newsnet 3.03.06

The weekly newsletter for members of CTC

 

 

News

 

3000 of you say ‘no’ to new Highway Code

Last week we brought you the worrying news that a seemingly innocuous addition to the new Highway Code, which tells cyclists to ‘use cycle facilities…where provided’, is likely to be used by insurance companies as an excuse to reduce the amount of compensation that they pay if a motorist hits a cyclist that has chosen to use a road rather than a nearby cycle facility. Since then, over 3000 of you have joined our campaign to have the wording amended. If you took part, then huge thanks. If you would like to join our online campaign, or encourage your fellow cyclists to add their support, then it’s not too late. Simply go to this webpage  - it takes less than 60seconds to get involved. Finally, apologies to those of you in Scotland who have experienced difficulties signing up – we are working hard to remedy this problem. For more information, contact adam.coffman@...

 

Test the Nation

This live general knowledge TV quiz hosted by Anne Robinson and Phillip Schofield features teams of people who all share a profession or hobby. The programme has until now not featured cyclists, but that’s about to change. You’ll undoubtedly be asked to wear your best lycra, but if you’d like to take part and are available on Sunday 28th May, then email Johanna.holloway@... or call  0207 421 7816.  The programme is filmed in London, but all travel expenses are paid and you will be fed and watered throughout the day.

 

YHA closures

Many cyclists have been disappointed to hear about the impending closure of many smaller youth hostels around the country. Those of you that use hostels will get a chance to have your say this weekend when the YHA Chairman, Chief executive and trustees hold a meeting to explain where YHA is going and listen to members' views. The meeting is at 2pm Saturday4th March in the youth hostel at Water End, Clifton. Details of the YHA strategy that the closures form part of can be seen at www.yha.org.uk

 

And finally…

Gordon Brown has until the end of this month to apply for the UK to become part of an EU initiative that reduces by half the amount of VAT payable on bicycle repairs. Does Gordon care about the state of Britain's bicycle fleet? Probably not, but it’s an initiative that in theory our Government supports. We await his decision with interest.

 

What’s on?

 

York Cycle Show  

York Cycle Show is the UK’s largest cycling festival, and the countdown to this year’s event on 24th/25th June has begun. A new webpage will tell you everything you need to know about what’s on and how to get involved. If you would like to take a stand at the show you still qualify for an early booking discount if you act now. Email yorkcycleshow@... for details

 

Looking to join a ride this weekend?

For a full online listing of cycling events click here

 

Products

 

Follow your heart

Whether you training for the CTC Challenge Rides or simply want to improve your fitness, a heart rate monitor will allow you to tailor your riding so that you get the best results. Our stock of designs from Polar and Sigma ranges from £19.99 to £379.99, so there is something to suit every pocket. View our range

 

The CTC shop can be found at www.ctcshop.com or feel free to give us a call on 0870 873 0069

 

Tour de France in the bag

When I reported here a couple of weeks ago that the Tour de France will start in London in 2007, I forgot to mention that whilst at the press launch I had managed to procure two limited-edition Tour laptop bags and assorted memorabilia. If you would like a chance to win one of the bags, reply to this email with Tour de France in the subject box. Please include a postal address.

 

CTC info

 

Canterbury tales

Even if you miss one of our large cycling events, you can still take part. The Invicta Birthday Rides, held at Canterbury in 2000, were a huge success and you can still ride the routes that were created for the event. Find an introduction to the routes on information sheet E22. For advice on how to access the information sheets on our website, please call the CTC information team on 0870 873 0060 or email cycling@...

 

East is east

The Istrian peninsular in Croatia isn’t necessarily the first place one considers for a cycling holiday. This view might change after you take a look at this website http://www.istra-zivot.com/  And members Ken and Pauline Smith have sent in an account of their two-week tour of Slovakia. Read about it on information sheet SL2.

 

CTC Campaigns

 

Signed, sealed and delivered…almost

Following unforeseen parliamentary delays, CTC’s campaign to have cyclists’ right to claim Rights of Way clarified in law appears to be finally heading for victory. This means that where cyclists have used a route regularly throughout a period of twenty years, we may claim it as a permanent Right of Way. Lord Bach, the Minister for Rural Affairs in the House of Lords, said that “a qualifying period of use by pedal cycles may count as evidence towards establishing a restricted byway” and reaffirmed that the Government is keen to help promote off-road access for bicycles.

 

On the buses…

CTC members have been part of a group that has spent the last year lobbying to launch a Welsh bike bus service. Now up and running, the services run from Bangor to Aberystwyth and Barmouth to Wrexham.

 

Rumour has it that the future of London’s bendy buses is far from certain as it seems the £200,000 vehicles are under review. Plagued by fire and fare dodgers alike, they are unlikely to be missed by London’s cyclists - many of whom find the driving style of the buses unpredictable.

 

Member benefit

 

Cotswold Outdoor

Cotswold Outdoor is one of the UK's leading retailers of outdoor clothing, climbing and camping equipment. CTC members get 15% discount on clothing and equipment detailed in its summer and winter catalogues by quoting Reference Code C2061 when ordering in store, by telephone or online (Use C2061 in the Promotional Code box when ordering over the web). To place an order or find details of your nearest store, phone 0870 442 7755 or visit www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

 

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