newsnet 28.10.05

The weekly newsletter for members of CTC

 

 

News

 

Best MTB initiative

What’s boosted mountain biking most in 2005? CTC has sponsored the Singletrack Best MTB Initiative award, so if you would like to nominate a product, event, campaign or project; large or small, national or local, click here

 

London celebrates growth in cycling

London is enjoying a huge rise in cycling levels, but the growth may not be quite as spectacular as this week’s headlines suggest. London Mayor, Ken Livingstone quotes a 100% per cent increase in cycling levels from March 2000 (traditionally a quiet cycling month) to August 2005 (the height of summer). The undeniably good news behind the headlines is the fact that cycling levels in the capital are finally enjoying sustained growth - long may it continue. Read the Mayor's press release here 

 

Reduced cycling would be “a loss to the nation”

During the House of Lords’ final Committee stage debate on the Road Safety Bill this week, an amendment was debated calling for compulsory helmets for children under 16. Rejecting the amendment, the Government's transport spokesperson, Lord Davies cautioned that the "compulsory use of helmets might reduce cycling, which would be a loss to the nation". 

 

Space Cycle

Over 100 years after former bike mechanics, the Wright brothers took to the skies in the world’s first powered aircraft, a distant association between cycling and flight continues. Scientists hoping to prevent astronauts from losing muscle mass during extended periods of time in space have designed a human-powered centrifuge. Essentially a rotating exercise bike, I imagine it’s best avoided after large meals. See what I’m talking about here

 

Products

 

Clocks go back – you can still go forward

Don’t let the darker nights put a stop to your evening cycling – see and be seen with a wide range of lighting and reflective accessories from the CTC shop. Rechargeable, dynamo and battery lights from Vista, Cateye, Busch and Muller and Nordlicht will Illuminate your path whilst Respros’ range of Hi-viz frame stickers and reflective bands will keep you and your bike visible. Call for expert advice on 0870 873 0069 or visit www.ctcshop.com

 

CTC on eBay

The eBayers among you might be interested in a CTC artefact that is currently for auction until Sunday 30^th October. The ‘cyclists’ touring club metal placard’ is at £21 as I write. Go to eBay page

 

What’s on?

 

What’s your news?

It’s almost deadline day for the local news page in Cycle, and I’m looking to hear what you’ve been up to. If you know of any individual or group that deserves to be recognised please send the details to me by replying to this email.

 

Bike Week 2006

Next year's nationwide Bike Week (17-25 June) aims to get 'more people cycling, more often' and is asking local CTC groups to arrange rides to appealing destinations and on mainly traffic-free routes, which are suitable for families, women and novices. More than 250,000 people are expected to participate in at least 1,500 events registered at www.bikeweek.org.uk  A new Bike Week Event Organisers Guide (including an order form for free materials) will be published in November - for your free copy email HQ@... or phone 0845 612 0661. 

 

Congratulations!

Heather and Ted Beeson have been awarded a CTC certificate of merit. Heather and Ted’s qualities are summed up by this extract from their citation: ‘Both Ted and Heather show a thoughtful concern for the wellbeing of their cycling friends and fellow CTC members.’

 

CTC Campaigns

 

Ministerial meetings around Britain

On Tuesday, CTC had two meetings with ministers in two different countries in a single day.  Campaigns Manager Roger Geffen and CTC Scotland Right-to-Ride representative John Taylor met with Scottish Transport minister Tavish Scott MSP. We urged that the promotion of non-motorised travel should be central to the forthcoming National Transport Strategy for Scotland, and the set-up of the proposed new Scottish Transport Agency. Mr Scott was encouragingly receptive to our suggestions.

 

Boost for off-road cycling

Meanwhile Off-road campaigner Richard George was in London meeting Rural Affairs Minister Jim Knight MP and Roger Williams MP, to discuss Government policy on off-road cycling events.  Knight indicated that he is very keen to help promote recreational cycling in rural areas. A further meeting with Jim Knight is planned.

 

Bus lane ruling

Another amendment to allow motorcycles to use bus lanes was also rejected due to a number of residual concerns over the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists themselves. To support CTC's Road Safety Bill campaign click here 

Member benefit

 

Stop bike theft

After you’ve insured your bike (see below) and bought a good lock, registering your bike is a worthwhile security measure. A free online register was launched this week – full details at www.immobilise.com 

 

Peace of mind

CTC’s Cyclecover insurance guarantees new-for-old replacement and there is almost no limit on the value of the bike being insured. Benefits include worldwide cover, free personal accident cover for CTC members, protection against vandalism and crash damage and up to 30% no claims bonus. www.cyclecover.co.uk  

 

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