The Birmingham Area Cycling Campaign
Parents afraid to allow their children to cycle on roads
Parents are stopping their children cycling to school or using their bikes on roads because of growing concerns about safety, according to a study.
The Guardian, Tuesday May 6 2008
What a surprise?
Cycle friendly 20mph limit for London
from BikeRadar by Rosee Woodland
London cyclists could benefit from a 20mph speed limit under new plans. Mayor Ken Livingstone announced plans for reduced limits across the UK capital at a press conference today.
Research has shown that 20mph zones cut accidents and injuries
in half.
...more at BikeRadar
The press release London Cycling Strategy is here.
The five new programmes are:
- A Central London bike hire scheme, similar to the recently launched Paris scheme, with up to 6,000 bikes located across docking stations every 300m so Londoners and visitors have quick and easy access to a bike. This will be supported by a series of easily navigable routes so that people can enjoy London's sights by bike.
- Around a dozen radial Cycling Corridors for commuters to provide high-profile, easy to follow cycling streams into central London.
- The creation of a series of Bike Zones for shoppers and the school run in Inner and Outer London, with cycle priority streets, 20mph speed limits and quick, clear and simple routes that link key local destinations and open parks and waterways for cyclists.
- The expansion of the Legible London signage system to help people make short trips around the capital on foot, rather than driving, or taking the bus and tube.
- Working with the London Boroughs on the establishment of 200 Streets of Gold - urban makeovers which link key local destinations like stations, schools and shops in inner and outer London with high quality walking facilities, delivering improved pavements, seating and crossings alongside regeneration measures.
Which raises the question - why not in
Birmingham?
Surely London has a more difficult problem with more people &
cars but they are going to try and act decisively.
Cycle Training Provision for Half a Million Children by 2012
This ambitious new drive to boost cycling will help to tackle road congestion and improve air quality as well as create more opportunities for exercise. It fulfils a commitment to increase investment in sustainable transport initiatives, outlined in the recent strategy document, 'Towards a Sustainable Transport System'.
The New Highway Code & Cyclists
John Bennett havs been looking through the new highway Code. Below are a few extracts relevant to cycling. Maybe everyone else is fully conversant and what I think is worth highlighting says more about my personal lack of awareness.
Xmas Ride report
Nick had devised a route of his usual (high) standard - ie no
major roads, great country views and with many of us having
absolutely no idea where we were until we arrived at the pub - the
Coach & Horses pub at Weatheroak (a favourite of mine - so
cheers Nick !!). 
With the fire roaring and the food and beer (and Vodka) on tap, it was good for all to sit and chat - a very enjoyable way of spending a Sunday lunchtime.
Campaigns:
- member of Birmingham City Council Cycling Advisory Group
- attends British Waterways Canal Users Forums
- Responds to proposals such as the recent changes Highway Code that may affect cyclists
