From: newsnet@... <newsnet@...>
Subject: CTC Newsletter
To: diesgy@...
Date: Friday, 13 November, 2009, 16:37

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IN THIS ISSUE OF NEWSNET ^ Right to Ride victory in Southsea | ^ The Sun doesn’t shine on bobbies on bikes | ^ More cycling in New York  | ^ Product of the week: Overshoes | ^  Member Benefit: Cyclecover
Dear Subscriber
	Right to Ride victory in Hampshire Well done to our Right to Ride reps Hilary Reed and Jon Spencer who both worked hard to convince the local council to put in a seafront cycle lane in Southsea near Portsmouth. The new on road cycle lane will also replace 150 parking spaces along the seafront, so stirred up a heated debate. Hilary told Newsnet:”I’m sure the new cycle route will encourage more people to get out of their cars and on to their bikes and that it will bring more visitors to the city. The planned route will also ease congestion in Southsea and will be the perfect place for families to cycle to together. I’m really looking forward to using the route.”
	The Sun doesn’t shine on bobbies on bikes After The Sun poked fun at it, police chiefs have distanced themselves from a 93-page long manual written by the police’s national working group for cycling training. A spokesperson for the Association of Chief Police Officers said of the Police Cycle Training Doctrine: “It was put forward by a group of well-meaning police officers with an interest in this area. ACPO will not be taking it forward.”  Greg Woodford, who oversees CTC’s Cycle Training portfolio, said: “Although I’ve not seen the manual, I would say that cycle training is very important for all cyclists, whether they are police officers or members of the public. I’d recommend all police cyclists attain their National Standard Level 3 and encourage police authorities to work alongside what has already been developed. I’d be more than happy to meet with them and work with them on cycle training for police cyclists.”
	More cycling in New York  Cycling is on the rise in New York City, in fact it is up 26% on last year and that means it is up 66% in 2 years! There has also been investment in cycling facilities, including 200 miles of bike routes in the past three years. To find out more, watch this video of cyclists in NYC.
	Is there any justice? Charges against the driver involved in the death of Elspeth Kelman, who was struck by a car while cycling on the Isle of Arran in Scotland, were found not proven. This in effect means the driver, 28-year-old Nick Underdown, was not punished for her death, even though an investigator stated in his report that "there was no wrongdoing on the part of the cyclist". Elspeth was killed while on a cycling trip in memory of her late husband. Her sister, Frances Downie, said: "The shocking and violent nature of her death caused us horror, anger and agitation." It is because of cases like these that CTC is collating evidence to campaign for justice for cyclists - to find out more visit. www.stop-smidsy.org.uk.
	Tonight: Drivers in the Dock The one to watch on TV is CTC’s Policy Coordinator Chris Peck, who is on Tonight: Drivers in the Dock, presented by Fiona Foster.  The programme is on tonight (what a surprise!) at 8pm. Chris is on a panel discussing the relationship between cyclists and motorists on Britain's busy roads in the light of an increase in cycling crashes.
	Have your say on 5 Live  CTC’s Roger Geffen will be on the Richard Bacon programme on BBC Five Live on Monday from 11pm onwards. Roger will be discussing driver liability and the difference in the rules between Holland and the UK. As the show is a phone-in, feel free to share your views - it would be nice to have a change from just taxi drivers calling in!
	Touring round Britain  If you’ve ever thought of just riding off into the sunset, you should read this inspiring and beautifully written article in the Observer about cycle touring around Britain’s coastline.
	Cycling old timers Another lovely and inspiring story appeared this week in The Herald about a remarkable group of ex-racing cyclists aged between 65 and 89 who still take to the saddle every week, come rain or shine, to reminisce about the old days. After cycling for 20 miles or so, they stop in the countryside south of Glasgow to light a fire, boil water for tea and tell stories of their exploits on two wheels; such gatherings, known as a ‘drum-ups’, were commonplace in the 1940s and 1950s, apparently.  One of riders, Eddie Brow, 77, says: “Doing things like this makes you enjoy life more, makes it worthwhile….Getting out, doing stuff…that’s the secret.”  And who can argue with that?
	Wonderful wonderful Copenhagen Share your views and ideas on climate change on the World Climate Community website and be in with a chance of winning a trip for two to Copenhagen from 5 to 8 December, including travel to Copenhagen (by bike presumably!), three nights in a hotel and 2 tickets to the Backstreet Boys concert on 7 December. By posting a message, you can encourage governments to take action in the fight against climate change and your message will be presented to leading EU officials during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen on 7 to 18 December.The deadline is 20 November 2009, when the winners will be selected at random.
	Wikipedia  You can find out about all sorts of things by looking them up on Wikipedia. So as a CTC member, you might want to check out CTC’s Wikipedia page. The beauty of the site is that anyone can add to it, so we’d love our members to edit the page.
	Lifesaving curry   While Somen Debnath was cycling across 33 countries to promote Aids awareness, he rode into serious trouble with the Taliban in Afghanistan. He was taken captive for 24 days, but it was his culinary, not his cycling, skills that saved his life. His captors were so impressed with the curry he made them, they released him! Undeterred by his awful ordeal, he has upped the ante and now intends to visit 191 countries by 2020.
	Adventures in South America  After 8600 days of service in local government, CTC Member Ken Dunbar has set off on an 8600 mile journey around South America. He’s travelling on three wheels (two on a bike and one on a trailer!). To find out more about his journey, you can follow him via his website
	Are Cyclists a Menace? Win a pair of tickets to find out Newsnet has 25 pairs of tickets for The Spectator Cycling Debate to give away. The debate takes place on Monday 30 November at Savoy Place in London between 6pm and 8.30pm. It will be chaired by Andrew Neil and speakers debating the motion ‘Are Cyclists a Menace?’ include Ken Livingstone and Baroness Sharples. Tickets are worth £28 each. If you would like to win, simply email the best cycling joke you know, include your name and the name of your guest to publicity@.... Please put ‘Are Cyclists a Menace?’ as the subject.
	Product of the week: overshoes Overshoes are essential for winter riding as they protect both your feet and your expensive cycling shoes from the winter weather. There is a whole range of overshoes for you to choose from at the CTC Shop.  The CTC shop is a unique way to buy cycling stuff as you benefit with special member prices and CTC benefits with funds raised for campaigning and CTC projects.
	Member Benefit: Cyclecover Cyclecover offers CTC members quality cycle insurance cover at a competitive price, and for policies taken out or renewed from March 2009 we are pleased to confirm that claims settlements will be on a 'New for Old' basis, with no deduction for wear and tear, regardless of the age of the cycle. Benefits of the policy include: free world-wide cover for up to 90 days per year, insuring one or more cycles worth up to a total of £12,500 and a 10%-30% discount for additional cycles. Plus 10% of premiums paid supports CTC campaigning. For quote visit  www.cyclecover.org.uk.
	Newsnet If you have something to share with over 25,000 CTC members, please email links to websites, videos and images to publicity@... .
RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBE: If you have been sent this newsletter by a friend and would like to receive it directly, simply send your membership number (or postcode) and email address to membership@.... UNSUBSCRIBE: If you would no longer like to receive the newsletter, send the word unsubscribe and your membership number in the subject box of an email to membership@.... If you would like to comment on this newsletter please reply to this email. If you have a general enquiry please contact our information team at cycling@.... To discuss any topic with other cyclists please post your views on the CTC Forum at www.ctc.org.uk/forum. CTC will not disclose the information you provided whilst joining CTC or using CTC's support services to any other person or organisation, except for the purpose of providing you with CTC membership services and membership benefits available to you as a member of CTC. If you do not want us to contact you about CTC membership benefits, products or services, or if you have any query about the use we make of your data, please write to the Data Controller at CTC, Parklands, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9JX.

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Date: Friday, 6 November, 2009, 14:07

To view this email as a web page, click here. Please add newsletter@... to your safe sender list or address book to receive your email. Hello LCC supporter, Welcome to the latest fortnightly e-newsletter from the London Cycling Campaign. If you can't view it properly, click here. LORRY SAFETY Many MPs have responded to the decision to disband the effective lorry-monitoring police unit, the CVEU, by signing an early day motion to reverse the decision. Please write to your MP or London Assembly Member using the form below to implore the mayor to make more efforts to keep cyclists safe from lorries, not fewer. MEMBERSHIP Due to the postal strike, it appears many membership renewal forms aren't being received. Why not renew your membership online? Every member helps LCC fight for worthwhile causes. If you're not a member, check out our great member benefits. Laura Laker e-newsletter editor ACTION: Have your say on Transport for London's Cycle Safety Action Plan LCC is asking cyclists to respond to Transport for London's Cycle Safety Action Plan by asking for more effective measures to increase cycle safety. Click here for more details... ACTION: You can help save axed CVEU police lorry-safety experts LCC is calling on cyclists to urge their London Assembly member to support an Early Day Motion to halt the disbanding of London's specialist lorry-safety police unit. Click here to take action... MEMBERS: Late change to LCC's annual general meeting venue Due to the unexpectedly high demand from members registering for the AGM, the Chair has exercised his right to ensure the safety and comfort of attendees by changing the previously advertised venue. Register here... NEWS: Cyclists angry at coroner's report on Goswell Rd lorry death Friends of Rebecca Goosen, the cyclist killed by a cement lorry last April, are angry after the coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death. Click here to find out more... NEWS: Cycle to Work Guarantee scheme could do more for employees The Department for Transport has launched a new scheme to encourage employers to be more cycle-friendly. To find out how it could be more effective click here. NEWS: Record number of nominations for the London Cycling Awards The London Cycling Awards continue to go from strength to strength in 2009, with a record number of nominations this year. To read more click here... NEWS: Gift membership or an LCC t-shirt make a great Christmas present Looking for Christmas gift ideas? You could buy a family member or friend a fantastic LCC gift membership or one of our colourful London Cycling Campaign t-shirts. Find out more here... NEWS: Media trivialise Public Accounts Committee road safety report A report from the House of Commons' Public Accounts Committee published last week, which made important points about road safety, has been trivialised by the British media. Click here... NEWS: Major cycle parking overhaul completed at Liverpool Street Station Installation of new two-tier cycle racks have doubled Liverpool St station’s cycle parking capacity, with the new facility increasing provision from around 116 bikes to 233. Click here... EVENT: Join the Wave to support the Copenhagen climate conference Saturday 5 December sees LCC organising guided rides to join the Wave demonstration in central London supporting climate change action at the UN summit in Copenhagen. Read on... NEWS: Cyclists advised to stay safe in London's parks at night A double warning is going out to London cyclists, to make sure they're properly visible in parks at night, and to be cautious riding through secluded areas in the dark. Click here... NEWS: Recycle workshop for homeless hostel means business A project for the homeless in Islington is extending its bike maintenance courses following a successful three-month trial of the scheme. Read more... COMPETITION: Ten copies of new Green Living guide to give away This provides all the information to help you reduce your impact on the environment, along with some shocking facts to give you the motivation required to help you lead a greener life. Win a copy here... NEWS: Police learn sign language to teach deaf children to cycle The Met Police’s Safer Parks team in Primrose Hill and Regents park is working with a primary school for deaf children to offer safe cycling sessions. Read on... NEWS: Cycle lanes and bike parking rival tube stations in property prices Provision of bike parking and cycle lanes now rival proximity of tube stations and car parking in boosting property prices, according to estate agents. Click here for details... If you would like a friend to receive this email, click here in order to forward it to them To unsubscribe from this email or amend your details click here, or reply to this email with the word 'unsubscribe' as the subject The contents of this newsletter are copyrighted by London Cycling Campaign 2009 This email was sent to diesgy@.... powered by mailvivo.

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IN THIS ISSUE OF NEWSNET ^ Cycle to Work Guarantee | ^ Take action for safer lorries | ^ Why is it so difficult to take a bike on a train? | ^ CTC’s Flickr group  | ^  Cycle in Morocco
Dear David
	Cycle to Work Guarantee  On Wednesday the Government launched the Cycle to Work Guarantee. It’s a plan to encourage more people to commute by bike and so far over 70 major public and private sector employers including CTC have pledged to implement the new plan. Employers who sign up are committing to providing their staff with safe bike storage, changing and bike repair facilities, cycle training and the ‘Cycle to Work scheme’. Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis said: “If proper facilities were more widely available, I believe far more people would cycle to work. At present only 3 per cent do so. We could double or treble that figure with proper bike storage and changing facilities and safe cycle routes.”
	Workplace challenge In the light of the Cycle to Work Guarantee, CTC will be utilising its cycle commuting expertise to work with the Department of Health to deliver £500,000 of workplace challenges. CTC will be working closely with local Primary Care Trusts and councils to reach the health and environmental goals of getting even more people cycling to work, regardless of what facilities their employers have. Find out more about why CTC's Workplace Challenges are the best way to get non-cyclists to cycle to work and watch our video.
	Take action for safer lorries The Metropolitan Police’s Commercial Vehicle Education Unit (CVEU) is the only police unit in the UK with the power to enforce health and safety law. Since 2005, it has checked over 3000 lorries and found 70% of them to be illegal. CTC believes that the CVEU should be rolled out across the country, as it will make the roads safer for cycling. Instead, the Mayor of London has decided to cut funding for the CVEU and close it in March 2010. You can use CTC’s online letter writing tool to ask your MP to put pressure on the Mayor to reverse his decision.
	Why is it so difficult to take a bike on a train? CTC’s Chris Peck likes to take his bike with him wherever he goes, but he has been having a bit of difficulty taking it on the train. To find out more read his Bike Blog post in the Guardian. If you are having issues taking your bike on the train, please contact CTC’s Public Transport Adviser Dave Holladay.
	Rail stations getting better        Carriage on trains may still be difficult for many, but cycle parking at stations is getting much more investment and attention. Following the announcement of £14m for cycle-rail integration last month, a programme of pilot ‘Station Travel Plans’ has just started to promote cycling and sustainable travel at 31 stations around the country – one example being Virgin Trains’ plans for an additional 540 spaces for cycles at stations between Stafford and Manchester Piccadilly. Details on progress at each of the stations are on the Station Travel Plans website.
	The Bike Song  When a song starts with the words “The first love of my life was not a girl, it was my very first bike”, I feel the need to share it with you. The Bike Song is by the Nottingham-based band The Grave Architects and if you really like it you can download a free copy or just watch the video.
	Moving on Forget buying a house that’s near to a station! Look for a secure place to park your bike and some nice cycle routes instead. According to estate agents, good bike facilities are pushing up prices in London.
	Not in my back yard Geoffrey Williams has ridden the same bike more than 30,000 miles through 30 countries – but where does his bike get stolen from? His back garden in Southampton. Geoffrey bought the yellow 1949 Sun touring bike secondhand in 1970 and he nicknamed it Celia. He said: "The sad thing about it is that the only person it's worth anything to is me. I'm just wondering where she is now."  If you have any information about the stolen bike, please contact Hampshire Police.
	Catch me if you can? This week on his journey from Alaska to Argentina Mark Beaumont has reached Costa Rica. He’s also issued a challenge to raise money for Children in Need. Mark’s challenge called Catch Me If You Can aims to see if cyclists can log more than 10,000 miles for charity. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Scott Napier has just smashed the record for cycling from Alaska to Argentina. Scot rode about 13,500 miles in just 126 days beating the original record of 140 days.
	Date your bike  If you want to restore a bike to its original spec or work out just how old it is, check out Bikepedia. The info goes back to 1993, it’s quite US focused so it’s great for looking at old Gary Fisher, Kona, Trek and Specialized bikes.
	Spotted! I know Newsnet is just like Heat magazine, so here are the latest celebs seen out on their bikes: Mandy, or as The Sun called him this week, Lord Mandelbar, has got a Brompton which he likes to take shopping and car loving Kerry Katona has also been out for a ride.
	Is it fine? The police have been out in force this week stopping cyclists without lights. In Oxford over 80 cyclists were fined £30, but if they turn up at a police station within seven days and show a valid receipt for new bike lights, their fine will be waived. In Cambridge though, the police are handing out fines to tackle cyclists with road rage! Let’s hope they also fine drivers too.
	CTC’s Flickr group  Share your very best pictures of cyclists and bikes on CTC’s Flickr group.  So far there are over 1500 pictures uploaded on the site. Don’t forget you can also comment on other people’s photos too.
	CTC and Cyclenation’s campaigning conference Cycle Campaigners Working in Partnership is on Saturday 14 November at Byron House, Nottingham.  There will be keynote speeches from Professor John Whitelegg and legendary campaigner Don Mathew, as well as a panel session on partnership, a focus on LTP3 and Pedals (Nottingham Cycle Campaign) 30th birthday celebrations. The conference is a snip at only £20, and includes food, refreshments and cake.
	CTC Membership Services In recent years, some members have expressed concern about the quality of CTC Membership Services. Council has been equally concerned and in 2008 commissioned an independent review. That review was acted upon and changes made. To ensure that the changes had led to the expected improvement in services, an update to the earlier review was commissioned earlier this year. The findings were considered in detail by Council’s Management Committee, together with a full report from senior CTC staff.  A summary of the actions taken by Council will be included in the Annual Report for the year, but in advance of the report, details of the discussions by Management Committee, the paper forming the basis of the discussion and the two reviews are all available on the CTC website.
	Burnley and Pendle’s AGM is postponed The Annual General Meeting of Burnley and Pendle CTC due to be held on Monday 2 November has been postponed. The meeting will now take place on Tuesday 10 November at 7.30pm at the Nelson Cricket Club, Nelson, Lancashire.For more details please contact group secretary John Ramsden, JRamsden@... or 01282 712785.
	Cycle in Morocco CTC Holidays will be riding from Marrakech following the old trade route over the Atlas, to the orange-growing Souss Valley and the bustling souks of Taroudant. Then over the Anti Atlas to the shoe-making town of Tafraoute, the coastal plain and the surfing mecca of Taghazoute, before traversing the final ranges and desert back to Marrakech. Morocco. High Atlas Traverse is a 15-day holiday from 13 March to 27 March 2010. CTC holidays are not-for-profit and are exclusive to CTC members. For more information or to book your place see the CTC Holidays website.
	Member Benefit: It’s good to recycle  If you have an old mobile phone rattling around at the bottom of the kitchen drawer you can recycle it and raise cash for CTC. All you have to do is pop it in a jiffy bag (do not include your phone charger) and send it to the following free post address: CTC Phone Recycling, Freepost Lon16281, London, WC1N 3BR.  Each phone is worth an average of £4 to us, and the money raised helps support the campaigning work we do, as well as being good for the environment.
RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBE: If you have been sent this newsletter by a friend and would like to receive it directly, simply send your membership number (or postcode) and email address to membership@.... UNSUBSCRIBE: If you would no longer like to receive the newsletter, send the word unsubscribe and your membership number in the subject box of an email to membership@.... If you would like to comment on this newsletter please reply to this email. If you have a general enquiry please contact our information team at cycling@.... To discuss any topic with other cyclists please post your views on the CTC Forum at www.ctc.org.uk/forum. CTC will not disclose the information you provided whilst joining CTC or using CTC's support services to any other person or organisation, except for the purpose of providing you with CTC membership services and membership benefits available to you as a member of CTC. If you do not want us to contact you about CTC membership benefits, products or services, or if you have any query about the use we make of your data, please write to the Data Controller at CTC, Parklands, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9JX.

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From: Transport for London <Transport_for_London@...>
Subject: Cycling in London update
To: diesgy@...
Date: Tuesday, 27 October, 2009, 2:04 PM

If you are having problems viewing this email, you can view an online version To ensure our email updates are delivered to your inbox, please add Transport_for_London@... to your email address book   Dear Mr Garfield, With London's cycle revolution gaining pace and thousands of potential cyclists set to join you on the streets of the capital; I am writing to draw your attention to plans that the Mayor, in his capacity as Chairman of Transport for London, has drawn up to ensure the continued safety of you and your fellow cyclists. I hope you will be able to spare some time to read through what we believe is a further important step in our plan to make taking to two wheels in the capital as safe as possible. The new plan highlights the need for action in London by: Promoting the cycling safety message to all road users. Delivering new, safe cycle routes and facilities - such as the new Cycle Superhighways routes and the central London Cycle Hire scheme with its 6,000 bikes. Providing confidence boosting training for cyclists, and other road users - �3 million has been invested in cycle training this year. Encouraging HGV operators in London to take cycling safety seriously - including engaging with 7,000 London companies and encouraging them to join TfL's Freight Operators Recognition Scheme. Working with over 300 freight companies which operate construction vehicles - they will be encouraged to install side-bars or other safety devices on HGVs which are currently exempt. Calling for improved HGV safety - by reviewing the current exemption for some construction vehicles to have side-bars and requiring cycle safety awareness as a mandatory part of HGV drivers 'Certificate of Professional Competence' (CPC) periodic training requirement. Championing the need to allow trials of innovative safety measures - such as Trixi mirrors in London to examine their potential benefits for cycling safety. Creating a Cycle Safety Working Group of key road user and cycling organisations. Arranging 'Exchanging Places' HGV/Cycle events similar to those we organised to mark the launch of this plan - with more to follow in November and coming months - giving London's cyclists the opportunity to learn about riding safely near HGVs. Using the latest research into collisions involving cyclists - to ensure the efforts of TfL and other partners are focused where they will make greatest difference. A link to the new plan is below as well as a link to the HGV/cyclist training video you may have seen previously but that remains worthwhile viewing. Click here to read more about Cycling Safety Action Plan If you have any thoughts or suggestions on the new Cycling Safety Action Plan, please contact us by replying to this email. The Mayor is working to deliver a cycle revolution in London and as part of that cycle safety is a top priority. I will keep you updated as this work progresses. Yours sincerely, Kulveer Ranger Mayor of London's Transport Advisor Board Member, Transport for London   Copyright in the contents of this email and its attachments belongs to Transport for London. Any unauthorised usage will infringe that copyright.

IN THIS ISSUE OF NEWSNET ^ Darth Vader on a bike  | ^ Belfast bike ban  | ^ Winter warmers and crap cycle lanes | ^ A trip to paradise | ^  Member Benefit: Legal Advice
Dear David
	Darth Vader on a bike  The Commons Public Accounts Committee have just published a report on pedestrian and cyclist safety in which they called for more 20mph speed limits, traffic calming and speed cameras. Yet the Daily Mail latched onto a paragraph in the report which MPs urge the Government to tackle the “irresponsible behaviour of some cyclists [who] are a hazard to themselves and other road users”.  This is based on an anti-cyclist tirade made by  David Curry MP earlier this summer, where he talked about cyclists dressed like Darth Vader! CTC’s Roger Geffen said: “Can we please deal with reality rather than perceptions as cyclists are far more likely to be the victims than the perpetrators of irresponsible behaviour on our roads”. The only truth in David Curry’s words is the fact that Darth, as he’s known to his CTC pals, does actually ride a bike!
	Belfast bike ban  There are plans to restrict cycling on two busy streets in Belfast. As part of the ‘Streets Ahead’ scheme, cyclists will only be allowed to travel in one direction on Donegall Place and Queens Street. CTC Councillor for Northern Ireland Barry Flood told Newsnet: “CTC and Sustrans worked closely with the independent consultants to advise on the safe routing of cyclists through Belfast city centre. In spite of this, the Department of Social Development has decided to ignore the consultants’ expert advice that options other than two-way cycle access through Donegall Place would force cyclists into some of the heaviest traffic in the city centre. Both in terms of cyclist safety and encouraging cycling in Belfast this perverse decision, taken in the face of professional advice to the contrary, is incomprehensible and will put the lives of ordinary cyclists in Belfast city centre at completely unnecessary risk."
	Welsh resort bans seafront cycling Councillors in Llandudno have decided to ban cyclists from using the promenade and have dismissed advice from cycling groups who support a route along the north shore. Instead, the council is proposing to direct NCN 5 around the perimeter of the town through some of its most unpleasant roads, avoiding shops, hotels and the Great Orme, but providing a wonderful view of a breakers yard! CTC Right to Ride Rep for the area Roy Spilsbury said: “CTC will take whatever action is necessary to confront this blatant discrimination and social exclusion.” Local cyclists, and those familiar with the area, can email in protest to highways@.... More information can be found on www.cyclingnorthwales.co.uk.
	Mayor claims to help cycle safety – yet cuts lorry police unit Today the Mayor of London has published a draft Cycle Safety Action Plan, with a heavy focus on dealing with the disproportionate threat posed by lorries. Unfortunately at the same time he has cut funding for the specialised police unit that dealt with illegal lorry use. There are a few good suggestions, but overall the document is just a list of existing programmes and inexplicably misses out the role of 20 mph limits in making London’s streets safer. CTC will be responding in detail to the plan – initial thoughts are on the CTC website.
	Cotton wool kids This week’s Daily Telegraph featured the Gyrowheel, which aims to eliminate the bumps and scrapes children sometimes suffer when learning to ride bikes. The technology, originally developed to help people learn to ride unicycles, works by means of a motorised gyroscope embedded in the bike’s front wheel which aids balance and can be gradually turned down as the rider’s balance improves.  CTC’s Senior Cycle Training Officer Greg Woodford said: “Parents could either buy bikes without pedals or simply remove the pedals from the child’s own bike - it’s better for children to develop their own sense of balance rather than use so-called ‘training aids’, including stabilizers.”
	And pigs do fly? Newsnet has recently featured photos of a road sign warning of numerous road humps and also of pig-shaped cycle parking in Devon, both sent in by readers.  Now Frank Burns has combined the two with this photo of a mysterious sign encountered on the road running the length of the Isle of Raasay in Scotland.  He wonders what Newsnet readers make of it…
	Cracknell cracked the record As featured in last week’s Newsnet, Olympic rowing champion James Cracknell and his team of relay riders have beaten the record for completing the End to End in a time of under 35 hours. Cracknell said: “They were taking me along at 25mph at times. It was an amazing experience to ride up the entire length of the country.”
	Research job in cycling The University of East London is seeking applications for the position of research fellow on a new 22-month project entitled “Cycling Cultures in a Mass Motorised Society”. Although the position is advertised as post-doctorate, candidates with a relevant social research masters degree and research experience (not necessarily academic) are encouraged to apply. The project is supported by CTC.
	Bright days Down Under Good news from Western Australia: the Federal Government has announced a package of $2.8 million to fund cycling infrastructure projects.  Meanwhile, over in Bright, Victoria, the Australian equivalent of France’s Semaine Federale and our own Birthday Rides will take place from 17 to 23 January 2010.  The event will be a week-long celebration of cycle touring in a festival atmosphere and international visitors are welcome.
	Bicycle song As you may be feeling a little gloomy at the prospect of the clocks going back this weekend, we have found something that will cheer you up: a YouTube video of extraordinary cycling images, accompanied by a chirpy song in Italian extolling the joys of the bicycle. The video is quite long at 4 minutes, and has some fleeting nudity in it, but is well worth watching to the end - I guarantee you’ll be singing along to the chorus and have a smile on your face!
	Winter warmers and crap cycle lanes As we get ready for shorter, darker days don’t put your bike away for the season. For help and inspiration to keep cycling this winter, you can read not one but two guides on the Guardian’s bike blog. You can also upload your pictures of the world’s worst cycle lanes on their group on Flickr.
	A trip to paradise Fancy winter sun and an opportunity to explore the southern tip of India? Places are available on the CTC tour to Kerala next year. Warmth and sunshine; palm-fringed beaches, tea, coffee and spice plantations; friendly people and superb South Indian cuisine await you. Cruise the fabulous inland waterways on converted rice barges. Visit Cochin's antique and spice warehouses, witness sunsets over the harbour and enjoy traditional Kathakali dance. India, Kerala and Tamil Nadu is a 16-day holiday from 20 February to 7 March. CTC holidays are not-for-profit and are exclusive to CTC members. For more information or to book your place see the CTC Holidays website.
	Member Benefit: Legal Advice  If you are injured or your bike is damaged in a cycling accident, you may be entitled to a cash payment for your losses.  In 2008 CTC Accident Line undertook 380 personal injury claims for CTC members, which has resulted in almost £2 million being recovered in damages. The CTC Accident Line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is no fee, irrespective of the outcome of your case: if you win, you keep 100% of your compensation.  Cases are conducted with personal injury specialist solicitors Russell Jones and Walker.  CTC Accident Line is available on 0844 736 8452.
RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBE: If you have been sent this newsletter by a friend and would like to receive it directly, simply send your membership number (or postcode) and email address to membership@.... UNSUBSCRIBE: If you would no longer like to receive the newsletter, send the word unsubscribe and your membership number in the subject box of an email to membership@.... If you would like to comment on this newsletter please reply to this email. If you have a general enquiry please contact our information team at cycling@.... To discuss any topic with other cyclists please post your views on the CTC Forum at www.ctc.org.uk/forum. CTC will not disclose the information you provided whilst joining CTC or using CTC's support services to any other person or organisation, except for the purpose of providing you with CTC membership services and membership benefits available to you as a member of CTC. If you do not want us to contact you about CTC membership benefits, products or services, or if you have any query about the use we make of your data, please write to the Data Controller at CTC, Parklands, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9JX.

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From: London Cycling Campaign <newsletter@...>
Subject: London Cycling Campaign e-newsletter
To: diesgy@...
Date: Thursday, 8 October, 2009, 1:28 PM

To view this email as a web page, click here. Please add newsletter@... to your safe sender list or address book to receive your email. Hello LCC supporter, Welcome to the latest fortnightly e-newsletter from the London Cycling Campaign. If you can't view it properly, click here. AGM REGISTRATION If you wish to attend the AGM this year on 17 November, please register in advance. This is because of the security regulations of the building. The evening will include a speeches from a special guest and LCC chief executive Koy Thomson, along with the London Cycling Awards presentation (there's still time to nominate too). WOMEN'S RIDE The LCC women's ride to the Cycle Show on Sunday 11 October starts at the Imperial War Museum with a free bike breakfast and maintenance session and ends with an HGV safety demonstration in Earl's Court. Riders also get into the Cycle Show for a tenner and the chance to win a �500. All LCC members get discounted advance tickets too. WIN A �500 BIKE Take two or three minutes now to give us feedback for our online survey and you'll get the chance to win a fantastic hybrid bike. Laura Laker e-newsletter editor NEWS: Concern over Conservative hostility towards urban speed cameras A Conservative government will refuse to fund any more fixed speed cameras in urban areas, Theresa Villiers told her party conference on Tuesday. Click here... NEWS: LCC HGV-awareness demo and women's ride at the Cycle Show LCC is organising a safety awareness ride for women from The Imperial War Museum to the Cycle Show on Sunday 11 October 2009. Click here... COMPETITION: Win a �500 hybrid bike with our three-minute online survey Take just three minutes to fill in our online survey and you could win this fantastic �500 hybrid bike. Find a link to the survey here... CAMPAIGN: Lambeth Cyclists channel �500,000 into zone one improvements Strong lobbying and volunteer activity by the LCC local group in Lambeth has influenced key spending decisions for the zone one Cycle Hire Scheme infrastructure improvements. Click here... CAMPAIGN: Selected one-way streets to become two-way for cyclists After years of campaigning by LCC and other cycling campaigners, a landmark decision has been made by the Department for Transport making selected one-way streets two-way for cyclists. Click here for more... CAMPAIGN: Cycle Fridays take a break but LCC carries on guided rides Guided BikeTube rides will continue to run from Wimbledon and Greenwich to central London once a week, even though the official Cycle Friday rides have ended. Click here... MEMBERS: Register here for the LCC annual general meeting The 2009 LCC Annual General Meeting takes place on Tuesday 17 November at 59� Southwark Street, London SE1 0AL, the office of the London Councils organisation. Click here to register... NEWS: Islington humps create the least cycle-friendly street in Europe Cyclists have criticised Islington council after it installed speed bumps to slow down cyclists in a quiet back street. Click here... NEWS: Westminster turns off traffic lights in naked streets experiments Following a similar scheme in Ealing, Westminster council and Transport for London are testing switching off certain traffic signals to improve traffic flow. Click here... NEWS: Last chance to nominate your favourite cycling project for LCC award Nominations are open for the 2009 London Cycling Awards, which are presented by LCC and recognise projects that promote cycling in the capital. Learn more... NEWS: Pioneering scheme treats mental health patients with cycling Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, with the aid of an LCC-administered grant, is pioneering work on treating mental health problems using cycling. Click here for more details... NEWS: Youth centre goes independent with recycling project A project that recycles bikes during maintenance classes attended by youths from the local community is now teaching the youngsters to be professional bike mechanics. Click here for more details... PRODUCT: Time to wrap up warm for winter with a Buff scarf Read the winter riding feature in the next London Cyclist magazine. The Buff is a practical tubular scarf that is ideal for cyclists in cold weather. Click here... OFFER: Discount tickets for all LCC members to the Cycle Show Now's the time for LCC members to take advantage of our great discount ticket offer for this weekend's Cycle Show. Click here for details... OFFER: Money off Bradley Wiggins biography 'In Pursuit of Glory' You can order your copy of In Pursuit of Glory by Bradley Wiggins for the special price of �6.99 with free postage and packing in the UK. Click here... If you would like a friend to receive this email, click here in order to forward it to them To unsubscribe from this email or amend your details click here, or reply to this email with the word 'unsubscribe' as the subject The contents of this newsletter are copyrighted by London Cycling Campaign 2009 This email was sent to diesgy@.... powered by mailvivo.

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IN THIS ISSUE OF NEWSNET ^ Stop SMIDSY | ^ Make your views known | ^ Wolverhampton pedals down CO2 emissions  | ^ Havana great time| ^  Discount to the Cycle Show for CTC members
	Stop SMIDSY ‘Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You’ is often the excuse drivers use after a collision with a cyclist, and such incidents are sometimes not taken seriously by the police and legal system. To try and put an end to this culture, CTC has launched a new campaign called Stop SMIDSY - because sometimes sorry just isn’t enough. We are calling on all cyclists to add their voices to the new campaign by encouraging them to report crashes and near misses on the Stop SMIDSY website, in order to build up a picture of how cyclists are treated by other road users, with the ultimate aim of transforming attitudes to bad driving.  The website also enables you to report dangerous and threatening behaviour, as well as find information on the law, get practical tips on dealing with bad driving and seek legal support via CTC’s Accident Line.
	Make your views known CTC has had over 1,000 responses to our survey on the National Cycle Plan so far – thanks to all those who have taken the time to respond. If you’ve not done so yet, please take the time to make your views known. There are 6 questions in the survey, which should take no more than 5 minutes to complete. We’re asking what level of cycling the Plan should aim for, how much investment there should be in cycling, and which policies can have the greatest impact. If you have any longer comments on the National Cycle Plan please email them to chris.peck@....
	Wolverhampton pedals down CO2 emissions  The three-week Wolverhampton Cycle Challenge is over and the stats are in. It has saved 37,900 car miles and 8,500 kg CO2 emissions.  Over 700 people from 40 organisations got on their bikes last month, including 200 people who hadn’t been on a bike for more than a year. To find out more about our Cycle Challenges you can watch this video all about how they work.
	Heels on wheels Cycling England’s Scheme of the Month is the Heels on Wheels project in Derby co-ordinated by CTC Cycle Champions Officer Amanda Salt.  The project targeted professional women and aimed to show them that you don’t need special clothing to get on a bike, and that cycling can be stylish, fashionable and chic.  The event was put together using ‘real’ women gracefully free-wheeling down Derby cathedral’s aisle on elegant, basket-bearing, vintage-style steeds.
	Night rider The nights are drawing in so it must be time to hang up your Lycras, put the bike away and settle down on the sofa with a mug of cocoa to watch endless re-runs of One Foot in the Grave, right?  Wrong!  Many of us are mad enough to actually enjoy riding off-road in the dark - with the help of a great set of lights, of course.  Now you can try this exhilarating experience, too with a Night Rider course at Swinley Forest, Berkshire on Wednesday 14 October from 7pm to 10pm, led by CTC accredited mountain bike instructors.  The course is for mountain bikers experienced at riding singletrack and more details can be found here.
	Fright night If the thought of tearing down a bit of singletrack in the dark sounds a little too scary for you, even at Hallowe’en, then Woking in Surrey - a cycling demonstration town - is hosting Neon Night, a free supervised evening bike ride on Saturday 31 October, aimed at teaching techniques for safe riding at night. The event will begin in Woking Town Square at 5.30pm with a display of bike agility, stunts and tricks performed by Inertia, an experienced team of cycling supremos. Representatives from both Woking Borough Council and Surrey County Council will then lead cyclists on a ride around the Borough, taking in some of the new developments to the cycle infrastructure that have been completed throughout 2009.  More details here.
	All ability insurance Until recently, there was a requirement for any member of CTC who had any disability or illness which may have affected their ability to cycle to obtain a letter from their doctor confirming that they were fit and safe before they were eligible for CTC insurance. This requirement has now been removed - under new disability related legislation, the insurer cannot discriminate on the basis of disability - and all members are now automatically covered under CTC insurance.  If you would like further information on all ability cycling, including sources of adapted cycles, advice and support, see this page on our website.
	Stormin’ Gorman Comedian Dave Gorman has just finished the first leg of his one man tour of the UK, ‘Sit Down, Pedal, Pedal, Stop And Stand Up’, which he completed by bike, aided by CTC members who guided him on his way.  After finishing, Dave wrote in his newsletter: “I don't really know what to say. I've just had one of the most amazing months of my life. If you came along to any of the shows, followed my journey online and offered any words of support along the way... big, big thanks. I couldn't have done it without the support - and practical advice - of so many people. I reckon I've never got to the end of a tour feeling healthier before. Maybe this is how all tours should be?”  Er, actually, no as Dave has just announced new dates for the tour next year – only this time he’s not cycling between venues!
	And what’s wrong with a map? Crazy gadget of the week must be the ARIder Bicycle Navigation System, a helmet-mounted display that plugs into the iPhone. It consists of a mount on the helmet to attach the phone, and a small flip-out unit which displays a map in front of one of the cyclist’s eyes. The helmet mount keeps the phone steady and horizontal, allowing the map to spin, and a specially created app runs the image of the map to the display via a wire. Only a prototype at the moment, the equipment has been successfully tested out on bike rides in Tokyo. Its developers warn that it should be used only while stationary, not while riding!
	WiZZBiKE cards Got a birthday or special event coming up and need a card to mark the occasion?  Why not buy one from the WiZZBiKE Foundation and support a worthwhile cause at the same time?  The not-for-profit company has just launched a small range of quirky, cycling-related greetings cards by international artist and cyclist, Marianna Simnett.  Pictured is Wild Man, which shows an urban cyclist as a headless giant dominating the street scene like a Colossus on wheels.
	A closed shop Next week, from Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 October, CTC National Office in Guildford will be shut to allow staff members to attend their annual conference in Sheffield.  Over the course of the three days, staff will be given the chance to attend skills-building workshops; network with staff from other regions; and visit CTC-funded projects in the city, including the Cycle Champions project, mountain bike skills training and a successful community scheme for recycling bikes.  Membership services will remain open as normal and can be contacted on 0844 736 8451 or by emailing membership@....
	Ticket to Right to Ride The first national conference for CTC Right to Ride representatives is now only a week away. The conference is to be held in Leicester Town Hall on Saturday 17 October and seeks to help campaigners develop their skills to understand and influence local councils, and use the media to put their message across. The conference marks the start of a major effort by CTC to improve how we support our local campaigning activities. With that in mind, we hope that all Right to Ride representatives will be able to come, as well as any other CTC members interested in campaigning. You can book your place online by emailing righttoride@... or just turn up on the door.
	Things that go bump…. Following last week’s item about excessive ‘speed’ bumps in Islington – apologies for the wrong link in that story, correct one is here – CTC Right to Ride representative in North West Lancashire, Matt Hodges, has sent in a photo of a sign on the Glasson Trail, Lancaster in 2006 which says humps for 2 ½ miles!  Matt says: “The route had been surfaced with a loose, untarred surface and the County, who own it, put in speed humps because dog walkers had complained they didn't like cyclists going too fast. We also have speed humps before and after every bridge on a section of canal towpath from Lancaster to Carnforth that was tarmacked very badly as part of Sustrans Route 6.”  Thanks Matt.  If you have anything you think would be of interest to Newsnet’s 25,000 readers, please email links to websites, videos and images to publicity@....
	Havana great time  Due to a cancellation, there is one place for a man to join a trip to Cuba with CTC Cycling Holidays and Tours. Experience the vibrancy and rhythm of Havana and cycle in Cuba, a tropical paradise suspended in time. Ride through the spectacular landscape of the Vinales and enjoy the fabulous scenery of the Escambray Mountains. Fly Gatwick/Havana. Cuba is a 16-day holiday from 28 February to 15 March 2010. CTC holidays are not-for-profit and are exclusive to CTC members. For more information or to book your place see the CTC Holidays website.
	Bikes for hire  With Boris’s new London hire-bikes being unveiled at the Cycle Show in London starting today, an article in The Independent discusses the pros and cons of the scheme.  Will it revolutionise cycling in London as has happened in Paris?  Or will it prove to be an expensive white elephant, nice for the central London tourists but poorly integrated with public transport and not really located where it is of most use to those who live and work in the capital?  Time will tell.
	Discount to the Cycle Show for CTC members The UK’s biggest and most prestigious cycle event returns to London today and continues until Sunday 11 October. Order your brand new 2010 bike from the huge range of brands. If it’s accessories you’re after, visit the Cycle Store and buy clothing, helmets, sunglasses, shoes and lighting. Try out commuter and mountain bikes on the test tracks. Compete in the 500m sprint challenge and indoor mountain bike challenge. Discover more about Transport for London’s new cycling initiatives at its show feature ‘London’s Cycling Revolution’. Visit the show and rub shoulders with cycling stars. There is a daily programme of interviews and women’s sessions with Cyclodelic in the Cycle Arena. Book online and get your ticket for only £10 plus £1 booking fee (normal price of £14.50 on the door). To book, visit www.cycleshow.co.uk/ctc or call 0844 848 0132 and enter the discount code ‘CTC’.
RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBE: If you have been sent this newsletter by a friend and would like to receive it directly, simply send your membership number (or postcode) and email address to membership@.... UNSUBSCRIBE: If you would no longer like to receive the newsletter, send the word unsubscribe and your membership number in the subject box of an email to membership@.... If you would like to comment on this newsletter please reply to this email. If you have a general enquiry please contact our information team at cycling@.... To discuss any topic with other cyclists please post your views on the CTC Forum at www.ctc.org.uk/forum. CTC will not disclose the information you provided whilst joining CTC or using CTC's support services to any other person or organisation, except for the purpose of providing you with CTC membership services and membership benefits available to you as a member of CTC. If you do not want us to contact you about CTC membership benefits, products or services, or if you have any query about the use we make of your data, please write to the Data Controller at CTC, Parklands, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9JX.

PLEASE think of the environment before printing this email

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From: Westminster Cycling Campaign <colin.wing@...>
Subject: Westminster Cycling Campaign News - October 2009
To: cyclist@...
Date: Wednesday, 30 September, 2009, 7:17 PM

 

Westminster Cycling Campaign News

October 2009

In this Issue

• More Dr Bike sessions in Royal Parks
• Bayswater Road crossing opens
• Marble Arch becomes permeable
• Westminster proposes 123 cycle hire stations
• Westminster to turn off traffic lights
• Why LCN+ failed in Westminster
• Westminster heads cycle theft league table
• Rides and meetings

---

More Dr Bike Sessions in Royal Parks

Don't miss the opportunity to have your bike checked over by Dr Bike! The doctor will be able to make small adjustments and advise on any more extensive repairs that may be needed.

Following the success of the sessions during Bike Week in June, a further series of Dr Bike sessions has been arranged as follows:

When	Where
Monday 5th October 16:00 to 19:00	Hyde Park Rotten Row / West Carriage Drive �Street map
Wednesday 7th October 16:00 to 19:00	Kensington Gardens The Broad Walk / Mount Walk by drinking fountain �Street map
Thursday 8th October 16:00 to 19:00	Regent's Park The Broad Walk / Ready Money drinking fountain �Street map
Friday 9th October 16:00 to 19:00	St James's Park The Mall (north side) / Marlborough Road �Street map

A Dr Bike session in Kensington Gardens

Bayswater Road crossing opens

A new cycle crossing of Bayswater Road bridges the link between two halves of a cycle route.

The crossing, just west of Marble Arch links the southern half of Route 5 (Chelsea Bridge - Hyde Park) with the northern half (Marylebone - Kilburn).

Until recently, cyclists had to dismount to use a zebra crossing at this point. The zebra has now been replaced by parallel pedestrian and cycle crossings, which provide a continuous route for cyclists.

A number of measures have been implemented in connection with the crossing, such as allowing northbound cycling in Stanhope Place. But the right turn from that street into Seymour Street has still to be allowed for cyclists. Some time ago the Royal Parks provided a connecting path from the cycle route around Hyde Park.

A cyclist using the new crossing.
Westminster Cycling Campaign does not recommend carrying bags on the handlebars, looking in the opposite direction to approaching traffic or cycling with flapping clothing!

A crossing at this point was first proposed in 2005 as part of the London Cycle Network Plus project. When council members rejected original proposals for a toucan crossing, engineers literally had to go back to the drawing board. Hence the long delay. This has unfortunately prevented them from making progress with other schemes.

Marble Arch becomes permeable

The Royal Parks have now opened cycle paths connecting Marble Arch with the cycle route around Hyde Park. The paths line up with the toucan crossings around the Marble Arch gyratory, enabling you to reach the roads radiating from Marble Arch via the central area. Although you avoid the traffic circulating around the gyratory, you may have to stop up to four times to wait for a green cycle signal.

Royal Parks' contractors apply the final touches to a cycle path.

Westminster proposes 123 cycle hire stations

Westminster has now published its list of proposed cycle hire stations. A total of 123 stations are proposed, with spaces for 2728 cycles. Of these, 84 stations will be on the carriageway and 39 on the footway. In addition, there will be a certain number of stations in the Royal Parks and on main roads managed by Transport for London.

You can find details of the proposed sites at www.westminster.gov.uk/cyclehiremap. The council will be pleased to receive any observations or comments on the proposals in writing by 9th October. (Email: cyclehire@... ref. 5536/MG.

Holles Street is not one of the proposed sites!

The cycle hire scheme is expected to start in the summer of 2010, with 6000 cycles available at 400 points in central London. 

Westminster to turn off traffic lights

The City of Westminster and Transport for London are planning to switch off certain traffic signals on an experimental basis.

The experiment will start with the signals at the junction of Victoria Street and Strutton Ground.  It will entail monitoring the junction over a six-week period with 12 closed-circuit television cameras and eight number plate recognition cameras.

For the first two weeks the signals will work normally; for the following fortnight they will be switched off, before being put back on for another two weeks. The behaviour of motorists and pedestrians will be monitored at both this junction and one about 100 yards to the west.

Martin Low, Westminster City Council's head of transportation, said: "We will be creating a bit of indecision in all road users' minds to create a safe environment, When lights are out, we have noticed that drivers are far more considerate and show more care and attention than they are when they have the reassurance of traffic lights. We think there is a huge potential to reduce delay for all road users."

The idea of removing traffic signs and signals began at Drachten in the Netherlands. Road users behaved more carefully, with a consequent reduction in accidents. The concept now appeals to the Mayor of London as part of his policy of smoothing the traffic flow. 

Why LCN+ failed in Westminster

Despite expenditure of �2.16m on London Cycle Network Plus in Westminster over the three years from 2005 to 2008, very little was actually done to improve cycling conditions on Westminster's roads. How could this happen?

Only �165,000 was actually spent on designing and implementing cycle-specific features on Westminster's roads. So where did the rest of the money go?

�1,053,000	was given to the Royal Parks. This paid for generally worthwhile schemes, including crossings of the North and South and West Carriage Drives of Hyde Park as well as Marlborough Road.
�400,000	went towards streetscape enhancement in Whitehall and Parliament Street, the main feature of which was anti-terrorist bollards. But the wide bus lanes should make cycling easier. (See photo below.)

�248,000	paid for badly-needed surface improvements in Trafalgar Square, on Waterloo Bridge and at Hyde Park Corner - work that we would normally expect authorities to do out of their annual maintenance budget.
�162,800	paid for feasibility studies for schemes that have not materialised, including �57,400 to find out why cycling is not possible across the north of Kensington Gardens.
�87,000	was for Cycle Route Implementation Stakeholder Plans (CRISPs).
�42,000	went on reports to the Cabinet Member.
�2,263	was for preliminary discussions.

The results for 2008-9 and 2009-10 are likely to be more favourable, with the completion of the schemes in Bayswater Road and Long Acre.

Westminster Heads Cycle Theft League Table

Two wards in Westminster head the league table for cycle theft in London.

According to statistics recently released by the Metropolitan Police Service, 439 bikes were stolen in West End ward in the 12 months to 30th June, closely followed by St James's ward, with 389. The runners-up were Camden, with 348 cycle thefts in Bloomsbury and 336 in Holborn and Covent Garden. Westminster also secured 19th place, with 115 thefts in Marylebone High Street ward.

The Met says the surge, which has led to an additional 182 thefts since April in the City of Westminster, is partly due to more cycles being parked on the streets and partly to a growing market for stolen bikes.

It warns that some cyclists are failing to protect their bike properly and suggests employers could help by providing secure storage for cyclists.

Superintendent Matthew Foley warned that cycle thieves were increasingly active in Westminster. Increased patrols had failed to curb a rise in offending, with 426 cycles stolen since the start of April, compared with 244 in the same period last year - a 75% rise.

He said: "One reason is that there are a lot more people cycling, and another is that, because it's more popular, there is more of a market for stolen bicycles. I am a keen cyclist, so I do feel for people and know how infuriating it must be."

Superintendent Foley said there was growing evidence organised gangs were targeting bicycles. One favoured method is to smash locks with a hammer after putting plumbers' 'pipe freeze' into the keyhole to make them more brittle.

He said cyclists could help to reduce the risk by using more than one lock and removing any easily detachable parts, such as wheels or saddles. He added: "I use three locks myself, but I still see too many, often expensive bikes, with only flimsy locks."

Rides and Meetings

Sunday 4th October
Ride: Parks of North London
About 26 miles/42km
Meet Kensington Gardens Broad Walk by caf� 09:00
Return by train from New Barnet

Wednesday 7th October at 19:00
Westminster Cycling Campaign Meeting
Heart of London Business Alliance
London House
53-54 Haymarket
SW1Y 4RP
Street Map

Sunday 25th October
Ride: The Great Descents of Kent
Please reply to this message for train details.

From: London Cycling Campaign <newsletter@...>
Subject: London Cycling Campaign e-newsletter
To: diesgy@...
Date: Friday, 25 September, 2009, 4:40 PM

To view this email as a web page, click here. Please add newsletter@... to your safe sender list or address book to receive your email. Hello LCC supporter, Welcome to the latest fortnightly e-newsletter from the London Cycling Campaign. If you can't view it properly, click here. It's been a busy weekend for London's cyclists, what with Tour of Britain on Saturday and Skyride on Sunday. Skyride (or Freewheel as it was) was originally an LCC idea, and we're proud to have led over 50 marshalled rides (about 3500 people) into this year's event. Camden Cycling Campaign is celebrating the opening of a �500,000 cycling and walking link in their borough. If you want to be part of similar successes in your area, why not contact your local group? You can also help strengthen LCC's campaigning work by donating money, which goes towards providing more staff resources, making sure cyclists aren't forgotten when it really counts. If you're not a member already, why not join LCC? You support our campaigning as well as getting excellent member benefits. All donations and new members can make a difference. Mike Cavenett Communications officer CAMPAIGNS The latest campaign action and successes LCC demands HGV action after two more collisions After two more cyclists were involved in collisions with lorries, LCC has reiterated its demands for improved lorry safety. Click here... Local LCC lobbying helps create �500,000 addition to Camden cycle network Lobbying by Camden Cycling Campaign, the local LCC group, has helped create a �500,000 traffic-free route from the north of the borough to Kings Cross. Click here... Law change could offer greater protection to cyclists and pedestrians Government advisors are considering making car drivers' insurance companies legally liable for compensating pedestrian and cyclist victims of road crashes. Click here for more... Still time to get involved with Cycle Fridays as Mayor shows his support Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, joined novice cyclists on one of the regular Cycle Friday guided rides into central London. Click here... NEWS The latest news from the capital and farther afield Record 3500 cyclists join LCC rides into Skyride An estimated 3500 cyclists joined LCC's guided rides from the suburbs to the Mayor of London's Skyride event on Sunday 20 September 2009. Click here for the story... VIDEO: Four-day Bicycle Film Festival starts today at the Barbican The Bicycle Film Festival runs from 24-27 September 2009 at the Barbican, kicking off with classic comedy Breaking Away. See more... Win a �500 city bike on LCC's women's ride to the Cycle Show London cyclists have a great chance to win a new bike worth �500, along with other prizes at LCC's next female-focused ride taking place during Cycle Show 2009. Click here for details... VIDEO: Good advice on correct distance to ride away from parked cars Interesting advice on how far away from parked cars you should ride to avoid being hit or feeling the need to swerve towards moving traffic. Watch it... VIDEO: YikeBike electric personal transporter is a definite head-turner When we saw this advert for the electric-powered YikeBike, we couldn't wait to spend our money: on the soundtrack, that is. Click here... �10,000 Comic Relief grant for Merton LCC and community cycling group Merton Cycling Campaign and Pedal4Health have won a �10,000 Comic Relief grant after submitting a joint proposal to deliver children's cycle training in south London. Click here... LCC helps Redbridge Cycle Centre go all ability All-ability groups attended an event at Redbridge Cycle track to launch a new range of specially adapted bikes. Click here for more details of the launch... Are you coming to the LCC annual general meeting? The 2009 LCC Annual General Meeting takes place on Tuesday 17 November at 59� Southwark Street, London SE1 0AL, the office of the London Councils organisation. Click here to register... If you would like a friend to receive this email, click here in order to forward it to them To unsubscribe from this email or amend your details click here, or reply to this email with the word 'unsubscribe' as the subject The contents of this newsletter are copyrighted by London Cycling Campaign 2009 This email was sent to diesgy@.... powered by mailvivo.

Dear Colleagues...I received the following acknowledgement from Gareth Morris of What-if: Projects, who gave the presentation at the last Cycle Liaison Group Meeting.  As you see, he is asking for more responses; clearly the suggested ‘deadline’ of Sept. 1^st was purely indicative.

For those who weren’t present, there is a section on the What-if: WebSite showing more details of the discourse.  Please feel free to copy any responses to this e-mail group.

I think it’s important that we should have input into the project: there may not be another opportunity to get it right.  As you’ll note, Gareth is a Cyclist (as you may imagine, I did ask!) – commuting from Brixton to Old Street daily – so we are lucky to have a sympathetic consultant on hand.

Regards

David

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Dear David

Thank you very much for your written response to the points made at the meeting. It is very useful for us to receive this information and the points you raise are very interesting. We also very much like the provocative image that we feel clearly highlights some of the problems with the existing provision.

We will take all your comments on board and look forward to the opportunity of presenting further development to our proposals at future meetings.

Thank you again and we would also like to encourage other members at the meeting to provide us with feedback. If you have the opportunity it would be good if you could ask them to forward their comments on also.

We look forward to corresponding further.

Many thanks

Gareth Morris

PS. I commute each day by bicycle from Brixton to Old Street. Cycle routes are slowly improving in central London. I have found that the congestion charge has had a very positive effect on road safety.

gareth morris
what if: projects ltd.
76-80 bridport place
London N1 5DS

t. 07866 225 467
e. gareth@...
w. www.what-if.info

Dear Glen

On-line Highway Defect Reporting

I have been rather impressed with Barking & Dagenham’s on-line Highway Defect Reporting Service, which I have just had occasion to use for the first time.  If you click on the link, you can see my report and image supplied.  [It’s the one with the obscured red Traffic Signal.]

Would there be any obstacle to adopting a similar system for Havering?

Regards

David

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Dear Mr Garfield

Reference Number: 267538
Date Recorded: 21 September 2009 11:41:23
Fault Type: Highway Defects


Thank you for submitting this fault or problem.  Your request has been validated and is now in progress.

Should you wish to obtain an update on this incident please either visit our Environmental Reporting page at
http://gisonline.lbbd.gov.uk/lbbdphotomanager.aspx or telephone Barking and Dagenham Direct on 020 8215 3000 quoting
the reference number above.

Yours sincerely

London Borough of Barking & Dagenham.

Together we will build communities and transform lives...

Protect the environment and save trees only print if essential

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

From: David Garfield <diesgy@...>
Subject: [Have_Bike] Greening Romford Ring Road [2 Attachments]
To: gareth@..., ulrike@...
Date: Monday, 21 September, 2009, 11:06 AM

[Attachment(s) from David Garfield included below]

Please see attached Documents

Attachment(s) from David Garfield

2 of 2 File(s)

To What if Projects Ltd re Greening Romford Ring Road Sep.18.09.doc

Exchange_Street_Cycle_Path+Text.pdf

Interesting article in Sunday Times today by Jonathan Leake:-

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6841326.ece

MINISTERS are considering making motorists legally responsible for accidents involving cyclists or pedestrians, even if they are not at fault.

Government advisers are pushing for changes in the civil law that will make the most powerful vehicle involved in a collision automatically liable for insurance and compensation purposes.

The move, intended to encourage greater take-up of environmentally friendly modes of transport, is likely to anger some drivers, many of whom already perceive themselves to be the victims of moneyspinning speed cameras and overzealous traffic wardens.

Many will argue that it is the risky behaviour of some cyclists — particularly those who jump red lights and ride the wrong way along one-way streets — that is to blame for a significant number of crashes.

However, policy-makers believe radical action is required to get people out of cars and onto bicycles or to walk more. Only 1%-2% of journeys are at present made by bike.

Other proposals to promote greener — and healthier — transport include the imposition of blanket 20mph zones on residential streets.

Supporters want such measures to be included in the government’s National Cycling Plan and Active Transport Strategy, due to be published soon.

Phillip Darnton, chief executive of Cycling England, an agency funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) to promote cycling, said four key policy changes were needed. “I would like to see the legal onus placed on motorists when there are accidents; speed limits reduced to 20mph on suburban and residential roads; cycling taught to all schoolchildren; and cycling provision included in major planning applications,” said Darnton.

Such proposals will be seen by some as part of a battle for control of Britain’s roads between motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

In London, where cycling has bucked the national trend and increased sharply, clashes are already common.

Last week James Martin, the television celebrity chef, described in a newspaper his joy at running a group of cyclists off the road and into a hedge while test-driving a sports car. Martin was forced to apologise after thousands of angry cyclists protested.

Matthew Parris, a columnist for The Times, was similarly forced to backtrack last year after suggesting that piano wire should be strung across roads to decapitate cyclists. Parris said he was joking, but statistics show that cyclists are actually among the most vulnerable road users, with 115 deaths last year alone.

Last month Harry Wilmers, 25, a mental health support worker, was killed when his bicycle was hit by a lorry in Manchester. Wilmers was the boyfriend of Rebecca Stephenson, the daughter of Sir Paul Stephenson, the Metropolitan police commissioner.

The government is spending £100m on building cycle routes in 18 pilot towns. Yet motorists and residents are often infuriated at seeing swathes of road space, or the kerbs where they park their cars, turned into cycle lanes. Councils in York, Huddersfield and Cambridge, have all had to deal with anti-cycling protests.

Last week lobbyists for cycling and walking groups met Jessica Matthew, the DfT official in charge of sustainable transport who is drafting the National Cycling Plan. Placing the onus of responsibility on motorists is perhaps the most controversial move under consideration.

Such scheme would place the presumption of blame against whoever was driving the most powerful vehicle involved in an accident, so they or their insurers would be liable for costs or damages.

If a cyclist were hit by a car, the presumption of blame would fall on the driver, while a cyclist would automatically be blamed if he or she knocked down a pedestrian.

Similar policies — which would not extend to criminal law — have already been adopted by Germany and Holland, where transport campaigners say they have had a significant influence in changing attitudes towards cycling.

Matthew, who has been briefing Lord Adonis, the transport secretary, also confirmed that ministers want to slash speed limits in urban areas.

Her report is expected to recommend that councils should introduce 20mph zones in all residential streets and on other roads with high numbers of cyclists or pedestrians. This would include roads around schools, markets and shopping areas, as long as they are not major through routes.

Edmund King, president of the AA, said it was wrong to see cyclists and motorists as separate and opposed groups. “Many cyclists are motorists and many motorists are cyclists,” he said.

“Simple changes in the law that assume one party is in the wrong because of what they drive will not help harmony on the roads.”

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Rod King

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