newsnet 13.10.06

The weekly newsletter for members of CTC

 

 

News

 

I.25 million hits

We have just heard that over 25,000 people each week use ctc.org.uk – that’s 33% up on 6 months ago and well over 1million visits a year. Improvements to the site are being made all the time, so if it’s been a while since you last dropped by, click here  

 

Number is up for bicycle registration plates

Following London Mayor, Ken Livingstone’s proposal this summer that cyclists have compulsory number plates, Lord Howarth this week asked the Government what they thought of the idea. Lord Davies of Oldham (Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Lords) replied: To enable the Government to administer the registration of cyclists, changes in legislation would have to be considered along with extensive changes to computer systems. There are more than 20 million bicycles in Great Britain — many of which change owners frequently — and one in three adults owns a bicycle. To register them would entail the establishment of a system parallel to that presently existing for motor vehicles. The cost of such a system would, in the Department for Transport's view, outweigh any possible benefits and so we do not propose to take this idea forward. (Hansard source)

 

Bike Week results

This year 1,717 Bike Week and Bike2Work events were run by 1,171 local organisers, ranging from cycling clubs and campaign groups to local authorities, NHS trusts and other major employers. The total number of participants was estimated at 221,226, of which half were novice, lapsed or occasional cyclists. Further details here  Bike Week will be 16-24 June in 2007. Further details will be available next month at www.bikeweek.org.uk

 

4 years, 5 continents, 46000 miles, 0 aeroplanes

Alastair Humphreys has recently completed an epic journey round the world by bike and is offering local CTC clubs the chance to hear a talk about his adventures. More information about his trip is at www.roundtheworldbybike.com. If you’re interested in taking up his offer email him at alastair.humphreys@...

 

What’s on?

 

Watery weekend in Rutland

Rutland Water Reservoir may be situated in England’s smallest county, but it’s been the largest man-made lake in Western Europe since it was opened 30 years ago. Since then the 25-mile, traffic-free track around its perimeter has made it a popular destination for cyclists.  If you find yourself nearby, it’s worth knowing that there’s a wide range of high-spec bikes that you can hire for the day. More details here

 

Dirty weekend in Suffolk

More than 125 riders are expected to complete 25 or 50 miles of forest tracks and bridleways around the coastal forest area of Suffolk this Sunday (October 15^th), and you’re very welcome to join them. Just turn up, sign up and ride. Sign-on from 9am at Butley village Hall, near Woodbridge. Further information and contract details here

 

In your area…

The CTC online events page is regularly updated. Find cycling events in your area here

 

Products

 

Get well oiled

Bike care and maintenance is critical in winter as the combination of salt, rain and grit on the road increases wear and tear. Frequent cleaning and changing to a slightly heavier chain lubricant will help protect your bike. There are many excellent cleaning and lubrication tools available from the CTC shop, including the innovative Scottoiler Active Fluid System.

 

As a CTC member you are eligible to a 10% discount off most products on the website so be sure to check out the entire workshop selection and find the maintenance goods that are right for you. Remember that profits from the shop help fund our campaigning work.

 

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

                                                             

CTC Campaigns

 

Is keeping kids off real bikes ‘safe and convenient’?

The distributor of a new exercise bike for children has told bikebiz.com  that "Although kids used to play outside until dark, today's children regularly stay indoors for reasons including safety and convenience." Jason Lewis, director of The Kids Window, went on to explain that the bikes, which are suitable for children aged three to nine, "…are the latest in a series of fitness products, such as trampolines and treadmills, we're promoting to encourage children away from their computer games and into healthier pursuits.” Full story Meanwhile, Bike It, the project that encourages children to travel to school using real bicycles, has achieved cycling levels five times the national average in participating schools - bucking the trend in declining numbers of children cycling to school Find out more about Bike It at the Sustrans website here 

 

Member benefit

 

The CTC credit card can save you money and helps raise valuable funds for CTC’s campaigning and cycling development work - all at no extra cost to you. Benefits include 0% p.a. on balance transfers guaranteed for 6 months, no annual fee, 15.9% APR (variable) and up to 59 days free credit on purchases. Phone 0800 776262 and quote ref. MOH5 to request an application form.

 

Receiving this newsletter

 

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