Excise Duty, a tax on owning a car. Roads are paid for out of general taxation so we all pay for them.

If you haven’t seen Clarkson’s suggestion that there is any justification for such behaviour, you can watch it here. He commences his ill-informed and ridiculous argument at 0:21:30 on the counter.   

Obviously he doesn’t realise that aggressive and inconsiderate driving is one of the main reasons that many parents do not allow their children to cycle and why some people are nervous of riding on the road.

If you felt moved to suggest to the BBC that Jeremy Clarkson may like to re-think the wisdom of reinforcing such a dangerous message you can do so via one of their complaint forms

14th February 2011

Upcoming 20mph conference on 17^th May @ The Gateway Centre, Warrington

The 20mph City - the wider safety, health, environmental, social and economic benefits - do they exist?

20s plenty in conjunction with PTRC and Warrington Borough Council has brought together a number of Academics, Health Professionals, Local Authority Officers and Politicians from different authorities will talk about the processes, justifications, benefits, marketing and campaigning of and for 20mph limits.

• Dominic Harrison is the Joint Director of Public Health for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and PCT
• Professor Danny Dorling is a leading figure in the mapping of disease and death in the UK. A subject which unfortunately is highly represented by the impact of motor vehicles.
• Duncan Price of the DfT will talk about the technicalities of implementation
• Professor Alan Tapp will speak about social marketing and behaviour change.
• 20's Plenty for Us and Living Streets will present the campaigning perspective.

The conference looks set to offer a wide range of opinions on the best approach to campaigning for, preparing for and implementing 20s in your town or city. 

Charities/Voluntary groups/Campaigners and activists can attend for the reduced rate of just £45+ vat.
Standard Fee £145 + VAT
Young Professional (aged 28 and under) and CILT Member Fee £115 + VAT
Early booking Fee £99

 For further details please contact PTRC or Rod King



15th February 2011

Radio 4 has recently broadcast a series looking at the social and cultural history of the bike. Each episode is 15 minutes long and imparts some very interesting information on many types of bicycle and their development over time.

The most recent is episode 7 and covers the way in which the fitness and outdoor movements of the 1930s coupled with the advent of cheaper mass produced bicycles brought the freedom of the open road to the working classes. You can listen to it and most of the back episodes on iplayer

Episode 6 tells of how the bicycle is pressed into service in the Boer War and again in 1914 when thousands sign up to join cyclist battalions that rode them to the front with full kit and rifles.

Thanks to David Garfield for the heads up on this

15th February 2011

As of the 7^th February all new passenger cars and small delivery vans being put forward for type approval have to be fitted with daytime running lights (DRLs) but this does not apply to current production models.

These lights come when you switch on your engine and cannot be turned off. It is claimed that this will improve road safety and save lives by improving the visibility of cars for other road users say a report in Which? Car. The EC believes that DRLs will help reduce the high number of casualties on European Roads

The European Commission has pushed for daytime running lights to be introduced to tackle the high number of causalities on EU roads. It is further claimed by the EC that road users including pedestrians and cyclists, detect vehicles more clearly and quickly if they have DRLs and not dipped beam lights.

That is one view however, there is another view to be considered. The CTC has previously opposed proposals for a blanket requirement because daylight running lights will make the roads less safe for cyclists, making it less likely that drivers will spot them for the following reasons:

• headlights cause ‘visual darkening’ in the area around them, masking cyclists and pedestrians.
• the widespread use of lights would divert the attention of driver’s away from other visual information (e.g. the presence of a pedestrian or cyclist).
• drivers become increasingly accustomed to the habit of looking for lights (rather than people or vehicles) to signify the presence of a hazard on the road.

The CTC has developed a more detailed outline of why DRLs are not such a panacea for road safety ills and you can read it on the CTC website.

If this is an issue that you are concerned about we would urge you to write to your MP or your MEP and put the case against the compulsory use of DRLs and highlight the unintended effects they could have on road safety.

15th February 2011

Even though the Government has climbed down on the wholesale sale of the Forestry Commission land the CTC has pledged to continue fighting for access to the country's forests. The CTC warn that this is not the end of the sell off as the government still plan to sell of about 15% of the land.

However they will fight to ensure access to these areas by bike and intend to be a part of the process by keeping a dialogue going with the Environment Minister Richard Benyon.

For more details go to bikebiz

17th February 2011

22nd February 2011

CycleStreets is almost ready to launch a glossy brochure for Local Authorities to entice them to subscribe to CycleStreets on-line mapping and cycle journey planning. We can all help with this by giving them the contact details for the officer responsible for cycling or another relevant contact in our Local Authority. All you have to do is add the details here




22nd February 2011

The Bike Station in Edinburgh have created a tube style cycle map of the routes into central Edinburgh. Anyone feeling a bit nostalgic for Edinburgh after the last Cyclenation/CTC Conference should take a look at the video in this link.

The idea looks good but it may be worth a visit to see how easy it is to follow! Or maybe the Edinburgh Spokes can offer some feedback.

26th February 2011

Kevin HIckman the chair the Inclusive Cycling Forum (ICF), a group of, and for, disabled cyclists would like your help. One of the campaign aims of the group is to get cycle infrastructure designed and implemented in a way that takes into account trikes, handcycles, tandems, etc.This would benefit everyone, not just the disabled, and in most cases only requires engineers and architects to design in accordance with the recommended guidelines.
 
The campaigns officer also works for Wheels for Wellbeing. As part of some specific work to measure the on road use of these larger cycles he is undertaking a survey. The idea is to use this opportunity to record a need/desire for properly designed infrastructure. Can you please circulate this through your local campaign groups so that as many responses as possible can be collected.

26th February 2011

Newcastle City Council have recently launched a web site aimed at scaring young people into no longer walking or cycling... sounds unlikely but it seems that they have. Surely this is not their main aim but the messages they are giving out through the 'Ghost Street' web site are very likely to have this result.

As part of their evaluation of the new web pages they have a survey that asks 'yes' or 'no' to the question - Do you think the Ghost Street video is a good way of educating kids on Road Safety?

If you haven't already, then take a look.

If you think this ghoulish road safety initiative by Newcastle City Council is counter-producitve and discourages walking & cycling, vote NO by clicking here http://bit.ly/9xc5YM

The poll was 80% 'yes' a week ago its currently 31% based on 327 votes.

26th February 2011

You can now go to the Bike Week website and register your events for this year.

The theme for 2011 is Britain’s Biggest Bike Fix

This is an ambitious attempt to repair as many bikes as possible during Team Green Britain Bike Week.

The idea is to encourage everyone to get those unused but once-loved bikes out and spruce them up ready for use. This is easy to do, simply arrange for a 'Dr Bike' of your choice to attend your event (bike shops and social enterprises will probably charge for this). The doctor can be either a trained mechanic from a bike shop or an enthusiastic cyclist armed with the checklist who give the bikes the once over with their owners pointing out the problems as they go. The owner can then take the bike to a local social enterprise or bike shop to get them repaired.

2nd March 2011

Building Cycling Cultures are delighted to announce that online booking for this event is now available. Please click here to book your place online now at this exploration and celebration of cycling! With workshops, debate, networking, bike-art, film, rides, e-media....

Further details will be uploaded here in due course, including a timetable for the event and more details about participating organisations and speakers.

So far this look set to be an interesting 2 days in Leicester at this event being co-organised by Dave Horton (UWAC, Lancaster University), Rachel Aldred (Cycling Cultures, University of East London), Andy Salkeld (Leicester City Council's Cycling Officer) and John Coster (Citizen's Eye).

Building Cycling cultures will have guest international speakers and showcase findings from two major academic projects into cycling. There will be workshops aimed at buidling cycling culture/s, as well as an exciting range of bike-related cultural activities-films, rides, stalls, bike art, music e-media and much more.



2nd March 2011

If you have not been approached by your Local Authorities to work up their Local Sustainable Transport Fund bid, maybe now is the time to offer your assistance.

The bid will need to have community involvement in it as well as business and health connections. So it might be worth putting pen to paper or even fingers to keyboards and offering the advice and expertise of the local campaign group. With all that local knowledge and understanding of the transport issues of a locality we've got to be an asset in this process.

Take this opportunity to foster some positive links with your local council and make some low cost and effective suggestions that can be included in the bid. Many of the intiiatives and ideas that have worked in the demonstration towns could be included in a package of solutions for many different locations. So if you've got some great ideas that could work for your area, then now is the time to offer to share them.

If you have already contacted your LA and would like to share your experiences then contact us via the Cyclenation web site

2nd March 2011

Cyclists launch petition against helmet compulsion

Two UK organisations that promote cycling, CTC and Sustrans, have joined together to launch a petition against proposed legislation in Northern Ireland which would require cyclists to wear a helmet in any public place. The petition can be signed by anyone in the UK, whether they live in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland or Wales.

The Cyclists (Protective Headgear) Bill was narrowly approved by the Northern Ireland Assembly in January and is now being scrutinised by the Environment Committee.

CTC and Sustrans have been careful to explain that they are not “anti-helmet”. Instead, they point to a catalogue of evidence showing that Northern Ireland would see a sharp reduction in the number of people who would cycle if the bill became law. This would have serious consequences for public health, quality of life, congestion and the environment.

Explaining CTC’s stance, Roger Geffen, Campaigns and Policy Director, said: “Cycling for day-to-day journeys is a relatively safe activity and it gets safer the more people there are cycling. This bill may be well-intentioned, but it will deter vast numbers of people from cycling, while increasing the risk for those who remain. At a time of mounting concern about obesity and climate change, scaring people into car-dependence is bound to shorten more lives than helmets would possibly save. I’d recommend our petition to everyone who enjoys cycling. With their support we can defeat this fundamentally flawed bill.”

Sustrans’ Northern Ireland Director Steven Patterson adds: “We share the wish of the supporters of this bill to improve the safety of cyclists but there are many better ways of doing this, such as giving every child on-road cycle training or reducing speed limits to 20mph in residential areas.”

 Alongside this petition, CTC and Sustrans will submit a portfolio of evidence to the legislative committee.

 You can sign the petition here

The briefing paper for the Northern Ireland Assembly is available via ctc website

11th March 2011

Support the 112 - 2011
On the 7th May Standing Together will host the 3rd annual 112, a sponsored bike ride covering 112 kilometres in one day – that’s one kilometre for every woman who, on average, dies each year as a result of domestic violence. This was a great success in 2009 and 2010, and we hope to make it bigger and better in 2011. The aim of the event is to:

•       Highlight the issue of domestic violence
•       Ensure people understand the damage caused by domestic violence
•       Raise funds to combat domestic violence though a coordinated response to this crime

To make this possible we need fundraisers to sign up to take part! There are 2 options: for those looking for a real challenge you could cycle the full 112km - starting at Windsor Great Park and cycling through Buckinghamshire and Berkshire finishing back at the park; or for the less experienced / confident rider there is a shorter 11.2 mile route, along the roads around Windsor Great Park.

Registration costs £10 and we ask for a minimum pledge of £112 sponsorship; we will provide refreshments and make sure you have a great day out!!


To sign up, or for more information, contact Shasca or Laura on 0208 748 5717 or admin@standingtogether.org.uk or join us on Facebook


If you would like to support our event but are unable to take part on the day then you can make a donation here there are also a number of volunteer positions we are looking to fill – please email admin@standingtogether.org.uk if you could spare a morning or afternoon to help make the day a great success!!

11th March 2011

Last week’s meeting at the London Community Resource Network (LCRN) HQ in Hoxton announced a proposal to transform the disparate London Cycle Reuse Projects into a coherent and joined-up network. As individual projects they face many challenges. Some are at capacity in terms of output and some need more bikes to recycle. The aim of the network is to share resources across London and improve each project.
 
The flame that lit the torch paper to this idea was the creation of an £8m fund (courtesy of the Mayor of London) to allocate grants and loans to projects that increase the amount of materials recycled. The fund, administered by the London Waste and Recycling Board (LWARB), is well resourced but, with so many projects across the various materials, it is unlikely to result in big bucks for any individual project. This is why, under the guidance of the LCRN, cycle reuse projects are being encouraged to work together to increase their collective output and fulfil the LWARB funding criteria.

The varied nature of the different projects means that this is going to take a lot of collaboration and co-operation. But nonetheless, it is still a massive opportunity – money like this does not come around that often. Visit the GoingGoingBike site for a map of current bike reuse projects in London.
...for more on this story from GoingGoingBike

23rd March 2011

Check out this excellent video from Wheels for Wellbeing

Thanks to Kevin from the Inclusive Cycling Forum for this link which includes a request of decent infrastructure so that all types of bikes can get aout safely.

23rd March 2011

New report: Lorries over 3.5 tonnes should be banned from cities

A recent academic report by Morgan et al. published in BMC Public Health 2010, 10:699 suggests that lorries over 3.5 tonnes are such a risk to cyclists that they should be banned from cities. The report finds that in the last 14 years half of all incidents involving the fatality of a cyclist has involved a frieght vehicle.

If you watch out for anything, make it a left-turning lorry

There is a real problem when lorries are turning left as the driver may not see a cyclist in his near side mirror. Safety mirrors are useful and can minimise the lorry’s blind spot, but cyclists need to keep their wits about them when in close proximity to large lorries.

It is wise to give lorries, coaches and buses a wide berth. At junctions and side turnings be aware of lorries behind  you and don't put yourself in front of large vehicles at junctions as it is likely the driver can't see you and may pull away.

23rd March 2011

Fact sheets on bike storage from Spokes

Spokes have undertaken a project on domestic bike storage and have developed some useful downloadable factsheets on the problems and some solutions associated with living in flats and 'tenements' is the scottish term, multi occupancy housing is what local authorities call it.

We hope they prove to be of use to all the groups as all cities tend to have an issue with getting bikes into flats, converted houses and bedsits etc.

They are also interested in hearing about any innovative or interesting solutions that you may know of or even have come up with yourselves.

Thanks to Dave (du Feu) of Spokes for this news - let me know if you have any good materials or stories that you want to share or think will be of good use


23rd March 2011

23rd March 2011

East Midlands Cycle Forum came up with some sound ideas and advice at their recent meeting in Leicester. They enjoyed a presentation, from John Coster of Citizens Eye (Community News Agency), on the potential for local cycling groups to use Facebook and Twitter as a campaigning tool and getting feedback.  Andy Salkeld and Janet Hudson organised this event which they got a lot out of and wanted to share the ideas they came up with.

• Make good use of various local, i.e. neighbourhood / ward consultation forums, and involving different local members in doing this, and using these channels as a way of making links with other people in the area.
• Undertake regular monitoring of all local planning applications, with a view to making comments on detailed cycling aspects.
• Keep a close eye on detailed spending plans of the local authority, to follow up responding to consultations on documents such as the Local Transport Plan.
  
• Appreciate the benefits for local campaigners (and the EMCF) in using Facebook to help communication between members and with members, as well as having better communications with the younger generations, as against the potential disadvantages in terms of the extra time and effort to monitor this and keep track of the comments it generates.
• Encourage donations to local campaign groups, as well as to get subscriptions paid.
• Widen the EMCF membership, at least in terms of email addresses, and make sure that we reach small groups and lone campaigners throughout the region. It was agreed that it was up to everyone already in the EMCF to pass on the word and encourage others to join.
• Ensure that a wider group of people could access the EMCF address book email list now held by Hugh McClintock, as part of the new process for revolving responsibility for arranging meetings and maintaining communications in the group.
• Be aware of the role of local social enterprises in promoting cycling as their role seems increasingly important on the promotion of cycling.

If you have some best practice guidance or some ideas and examples of what works in campaigning then let me know via the website and I'll post it on the webnews

23rd March 2011

Simon heads off but promises to write soon!

Simon Geller, the secretary of Cyclenation, is off to the Velo-City conference today and will be there until Friday.

In betwen cycling and drinking sangria he will be preparing a report for the rest of us whcih will appear in a future Cyclenation
newsletter. Seville claims to have made great progress in promoting cycling through a network of cycle routes and he assures us he will be checking the validity of those claims.
 
For Cyclists Who Tweet, he will be tweeting using the hashtag #velocity2011 either as @wildnorthlands or @cyclesheffield depending on what the access is like. He will also be encouraging other delegates to tweety pie as well, so keep your eyes on your tweet deck for up to the minute accounts of the action from Seville.

Sadly somebody else has @cyclenation
 



23rd March 2011

Dangerous cycling bill is a distraction from motor danger, says CTC

CTC - The UK’s National Cyclists’ Organisation has criticised a back-bencher’s bill to increase the sentences for dangerous cycling, branding it a “distraction”.

MP Andrea Leadsom proposed the bill during a ten minute rule motion in Parliament yesterday.

CTC demonstrated that Mrs Leadsom’s bill is unnecessary by pointing out that fatal collisions involving cyclists are rare compared with deaths involving drivers. During 2009, no pedestrians were killed in collisions with bicycles but 426 pedestrians were killed by motor vehicles.

CTC also highlighted the inequities in the way the legal system deals with these road user groups. During the last decade, judges issued prison sentences to both of the cyclists who killed pedestrians. By contrast, the courts have tended to hand down small fines or community sentences to drivers who kill.

Roger Geffen, CTC’s Campaigns and Policy Director said: “Our Stop SMIDSY website shows numerous cases of drivers receiving derisory sentences for killing or maiming cyclists, or being let off altogether.

"Only last week, lorry driver Tony Smith received a 100 hour community sentence and a one-year driving ban for killing Vera Chaplin, a 89 year old cyclist in Essex last summer. Last month, driver David Kilgallon received the same sentence for killing 85 year old Barbara Taylor, while she was cycling in Blackpool.

“We would certainly agree that road traffic law needs strengthening.  But the overwhelming priority is to ensure that the authorities use the law to deal with the sources of danger on our roads, and that is overwhelmingly about tackling bad drivers.”

Road Casualties Online, 2005-2009 shows that only two out of 70 road casualties involving pedestrians on footways also involved a cyclist during that period. The remaining 68 involved a motor vehicle. 

24th March 2011

How does local authority rate.

CTC's popular website 'fill that hole' now lets you feedback on how your local authority does with mending the potholes in your area. 

Are they quick and efficient or slow and slack go-online and let everyone know.

If you want to check how your LA is doing or check progress on a hole you've reported go to the CTC website

24th March 2011

Bike Week Workshops

Team Green Britain Bike Week would like to invite you to join them at one of their three workshops at either Bristol, Llandudno or Birmingham.

The workshops are a great way for you to come and meet other local cycling enthusiasts and event organisers. They also provide you with the chance to benefit from  guidance from experts in the world of event management and PR.

The workshops aim to provide organisers with:
• Ideas and inspiration on different types of events
• Practical tips for organising events
• PR and marketing guidance
• Information on Dr Bike and ‘Britain’s Biggest Bike Fix’
• Advice on how to promote cycling and encourage continued participation after Team Green Britain Bike Week

We will be delighted if you are able to join us and make this year’s Team Green Britain Bike Week the biggest ever by providing ‘everyday cycling for everyone’, and encouraging people to dig their bikes out and get punctures fixed, brakes adjusted and gears tuned as part of ‘Britain’s Biggest Bike Fix’.

Please RSVP to hq@bikeweek.org.uk or your local contact.

Bristol

Date: Wednesday 20 April 2011
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: The Pavillion Function Room, 1 Hannover Quay,
Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5JE

Llandudno

Date: 15th April
Time: 12.30 – 14.30
Location: Rhos room, Welsh Assembly Government Office,
Sarn Mynach, Llandudno Junction LL31 9RZ

Birmingham

Date: 21 April
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: Room 3-4 Birmingham Council House,
Victoria Square, Birmingham B1 1BB

8th April 2011

Don't let planning decisions become a free for all

The Campaign for Better Transport has called on all interested groups to write to Eric Pickles to prevent a planning free for all. They accept that we’re all facing tough times at the moment so it’s not surprising that the Government wanted to show that it was boosting the economy in the Budget. BUT....
 
Their big idea is to repeat the Enterprise Zones that were a feature of the 1980s. Back then, they resulted in big out-of-town developments that could only be reached by car with no consideration of good public transport links, cycle lanes or accessibility. This time round, they could again mean more traffic and pollution, more inaccessible shopping centres and more empty shops in our high streets.

Local shops are important in any plan to increase the use of sustainable modes such as bikes for everyday needs.

We shouldn't just wait to see what the damage will be. Enterprise Zones must be located in the right places and mustn’t add to congestion and carbon.

So The Campaign for Better Transport is urging us to write to Eric Pickles

8th April 2011

World Naked Bike Rides

If having next to no or no clothes on and riding your bike is something you'd like to try, then why not go on one of the naked bike rides scheduled for the next few months. Luckily it'll be warm! Joking aside, there is a serious message here about the vulnerability of cyclists on our streets. I'm sure you don't have to be completely nude, you could wear a naked suit Check out the website for more details

Friday 3 June 2011

• Manchester (assemble from 6pm for a 7pm departure - TBC)

Saturday 4 June 2011

• York (assemble from 4pm for a 5pm departure - Venue TBC)

Friday 10 June 2011

• Portsmouth (assemble from 11.30am for a Noon departure - TBC)
• Southampton (assemble from 6pm for a 6.30pm departure - TBC)

Saturday 11 June 2011

• Edinburgh (TBC)
• London (assemble 3pm for a 3.30pm departure - TBC)
• Cardiff (TBC)
• Exeter (New Ride) (assemble 12 noon for a 1pm departure - TBC)

Sunday 12 June 2011

• Bristol (TBC)
• Brighton & Hove (assemble from 12pm for a 1.30pm departure - TBC)

Saturday 18 June 2011

• Sheffield (TBC)
• Canterbury (TBC - new ride proposed)

8th April 2011

The AA recently gave away helmets and hi-viz to cyclists in London.

The wearing of cycle helmets is a much debated issue and some of the arguements can be read here. The article also offers an idea of the AA's rationale for doing this.

There are many other opinions available in your search engine, 2 of which are mentioned in this article: Copenhagenize and Roadpeace.

The AA said it will repeat its helmet giveaway in other UK cities later in the year so look out for that!

19th April 2011

Strict Liability update

David Naylor has informed us that he has written to his MP Martin Caton (Gower constituency) who has tabled an Early day motion, No. 1393, titled
“Collisions involving motor vehicles and cyclists or pedestrians".

So far there are 28 signatures. If your MP is not on this list you might consider
asking him or her to add their name.

Thanks to David Naylor (CTC RtR for Swansea area)

19th April 2011

AA wants people to collect data on driving behaviour 

You would be forgiven for hesitiating to help the AA but how about giving this a go?
 
Its a survey to record bad driver behaviour and the more people that are prepared to do it the better the results.

The survey is based on clandestine observation of a minimum of 100 cars (taking about an hour).

They are looking at mobile phone use, non-seatbelt use, speed being 'too fast for conditions' ,lack of indication, defective brake lights, jumping traffic lights etc.
 
it should take place between 16th April - 9th May.
 
Details here and this is the form to print

26th April 2011

How its done in Holland

This video from the strict liability for us website paints the picture in Holland where strict liability is accepted as the norm. It outlines in simple and everyday terms how strict liability works there in terms of cycling.

Strict liability would be a great benefit to road safety. The same rules as these apply in almost all of the rest of Europe and are applied to HGVs for cars and cycles for pedestrians. Whoever has the vehicle that is more likely to hurt the other has a duty to look out for the weaker and more vulnerable road user. Its simple and effective and makes a useful tool for explaining how this system works. The video is also available on Youtube

11th May 2011

Andrew Martin sends an update

The Stakeholder manager of the Metrolink East Didsbury extension project that diverts a section of the Trans Pennine Trail has responded to Andrew's e-mail about the manner in which the trail will be affected by the project and the proposed diversion using steps! The Manchester evening News has covered the story and reported the concerns of local groups.

The response suggests that the most cost effective solution is to use steps but as Andrew points out this will seriously affect the accessibility of the route for many of its current users. Besides this is a very expensive project with a large budget so how much as a proportion of the cost will a useful and effective solution be?

highlights of the mail are reproduced below:

The value of the Trans Pennine Trail is fully recognised by TfGM and I can assure you that, in undertaking the design for the Metrolink extension to East Didsbury, we have endeavoured to have regard to the interests of Trans Pennine Trail users. Naturally, however, it has been necessary to accommodate the new Metrolink infrastructure within the same corridor and to work within a finite, publicly funded, budget. That has meant producing a design which recognises all of the relevant parameters and strikes the right balance between them.
  
The options being examined are:
1. Steps plus cycle groove at Sandhurst Road (current design).
2. Lengthening of the Sandhurst Road bridge to allow the Trans Pennine Trail to pass beneath (instead of up and over).
3. “Tunnelling” through the embankment next to the Sandhurst Road bridge, again, to maintain the Trail within the cutting rather than crossing up and over Sandhurst Road itself.
4. Re-routing the Trans Pennine Trail alongside the River Mersey whereby it would not occupy the Metrolink corridor.
The option of providing ramps to cross up and over Sandhurst Road is not being considered further on the basis that our preliminary investigations concluded that Options 2 and 3 above would be the more cost-effective means of providing a step-free Trail at Sandhurst Road and would be considerably less visually intrusive than ramps (which was a concern for residents). Therefore, these options have been preferred for further consideration.
Once a decision has been made to confirm which option will be taken forward, an appropriate announcement will be made.
Regards
Jim Critchley
Planning, Stakeholder & Approvals Manager
Metrolink
Transport for Greater Manchester

11th May 2011

21st May at 11am in Carrs lane Church Centre Brimingham

The AGm will take place on 21st in Birmingham and will cover the usual topics (minutes lof last AGM, Annual Report, Finance Report, Chairs closing remarks etc) plus the announcement of the election of officers and board members will be followed by discussion of 2 important topics:

1. Cyclenations collaboration with other cycling organisations

2. Cycle Safety, developing strategies for ensuring the most productive outcomes with regard to cycle safety

We really want to hear what you think about these issues as this will form the basis of the way we will move forward in the coming year.

It is important that we gain a fuller understanding how the member groups wish Cyclenation to proceed with regard to these topics and we hope to see and hear you at the AGM so come along and have your say. We are always open to feedback and would encourage you all you join the cyclenation group discussion forum

11th May 2011

The Cycling Cultures conference takes place in Leicester on the 4th and 5th June

The programme has now been released and can be seen on the conference website.

Building Cycling Culture/s takes over Leicester’s Phoenix Square Media Centre for talk, debate, film, artwork, bike rides, children’s activities, networking and ideas for change.  The venue has all facilities including café, bar, and loads of meeting space.

Its shaping up to be a really useful and interesting weekend of workshops and visits.

11th May 2011

This weekend sees the CTC AGM taking place in Weymouth.

The venue is Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, Osprey Quay, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1SA. 

The AGM will start at 12.30pm and the National Dinner will start at 7.00pm.

For more details see the CTC website

11th May 2011

Hugh from Nottingham Pedals has sent through this tale of the removal of cycle provision by Nottingham CC.

The Council have replaced a traffic lane they removed in 2005. They originally removed it to put in lead in lanes for cycles at a junction. The replacement was undertaken just before the election and with absolutely no consultation. This is from a council that claims it has no money for cycling.

It seems that all councils are using the no money argument for not only giving zero budget to cycling but also using what little money they have for 'keeping the traffic moving' by removing the hard won infrastructure that does exist.  It is becoming more common for arguements like 'we need to reduce congestion to improve air quality/residents life quality by unclogging the traffic' to be used as an excuse to further accomodate driving and increase the vehicle capacity on roads at the expense of cyclists. 

We all know the best way to reduce congestion is to increase cycling not increase the road capacity for vehicles!

Is this a national problem?

Do any other groups have similar stories to tell?

If any of you have heard similar arguments lately please let us know.

11th May 2011

Get your bike ready for bike week

Check out the 5 top tips from Team Green Britian Bike Week's former chief mechanic with a little help from his friend Victoria Pendleton.

The former TGB bike week chief mechanic goe son to offer some top tips and a Dr Bike checklist

So its time to pop round and visit your friends and check their bikes over ready for Bike Week. While you're there, why not invite them out on a ride.

19th May 2011

Cycling in the 21st Century Seminar & AGM

Date: 16 June 2011

Location: North West

Contact: To make a booking please contact Hannah on 01273 704 924

ACT TravelWise is presenting a free seminar about 21st century cycling initiatives in the North West.

Attendees will hear about the connectivity between cycling and rail from Merseyrail and also from Blackpool Borough council which is making cycling accessible to everyone.

Huw Jenkins, Merseytravel’s policy expert will provide advice and guidance about the Local Sustainable Transport Fund. He will talk about it in the wider context of integrated transport with a particular focus on cycling.

This is a free event to attend although ACT TravelWise members will be given priority.

To make a booking please contact Hannah on 01273 704 924/ hannah@acttravelwise.org

19th May 2011

We now have the capability to tweet and blog as well as facebook

Check it out and sign up to our tweets, blogs and facebook posts

With a bit of luck we'll be sending out more info and we can use these to help member groups contact each other and keep up to date with what everyone is doing in their local area

If you've got some news let us know and we'll tweet it for you!

23rd May 2011

At the AGM in Birmingham on Saturday Andre announced that Phillip Darnton the former chairman of Cycling England has agreed to be the Honorary President of Cyclenation. We are pleased that he has agreed to take on this role and look forward to having him on-board.

This is a real coup for Cyclenation. Philip will undoubtedly be an inspiring public presence for the group. Well done everyone that worked to make this happen.

27th May 2011

The world naked bike ride is coming to your town soon! Go along and show support even if you want to keep your clothes on.

27th May 2011

The European Cyclists Federation have made themselves heard an International Transport Summit

The European Cyclists Federation have put out a press release detailing how they have promoted the use of e-bikes at the recent International Transport Forum. They were particularily keen to promote the role of  the e-bike in the context  of a panel discussing innovation at the summit. ECF President Manfred Neun when on to cite the ‘Cycling Economy’ as a good use of scarce investment and referred to the far-reaching economic effects that cycling has on sustainable growth in terms of energy use, health, the environment, climate change, the quality of urban living and the economy of both developed and developing countries.

For more details see the ECF website

1st June 2011

Danny Dorling is an author and professor of Human Geography who has dedicated his career to exposing the social costs of inequality. In his response to the What One Change question, Danny focuses on the Twenty’s Plenty campaign for 20mph speed limits in all residential areas. Having been successfully adopted in several cities around the UK already, the campaign has already reported an impressive reduction in road deaths and serious injuries. However as a driver of broader social change, Danny suggests that the campaign’s benefits go further still – from the positive impact on our daily environment, to helping us re-engage with our community and campaigning for the bigger changes we want.

1st June 2011

Excellent and inspiring conference in Leicester last weekend

The whole event was well planned and included a selection of different cycling related events and activities.

The tours in the morning took in the pedestrainised zone with cycling allowed, an architectural tour and a visit to 2 of the city's recycling projects. The visits to the 2 projects were really interesting and inspiring one was Future Cycles  the other was Bikes 4 All both were excellent projects focussing on getting bikes back out there! Karen Overton from New york held a great workshop on her work in the city inspiring young adults and children through the power and addiction of bike repair.

The subject of segregated cycle lanes was covered by another visitor from New York. Jon Orcutt works for the New York Department of Transportation who have introduced a radical programme of new cycle lanes in the city and his presentation was both amusing and information.#

The main theme was one of understanding the findings and implications of 2 pieces of academic research one by Dave Horton (Lancaster University): Key findings from the Understanding Walking & Cycling project and the other by Rachel Aldred (University of East London): Key findings from the Cycling Cultures project. More discussion of these will be available soon but in the meantime check out the Cyclenation Googlegroups for a taster.

8th June 2011

Cyclestreets are pleased to announce that our official Android app is now out, thanks to 
an enormous last push by Jez to finish it off and add lots of great features.
 
The download link is here - it's free:
 
And a blog post listing all the features is here:

22nd June 2011

An interesting article here, about gender issues in cycling....
Is this picture a case in point?

22nd June 2011

Did you even know this is what they are called?

There's been a bit of debate on the cyclenation forum about access and barriers with many views put forward?

You can join the discussion here

There are guidance notes supplied by Dft as to minimum standards so get out and measure the value of yours. All too often we can be faced with barriers that you can't get through with a tandem, adaptive bike, trike, trailer, recumbent or trailer bike (to mention a few).  So if you feel that the barriers in your local area aren't barring the right people and the motorbikes can still get in, then let your local cycling officer or access/ rights of way officer know it.

Ask them to prove that the barriers are effective in keeping motorbikes out if that is what they are supposed to do.

The guidance is here to see

22nd June 2011

Check out Peter Preston in the Guardian this week

some food for thought about cycling Dutch style only its not about the lanes this time, well not totally!

29th June 2011

Mike Armstrong of Manchester put this on the Cyclenation facebook. 

maybe we all need to write to our MPs about and council's about some of the non-DDA compliant farcilities in out locales?

Check out this tour of one of Manchester's NCN routes

29th June 2011

The Dft have announced the successful bids in the first round of the LSTF

Check out this page on the Dft website for further details

5th July 2011

The European Cyclists’ Federation has started a “Technical and standards” Working 
Group.  

It will be looking at the technical aspects of the bicycle itself including; standardisation of the bicycle; 
Pedelecs and EPACS (Electronically Power Assisted Cycles); lights; locks; reviews etc. 
The group will be conversing through “Yahoo Groups”.
 
So, If you have an expert in your organisation who wishes to join the group, to contribute to any of the issues or 
with an interest as to the discussions that will take place send an email to c.woolsgrove@ecf.com 
and she will send you details of how to join the group. 
If you have any questions regarding the group contact Ceri Woolsgrove the Road Safety and Technical Policy Officer 

2nd August 2011

The conference this year will be on October 15th, in Sheffield with the theme of "National Campaigning delivered Locally" with a full social programme around the conference.

It is emerging that national orgainisations like the CTC perhaps need to be organised in a different way to respond to the government's localism agenda. Therefore it is increasingly important that we give a consistent view on issues like 20's plenty, liability, helmets, standards for cycle routes etc even when negotiating locally. So the conference is based around thinking about how we ought to do that.

We plan to have registration open by the end of August, and look forward to welcoming you to our (we hope) cycle-friendly Steel City. Please put that date in your diary and tell your fellow campaigners. 

See you all there!

2nd August 2011

The mayor of Vilnius has taken the problem of parking in cycle lanes to heart and tried to solve the problem an original way......

3rd August 2011

CHALLENGE YOURSELF

Annie has asked us to pormote this years QEF Leatherhead Bikeathon

It will be taking place on Sunday 18th September 2011 - and will help to raise vital funds for disabled people.

What ever your age or ability, choose one of  three rou tes around the picturesque Surrey Downs starting and finishing at our headquarters in Leatherhead, Surrey:
13 Miles
26 Miles
45 Miles (for the brave!)

Every rider will receive an exclusive Bikeathon 2011 medal when they cross the finish line.

Registration for Bikeathon 2011 is now open. So for your chance to challenge yourself and make a real difference visit: www.leatherheadbikeathon.co.uk and register now.
Registration costs £10 for Adults and £5 for Children (Under 16's)/ Students. The minimum sponsorship requirement is £20.

You can also join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Hope to see you there,

The Bikeathon Team
Tel: 01372 841130
Email: annalisa.slater@qef.org.uk
Web: www.qef.org.uk

9th August 2011

Park(ing) day

On Friday September 16th why not take a parking space in your local area and transform it into a park space for a day. Get your picnics and deck chairs out and help make a point and transform a small part of the urban landscape for a day. All the help and advice you need is available on the park(ing) day website.

23rd August 2011

Mobility Week

This event is something we should all consider taking part in and is a great opportunity to work in partnership wth your local authority and other local campaign groups that work to encourage a reduction in carbon emissions from transport. Some great ideas have come out of this over the years so try to think of an area or space in your town which could be used to showcase cycling and walking (and public transport) and draw some attention to the benefits of less traffic in an urban space. The ideas can range from taking a car parking space and sprucing it up to decorating a section of road or organsing a group ride. More ambitious plans like closing a road can take longer and need planning but if there isn't time this year why not plan for next year?

As the website says:

"It is an opportunity for all the participating cities and towns to show how much environmental issues concern them. The operation will allow them to express themselves on the matter and at the same time give citizens an opportunity to show their support by their interest and involvement, for measures for a better quality of life in the urban environment. Because to offer everyone an alternative means of getting around, necessarily entails rethinking the apportionment of the highways. Therefore, the European Mobility Week is a unique moment in the year when the elected town councillors can test their transport policies and present them to the citizens."

26th August 2011

Further details of the annual conference have been released and inc lude the news that Danny Dorling, Professor of Human Geography in the University of Sheffield will be one of the speakers and will address the subject of :“ Social Mobility and Access – Cycling’s contribution? ”

The event will be held at Sheffield University – Firth Court  on Saturday 15^th October 2011. the overall theme is “Cycle Campaigning and Localism – Threats and Opportunities”

As usual the cost is £20 and includes conference fee, lunch, tea and coffee. There will be key speakers and workshops and will include an opportunity for groups to showcase local and regional initiaitves on a stall or through displaying a poster. There will also a series of rides over the weekend and everyone is welcome. 
Limited accommodation is available with local Cyclists so book early!

For more details visit Cycle Sheffield

26th August 2011

Only 10 days to go to the Cyclenation/CTC Conference in Sheffield 

The event will be held at Sheffield University – Firth Court  on Saturday 15^th October 2011. the overall theme is “Cycle Campaigning and Localism – Threats and Opportunities”

Don't forget to bring your posters as there will be an opportunity for groups to showcase local and regional initiaitves by displaying a poster. 

All the info you ever needed is below or visit Cycle Sheffield

Where? Sheffield University – Firth Court - S10 2TN.

When? Saturday 15th October 2011.Registration 9.30 to 10.30am. End 5pm.

Who for? - Everyone wishing to promote frequent and safe
Cycling and also representatives from organisations promoting
Cycling. eg: CTC, CycleNation, Local Authorities, Politicians,
Cycle Trainers, Sustrans etc.

Cost: £20 early booking (during September), £25 from 1st
October. To include conference fee, lunch (vegetarian), tea
and coffee.

Programme:

Matt Brunt, assistant director PTEG support unit

Danny Dorling, Professor of Human Geography, .

Workshops on National issues and Local Initiatives.

Stalls/Posters: Local and regional Initiatives.

Accompanying events – all delegates welcome:

Sheffield FridayNightRide. (7 pm start)

Saturday Evening: Post conference Ride and Conference Dinner.

Choice of Sunday Rides including a tram assisted ride (10a.m.
start - approx 3 hours), and a local CTC ride.

Accommodation available with local Cyclists, or book your
own.

To book: 

3rd October 2011

CTC/CYCLENATION CONFERENCE AT SHEFFIELD

15/10/11 Sheffield University

1. Theme

Cycle campaigning and localism: Threats and opportunities

2. Presentation: Sheffield University’s commitment to cycling such as employing a travel plan officer, recycling bikes, subsidising bus services from car parking fees with a view to achieving sustainable transport.

3. Localism and planning reforms: Matthew Brunt , Assistant Director of the Passenger Transport Executive Support Unit. Matthew outlined the rationale about localism which is the transfer of power away from the centre, i.e. Westminster, Whitehall to empower local communities and generate civic responsibility. This lies behind the Localism Bill. Localism is a very elastic term open to many interpretations including, for example aspects of devolved government, subsidiarity, civic regeneration and so on. Localism presents a mixed picture including planning reforms which seem to favour corporate interests and the Bill gives priority to economic over environmental, social and cultural concerns. . The Secretary of State, Eric Pickles, still retains the so-called Henry VIII clauses which retain reserve powers of executive discretion – in effect the Minister can override local planning decisions where she considers these in conflict with the “national interest”. An example might be the widening, extension or construction of roads generating traffic levels, pollution and dangers harmful to localities.

4. Roger Geffen [CTC]: outlined a new accord strengthening support for local campaign groups. He welcomed the translation of Philip Hammond, perceived to be anti-cycling to the Ministry of Defence portfolio and his replacement by Justine Green, considered to be more sympathetic to environmental issues as she is opposed, for instance, to the expansion of Heathrow and understands the urgency of climate change recognising that environmental sustainability is as important as economic growth.

He outlined the reconfiguring of the working relationship between Cyclenation and the CTC [the Memorandum of Understanding] as a means of meeting the challenges of the localism agenda, that “local authorities know best”, involving more members in cycle campaigning, boosting capacity, skills, professionalism and the effectiveness of local campaign groups. This is to be achieved by increasing the numbers of local groups, improving the quality of information sharing, training and networking, co-ordinating campaigns and providing a ‘toolkit’ that can be customised locally, securing the resources to do this whilst building on the existing good practice such as conferences, the Right to Ride network and Cycle Digest.

 5. Jason Torrance:  Policy Director at Sustrans. Jason outlined some of the big themes of local transport including changes in health policy, the resumption of road building programmes. He noted an ideological shift in areas of health, education and transport which may impact on cycling – especially moves towards deregulation and the relaxation of planning controls. The 29% cut in local transport funding is likely to have a negative impact on provision for sustainable means of travel including cycling. The  focus must be on local transport plans and local authorities especially with the winding up of PCTs imminent. He stressed the importance of promoting active life-styles in  preventative health and indicated the need to connect health reforms with the sustainability agenda.

Recent research has concluded that Cycling Demonstration Towns such as Darlington and Worcester have produced a dramatic increase in both cycling and the use of public transport. Research, monitoring and evaluation is lacking at the Department of Transport. The urgency of climate change is revealed by the need to cut emissions by 90% by 2030 if local authorities are to meet the targets for sustainability.

He reminded the delegates that membership of cycling organisations was tiny and that alliance with the ‘sleeping giants’ such as the National Trust, the Wildlife Trust, the CPRE and the RSPB could prove to be very effective as they have membership around 1 million each. When they are aroused they are listened to.

 6, Cyclestreets: This was a workshop involving the discussion of a presentation of Helping Campaigners Campaign which offers an online toolkit. This has been funded from a grant of £30,000 from Geovation, a Government agency as part of an Ordnance Survey initiative. The toolkit helps campaigners or local groups to pinpoint geographically precise points of difficulty such as dangerous junctions, unresponsive signals or absence of cycle parking provision, and it can show planning applications and relevant data and pull in best practice. Any group can sign up to this toolkit. By registering on the site a group can convert mere moaning or whingeing into solid evidence and find viable, constructive solutions; it can prioritise issues and show where a problem is widespread and perhaps endemic to the authority. The kit can get new people involved easily and save campaigners time and money. The local group can have its own branding and use it as a discussion forum which can be a closed or public space.

7. CTC Media workshop:  A library of positive images of cycling is being made available on line to which campaigners can contribute together with examples of good [and bad] practice in infrastructure such as cycle lanes. Cyclenation  is aiming to get local and health authorities to use positive images of cycling in promotional material. It is important when taking pictures of anonymous cyclist in opportunistic circumstances to obtain their consent. The importance of getting cycling in local newspapers was stressed as politicians – MPs, local councillors, MEPs, and local businesses are keen to receive favourable attention . The audience of local radio and regional television is much larger. Techniques of engaging journalists were outlined.

What the media want is an interesting story with a case study, a good photograph that includes lots of people, something unique or extraordinary, entertaining and if possible, fun for the reporter. Most of all it must aim to be exclusive. Potholes, of all things are a ‘sexy’ topic as they embarrass local authorities and are a menace to a much wider constituency with which readers will identify sympathetically.

8. Danny Dorling: Social Mobility and Access: Cycling’s Contribution

Danny outlined some very important findings of preliminary research based on 2001 data that will be re-examined when the results of the 2011 census become available next year. Cycling is not even a significant minority mode of transport but this may be changing. As recently as the early 1970s thousands of car workers used bikes to get to work. This gave the image of cycling as a second-class form of transport for those who couldn’t afford a car. The 2011 evidence is likely to present a very different picture where the commuting cyclists is young, male and affluent expressing a life-style. Cycling is chosen, not a necessity.

A demographic map of the popularity of travel modes in the UK revealed that, for example, no areas of Scotland had 16-24 year olds using cycling as even a second choice of travel. Only in  affluent and highly educated Cambridge did cycling manage second preference. Cycling seems to have become embourgeoised – a chosen mode for those displaying their physical as well as economic, social and cultural promise. For those aged 25-39 only Hull [where car ownership is well below average] and Cambridge showed cycling coming second. The car is predictably dominant in the 40-59 age group and evidence points to the younger males dropping out of cycle commuting from about 32 onwards.  Fascinatingly amongst the over 75s males have at least one car whilst there are many women in this age cohort who don’t and have never driven illustrating, perhaps, some social history as this generation came to maturity in the 1940s and early 1950s. The car was seen as a symbol of success its status symbol of masculine achievement being central to its popularity. The comparative immobility of women reflected their relegation to roles of domesticity or even servility. Cycling remains a function of inequality and social exclusion.

A parallel with smoking is illustrative – its decline began with the aspirational, the upwardly mobile and successful. Progress in reducing it among working class people has proved more challenging.

Paul Thomson 15/10/11

18th October 2011

Designing for cycle traffic – lessons being learned from London experience

A lecture by Ali Ataie

Thursday 24^th November 2011 12.30pm to 1.30pm Room LR375

LSBU London Road Building, Building Number 11 on the map at

http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/about/maps.shtml (Access via London Road only)

Synopsis

A cycling revolution has started in London but it is far from finished.  The battle continues between those promoting cycling in the capital and those who are concerned about the impact on other road users. The Traffic Management Act (2004) explicitly demands expeditious movement of traffic and this demand applies to all types of traffic: motor traffic, cycle traffic and pedestrians.

In a politically charged environment, the traffic engineer is caught in the middle with no hard and fast solutions to conflicting demands. This is where innovation and modern traffic engineering approaches can play a vital part in ensuring a balance is struck in maximising the capacity for all types of user, without detrimental impacts on safety. Ali will be exploring the traffic engineering techniques used in the projects he is involved with to demonstrate what can be achieved for cycle traffic in a very congested environment and while minimising impact on other modes of transport. 

 Biography

Ali is a Divisional Director at Jacobs and a past student of the London South Bank University. He has been with Jacobs since January 2007 with over 22 years of highways and transportation engineering experience.  His specialism is in sustainable transport, in particular cycling. Ali has been involved with many cycle infrastructure projects in the UK, and internationally. He is currently project director for the high profile London Cycle Superhighways programme awarded to Jacobs. He is an avid commuter cyclist who has no axe to grind with other modes of transport as he is also a car driver, public transport user, motorcyclist and pedestrian, all be it not at the same time!

If you would like to attend, please inform Professor John Parkin so that your name may be added to the list for access purposes

(j.parkin@lsbu.ac.uk, 020 7815 7160)

20th November 2011

News from Will Andrews (chair)                

Thanks to all who have helped so much with this campaign!  Heartening that the City Council and Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government got together and extended the Cycling Officer's contract for six months.  We really hope that this gives time to find permanent funding for the Officer's salary, given the extraordinarily high ratio of benefit to cost that the promotion of cycling achieves.  Though it's the principle of having the Officer job in place, as set out by the National Cycle Policy Framework, we have to say that the current Officer, Dr. Ciaran Fallon, has been a really effective and capable voice for cycling in Dublin for the last 3 years, and we do hope he'll see fit to continue in the job!

22nd December 2011

What do you think of the New York style separate bike lanes in Chicago?

Could they work in the UK?

22nd December 2011

An invite to the 'biggest ever cycling protest' from Mustafa Arif of LCC

The London Cycling Campaign is seeking a commitment from the
candidates to "make London a more liveable city by making our streets as
safe an inviting for cycling as they are in Holland."

Details to be announced in January 2012 following conclusion of discussions
with authorities.

In the meantime, please start spreading the word that there will be a big
event in central London on Sat 28 April 2012 to demonstrate for better
cycling facilities and which your members may be interested in supporting.
It would be nice to see a few other campaign groups organise trips down.
Don't forget, you could also make the most of the weekend by coming into
London on Friday evening to join Critical Mass.

22nd December 2011