Cycling Shorts
New Transport Chief for Bristol
Following weeks of wrangling, a coalition cabinet has finally been agreed for Bristol city council. Lib Dem Anne White has replaced Labour's Helen Holland as executive for Environment, Transport and Leisure. The Lib Dems are not keen on a congestion charge for Bristol but have not ruled it out.
Cycling up 16% in Central London
A combination of the congestion charge and widely distributed cycle maps have led to a massive increase in people taking to their bikes in Central London. It could get better too, as Mayor Ken Livingstone is also proposing 20mph zones for all residential streets.
M32 blamed for losing City of Culture bid
Jeremy Issacs, one of the judges for European Capital of Culture 2008 said the panel thought Bristol the most European of all the cities but didn't like how the M32 created a concrete divide between communities.
Mobile Phones and Driving
At long last the government is to make it a specific offence to drive while using a hand-held mobile phone.
Although this problem has been growing since the mid-nineties and many cyclists and pedestrians have died as a result ( RoSPA reckons 19 between 1998 and 2001), the government has been very reluctant to act. It was only when research was published showing that using a mobile at the wheel could be as dangerous as drink driving that they were pushed into doing something.
The proposed law is hardly tough - a £30 fixed penalty fine, but up to £1000 if you contest the charge. Legislation to also put three penalty points on the driver's licence is expected to follow shortly, but isn't there yet.
In fact, the law itself won't even come into force until December. If driving while using a mobile is so dangerous (which it is) , then why not an immediate ban?
Cycling for Schools launched
Life Cycle UK welcomes Sue Harnan to its staff. Sue joins the charity as Cycling for Schools Co-ordinator. This exciting, Lottery-funded project provides high quality, on-road training for local children.
Cycle Resource Centre postponed by Subsidence!
Bristol cyclists will have to wait until October to use the new cycle resource centre planned in Grove Road at the Mud Dock. The centre, being built with a £50,000 grant from the government's Cycle Project Fund, will have to wait until repairs to the building have been completed. When it's finished the centre will have secure bike parking for 50 bikes, showers, dry cleaning, cycle info, etc. etc.
New name for cycling charity
Bristol-based cycle promotion charity Cycle West used the Bike to Work Day breakfast (18th June) to unveil its new name. The organisation is now known as Life Cycle UK. The new name reflects the charity's unique mission and its growing influence on national policy and practice.
One of Life Cycle UK's patrons, the TV celebrity Adam Hart-Davis, said:
I have been with Life Cycle UK since the charity began - as Cycle West - nearly five years ago. I am delighted that they are making cycling easier in all sorts of ways, working with schools, communities, businesses, and the healthcare sector. The charity's work is innovative and effective and, because of it, I see the possibilities of a bright future for cycling throughout the country.
Green shoots in Downend
Alan Richardson, who some may remember as a cycling officer with South Gloucestershire council, has recently been elected to Downend and Bromley Heath parish council for the Green party. He wants to improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians in the area.
Are You Experienced?
Wanted - regular cycle commuters to be bike-buddies for new cyclists. Help someone else to get the benefits of cycling - register today!
http://www.234car.com/bikebuddies - the car in the URL is because it is part of a carsharing website
