The weekly newsletter for members of CTC

 

 

News

 

That hole’s being filled

With a helping hand from the media, including good coverage this week from The Independent and Cycling Weekly, word about our new road fault-reporting website at fillthathole.org.uk (and its off-road sister site at clearthattrail.org.uk) is spreading fast. Almost 1,400 potholes – that’s about 100 each day – have been reported in the two weeks since the launch of the new CTC service, but more importantly over 50 have already been fixed. If you’ve reported a damaged road or blocked trail, remember to update our website when you notice it’s been dealt with.

 

Joy riding…Dutch style

According to a European-wide crime survey published this week, over 4% of UK cyclists in 2004 had a bike stolen. The survey also reveals that in countries where bike ownership is high and bike theft relatively common, stealing cars occurs less often. The report suggests that those looking for illegal, short distance transportation (popularly referred to in this country as joy riding) will make do with a bike if plenty are available. The full report is online (references to cycling on page 34)

 

Distracted cycling…US style

With the suggestion by London Mayor, Ken Livingstone, last summer that cyclists should have number plates, rumours that bikes would have to have bells fitted and a re-drafted Highway Code which tried to move cyclists off the road altogether, you’d be forgiven for thinking that we in this country are particularly unlucky when it comes to draconian cycling-related proposals. Not so. Carl Kruger, a senator for New York, wants a "distracted walking" Bill to ban pedestrians from using mobile phones, handheld emailing devices such as Blackberries and video games while crossing the road. The offence, which would apply to walking, jogging and cycling, would involve a criminal court summons. As reported in The Daily Telegraph here

 

A trip down memory lane

Or, how not to promote cycling to kids. America is an interesting place at the best of times, but during the Sixties, a sub-culture of youth-inspired radicalism saw an increase in the use of recreational drugs such as LSD that affected many aspects of society. At least this is the only explanation I can think of for the really very strange 1963 child cycling safety film posted this week on website quickrelease.tv. The 15-minute film sees a group of children disguised as monkeys embark on a cycle journey that will see each of them fall victim to the perils of the road.

 

The good, the bad and the ugly

If your experience of holiday bike hire has left you with a tale to tell, we’d like to hear from you. If you can summarise your experience, which might have been a joy or a horror, in about 100 words, Cycle magazine would like to hear from you. The best contributions will be included in a forthcoming feature. If were pleased with the service, include the company’s contact details and we’ll recommend them ourselves. Emails should have ‘Hire Bikes’ in the subject box and be sent to publicity@... 

 

What’s on?

 

London calls for marshals

In France, a Tour de France marshal's job is handed down from parent to child. It's seen as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to soak up the incredible atmosphere first hand and ensure everything runs smoothly. As you know, this year’s race starts in London and organisers are on the lookout for volunteer marshals. More info

 

All in a jumble

North Birmingham CTC Cycle Jumble takes place at 10.00 on 3rd March at Methodist Church Hall, Erdington. Contact John Bedford 0121 353 5136 or parkcycles@...

 

In your area…

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

 

Products

 

Lock it or lose it

Getting on for one in twenty cyclists will have a bike stolen this year. That’s well over 2,000 victims within the CTC membership alone. Don’t let it be you – or rather do as much as you can to avoid it. Don’t neglect the obvious. Invest in a good lock. The CTC shop has a good range, which includes the Abus Partner Pack; a D-lock and coil cable combo that uses the same key – making it practical for families. Alternatively, Kryptonite’s New York M18 lock has been designed with motorcycle security in mind and is suitably heavy duty. It costs £79 or £72 for CTC members. Also, don’t forget to get your bike properly insured. CTC’s Cyclecover insurance guarantees new-for-old replacement and there’s almost no limit on the value of the bike being insured.

 

Remember that profits from everything you buy from our shop help support the campaigning work we do. Plus, most items that aren’t already on sale are reduced by 10%. The shop can be found at www.ctcshop.com or feel free to give us a call on 0870 873 0069

 

Member benefit

 

10% off Cycling TV

Watching cycling where and when you want is a whole lot easier with the arrival of www.cycling.tv, which offers 7 online television channels featuring UCI races, behind-the-scenes features, news and even insights into how to do mechanics. Over the coming months the channels will feature footage of sportive rides, MTB events and triathlon totalling 120 days of live coverage plus support for CTC’s campaigns. CTC members get 10% off Cycling.tv’s Premium Channel annual subscription

 

Receiving this newsletter

 

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If you would like to comment on this newsletter, or any other aspect of CTC, please visit the message board at www.ctc.org.uk

 

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