Discover the three valleys

Derbyshire County Council has put out an excellent leaflet promoting the attractions of the Three Valleys - Moss, Drone & Rother. For a copy contact the Project Team at Tapton Lock, Chesterfield - 01246 441035 - or take a ride down there.

Barnsley has also put out a leaflet promoting the TPT in the Barnsley area- a variable section of the trail - available by calling the TPT office on 01226772574

==posted by Simon==

City Cycling Issue 30 out now

Click Here

Normal Site (See Editor's post below)

The London Friday Night Ride sounds like fun...

Major makeover for The Wicker

Plans for the Wicker go to SCC cabinet tomorrow.

See http://www.thestar.co.uk/headlines/Major-makeover-for-The-Wicker.3573388.jp


==posted by Simon==

Petition to reopen the Woodhead Railway

A petition has been set up, calling on the Government to reopen the railway from Manchester to Sheffield via Woodhead. Sign this online at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Woodhead/

==posted by Simon==

SYPTE Cycle Parking Survey

SYPTE is surveying users of cycle parking at Stations and Interchanges in South Yorkshire.

A downloadable version of the survey is available online here. The form can be returned by post to SYPTE, PO Box 801, Exchange Street, Sheffield S2 5YT.

If you ever park your bike at a South Yorkshire Stations or Interchange please fill in the form.

Sad News: Gordon Selway

One of cycle campaigning's great characters, Gordon Selway, died whilst sitting quietly on a train on Sunday.

Pedal Pushers members may remember his presence at our conference at the Earth Centre a few years back. He was not only a CTC Councillor for the West Midlands but held a string of voluntary campaigning and advocacy causes locally and nationally including FoE, Railfuture, Transport 2000, CPRE and serving as a district councillor. His erudition eloquence and humour on cycling matters was second to none.

You can find tributes to Gordon on the CTC Forum at http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=9416 and an obituary at
http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4050

==posted by Simon==

Essential publications for cycle campaigners

CCN News November 2007

CTC Cycle Digest No.52, November 2007

EU dilutes bikes on trains requirement

News from the European Twowheel Retailers' Association:

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2007

The European Parliament and the Council have reached an agreement on the 3rd Railway Package, which includes the Regulation on Railway Passengers Rights and Obligations. Much to ETRA and ECF's surprise, in the Common Position, the provision relating to the transport of bicycles, which was adopted by a very large majority in the Parliament, has been completely eroded. Parliament voted an obligation to have space available on all trains for the transport of bicycles.

That obligation is now replaced by Article 5 stating: "Railway undertakings shall enable passengers to bring bicycles on to the train, where appropriate for a fee, if they are easy to handle, if this does not adversely affect the specific rail service, and if the rolling-stock so permits."

This article gives railway companies plenty of opportunities to refuse the carriage of bicycles. Whats more, as a result of Article 2.4 and 2.5, the member states may exempt railway companies from carrying bicycles on domestic trains for up to 15 years and on urban, suburban and regional trains for an indefinite period of time.

As a result of Article 2.7, the member states must inform the Commission of such exemptions. The Commission is allowed to take action should the exemption not be in accordance with the Regulation. No later than 7 years after the publication of the Regulation in the Official Journal, the Commission must submit to Parliament and Council a report on these exemptions. Finally, the railway companies have an obligation to provide information on accessibility and access conditions for bicycles.

We were informed that this complete change from imposing the transport of bicycles to allowing the transport of bicycles was forced through at the very end of the negotiations under pressure of the Council and the Commission.
It is now up to our members, the national organisation, to monitor and lobby their national railway companies. They will have to make sure that they do not abuse of the possibility not to carry bicycles. At the same time, they will have to convince them to carry bicycles.

In the meantime, ETRA and ECF will continue our efforts for the establishment of European legislation that stimulates the combination of bike and train. We will also continue to raise awareness in the European institutions of the need for facilitating that combination.

We find the reluctance of the member states and of the Commission to seriously develop bike transport by train regrettable and all the more peculiar in the light of the ongoing debate on sustainability.

Out Now: Crap Cycle Lanes - The Book!

We've all looked forward to the Facility of the Month from Warrington Cycle Campaign, and now its been turned into a book that everyone can laugh at from cyclists to traffic engineers!!!

You can now get it from the publishers. And at £4.99 for a hard back copy its great value.

To get a copy of Crap Cycle Lanes, go to www.eye-books.com

The more that are sold then the better the message gets across that cycling needs equitable sharing of the roads first and "Crap Cycle Lanes" last.

All the WCC royalties are going to the Cyclists Defence Fund.

Free vests for cyclists

http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Free-vests-for-cyclists.3405372.jp


SHEFFIELD Council is giving free high-visibility yellow vests to cyclists to reduce the risk of them being involved in collisions.
Last year three cyclists were killed and 33 seriously injured in accidents in Sheffield, and crashes involving bikes averaged one every three days.

But the chances of collision are vastly reduced when high visibility clothing is worn. About 60 per cent of crashes involve a driver who may have "looked but did not see" a cyclist - and florescent clothing can make all the difference.

Sheffield Cycle Campaign will be helping on Wednesday Oct 31st by putting stickers on cycle parking publicising the offer.

Adam Hart-Davis has bikes stolen

TV presenter Adam Hart-Davis has had his collection of cycles stolen from his home in Bristol. He posted this to the Velovision forum:

While I was away on holiday this month, burglars smashed their way into my garage (crowbars etc.) and stole the following cycles (which were locked to Sheffield stands inside):

Trice Explorer red/orange/blue, frame no 3048, with black rear rack, suspension, 81 gears, side bar-bag fixing etc.

Trice Pixie white, frame no 2121

Birdy red, frame no P9032778, aluminium rack

British Eagle Trail MTB pink/yellow, 17 yrs old, serial no 00308/9; police security register no 52 998 00085

Al Carter Hondo Creek 500LX MTB blue/grey, 14 yrs old, serial no 4920513654; police security register no 52 998 00086

If any of these cycles crosses your path, please phone Redland Police Station (Bristol) 0117 945 4423, quoting crime ref. B/2699/20092007/01 (PC2699 Matt Lonsdale).

Many thanks,

Adam Hart-Davis 27 September

Connect2 gets through to the TV Vote

GREAT news! Connect2 is through to the TV vote!

Connect2 is in the final running for £50 million pounds to improve walking and cycling in 79 communities throughout the whole of the UK.

As of today, BIG have launched their own promotional campaign and website,
with a Connect2 page at:
http://www.thepeoples50million.org.uk/projects/connect2

Online voting will open at 9am on Monday 26 November 2007. We NEED your help
to really make a difference.

Calling all cycle tourists

The best ever cycle touring video is here.

Sheffield Station - Write now!

Sheffield Cycle Campaign along with the City Cycle Forum is mounting a campaign about cycle parking at the Station. Although recent improvements have seen cycling parking doubled, this is still not enough to meet demand and the lack of any cycle lockers is a major omission.

Your CTC Right to Ride rep has already posted a letter and you can find a copy of it here. . By all means use this letter as a basis for your own, but if you can find your own words it would be even better - be polite though!

The person to write to is
Paul Barnfield
Sheffield Station
Sheaf Street
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S1 2BP

And here are a few other people you could contact:

Tim Shoveller is the MD of the the incoming Franchise, East Midlands Trains, operated by Stagecoach. Use the enquiry form at
http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/genenquiry.php

or email getintouch@eastmidlandstrains.co.uk


Passenger Focus is the independent national rail consumer watchdog.
http://www.railpassengers.org.uk/about-us/

Get writing!

==posted by Simon==

VOTE FOR THE CONNECT2 PROJECT IN DECEMBER!!!

VOTE FOR THE CONNECT2 PROJECT IN DECEMBER!!!

The Connect2 project (http://www.sustransconnect2.org.uk/) is competing against five other projects for funding of £50 million from the `Big Lottery Fund's Living Landmarks: The People's Millions' which is to be decided by public television vote in December this year.

The objective of the Connect2 project is to create traffic-free walking and cycling routes across the U.K., creating closer communities, promoting healthier living and protecting our environment.

The main Connect2 project in the Sheffield area is an ambitious scheme to link up communities to the revitalised Chesterfield Canal, the Sheffield Tram and to the Rother Valley. Our November Ride from the Supertram Cyclists Special will explore the possibilities in this area.



On the reserve list is the iconic Sheaf Valley foot and cycle bridge to connect the revitalised Hyde Park area with Pond St and the city centre.



TO VOTE, THERE ARE 2 SIMPLE STEPS:

STEP1) REGISTER WITH CONNECT2, using one of the following methods: - Text `Connect2' to 80010 - Visit www.sustransconnect2.org.uk and register on the website - Send your full name, mobile and email address to the following address, indicating that you want to be kept informed of Connect2 e-news: Sustrans, Freepost BS 7739, Bristol, BS1 5FA

STEP 2) CONNECT2 WILL CONTACT YOU CLOSE TO THE VOTING TIME, INFORMING YOU WHEN AND HOW TO VOTE FOR THE CONNECT2 PROJECT.

Many thanks in advance for supporting the Connect2 project. And please, please forward this to friends, family, work colleagues etc. whom you think would support this exciting UK-wide project.

David Byrne celebrates nyc bicycling in style

With help from our friends from Warrington...

http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/david-byrne-celebrates-nyc-bicycling-in-style/

Find us on Facebook!

Click here (Facebook account required)

NYC Bicycle Safety Coalition Launches LOOK campaign

See http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/looking-to-make-cycling-safer-in-nyc

Another petition for u.

If you haven't done so yet, please look at this petition and sign it:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/roadsafety9/

From the petition's creator:

"Youngsters are being asked to walk or cycle to school to be green and
reduce jams.

Walking and cycling are generally safe but parents will worry - if they
are brave enough to let youngsters be independent.

The perception of safety has to be improved.

Lower speeds and extra road education will play a part but this petition
is calling for a change to strict liability laws on drivers’ insurance
policies.

At present, in a car - bike/pedestrian collision, the cyclist or
pedestrian (probably the worst injured) has to prove the motorist was
reckless.

We want that burden of proof switched so the motorist – choosing to use
a ton of metal at speed – has to prove the cyclist or pedestrian was at
fault.

This only applies to insurance claims. In criminal law, drivers in
collisions remain innocent until proven guilty.

This rule exists in many EU countries with more walking and cycling, and
a better child road safety record, Let’s raise driving standards and
create better road user attitudes."

Tony didn't listen - will Gordon do better?

==posted by simon==

Just the Tikit

Pedal Pushers were nearly treated to a demo of the new Bike Friday Tikit recently - unfrtuinately the bike itself got lost by the airline on the way from Oregon, but you can read all about it at http://www.bikefriday.com/tikit. The main claim is that the bike folds very quickly, giving you the convenience of a Brompton with the excellent ride capabilities of a Friday.

==posted by simon==

Dore Station is Sheffield's Weakest Link

Transport 2000 nominated Dore as one of two "Weakest Link" stations in Yorkshire and the Humber, the other one being Sandal & Agbrigg.

See http://www.transport2000.org.uk/news/maintainNewsArticles.asp?NewsArticleID=417

Dore Station was nominated for its poor cycle access. Local passenger Simon Geller explains: “We have been trying to get the train operator to install cycle stands for many years. The station is well-used by commuters to Manchester but there is very little car parking and no cycle parking, so commuters tend to park on the main road, causing congestion.”

Broomhill, Central and Nether Edge One-Year Plan

The Broomhill, Central and Nether Edge Area Panel has launched the 2007-08 One-Year Plan, which will be presented at a meeting on the 6th September. (see events diary)

It can be downloaded and viewed by following this link:
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/in-your-area/area-action/broomhill-central-and-n
ether-edge/issues-and-actions

==posted by Simon==

Little London Road work starts

Work will commence shortly to make the experimental Little London Rd scheme permanent.
This scheme has been given a cautious thumbs-up by Sheffield Cycle Campaign. Whilst the work is in progress it would be worthwhile avoiding the area - once it is complete it should be worthwhile to try it out. (& we will organize a ride to do so.)

==posted by simon==

Copenhagen Report says cycle facilities less safe

Essential reading for cycle campaigners is this report, the full version being in Danish but there is an executive summary in English posted at http://www.trafitec.dk/publikauk.htm.

The meta-summary is that cycle facilities encourage more people to cycle, and make cyclists *feel* safer. However in reality they actually reduce cyclists’ safety – improvements in cyclists’ safety between junctions are more than outweighed by increased risk at or near junctions (and, from other data sources, we know that this is where around three-quarters of cyclists’ collisions occur).

From this, it is reasonable to conclude that well-designed cycle facilities do have their place – after all, the health benefits of the extra cycling will far outweigh the increased injury risk (which, in the wider scheme of things, is still pretty low). However, nobody should assume that it is necessarily safer for cyclists to use them – if anything, this research rather suggests the opposite, and this from a city where the cycle facilities are acknowledged to be among the best in the world.

Roger Geffen, campaign manager at the CTC says " If only this report had come out 6 months earlier, we might have been able to get a better outcome from the Highway Code campaign!"

==posted by Simon==

Road works this weekend

According to the Council Website there are major road works at the following locations this bank holiday weekend:

A57 Manchester Road, Beighton Road in Woodhouse, Derbyshire Lane, Norton Lane, Riggs High Road/Rod Side in Stannington and Gill Royd Lane near Midhopestones.

Avoid!

Also there will be temporary traffic changes from 26th August as further sections of the Inner Relief Road come into use.

==Posted by Simon==

Sign up for the Halfway To Hucknall Ride, 1st Sept

We've gone Doodle Crazee!


Sign up for the Halfway to Hucknall, folding & full-sized bike ride here!

Join the Vert-i-go Facebook Group

...if you're into that sort of thing...

http://shef.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4366524711

Vote on Tram Gates

The Star has an on-line poll on whether enforcement of the Hillsborough Tram Gates has been a success here:-
http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/ViewArticle.aspx?SectionID=58&ArticleID=3140048
Vote early!

==posted by Simon

Supertram Cyclists Specials Are Go!

Pedal Pushers have reached agreement with Sheffield Supertram to put on "Cyclists' Specials" from the Cathedral to Waterthorpe (Rother Valley) on the last Sunday of each month - from September to November initially but with the aim of this becoming ongoing in the New Year,if the numbers of cyclists using them are sufficient to make it cost-effective.

We have agreed £4 return for a cyclist and their bike (Tandems £8 as there are 2 people involved).

There will be a series of short, 5 miles-ish, led rides around Rother Valley for those using the tram-assist - or you can set off by yourself for a longer ride.

The dates will be Sundays:

* 30th September (when there will also be some publicity and handing over of a cheque with the money we raised on our Tram-assisted Pedalling Picnic to Sustrans, donated by Supertram)
* 28th October (end of British Summer time!) and
* 25th November


So we need people to commit to using these trams on the dates above - probably 10am from the Cathedral and returning around 3pm from Waterthorpe:

To register an interest please leave your name at
http://www.doodle.ch/participation.html?pollId=t2gv3swxm5h7yha2

(or http://tinyurl.com/2x6mbd )

SIGN UP, SIGN UP, USE IT OR LOSE IT!

See you all there!

CPRE steps up anti-litter campaign

The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England's new president, Bill Bryson, has declared war on litter, and he needs our help. Sign up to his new email e-newsletter
here

Why does litter matter to cyclists? Well we spend a lot of time looking at grass verges, especially when crawling up hills, and the amount of rubbish you see is unbelievable. Broken glass makes off-road cycle routes unusable, and the experience of cycling along cycle routes that are scattered with litter is not pleasant.

Sign up now!

==posted by Simon==

How Transport Planning is biased in favour of roads

Click here for New Statesman article

Bus Gate Cameras Cut Journey Times by 3 minutes

According to unofficial figures obtained from the council, the Bus Gate Cameras at Hillsborough have cut journey times by nearly 3 minutes in the morning peak.
The variation in tram journey times has also reduced significantly, making journey times not only quicker, but more reliable. The improvements have knock-on effects across the whole public transport network

In the Autumn & Winter, when the roads are busier, these journey time savings and reliability improvements are likely to be greater.

From a cyclists point of view, the camera have two major benefits: They are likely to encourage more people onto public transport, meaning fewer cars on the road and more room for cyclists; and the journey through Hillsborough has become a lot more pleasant, not being hassled by motorists who shouldn't have been there in the first place when attempting to negotiate tricky trackwork.

==posted by Simon==

Vive la velorution, says the Guardian

Vive la velorution

A new free bike scheme in Paris is a big success. But how long will it take Britain to follow suit?

Agnès Poirier
Thursday August 2, 2007
The Guardian

Le Tour is dead, long live le vélo! The French vélorution began the day after Bastille day, or day one of the vélib - short for vélo-liberté. With it, millions of Parisians have been able to forget the shame of the Tour de France and make the road theirs, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

read more...

Sheffield make facility of the Month - again

Sheffield is once again featured in Warrington Cycle Campaign's Facility of the Month to view go to http://www.warringtoncyclecampaign.co.uk/facility-of-the-month/
and click on August 2007. Sheffield also featured in September 2004, whilst Chesterfield got a look in March 2007, and Doncaster in Feb 2007.

Rail White Papers Addresses Bikes on Trains

Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly today announced a new rail strategy.

The strategy document, Delivering a Sustainable Railway, has a full
page on bikes on trains.

Cycling England chair Phillip Darnton has welcomed the introduction
of a new taskforce to establish a consistent approach to better
integration of bike and rail journeys across different train
operating companies. He said:

"For the first time this [White paper] offers the prospect of real
clarity for the public on how they can use their bicycles as part of
their wider journey. It should encourage more commuters to give up
their cars in favour of bikes when travelling from home to the
station. The measures announced today may actually lead to fewer
bikes on commuters trains because cyclists will have access to more
secure cycle parking at stations and feel safer about leaving their
bikes there."

The white paper says:

There is a strong synergy between cycling and rail. Used in
combination, they provide one of the most environmentally friendly
options for travel to work. This form of commuting is likely to
expand as concern about climate change grows. It is in the railway's
commercial and environmental interests to facilitate this.

Action is needed to include cycling provision to, from and at
stations, and on board trains. Local authorities already have powers
and resources to provide safe cycle routes to any destination and the
pilot station travel plans will encourage a more joined-up and
environmentally focussed approach to station access. But cycle
storage facilities are also important since the priority requirement
is to facilitate use of cycles for travel to work, and commuters are
those most likely to want to store their bikes, rather than take them
onto the busiest trains. The adequacy of cycle storage facilities at
stations varies widely, as does the quality of their management.
Improving cycle facilities at stations is also the key link in most
cycle-plus-rail journeys, which require a distinct focus.

To provide the necessary focus in this area, ATOC, Cycling England,
Network Rail and Passenger Focus will be invited to form a Cycle-Rail
Task Force, actively supported by the Government. The Task Force's
job will be to promote best practice (particularly at stations), to
help Government get the detail of the franchising regime right, and
to monitor the effectiveness of measures to promote cycle-plus-rail
travel.

Future franchises will clarify the position on carriage of cycles on
trains:

. Folding bicycles should be able to be carried at all times, free of
charge.

. Train operators should be able to exclude non-folding cycles during
peak periods. Train operators are best placed to know where such
pressure exists. The apparent attractions of a single national set of
rules are outweighed by the fact that it would be unduly restrictive,
because it would subject lightly used services to the more onerous
restrictions necessary on busy commuter routes.

. Train operators should normally require advance reservation where
there are limited cycle spaces on trains, so that cyclists do not
discover too late that there is no room for their cycle. Where there
is pressure on space, operators may consider charging a reasonable
fare for that reservation. Not all do or will want to. But all
operators should ensure that a passenger-fare and any cycle-
reservation can be booked together at the same time.

. Operators must indicate clearly against each service on the
timetable whether or not cycles are permitted, whether there is a
charge and whether reservations are required; a reservation must
guarantee the space. Cyclists should not have to refer to separate
guidance.

It now seems that the improvements we have been asking to be made
with regards to local trains and services may well follow suit.

More information will be made available when the paper is
made public.

Park Hill Flats Plans on Show

£146m flats revamp plan on show: See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/6913017.stm

The plans are on show at Park Hill community centre, Duke Street.

Questions you might want to ask:

What secure storage for cycles will there be in the refurbished flats:
How will people cycle into town, given that the plan for a new bridge over the Sheaf Valley didn't make the Connect2 shortlist?
How will they access centres of employment in the Don Valley and elsewhere.
Will there be a link to the National Cycle Network?

==posted by simon

Cycling Features on the BBC

A saint in the saddle?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6900694.stm

Cycle disaster law change debate
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_east/6901391.stm

==posted by simon

CALL GOES OUT FOR FIVE WEIRS CLEAN UP

CALL GOES OUT FOR FIVE WEIRS CLEAN UP


Calling all river users! Walkers, anglers, canoeists, nature lovers, joggers, cyclists. A mass volunteer clean-up of the Five Weirs Walk is being planned for the last weekend in July to shift tons of debris left behind by the June floods.


The heavy rainfall left much of the popular 7.5km route under water. Many sections still remain blocked by tree trunks, and compacted rubbish whilst there is up to a metre of silt under several of the bridges.


A consortium of agencies and charities are working together to organise the event including Sheffield City Council, the Five Weirs Trust, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, the Council’s Park Rangers, Groundwork Sheffield and the Environment Agency.


Councillor Tim Rippon, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Culture and Planning at Sheffield City Council said: “We are calling on all users and supporters of the walk to join myself and others to turn out and help for two days of clean-ups on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th July. The efforts will be concentrated around Effingham Road, Salmon Pastures Royds Mill and Sandersons Weir where the worst blockages have occurred. The aftermath of the floods has brought so many people across the city together and we call on anyone who can spare a couple of hours of their time to help restore the walk to it’s former glory.”


Volunteers are asked to assemble from 12 noon onwards on Saturday 28th or Sunday 29th July at Washford Bridge on Attercliffe Road where they will be supplied with protective gear and tools.


Lisa Judson, Chair of the Five Weirs Trust said: “There is no need for special skills or strength, we will find suitable jobs for everyone and there will be experienced staff around to provide safety advice and leadership. We are also appealing for the loan of skips to take away the tons of rubbish and of a friendly JCB and driver to help with shifting heavier materials.”


Scott Porter from Sheffield City Council’s Park Rangers Service commented: “Many people like myself want to do something to help the city recover after the floods and haven’t yet found an opportunity. This is one everyone can get involved with.”


Volunteers wanting to register can call Sheffield City Council Parks and Countryside Reception on 0114 2 500 500.

Arriva Wins Cross-Country Franchise

The Department for Transport (DfT) today announced that Arriva plc has been awarded the contract to run the New Cross Country rail franchise.

It combines the majority of the existing Cross Country franchise services currently operated by Virgin Cross Country and the Nottingham - Cardiff and Birmingham - Stansted Airport services currently operated by Central Trains.

The new franchise will begin on 11th November 2007 and end on 1st April 2016. DfT has the right to terminate the franchise after six years if the operator fails to meet agreed performance targets. Over the life of the franchise (eight years and four months) DfT will pay a subsidy of £1.056 bn (NPV) to Arriva.

The contract will deliver increased capacity, better performance and improved customer services. Passengers will benefit from:

40 extra train carriages for operation on long distance services, using High Speed Trains (HSTs), refurbished to the standard of the existing Voyager Trains. This, together with internal changes to the current fleet of Voyager trains, will provide nearly 3,000 more seats each day on the busiest routes at the busiest times. Internal changes on the Voyager trains will also provide for a 20-25% increase in luggage storage space; Increased staff visibility with the busiest long distance services having at least three members of staff passing through the train; A new web-based ticketing system which will be introduced from December 2009; Refurbished Class 170 units on Birmingham - Stansted and Cardiff - Nottingham services including extra seats, and first class on all trains; Help and advice for passengers who need to change trains. The Government will continue to limit annual rises of regulated fares in line with national policy, which is currently RPI+1%.

As with all franchises, unregulated fares will be the responsibility of the operator. Arriva have indicated that they may wish to raise unregulated fares by an average of 3.4% above inflation each year.

Passengers will benefit from new arrangements to be compensated for delays and poor performance.

==ENDS===

Sheffield Cycle Campaign says: Whilst many will be pleased to see the back of Virgin XC, Arriva will have to do a lot better than their disastrous performance as Arriva Trains Northern, and their lacklustre performance in Wales. Today's passenger demands trains that run on time and are cleaned occasionally, toilets that work and of course space for bikes. Also when they say, "High Speed Trains (HSTs), refurbished to the standard of the existing Voyager Trains.", many would see that as a downgrading.

Sheffield Cycle Campaign will work with our partners to try to ensure that cyclists rights are not affected.

==posted by Simon.

Garmin Edge 205 GPS cycle computer

Going to need one of these I think...
Garmin Edge 205 GPS cycle computer

Highway Code Government Response

The Prime Minister 's office has responded to the Highway code petition (roads4bikes) as follows:

Having listened to the concerns of cyclists regarding certain aspects of rules 61 and 63 of the proposed revisions to the Highway Code, we sought views from key stakeholders on proposals for further changes to these rules.

We have now carefully considered stakeholders views and on 15 June laid before Parliament revised versions of rules 61 and 63, as follows:

61 Cycle Routes and Other Facilities. Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.

63 Cycle Lanes. These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway. When using a cycle lane, keep within the lane when practicable. When leaving a cycle lane check before pulling out that it is safe to do so and signal your intention clearly to other road users. Use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.

Provided that there are no objections in Parliament to the proposed revisions we should be able to publish the new edition of the Highway Code by the end of September. Any delay in issuing the Code would mean delaying the benefits of applying all the improved advice for all road users that it contains, including advice to motorists to be more aware of vulnerable road users such as cyclists.

Council celebrates flooding with more car parking

It would be great to be able to report that the council has started to learn lessons from recent events. In the wake of the flood, and the clear evidence that climate chaos is connected to emissions from transport and other energy uses, your Right to Ride representative is pleased to report that he has received a proposal from the council to create a further 150 on-street car parking spaces in the city centre. Apparently this brings us up to the level of on-street parking we had in 1967. Oh for the summer of love, when sexy girls in mini-skirts were driving around in gaily painted minis and you could park where you liked!

Your RTR has objected to this proposal.

--posted by Simon

"Sustainable" Transport consultants ban cycling

A large consultancy with a specialism in sustainable transport advice
banned staff from travelling on bicycles or motorbikes because they say
they are too dangerous, according to The Times.

Jacobs Batie's clients include Transport for London

from The Times: "(The company) has told staff at
its 36 offices across Britain that they must drive or use public
transport. They can use bicycles only if they are working away from
roads, such as on canal towpaths.

In an e-mail to all employees, a copy of which has been obtained by The
Times, the company's health and safety manager says: "It's patently
obvious that if you are struck by a wayward vehicle when you are on a
bicycle or motorbike you are going to be more severely affected than if
you were in a car. The reason for this policy is to protect our
employees from other vehicles on the road""

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article2034087.ece

And the co website

http://www.jacobsbabtie.com/services/7-1_specialismdetails.aspx?id=3&s=690&c=3&d=774

The company website page on sustainable transport has a photo of a
cyclist and states "Jacobs has an impressive track record in the rapidly
developing field of sustainable transport".. ."In the area of cycling,
we can offer expert resources at every stage from cycle policy and
promotion through to the detailed design and implementation of cycle
schemes"

Sheffield Cycle Campaign says: Apart from the total idiocy of the ban, the evidence that cycling on off-road paths such as towpaths is actually less safe than cycling on the road is sonething that you would think a sustainable transport consultancy would be aware of.

Your local Jacobs Office address:

Sheffield
1 Maple Court
Tankersley
Sheffield
S75 3DP

Number of bike thefts soar, say Lib Dems

The Liberal Democrats have released figures showing that a bike is stolen in Britain every five minutes, with a 10% rise in the number of thefts since 2001.

Ahead of the arrival of the Tour De France in London, new figures obtained from a Parliamentary Answer show:

· In the last five years there has been a 10% rise in bike thefts across England and Wales - with 113,206 stolen in 2005-06 alone - one every five minutes.

· Last year there were almost 60 bike thefts reported every day in London

· In the last five years the number of bike thefts reported to the Metropolitan Police has increased by almost 50%

Commenting on the figures, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Alistair Carmichael MP said:

"This huge jump in the number of bike thefts is shocking. When the Tour De France comes to London riders will have to keep a close eye on their bikes.

"Rather than wasting billions of pounds on expensive and ineffective ID cards, Gordon Brown should be investing in more police officers to cut crime and keep our streets safe.

"Cycling is the most environmentally friendly way to travel. The Government should be encouraging cycling by doing far more to tackle bike thefts and make cycling more safe and pleasant.

Stagecoach Rail wants to talk

Following the announcement that Stagecoach has won the East Midlands franchise, Rufus Boyd, director of Stagecoach Rail has requested meetings with all the cycle campaign groups in the area the franchise covers.

We will of course be following this up.

Posted by Simon

Supertram win the pleasure of cyclists

Sheffield Cycle Campaign members' Grand Day Out with Supertram

Congratulations are due to Supertram. They have won Sheffield Cycle Campaign - Pedal Pushers' - challenge to the Public Transport Operators in South Yorkshire, issued for the New Year 2007: Who would be the first operator to offer cyclists a ride east out of the city on a Sunday morning. Supertram supported Bike Week by putting on a "Cyclists' Special" to assist Pedal Pushers' members on their way to Rother Valley for a Pedalling Picnic; the culmination of a week of great cycling events. 18 bikes, including a tandem, plus a pushchair and all their riders were comfortably accommodated on a tram from the Cathedral to Waterthorpe on Sunday at 10.25 and back again at 3 pm. Despite occasional brief downpours, everyone had a really great time enjoying a choice of 3 led rides after the picnic before the return. Not only that but Supertram put on these trams for free. To express their thanks, the cyclists had a whip round and collected more than £50 for the tram company to donate to a charity of their choice.

Polly Blacker - event organiser for Pedal Pushers

City Cyclists Breakfast

We had an extremely successful Cyclists' Breakfast outside the Town Hall yesterday morning with more people than ever before enjoying good food and drinks and sharing great conversations! Thanks Greg for your side of the organisation!

Pedal Ready instructors had offered accompanied rides to various higher, or less-so, profile people so Sir Bob Kerslake, Councillor Mary Lea, Christine Booth - Executive Dean in the Faculty of Organisation and Management at SHU - Andy Jackson from Heeley Development Trust, plus an ordinary member of the cycling public all arrived Pedal Ready accompanied to be photographed etc. It may even be that Sir Bob considers riding to work occasionally in future (as long as it isn't raining!) - he liked the route (especially the cut-through beside Lynwood Gardens and Broomhall) and was surprised how quick cycling in was ("faster than the bus").

Christine Booth also enjoyed her ride and may become a 'Ride to Work' devotee. Mary had a longer ride and found it fairly tiring but felt her knowledge of the cycling commuter's experience had increased substantially. (As did Brian Lodge, who had declined an accompanied ride initially but actually cycled in with his son; he also found it fairly strenuous.) Andy is a regular cyclist already.

Look out for the photos in the Star/Telegraph!

City Consults on Development Framework

Sheffield Development Framework
City Policies, City Sites and Proposals Map: Preferred Options

The Sheffield Development Framework or 'SDF' is the City's forthcoming set
of new plans and planning guidance. The council is consulting formally on the
Preferred Options for the City Policies, City Sites and Proposals Map and
associated Sustainability Appraisals. To view these documents please go to
the Council's website: www.sheffield.gov.uk/sdfconsult

The council would welcome your views on these documents. The consultation period
runs from 8 June to 20 July 2007.

The council is making presentations about the SDF to Area Panels and other public
meetings during June-July. Each of these events will be an opportunity for
people to ask questions about and discuss these new documents. Details of
the meetings are given on the website.

There will be a City Conference about the SDF on Tuesday 10 July 2007
(starting at 9.30am) at Ponds Forge on Sheaf Street. The conference is
aimed at involving representatives of organisations. If you would like to
attend the Conference please telephone (0114) 273 4212 or e-mail
sdf@sheffield.gov.uk beforehand in order to register as a delegate.

You can send the council your views on these documents by one of two methods:

* Online Consultation through www.sheffield.gov.uk/sdfconsult. This
facility allows you to click on the sections of a document or map that
concern you and send your views back directly. To make a comment, click on
the 'Add' icon near the item you wish to comment on - this enables you to
add a representation about the policy or proposal.
or
* You can send your comments by e-mail to sdf@sheffield.gov.uk or write to
the council (see address below).

Please send your comments to reach the council by no later than 5.30pm on Friday 20
July 2007.

Postal Address: SDF Team, Development Services, Howden House, 1 Union
Street, Sheffield, S1 2SH.

Manchester Moves the Transport Debate Along

Manchester is consulting on a congestion charge coupled with investment in public transport - see
http://www.gmfuturetransport.co.uk

Winnats ride pictures up on Flickr

Click Here. Someone stole Rob's pictures off his blog as well, don't know who that could have been...

Cycle Campaign Network News May 2007 Now out

Click Here

Hillsborough Tram Gate News

The Council Says:

Poster and billboards will start to appear tomorrow (21/5) and a radio campaign will start the first week in June advertising the intention to use cameras to enforce bus lanes and tram gates. A press briefing is to be held tomorrow. Pending successful testing of all the equipment in June, the target is to start camera enforcement of the Hillsborough bus/tram gates in late June / July, with other sites rolling out thereafter. I must stress these are target dates and we will not have more definite information until all equipment and systems have been successfully tested.

You have asked previously about why it has taken so long to get the system operational. The project has been beset by a number of technical difficulties. Just as one example, the footway where we have to locate a variable message sign (VMS) was very constrained by underground pipes and cables. The VMS signs are large, heavy and require substantial foundations. A special one-off foundation plate and pole has had to be designed and manufactured and this took several weeks to commission. This is fairly typical of a number of problems that have had to be overcome and each has added its own time penalty to the project.

However, we now look forward to effective enforcement of the tram gates in the next few weeks and the benefits this will bring to bus and tram passengers, as well as pedestrians and cyclists in Hillsborough.

Times article on changes to the Highway Code

Click Here

London Trial of Removal of Towpath Permit Requirement

Good news for those who have the ambition of cvcling every canal towpath in Britain...

http://tinyurl.com/2vezz9

From 14 May 2007 British Waterways London will give blanket permission to cycle on its towpaths (unless signs specifically prohibit it) and there will not be a requirement for cyclists to hold a permit. The abolition of the permit system in London is a pilot for abolishing the permit nationally. The reason why the permit is being abolished is because British Waterways does not have the resources to enforce the permit system and the increased numbers of cyclists on the towpaths in London has made it even harder to enforce.

Bicycles stolen every 71 seconds

Click Here

A bicycle is stolen every 71 seconds in England as new figures show nearly 440,000 were reported stolen last year.

As bike sales rise with people becoming more environmentally conscious, cycle thefts have risen 10%, according to a survey by Halifax Home Insurance.

The hotspots for thefts are central London, Kingston-upon-Thames in south west London, Cambridge and Bristol.

Almost 90% occurred when a cycle was left locked in public. Only 1% of bikes were taken from an owner's home.

Owners are being urged to step up the level of security on their bikes in the light of the new figures.

Vicky Emmott of Halifax Home Insurance called the figure of one theft every 71 seconds "astounding".

"The increase in thefts is due to an upsurge in the popularity of cycling across Britain," she said.

"With increasing numbers of employers taking up initiatives such as the Government's cycle to work scheme, opportunities for thieves will only increase."

Venue for AGM confirmed

The Venue for the Pedal Pushers/Sheffield Cycle Campaign AGM & Grand Social on the 21st of June 2007 has been confirmed as the upstairs room at the Fat Cat. The show starts at 18:00 with a ride around town to look at the new cycle routes that are in place, arriving at 19:30 for a spot of formal business followed by a free buffet and some social events, including the voting for cycle-friendly businesses 2007. Please put it in your diary now!

Cities peddle parking for bicycles

LA Communities hope that valet and other services will encourage residents to use bikes for commuting and doing errands.
Click Here

A poem by Patrick Wolf

NEW BLOG - APRIL 20
20.04.07

the tower and the thickets

all along the river
pedalling fast as i could
as all the wastelands flowered
crashed cars and rubbish flourish
with blackberries and redberries

blackberries
sweet
redberries
berries...

have I been travelling so long
that I forgot how to stop?
why are the brakes all broken
wheels spinning out of control

and in the mirror

pale and deathly

have became

what have I become?

mother

what have I become?

lover

what have I become?

still looking for some tower
off all the rails and the roads
in need of resurrection
as my desires and powers
grow in thickets
tall all round me...

around, around, around

So now
Just let the wastelands flower
and all the thickets grow
grow, grow as all the wastelands
flower and all the thickets grow
tall and taller, tall all round me...

-by patrick for william yeats

http://www.patrickwolf.com/

Latest Sheffield FoE Newsletter out Now

The latest Sheffield Friends of the Earth newsletter has been produced and a copy has been placed on their web site.

The current issue features articles about:

• The Climate Change Bill
• Campaign Updates (includes No M1 Widening, car clubs, wind power and more)
• Local Group news (includes details about stalls, change of address, diary and more)
• A round up of the latest local, regional and national eco news.
• Environmental solutions focus on eco friendly housing.
• The briefing section looks at Channel 4’s climate change swindle.
• The armchair campaigner section gives ideas how you can take action at home.

To view the newsletter visit our web site at www.sheffieldfoe.co.uk and select the link from the home page.

TPT Closure at Staveley

Two sections of the Trans Pennine Trail at Staveley in Derbyshire will be closed for the period of 2 years from April 2007, to allow for the construction of the new Staveley Northern Loop road (A6197). These sections will be closed to all users.

1. The section of the Trail going north from Hall Lane at SK431750, under Eckington Road Bridge, to the junction with the Arkwright Line at Lowgates SK437753 (for approximately 0.5 miles) will be closed for the duration of the construction period.

2. The section going south (passing the end of Pullman Close) from SK437749, under the A619 road bridge, to the end of Brindley Way at SK435745 (for approximately 0.3 miles) will also be closed for the duration of the construction period.

Maps showing the locations of the Trail closures will be located on the ground at access points where the Trail is closed. Also, alternative routes will be signed on the ground to guide walkers and cyclists on an alternative route through Staveley - some of which will be off-road or on pavement. Unfortunately a suitable alternative route has not been found for horseriders, due to there being no acceptable way for horses to cross the A619 safely."

Road to nowhere?

David Byrne, formerly of Talking Heads, has had his bicycle stolen. David says "If anyone sees a bike with both a Che sticker and one for the MOST space telescope that’s mine.” David is an active cycle campaigner in New York and takes a Brompton with him on tour. More

Protesters arrested in M1 Protest

Click Here

Connections - Northern Rail Newsletter

The new Northern Rail newsletter for April 07 contains info about the Cycle Strategy, eco-stations and the redevelopment of Rotherham Station. Read it Here.

Support Freight on Rail

The following is from Freight on Rail's website:
Ask your MP to sign EDM 730 opposing trials of super trucks and support rail freight instead.

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=32421&SESSION=885
Please can you ask your MP to lobby the Minister of State for Transport Dr Stephen Ladyman against super trucks (LHVs) and ask them to sign EDM 730 RAIL FREIGHT AND THE ENVIRONMENT, by Kelvin Hopkins which asks the Government to support steps to encourage modal shift from road to rail and therefore oppose the introduction of super trucks.

The Department for Transport is currently reviewing whether to allow trials of super trucks, known as LHVs, which range from 25.5 metres to 30 metres long with weights of 60 to 84 tonnes. This photo shows the most favoured option, the 25.5 metre truck prototype which has units which can be split and driven separately.

The scale of these vehicles
The 60-tonne 25.25-metre supertruck is the same weight of a Challenger tank; the 84-tonne HGV would be twice the weight and almost twice the length of existing HGVs.

There are huge questions over the safety, environmental and social costs these vehicles would impose on society as well as the impact on more sustainable forms of transport such as rail and water. Do you want to Share The Road with these monsters?

Rail freight's environmental credentials
Remember - per tonne carried rail produces between four to ten times less emissions than road transport, depending on the weight of products,

Rail freight can alleviate road congestion - an average freight train can remove 50 HGVs from our roads.

Public Opinion
The public are opposed to these super trucks on our roads which are the most congested in Western Europe. Freight on Rail is campaigning for enhancements on the rail network which will cater for longer and heavier trains.

Safety Implications of super trucks
DfT research showed that because of their size and weight, when they are involved in accidents the level of injury tends to be higher. The same research found that HGVs were twice as likely to be involved in fatal accidents as cars(3). There are concerns about braking distances, manoeuvability - especially on motorway roundabouts - and overtaking complications

LHVs will undermine rail freight viability
Such vehicles would decimate intermodal rail freight and some bulk flows thus forcing trainloads of freight back into our congested road network increasing harmful emissions. If market conditions remain constant, intermodal rail freight is forecasted to grow by over 60 per cent over the next 10 years.

Road access for super trucks
The promoters are claiming that these vehicles will be restricted to motorways, dual carriageways and major roads, but there is no mechanism available to keep them to this and the type of road has not been fully clarified. The reality is that these vehicles will need local access to distribution hubs which would not be on motorways/dual carriageways, but on roads which are totally unsuited to vehicles of this scale. We are concerned - as happened with a previous concession of 44 tonne vehicles to railheads only - that the restriction proposed will not in fact be enforced or enforceable.

Unlike other European countries, the UK allows all vehicles to operate on any road and at any time unless specifically prohibited from doing so. As a result, we will get these very large vehicles travelling down local roads that are wholly unsuitable for the purpose, with consequent intrusion, noise and road damage and safety implications.

Rail also provides another option at a time when there is uncertainty about energy sources, road reliability is worsening and rail freight provides a low carbon option.

2. An opinion survey carried out in August 2005 by NOP showed that over two-thirds of the public are opposed to a proposal - under consideration by government - to increase by one-third the length and weight of lorries permitted on the UK's roads.

3. Focus on Freight December 2006 chart 5.2b Deaths/KSIs in accidents involving HGVs per million km travelled

Members are - EWS, Freightliner, Rail Freight Group, RMT, TSSA, ASLEF, AMICUS, Network Rail and Transport 2000

Implications for cyclists - left turning lorries are one of the most common causes of cycling fatalities.

Please visit http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=32421&SESSION=885 to see the wording of the EDM and see if your mp has signed. Once 100 MPs have signed EDMs the government starts to take notice. At the moment 90 have signed EDM 885.

References available at http://www.freightonrail.org.uk/

Sheffield Cycle Campaign policy statement supports measures to reduce HGV movements-
see http://axelrod.plus.com/ppmw/index.php/Sheffield_Cycle_Campaign_Policies

Good News for Northern Rail passengers?

News gleaned from the latest Rail magazine is that Northern Rail are to replace 26 "Pacers" (aka "Nodding Donkeys" , or "Buses on Rails") with 30 Class 158 units, transferred from other train companies who have upgraded their fleets. Northern has experienced 19% passenger growth since 2004 and this will be good news for most passengers, but will it be good for bike-rail users? Some 158's have a tiny cubby-hole for bikes, which will take two but only if all panniers etc are removed. This was removed on some of the units and a flexible space created where you could get four bikes, or have extra standing space for passengers on crowded rush-hour trains, We will be pressing Northern to make modifications to these units, via their Cycle Forum. Some of the pacers are fitted with a very useful cycle rack, where bags could be placed overhead, and these incorporated heated handrails - much needed after time spent waiting on a cold Northern platform!

The pacers will apparently be placed in "warm store" to be used as required on crowded services. Paul Salveson, Northern's Head of Govt & Community Strategies, has in the past suggested that pacer coaches be used as "add-ons" to carry bikes and heavy luggage - however with the leasing charges for a pacer currently running at a cool million pounds a year this seems a slim prospect. Paul has an article in the Rail magazine about bikes on trains, in advance of the publication of their Cycle Strategy, recently previewed at Manchester Airport.

In other Rail news, the government is to fund the purchase of an additional 1,000 coaches to be used across the network by 2012, and has released the specifications for the replacement of the High Speed Train. We need to keep an eye on these developments and ensure cyclists don't lose out.

Whatever the limitations, heavy rail continues to be the only public transport mode that takes integration with cycling seriously.

(Posted to ppnews by Simon)

The Social Blog has been updated

http://axelrod.plus.com/sftp/ppfiles/ppsocial.shtml

Manual for Streets now available

Click Here

20062011 Sheffield Cycling Action Plan Now on Web

Click Here

Pictures from the 2007 Brompton World Championships in Barcelona

See http://www.flickr.com/photos/krass/430668024/

Latest Edition of Cycle Digest Out Now

Click Here

Oh, are they going to allow bikes on trams now? That's a good idea

"Oh, are they going to allow bikes on trams now? That's a good idea"

Sheffield Cycle Campaign's [cardboard] bikes on trams event today was a great success: Designed to highlight the ease with which bicycles can be carried on trams, it brought friendly and supportive reactions & comments from members of the public. It was a humorous way to make a serious point. Two of the comments received:

Sheffield teenager: "That's cool" - referring to the hula-hoop & bamboo pole bicycle 'sculpture'
Pensioner: "Oh, are they going to allow bikes on trams now? That's a good idea"

Our tram conductor was interested & supportive, he even seemed disappointed that in last year's limited trial he hadn't had any
cyclists.

The life-size cardboard bicycles & sculptures fitted easily in the fold-down seating area opposite the wheelchair spaces - proving that wheelchairs, buggies & bikes can easily co-exist. It is absurd that even on a fairly empty tram on a Sunday (as they tend to be to Halfway or Middlewood), Supertram don't see fit to increase their revenue and green credentials by allowing bikes of the non-cardboard variety to travel.

One of the public transport anomalies in Sheffield is that you can't get to Worksop before 3pm on Sundays: With bikes on trams this becomes possible with a bike - tram to Halfway and cycle the pleasant route the rest of the way. Other possibilities include enabling a cycling day out at Rother Valley Country Park, or to catch the Bike Bus from Hillsborough out to Strines or Ladybower reservoir.

Councillors are also supportive of the campaigned-for facility on Supertram:

Lib Dem: Cllr Andrew Sangar: "Many tram systems across Europe allow bicycles on trams, it's time that Supertram followed their example and supported Sheffield cyclists."
Green: Cllr Bernard Little: "I am fully supportive of this initiative on the way towards a fully integrated and sustainable transport system for the city."

Labour: Cllr Peter Price: "It would be great if Supertram were more supportive & helpful in accomodating cyclists on the tram system, thus encouraging more cycle usage within our city."

Conservative: Cllr Michael Waters: "Cycling is absolutely vital to sustainable and environmentally friendly transport in Sheffield, and I would hope that Supertram would adopt a more flexible approach and at least allow bicycles on trams at non-crowded times as a start."

With a cross-party consensus like this, Supertram do need to review their current overly rigid stance. We hope to see some progress in this direction in the near future.

Bikes on Trams Event

The plan is for as many people as possible to meet at the Cathedral on Sunday (Mothers Day, as is traditional for Bikes on Trams events) 18th March at 10am. We decided that we want to aim for a humorous rather than overly militant event so we will be taking carboard bikes/wrapped bikes (brown paper, wallpaper, zany wrappings of whatever inspiration)/mock bikes (one suggestion was a construction using bamboos and old-fashioned dustbin lids) onto the trams - and then off again a stop or so along the way, returning to the cathedral to repeat! The whole event won't take very long - it's the publicity we're wanting (which David Bocking is covering for us, so come with your hair neatly combed for photos!) - plus Councillor support (Bernard Little is our man for that). Afterwards we will adjourn to The Blue Moon together.PLEASE JOIN US - THIS IS YOUR EVENT TO GET THINGS MOVING - THE HOPED-FOR OUTCOME IS BIKES ON TRAMS TO HALFWAY ON SUNDAYS FOR PP MEMBERS

See you there

Quitting your car

S. Yorks residents might have a wry smile about this..

Zoe Williams on Urban Cycling

See http://www.guardian.co.uk/transport/Story/0,,2026740,00.html.

A bit London-centric but lots of good sense there. As a frequent London cyclist I can vouch for the routes she describes.

Road Deaths cost economy £8n per year

According to The Guardian ,

Road deaths cost economy £8bn a year, says watchdog

David Pallister
Monday February 26, 2007
The Guardian

England's road safety record is one of the best in Europe, but the 3,000 deaths every year cost the economy nearly £8bn, according to a report published today by the Audit Commission.

Only the Netherlands and Sweden have a better safety record, with the worst being the Czech Republic, Greece and Poland. But the number of child pedestrian deaths shows England has a poor record. Ten countries have fewer child deaths, and among the worst are Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

he countries with the lowest rate of child casualties tend to have more speed reduction measures, light-controlled crossings and play areas. Another significant factor is poverty. The estimated injury rate for child pedestrians is four times higher in the most deprived area than the least deprived.

The commission found that, according to police data, good progress had been made in the past 10 years to meet targets for reducing the number of casualties. But an analysis of hospital admissions suggested that road accidents had remained constant. The Department for Transport is investigating the discrepancy.

According to the department, the number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured has risen by 1% since the mid-1990s, while the numbers for car users, cyclists and pedestrians fell by almost 40%. A fifth of all drivers involved in an accident are under 25, with a quarter of all men who die by the age of 25 killed in road accidents.

Research shows that urban roads are more than twice as dangerous as rural roads, but accidents in the countryside claim more than 60% of fatalities.

Attitudes to road safety were found to be contradictory. About three-quarters of people support 20mph speed restrictions in residential areas, including 72% of drivers. But only 43% of drivers favour speed bumps which, the commission says, can be necessary to enforce the lower speed limit.

The report said: "This is symptomatic of the paradoxical views often expressed by road users. The risk of having an accident is the least pressing worry for British motorists; their top concern is traffic congestion, followed closely by financial cost."

The proportion of motorists exceeding speed limits is still high. Yet 82% of drivers approve of speed cameras.

No trains through the Hope Valley this weekend

Buses replace trains between Sheffield and Manchester this weekend, the 3rd & 4th of March. So if you're planning to take your bike to Manchester or pootle out to the Hope Valley and get the train back, forget it - you're stuffed unless you've purchased a marvellous folding bike.

Five Weirs Walk Phase 6b Passes Accessibility Audit

The new section of the Five Weirs Walk, Phase 6b including the Bailey Bridge has passed its Accessibility Audit - a Human Powered Vehicle, 1.2 .metres wide can pass through the access points. This is good news for load-carrying zero emissions vehicles, which we are going to need a lot more of if we need to set a carbon reduction target of 9% a year, as Councillor Bernard Little claims. Let's see more cycleways built to this standard, as well as retro-fitting of existing cycleways so they are Fit For Purpose in a low-carbon 21st century.

Brooklyn Bridge project approved

The Brooklyn Bridge replica project, a vital link in the emerging North Don trail, has now been approved by councillors. See http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2062780&SectionID=58 [soft link]

'Hundreds' of bikes stolen daily says insurance company

See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6367309.stm

Cobweb Bridge open again

The Cobweb Bridge on the Five Weirs Walk has had its cables replaced and is open for business again. The Bailey Bridge remains closed for the time being.

Location map

New Issue of Focus out

The latest issue of Focus, the newsletter of the Yorks and Humbs Transport Roundtable, is out.
Go to http://www.yhtar.org.uk and click on "Newsletters" . Simon Geller's article on cycling in the region is on p. 10. Ray Wilkes' controversial views on de-regulated buses and Quality Contracts are worth reading as well.

MIdland Mainline New Cycle Policy

Midland Mainline has launched its new cycle policy. You can download the leaflet at
http://www.midlandmainline.com/upload/Cycle%20Policy%202007.pdf

The main point about it is that they have intoduced temporary cycle storage points which you can use if you are boarding or alighting at short platforms. Capacity remains at 4 bikes per train on HST's, 2 on Meridian trains (they had attempted to reduce it to 2 bikes on all trains but concerted campaigning prevented that.)

Support the Sheaf Valley Bridge

Please click here to show your support for the Sheaf Valley Connect 2 Bridge project:

Bernard two-bikes!

Sheffield Green Councillor Bernard Little turned up at the Sheffield Campaign against Climate Change conference on Saturday, 3rd Feb 2007 with his bike...in two pieces! Owners of bikes with aluminium frames are advised to check their frames regularly. This bike was about 5 years old and otherwise in good condition. Luckily Bernard wasn't hurt when it collapsed. Our other Green councillor, Jillian Creasey ,can be seen on the right with her bike - we showed her how to adjust the brakes. (Try cleaning it sometime Jillian!)

Northern Rail launches Cycle Policy

Northern Rail launches its Cycle Policy on the 8th of March at Manchester Airport Cycle Centre. The policy contains clear action points to improve facilities for cyclists at stations, as well as a more flexible policy on bikes on trains, and Sheffield Cycle Campaign welcomes this development.

If anyone would like to attend the launch please contact Simon.

Northern Rail Cycle Survey

Simon Geller & Martin Bright are conducting a survey of cycle parking and proximity to cycle routes at Northern Rail stations. If you visit a Northern Rail station please help us by making a note of whether there was any cycle parking, if so how much and what kind, and whether there was a signed cycle route nearby, NCN or otherwise.

There is a pro-forma you can use for this at

http://axelrod.plus.com/ppmw/index.php/Image:Northern_Cycle_Questions.doc

Next Cycle Campaign Network Conference, Derby

* Next Cycle Campaign Network Conference, Derby, 19th May 2007. Ride down with Pedal Pushers on Friday night, camp or hotel, return Sunday - contact Simon if interested. Theme of the conference is getting more young people cycling, more safely, more often.

Derby riverside route open again

Participants in previous Sheffield to Derby bike rides will be pleased to hear that the riverside route alongside Derby industrial museum (Silk Mill) is open again. see http://www.derbycyclinggroup.org.uk/news.php for more info.