News archive

There will be a cycling-related event for Chris - details to follow.

(updated 1/4/10)

Dr. Jon Rogers, Bristol City Council Executive Member for Transport & Sustainability, came to a specially arranged meeting of Bristol Cycling Campaign last night (18th February). Councillor Rogers gave an interesting and amusing summary of his career to date and gave us some insight into his background and how he changed his own life from car dependency to cycling and sustainable transport.
He went on to give an overview of the Cycling City project - how it came about; how it got to where it is now; the various twists and changes, including changes of leadership in the council and changes of senior council officers, which have affected the project.
The members were given an appreciation of some of the difficulties that the project has been faced with - the time to recruit a project manager and team; the time it takes to negotiate on land arrangements, permissions and authorisations; how schemes have to be chosen which can be progressed in a timely manner not necessarily those that are the most desirable; etc. These issues and other factors meant that the project spend was roughly split as £1m in year 1 and £10m in each of the subsequent years and this is apparent from the number of schemes and increase in softer measures in year 2 of the project and that it is only the activities in year 3 over which there has been much opportunity for influencing the plans and tackling some of the more challenging issues.
A key point was that Cycling City should not be considered as just the next 18 months but should be the lead into instilling cycling as a recognised and desirable form of transport in the city and in all future planning.

There was then a lengthy question and answer session where Jon responded well to a number of sometimes challenging questions covering topics such as:
- gritting the Railway Path in the bad weather;
- reconciling differences in approach with neighbouring counties such as South Gloucester;
- cycle parking at Temple Meads - where we were given some reasons for optimism;
- more action on illegal parking - in bus and cycle lanes and stopping in ASLs (there is to be action taken against parking by dropped kerbs following a recent change in legislation);
- bike lanes not always in the most sensible places;
- Hour Bike (not part of Cycling City!);
- school parking and getting parents on board with their children cycling;
- lack of enforcement of vehicle access to The Horsefair and Penn Street (some subtle reaons!);
- GBBN and cyling.

In closing we discussed what could be done to improve fault reporting and follow-up; becoming more active in our neighbourhoods, attending PACT meetings etc and for the future: cycling significantly increased and clearer legible routes.

The meeting was very well attended (about 30 people) and seemed to result in a better understanding between Councillor Rogers and the cycle campaigners. The campaign is very grateful to Jon for taking the time to come and talk with us and we hope that we can continue to work with him to improve cycling in Bristol and that he can persuade the other councillors and parties to do likewise.

(updated 19/02/10)

 UPDATED - Campaigning for better infrastructure design - a letter to Cllr Jon Rogers, Executive Member, Bristol City Council - we have received a reply from Terry Bullock, Traffic Manager, Bristol City Council (it got a bit lost in the post!)

Bristol Cycling Campaign responds wherever possible to local public consultations on cycling and related transport matters.

The committee wrote in October 2009 to Bristol City Council's executive member for transport and sustainability
Dr Jon Rogers, expressing concerns about the quality of new cycle traffic infrastructure, and making some recommendations.
The letter is here (some slight corrections added in the appendix).

We believe Dr Rogers is as keen as we are for standards to be improved, but at the end of November 2009 he was still
awaiting a reply from officers. We are concerned at the delay, but at this point we can only note that officers have not
disputed our observations.

We have expressed serious concerns about the safety and quality of the proposals we have studied in detail - but
these infrastructure schemes are still planned to be built by Spring 2010 without taking into account our recommendations.

- Here is the reply received from Terry Bullock: pdf version - Word version

(added 2/12/2009 - updated 28/01/2010)

 Cap'n Bikebeard's run up a few messages on his mast - there's a lot coming up!!

First up:
Womens Bicycle Maintenance evenings started at the Bristol Bike Project on Monday the 25th from 4pm - 7pm.
This is a four week test run! - so still a chance to join in.
These evenings are free to all women who want to come and learn about bicycles, fix or clean their bikes, make a bicyle from scratch, chat about bikes and mainly learn from each other.
See the poster and tell all your girl friends!

and

Sprockets and Dust,Saturday 13th February 2010 5pm till late £5/£4
Let's have a bicycle powered party and start Bristol's 'Year of the Bike' festivities !!
Back by popular demand Veer on screen at 8.00pm
Zoo-bombers, tallbikes, jousting, whiplash, Ben-hurt chariot racing at Mini Bike Winter.Kids bicycle training - "they close the roads for Lance".
Girls on mini-bikes, lawyers, bikes and a funeral. Community Bike Action.
A great documentary about bike culture, hot from Portland, one of the world centres of the fastest growing revolution in the world. Viva la velorution !!
plus
The debut of the legendary "Les Velobici" girls on mini-bikes!!!
The revamped B-bike-a-Lula with Spazrammer, 8-Bit Gameboy Miracle, live and pedal powered.
In the bar before, in between and after Freewheeling DJ's!
and
the Bristol Bike Project will be bringing the bicycle-powered scalextrix from 5pm until 7.30pm donations go towards bicycle recycling projects.
Celebrate the bicycle renaissance. La bici e libera !
Let's make Bristol a bicycle powered city and have a b-bike-a-lula all year long.


keep checking spokenchain.blogspot.com for more details, treats and surprises !

The following are all in planning stages:-


Possible Illuminated Lit Up Bikeride on pancake day, February 16th, taking in St.Marks Road pancake racing and ending up in the Boneyard bar for Strawberry Pancakes. check blogs for details

August - September 2010

The Cycling Carnival/Festival scheduled for the last two weeks in September is going ahead!!!!
Put it in your diaries and keep your eyes peeled on the Cycling City webpage and our blogs.

Shambala is going to be bicycle mad this year!
Thursday 26th - Monday 30th August
Join the cyclists going there by bicycle they had great fun last year.
We will be cycling up early with the crew posse, to be there in time to set up the cycling fairground. check blogs and Shambala website

Talkbikes and riders wanted for the 'Ten Talbikes Tour' August -Sept. Bristol-Weymouth Carnival-Bristol-Shambala festival-Devizes Carnival-Trowbridge Carnival- Bristol Cycling Carnival in planning stages at the moment. Expressions of interest to the Cap'n please.

Yours Sincerely
The Cap'n
http://bikebeard.blogspot.com/

(added 28/01/10)

 Campaign success for 20mph

We've been campaigning for 20mph across the whole of Bristol for some time now and were delighted when Bristol City Council decided to introduce large areas of 20mph in Bristol as part of Cycling City. Initially there were a number of excluded streets which we campaigned strongly against and that campaigning has been rewarded - so thanks to all of you that supported the campaign.
Ultimately it's been Councillor Jon Rogers we must thank for successfully persuading officers to go beyond outmoded criteria into including speed reductions on roads where 20mph is most needed, and the officers themselves for taking this critical step which they found truly difficult to contemplate. I think we can also thank you Chris for helping keep 20mph in the forefront and everyone else who has been carrying the torch for 20mph which has given Jon the backing he needed.
We must keep on our toes during the formal Traffic Regulation Orders consultation stage.
The success with South and East pilots marks the beginning of the next phase towards getting all of Bristol "Total Twenty". The e-petition on the Council website asking for 20mph in all of Bristol now has 448 signatures, the most of all current petitions, but 448 is still a small number compared with the number of people who will stand to benefit, and nowhere near the 10,000 who opposed the buses on the railway path. I hope this success will motivate people to press for their area to be the next to have 20mph . The petition runs until April 2010 and please can you all do what you can to get more people to sign up in areas outside the current pilots.
The Council press release says "What we have now are real areas where 20 is plenty and we will look at more” - so let's apply our minds to our choices for the next pilot areas.
Twenty is plenty in Bristol’s first proposed low-speed areas
Bristol’s first 20mph areas are proposed for Inner East and Inner South Bristol.
Residents have indicated local roads where they feel 20 is plenty. We have listened.
Now almost all streets are proposed for 20mph maximum speeds with only main arterial routes exempt. The areas will now be subject to formal consultation as part of new Traffic Regulation Orders.
Councillor Jon Rogers, Cabinet Member for Transport and Sustainability, said: “Our initial consultation to test opinion was very informal, but of the 310 residents, businesses and organisations who responded only four objected.
“Most comments focussed on the fact that not enough roads were included in our original proposals. Many people wrote to say why not the WHOLE of Bristol. So we have re-evaluated the proposal. What we have now are real areas where 20 is plenty and we will look at more.”
The following main arterial roads will not be included in the Inner East 20mph pilot: Newfoundland Street; Newfoundland Way; M32; Easton Way; Lawrence Hill Roundabout; Lawrence Hill; Church Road (western end between Lawrence Hill Roundabout and Cowper Street); Barrow Road; Old Market; West Street; Clarence Road; Lawford Street/Lamb Street/Lawfords Gate/Trinity Road
The following main arterial roads will not be included in the Inner South 20mph pilot:A370 Clarence Road and York Road (part of each runs through proposed 20mph area)

 THURS 4 FEB Annual General Meeting 7:30PM for 8:00 at The Cornubia

The Annual General Meeting of Bristol Cycling Campaign is on 4 Feb . This includes election of the committee. Any member who'd like to join the committee will need to be proposed and seconded at the meeting; if you'd like to know more do give Steve Kinsella our Chairman a ring on 01934 838624 or talk to any other current committee member. We can have up to 14 elected committee members plus co-opted members so if you'd like to take an active role please don't hold back. It will help if you tell Martin McDonnell secretary@bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk before the AGM.

After the formal meeting and annual reports there will be a FILM "The Bicycle" : a 30 min history of the last 100 years of bicycle design, by BBC4.

Follow the links for the Agenda for tonight's AGM and the minutes of the General Meeting on 5 Feb 2009 and the EGM on 5 Nov 2009.

Sorry - members only tonight as it's an AGM.

(added 28/01/10 - update 4/2/10)

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 Fed up with bad cycle facilities? Find out how to challenge them

If you’re a cyclist who has ever been frustrated by poor infrastructure – from bike lanes that are dangerously narrow to those that stop abruptly on busy roads – then Bristol Cycle Campaign will explain what you can do about it.
On December 3 Bristol Cycling Campaign will have a talk on Cycling Infrastructure: what works, what doesn't and what you can do when you think the planners have got it wrong.
Experienced cycle campaigners Steve Kinsella and Veronica Pollard will talk about traffic infrastructure and the cyclist's place in it, provide examples of good – and not so good – cycle facilities and explain what you can do about challenging bad designs.
The talk is designed to empower ordinary cyclists by giving them the information they need to raise technical objections about poorly designed facilities.
ALL WELCOME. Come along at 730 for a drink and a chat and then there'll be the talk at 8 followed by updates on Cycling City and Committee activities and general discussion of other subjects raised by members.
Please let Martin know of any items that you wish to be discussed at the meeting at secretary@bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk
The meeting is at The Cornubia pub http://www.thecornubia.com/ 3rd turning on the left after coming over Bristol Bridge heading for Temple Meads on the B4053 Victoria Street.

(added 30/11/2009)

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 News of a recent Ride

news, pictures and a route map of our ride on 8 Nov are available here - check out this up and coming website!

(added 10/11/09)

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 Changes made to fault reporting contacts - see Resources/Contacts

(added 28/9/09)

 Bristol Cycling Campaign – Extraordinary General Meeting (19:30 on Thursday 5 Nov) - Constitution Approved!!!!

It was great to see so many members (and a few new members) at last night's meeting. It was a great endorsement for the hard work
that your committee have been doing in shaping the Campaign and driving it forward.

We had some helpful suggestions from the floor which picked up a couple of omissions and points of clarification in the Constitution. These
were all agreed unanimously and the Constitution was voted in. You can view the Constitution here.

Steve Kinsella, our Chairman, then gave an illustrated review of some current points of issue which led to a lively debate
and some additional questions from the floor with lots of useful input. (See the minutes for further details). The evening concluded with
a showing of the Cyclists Special film (a CTC outing on a bike train in the halcyon days of cycle touring) and a few drinks and more
discussion in the bar.

Our monthly meetings are becoming more popular and we will be publicising a list of upcoming speakers soon. We are also thinking of
having a "Special Meeting" every few months (aimed at members who can't make the regular monthly meetings but might come if there is something "special" on). All ideas on meetings, issues etc very welcome.

Martin (secretary)

P.S. Luke (the landlord) found a cycling glove outside this morning – he said it looked well used and that somebody was probably very fond
of it so he’s taken it in for you. The glove is (was?!) white leather on one side and blue and black fabric on the other and fingerless (of course).

(added 6/11/09 - updated 8/11/09 and 10/11/09)

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 Radio 4 - Bristol: Cycling City - interviews with Bristol Cycling Campaign members - recording available here or via the BBC iPlayer

(added 28/9/09)

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Press release: August 31

Cyclists “disappointed” with Bristol 20 mph pilot areas

Bristol Cycling Campaign has expressed disappointment over Bristol City Council's plans to pilot 20 mph areas in Easton and Southville announced this week.

Emma Barraclough, spokesperson for the Campaign, said: "We support the principle of having 20 mph as the normal speed limit in residential areas instead of 30 mph as part of a strategy of making our streets safe and pleasant places for everyone and not just motorised traffic.”

"But 20 mph should apply to the whole residential area of Bristol, not just to two isolated areas as proposed. The 20 mph idea won't make sense to anyone if it isn't consistent. People will not understand why one street should be 20 mph and another similar street 30 mph.”

Existing examples of isolated 20 mph zones in Bristol, such as in Victoria Avenue, show that respect is poor if it is seen as an exception rather than the norm.

"More than 1 million people live in cities and towns that have decided on a default 20mph limit: Leicester, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Islington, and now Glasgow. Why is this easiest of measures to ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians being pioneered by cities other than Bristol – which is a ‘Cycling City’?”

Emma Barraclough also expressed concern about the number of streets exempted from the proposed 20 mph limit within the areas identified for the pilot scheme.

"With so many main streets exempted the principle that 20 mph is the normal speed in residential areas will be undermined. Road users have difficulty remembering which speed limits apply to particular streets when these keep changing. We need consistency and simplicity, as with the current 30 mph default but reduced to 20 mph.”

"The main streets are often the most important routes for cyclists and walkers with a high demand for road crossings. In many cases these streets are also the main shopping streets and frequently serve schools. These are precisely the streets that most need the 20 mph limit and excluding them undermines the whole strategy.”

"Another reason for keeping 20 mph consistent throughout the residential areas of Bristol is to avoid the need for vast amounts of signing. We already have too much clutter in our streets and speed limit signing at hundreds of street corners is not something we want to see.”

"Of course there will be higher speed limits on non-residential roads like Easton Way, Temple Way and parts of the Portway and in mainly industrial and commercial areas with few pedestrians and cyclists but these should be seen as the exceptions to the norm, which should be 20 mph in urban residential areas.”

“We call on the Council to be more courageous in its attempts to make cycling and walking more attractive to people in Bristol. Encouraging people to use their cars less benefits everyone: it would lower air pollution, have huge health benefits and reduce the number of deaths and injuries on our roads. All of which would make Bristol a safer and more enjoyable place to live.”

End

Notes to editors:

Bristol Cycling Campaign (http://www.bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk/) campaigns on behalf of cyclists in the city.

For more information, contact Ben Moss on 07866 431403 or Emma Barraclough on 07894 207310.

August 13 2009

For Immediate Release

The Bristol Cycling Campaign wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the cyclist who died following a collision with a lorry on Winterstoke Road on Tuesday August 11.

This tragedy is part of a series of bicycle/lorry collisions in the city over the past week.

1. Thursday August 6th, A collision at the junction of Perry Road and St Michael's Hill, left the cyclist in a serious condition in the Bristol Royal Infirmary.

2. Tuesday August 11th The junction of Winterstoke Road and Brunel Way. The cyclist, struck by a Mercedes Sprinter van, died.

3. Tuesday August 11th Old Market. A DAF lorry cab turning left collided with a bicycle outside the Evening Post. Again, serious injury -this time pelvic, leg and head injuries, and again, another customer for the Bristol Royal Infirmary.

4. Wednesday August 12th Stokes Croft/Ashley Road - a female cyclist left with a suspected broken leg.

This week of tragedy comes exactly three months after two teenage children were killed walking in the city by hit and run drivers in separate incidents.

The Bristol Cycling Campaign calls for Bristol Council to come up with a design for the city's roads that ensures that pedestrians and cyclists can get to their home, work or school without having to travel in fear for their lives.

It is impossible for Bristol Council's targets of doubling cycling to be achieved without increasing the numbers of collisions, unless there is a step change in the way that all of us in the city treat the most vulnerable road users.

Here of some examples of ways that we could improve road safety in the city:

1. Bristol must follow Portsmouth's lead of slowing down the speed limits on the approaches to the city, to stop drivers coming straight off 70mph roads and into the narrow streets of the city - and to stop them speeding up as they get closer to the motorway.

2. Roads, and especially junctions, need to be designed to reduce the risk of collisions. As a specific example, the Stokes Croft/Ashley Road collision involved a bike lane which is on the left side of a left-turn only lane. The collision here is not "an accident", it is the inevitable consequence of the design of the road.

3. As lorries appear to be disproportionately involved in the recent incidents, Bristol Council needs a plan to make their movements less hazardous to other road users. In London, for example, Transport for London is running a special cycle/lorry share-the-road training and publicity campaign.

4. Everyone needs to be encouraged to attend the Council-supported cycle training courses. As well as teaching cyclists how to cope with dangerous road designs, they will give drivers better understanding of the dangers that cyclists face.

Martin McDonnell, secretary of the Bristol Cycling Campaign said: "With rising obesity levels, congestion and road pollution, encouraging cycling is more important than ever. We call on the Council to fulfil the Cycling City vision by making the city safe to cycle around."

We wish a speedy and full recovery to all the Bristolians who are currently in hospital because they chose to cycle around a cycling city. We also wish to express our appreciation to the emergency services, who have responded excellently in all these incidents.

Notes for editors:

Bristol Cycling Campaign is a membership organisation that supports the rights of cyclists in Bristol. For more information see http://www.bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk/.

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News

Cycling City Stakeholder group meeting

At our recent meeting reservations were expressed about the possible content of the programme and the lack of transparency in the Council's method. It was agreed therefore that the Campaign will push for the following:

• The programme should include funding for the production of a long-term (10yr) plan, the articulation of a Vision for cycling in Greater Bristol and the appointment of an Inspirational Leader to drive the programme forward.
• Funding should be clearly set aside for significant Marketing and Branding and funding should be made available to support activities by local groups in their promotion of Cycling City
• 20mph limits should be introduced on a significant basis to areas across the city
• On-road works on major and minor routes to be included
• The process and criteria for selection of items to be included in the work programme should be published and the process made transparent. The process should be based on design and evidence principals and a change control method agreed.

On the Council website

• Bristol's Cycling City pages
• Proposed Infrastructure Schemes in Bristol

Say no to Bristol Airport expansion

Find out why and how at the No Bristol Airport Expansion website

Tell the Aviation Minister to rethink airport expansion

Send a letter via the AirportWatch site

Part of Avon Cycleway closed in anticlockwise direction

July 2006

The A4 through Saltford (between Bath and Bristol) is to be closed for 9 weeks from 17 July 2006 and some minor local roads will be closed or restricted which will affect the Avon Cycleway (NCN Route 10).

A secion of the Bristol to Bath railway path will be closed while a landslip is repaired.

10 May 2006

According to South Gloucestershire Council The section, between the access point at lower Station Road (formerly Staple Hill platform, just west of the tunnel) and the access point on Signal Road, will be closed from Monday 22 May - Friday 26 May, and Tuesday 30 - Wednesday 31 May. A diversion will be in place and will be sign-posted to guide cyclists.

Urgent - reply to Driving Standards Agency consultation on draft highway code.

4 May 2006

Seemingly innocuous changes to the Highway Code will seriously diminish your right to cycle on the road. Find out how and what you can do.

Must reply by 10 May!

Refuse to use that death trap ‘facility’? That’s contributory negligence!

29 March 2006

Seemingly innocuous changes to the Highway Code will seriously diminish your right to cycle on the road. Find out how and what you can do.

Honesty from Jeep?

27 January 2006

Are Jeep telling us what their new Cherokee Predator will prey on?

Bristol to Pill path reopened

22 December 2005

The path was reopened following removal of fallen rock and stabilization of the rock face in the Avon Gorge by the National Trust. Many thanks to them for their Goram and Vincent style work.

Clevedon, Sand Bay and Weston-super-Mare Missing Link

Not a prehistoric apeman but a crossing point of the River Yeo to avoid the A370. Find out how to express your support for the crossing.

Say no to Bristol Airport expansion

Find out why and how at the No Bristol Airport Expansion website

Petition to permanently close Princes Street Bridge to motor traffic?

The on-line petition was presented to the Council on the 22nd November.

Bristol to Pill path blocked

24 October 2005

A huge amount of rock has fallen onto the path near to the Suspension bridge with more threatening to come down. The path will be closed for some time. Sustrans reports that there is also a tree down over the cycleway a little bit closer to Pill, about half a km from the end of Leigh Woods.

Reopened 22 December

Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study

24 October 2005

The Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study (GBSTS) - the 25 year transport study for the old Avon area - has put out the draft recommendations for consultation. Fill in their short questionnaire at http://www.gbsts.com/questionnaire.html and let them know to put walking and cycling first.

Those with more time can respond with their own comments to: info@gbsts.com

Be quick though: the closing date is 30 October 2005

No 4x4s

26 September 2005

Download and print these road signs from the Greenpeace website and attach them to road signs, town signs and other street furniture.

When positioning your "No 4x4s" sign please ensure that it does not obscure road signs or cause a potential danger.

• Colour PDF 13.3K
• Black and white PDF 13.1K

BCC on the BBC

19 June 2005

Congratualtions to Rowland on his appearance as BCC spokesperson on the BBC's Politics Show.

Glow Places with Bristol Cycling Campaign Tabards

19 June 2005

Bristol Cycling Campaign wants you to be seen - and to take our message onto the streets! Show you're part of the traffic solution, not the problem with the striking 'one less car' message emblazoned on the back. Our tabards will be launched at our stall on Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride on 19th June. All sizes available, only £8 plus p&p. Order by email or from our monthly meetings.

The BCC has joined the World Carfree Network

10 March 2005

The network calls itself the hub of the global carfree movement. It promotes alternatives to car dependence at the international level, reducing the human impact on the natural environment whilst improving the quality of life for all.

Find out more on the World Carfree Network website.

Joint Local Transport Plan 2005

4 March 2005

The 4 local authorities are clubbing together to create a joint local transport plan in July 2005. A consultation document has been produced outlining the proposed contents of the LTP.

Visit the Joint Local Transport Plan 2005 website read their proposals and send in your views.

"Wessex Trains Announces Good News for Cyclists"

Victory for the BCC Campaign

2 February 2005

Wessex trains have ended their ban on bicycles at peak times and from Monday 7 February, passengers wishing to travel with their bicycle will be able to use Wessex Trains' services at all times.

Sensibly, the Wessex Trains Managing Director, urges:

"any cyclist travelling at these busy times to consider their fellow travellers and ensure their bicycle does not block carriage doorways or damage other passengers' clothing."

According to the Chairman of the Western Rail Passengers Committee:

"Cycling and rail travel work well together and it's great that Wessex Trains have listened to their customers"

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who took part in the BCC campaign.

• Press release from Wessex Trains

Temporary closure of Bristol Bath Cycle Path

South Gloucestershire Council will be closing the path for maintenance between the Avon Valley railway station at Bitton and the River Avon bridge. The path will be closed to all 8a.m. to 5p.m. for 3 days commencing Monday 29th March and it is anticipated work will be completed on Thursday 1st April.

The Council sugest the A431 Bath Road/Kelston Road as an alternative route but members suggest that extra care is taken as this is a very busy road.

Contact Marc Cashmore (tel 01454 863783) for further information.

Ashton - Pill path blocked!

"Around two tonnes of rock" has blocked the Ashton to Pill cycle path. Cyclists and walkers are being asked by the National Trust not to attempt to access the cycle path while the temporary closures are in place, for their own safety.

The path has now been reopened.

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Way to go

Over 25 major environmental and social justice groups including CTC, Sustrans and Transport 2000 have this week joined forces to form a coalition called Way to Go to lobby the Government on transport policy.

The coalition is asking tens of thousands of people to send postcards or emails to their MP asking them to tell Transport Secretary, Alistair Darling, to commit to more funding for 12 measures to help reduce traffic levels and improve the environment.

It is extremely important for as many us as possible to do this in order to counteract the strong offensive being drawn up by the motoring and road building lobby.

For more information see the Way to Go website