Cycling Shorts
New Signs for Cyclists
You probably will have seen the new pedestrian signs that have recently been introduces in the city. Now a similar scheme is to be introduced for cyclists. A trial signage scheme is to be introduced along the NCN route linking the Bristol & Bath Railway Path at St Phillips Road to the Ashton & Pill Path via Queen Square and the "Chocolate Path" alongside the New Cut and Cumberland Road, with spurs to Valentine's Bridge and Pero's Bridge.
The scheme is being desinged to follow on from the well-received "Legible City" signing introduced for pedestrians and is part of Bristol's efforts to encourage new leisure and visiting cyclists to enjoy the opportunity to cycle through the city. The trial scheme is planned to be introduced this year
Show the Government the "Way to Go" on transport!
Do you want bigger bypasses or quieter streets? Do you want wider motorways or safe routes to schools? In 2004 you will have a big chance to make it easier to get what you want. The Government is revising its ten year transport plan, deciding its priorities for the next decade and what it will spend its money on. "Way to Go" is a joint campaign being developed by groups including Transport 2000, Friends of the Earth and CTC (the national cyclists' organisation). It will give the public chance to tell the Government that they want to see transport that works for people, for the environment and for local neighbourhoods.
The campaign will be asking the Government to deliver this by making commitments to specific measures. This will be important in combating the motoring lobby in their calls for more roads and a softer approach to motorists. This is a great chance for local organisations such as community groups, schools, mother-and-toddler clubs, walking and cycling groups to get involved, asking them to support the campaign and tell their MP and the Government what they want from transport.
The Bristol Cycling Campaign has registered its interest and asked to be kept in touch with the campaign.
For more information see the Way to Go website.
New Police Phone Number: 01275 818181
This is for non-urgent crime reporting. E.g. motorbikes on the Bristol - Bath Path or Malago Greenway. You may not wish to draw attention to yourself by using a mobile phone on the spot, or you may consider 999 inappropriate, or you may not have a mobile phone but feel the incident should be reported from home later.
My local police inspector tells me that the police will not act on "low level" crime, unless there are enough complaints. If you use this number, your complaint will be registered and passed to the relevant section to take action. You can even ask for a reference number. Remember, if we don't complain, nothing will be done.
Winter Solstice Bonfire Ride
In the days before clocks or modern communications people needed to track the passage of the seasons themselves. All you need is a couple of sticks and few enough distractions to keep an eye of the position of the sunset! Mid-winter seems a very logical turning point in the year and deserves to be marked in some sort of way. That's why a small group of us gathered firewood and sat round a roaring bonfire at old Mangotsfield Station on Saturday 20th December, the nearest Saturday to the Solstice. Pete supplied delicious potatoes and parsnips for roasting and we sat there long enough to watch the stars move around our heads (or was it the drink?). Yes it was dark. Yes it was cold. Yes, someone even took flying lessons off the side of the platform. But it was all well worth it. Thanks to all
Rowland
Railway Path Safe Again
It's those damned kids on stolen motorbikes again!I wondered if I should call the cops on my mobile phone. But as I stared down the track I wondered why they were wearing day-glow yellow coats, had their head-lamps on, and were driving so slowly. They I realised they were the cops!
When the Railway Path opened many years ago, it seem an oasis of nature far removed from the evils of the city and modern life. But as time went on, evils began to seep in. At first I didn't want to believe the media reports of muggings, but eventually even I began to eye youths suspiciously as they hung around in gangs under the bridges and on dark corners. Some cyclists began to wonder if they might do better risking the traffic again. Yes things had got that bad!
The good new is the Police are patrolling the Path, perhaps everyday. Although they would prefer to use their mountain bikes, their swish motorbikes makes pursuit more successful. Crime stats aren't available yet, but they say known drug dealers, other dodgy sorts, and stolen motorbikes have now virtually disappeared from the vicinity. In the summer they aim to extend their patrols all the way to Bath and will be equipped with leaflets, post-coding kits, etc to give away to the public
Rowland
Be a cycle training instructor!
Life Cycle UK operates a unique on-road training programme for children and adults teaching them to cycle safely and confidently. Demand for training is growing rapidly and more instructors are needed to join the team. People who live in South Gloucestershire are particularly sought after.
Cycle training is immensely satisfying work - and it's making a real difference to people's lives.
Instructors receive full training and are paid expenses (£10 per hour). Many instructors earn £250-£350 per month.If you're an experienced cyclist and you have some time to spare on a regular basis please contact:
Tamar Thompson at Life Cycle UK for more information or visit www.lifecycleuk.org.uk
Stick it to them!
This long thin sticker (approx 10 inches long) fits along your top-bar or similar part of your bike. Show drivers that your bike is not part of the traffic problem! Available at meetings for a mere 50p or through the post from Rowland on 0117-951-2157 or nicefella@tesco.net
