News archive
Old News - an archive of information from the home page
Monthly Meeting: Cycle Touring in Germany - Kaffe & Kuchen - Tuesday 29th November 7:30pm - YHA
A talk and slideshow by Cardiff-based cyclist and Deutschophile Clive Cazeaux on two recent solo cycletours in Germany. Six days in the Black Forest (2009) and eleven days in the Rheinland Eifel region (2011). Highlights include forests, medieval villages, travelling to Germany with your bike by train, the joy and frustration of German cycling maps, three types of reaction to towing a suitcase on a Bike Friday, and proof that the Germans do Kaffee and Kuchen best.
Plus, for one night only (!), The Bicycle Account: A short presentation by Chris Richards, former Cycling City Advisor, on his initial research into cycling developments in Bristol, identifying areas for growth and based on a biannual report produced by the city of Copenhagen.
Prospective members very welcome.See Diary Page for more details.
(updated 26/11/11)
Autumn 2011 issue of "Bristol Cyclist" is on its way - at last!!
We've finally managed to put the next edition of our magazine together - sorry to say that we've had to omit a Summer Issue this year.
Special thanks to Jac Solomons for putting the final design together for us in her own time.
Thanks to Andrew, Terry, Veronica, William, Martin T, Martin McD, Chris, John, Melvyn and David who came to help with the folding and stuffing - which helped us to get it done in a record 2 hours!
We're really pleased to be using the services of a new cycle logistics company Velocity Cycle Logistics to deliver the magazine cheaper and greener to the majority of our members - so if yours arrives without a postage stamp on it - you'll know why!
This is us folding and stuffing the mag and Melvyn packing up the cargo crate ready for delivery.
We are still looking for help putting the magazine together - an editor to pull the content together and have great ideas about what to put in future editions - a designer to prepare the magazine for printing and make it look exciting and fresh each time. If you can help or know anyone who might be able to, then please get in touch mailto:info@bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk
(added 21/11/11)
Sunday 2nd October - Easy ride to Portishead with chance of a swim and some blackberries
Details on the Diary page.
• Description . . .A short ride at a gentle pace to this fast expanding seaside resort. THE SUN SHOULD STILL BE SHINING - and the Portishead Lido is open, so bring bathing attire if you fancy a dip - and bags for blackberrying (the soft fruit not gadget!).
• Start . . .. . 10:30am at Blaise Castle cafe (car park at the Kings Weston entrance). Or join at 11:00am at the foot of the M5 Avonmouth bridge, NE side at the junction with Avonmouth Road/Lower High Street.
• Distance . . . . Easy 16 miles
. Leader - Moira
(added 1/10/11)
Happy Birthday to us!! - Celebrating 20 years of Bristol Cycling Campaign - Tuesday 27th September
Bristol Cycling Campaign is 20 year's old on Monday and met for the first time at the YHA (to which we returned a few months ago!) - we're dedicating our next meeting, which is scheduled for the following day, to commemorate this event. Come and help us celebrate what's been achieved and how Bristol is transforming itself into a Cycling City.
Our goals are still pretty much what they were back then, but the political and cultural climates have changed tremendously.
Come and share some memories with founder members - stopping the traffic on the M32; holding off the threat to the Railway Path; and much more - and share a specially commissioned birthday cake!
Previous and prospective members most welcome. 7:30 at the YHA.
(added 24/9/11)
Update on Cycle Rides during the Festival (ref article below)
Our evening Discover Bristol rides are going really well - thoroughly recommend that you join us. Reg has sent a map of his route (for the 22nd - Concorde Way/ Frome Valley)and added that it include navigating a "secret passage" through Emerson's Green.
As an alternative, or to come along afterwards, there's a Bike Quiz at the Festival Hub
The Bike Trains are going from strength to strength - why don't you hop on one morning?
(added 21/9/11)
Cycle Rides
Discover Bristol Bike Rides – Monday 19th September to Friday 23rd September 2011-09-11
During the Bristol Cycle Festival 2011, in association with CTC, we will be running Discover Bristol Bike Rides every evening. The rides will start from the Cary Grant statue in Millenium Square.
Assemble at 5:45 pm each evening for an easy, no more than 8 miles, and interesting ride to discover different parts and paths of the city, and be back by 8pm.
On Monday 19th we have a Parks Ride - a tour around some of Bristol's green spaces, showing how easy it is to get to different parts of the city by cycle.
Tuesday 20th will be the return of our popular Banksy Ride taking a tour around selected works from Bristol’s favourite street artist. From Teddy Bears throwing Molotov cocktails to the Grim Reaper on the side of a boat, there’s something for all the family.
Wednesday 21st we have a history tour, led by Bob Jefferies, around some of Bristol’s Notable Buildings – this will be a bit hilly!The ride will take in some of Bristol's more famous buildings offering tales of local history and facts attached to each of them. The tour will be very much "history light" covering the period between the 14th century and the present day in 8 buildings in just 2 hours.
Thursday 22nd will be an exploration of some of the improvements brought about by the Cycling City project, looking at the Concorde and Frome cycleways.We'll follow the Frome & and find the secret passage through Emersons Green. Ride leader is yet to meet anyone who can remember this tricky route after being shown it just once!
Finally on Friday 23rd , a short ride around some of Bristol's historic and current chocolate related sites in the City Centre.Then out to Greenbank. Finishing back in City , with a chance to take back a few of the calories burnt off by having a chocolate drink at a local cafe. Aiming to finish by 8 O' Clock, approximately.
As winter’s drawing in, you’ll need lights and high viz is recommended.
We will also be running Bike Trains to work, with the assistance of other local cycling organisations. The plan is to ride in groups down the main, direct routes into town, with, ideally, decorated bikes, flags, signs and maybe even some music, making it an enjoyable, social and less traffic-intimidated way of getting to work. More helpers are needed so that we can run sufficient bike trains each morning to make an impact. we are aiming to run a timetabled train down each of Whiteladies Road (from Westbury on Trym); Gloucester Road (from Filton Roundabout); Fishponds Road (from the Cross Hands pub); Wells Road (from Greenleaze) and Bath Road (from Brislington Retail Park). If you could help drive, conduct or guard on any of these trains or are simply interested in being a passenger (inexperienced riders most welcome, but experienced riders also needed to swel the numbers) please get in touch with bristolbiketrain@gmail.com
The trains will leave the Main Station at about 7:45 and get to the Central Station (City Centre) by 8:30. Passengers may board the train anywhere along the route, but there will be scheduled stops at stations along the way.
Gloucester Road: Filton roundabout (Filton Dental Practice) @ 7:50 Bristol Timber Store (junction with Filton Avenue) @ 8:07 Zetland Road junction @ 8:18
Whiteladies Road: Westbury on Trym health centre car park @ 7:45am, Red Maids school exit (jn Eastfield Rd) @ 7:52, Blackboy Hill gyratory (bench on North side at start of gyratory) @ 8:08, Clifton Down - Domino's @ 8:14
Fishponds Road: Cross Hands Pub @ 7:55, Lodge Causeway @ 8:00, Shell Garage @ 8:10, Cabot Circus @ 8:25
Wells Road: Greenleaze @ 8:00, Broadwalk Shopping Centre at 8:10, Tesco @ 8:15, Reckless Engineer pub @ 8:25.
Find out more here.
(updated 15/9/11)
June Members' Meeting - Tuesday 28 June 7:30pm - Guest Speaker: Alistair Cox, Service Manager, City Transport, Bristol City Council
This month we are very pleased to welcome Alistair Cox from Bristol City Council as our guest speaker. Alistair has been leading on the Joint Local Transport Plan for Bristol and neighbouring authorities and more recently the Local Sustainable Transport Fund bids.
Bristol Cycling Campaign have been endeavouring to work with Bristol City Council on cycling strategy and Alistair has been very supportive in getting cycling firmly on the Agenda.
Alistair will give us an update on plans for funding further cycling development in Bristol, set against a backdrop of other sustainable transport plans which should support the continued growth in cycling here in Bristol.
There will be an opportunity for some discussion with Alistair (and later in the evening with committee members and other attandees) but this should be about strategic issues rather than specific problems. It would help if you could email questions in advance to secretary@bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk
You can find out what's been done already re future Cycling plans, OveArup/Stakeholder(that's us!) Strategy and the Local Sustainable Transport Fund bid by clicking on the links.
Come at 730pm to get a coffee/drink - THIS MONTH THE TALK WILL START AT 7:45p.m.
Our meetings are held on the last Tuesday of the month at YHA Bristol Near to The Arnolfini, on the Harbourside, near Pero's bridge. Prospective members very welcome.
(updated 26/6/11)
Biking across Mull - message from Cynthia who we bumped into on our Blue Plaques Ride
We met a couple of weeks ago, when I joined the end of the "plaques tour." I'm back, after having bicycled across the Isle of Mull. As promised, here's my blog: http://web.me.com/cynthia_katsarelis/Europe_2011/Blog/Entries/2011/7/26_Biking_Across_Mull.html
I loved it, it was gorgeous. I'm thinking that a group would have to think strategically about how to deal, as a group, with the singletrack. But I wouldn't see that as a deterrent. The store in Pennyghael is terrific, perfectly located 20 miles in and after the mountain climb and descent. The woman who ran it was very accommodating and it was a lovely place for lunch.
I would love to join the group ride this Sunday, but I'm afraid I'm a very rare creature (in England, anyway) I'm an extremely liberal church goer. My bike is fairly quick, perhaps I could find the group at lunch?
It was nice to meet the folks from BCC, and perhaps we'll meet up again. We'll be back next summer too.
(added 11/8/11)
July Members' Meeting - Tuesday 26 June 7:30pm - Thinking Outside the Box - bicycle based transport solutions
This month it's all about cycling as a transport solution - so it's not just about getting yourself from A to B, but taking your goods and chattels (and kids!) with you - on your bike! - and integrating with other transport options.
Presenters will include Rob Bushill from Really Useful Bikes whose passion is for cargo bikes and pretty bikes (just as well that’s what he sells) and Gary Lovell, one of the founders of the Folding Society back in the 80s, who will speak to us on the worldwide development of bicycles designed to fold - principally for transportation in trains and cars.
We hope to have some useful bikes and attachments on display and the opportunity to hear all about them from existing and potential users and discuss their merits. It should be a very interesting evening - so bring your friends along (and get them to join the campaign!).
Most months we have a guest speaker and all the usual stuff - committee updates, lively discussion etc
Prospective members very welcome.
If you have a cargo/useful/utility bike do bring it along and tell us about it.
THIS MONTH WE WILL START AT 7:30p.m.
Our meetings are held on the last Tuesday of the month at YHA Bristol Near to The Arnolfini, on the Harbourside, near Pero's bridge. Prospective members very welcome.
(added 19/7/11)
Chic Cycling Ride Sunday 5 June 2011.
Despite the weather a few folk enjoyed our first Chic ride this year. Pictures available in our Facebook Group
A quote from one of the riders "Fab Bristol Chic ride on Sunday, in spite of rainy start! First time I've ironed a shirt especially to go on a bike ride . . . Enjoy the photos."
The ride description: A short ride taking in the boutiques and farmer's markets of Southville and Clifton. Starting with a gentle meander round the Floating Harbour we take in stylish architecture and cultural highlights before reaching the Tobacco Factory for the farmer's market and tea. Once refreshed we progress along Festival Way to enjoy the genteel landscape of Ashton Court deer park, gently walking our bikes to reach the heights of Clifton. Our reward of fine views and the elegance of Clifton Down and Village is capped by luncheon in one of the quality cafes. After lunch, feel free to browse around the Village to be escorted back to the Arnolfini at your leisure. Please be adorned in your Sunday best - no Lycra on show!
(added 7/06/11)
A Packed House for our Italian Cycling evening 31 May 2011.
This month our monthly meeting was “Ciclismo Italiano” – an evening of all things Italian cycling and “bello in sella”. Martin Tweddell (our Chairman) hosted the evening and gave an update on recent events – a committee awayday to start to develop a business plan; our new membership leaflets (now in tango to catch the eye!); and the launch of our new campaign – to get rid of bad cycling facilities in the city – and to celebrate good ones!
Sue Black then told us all about her travels through Italy on a Brompton. She had some beautiful photos to share with us and some good tales – breakdowns; good food and accommodation; the Via Flaminia. She was away for a month – but managed with only a single pannier!
We then had an “Intervallo” with Italian snacks – including biscotti from Hart’s Bakery (of bicycle biscuits fame). For the remainder of the evening (before we adjourned to the bar), Martin took us though a tour of Italian cycling culture, some of the great names of Italian cycling and events – a film of L’Eroica, a short of Rob Penn (book/TV film “It’s all about the bike” and hopefully our October guest speaker) riding with some of the Cinelli workers on a visit to the chapel of the patron saint of cycling Madonna_del_Ghisallo and a cycling museum; and finally a round-up of this year’s Giro d'Italia.
It was great to see so many people at the meeting – hope to see you all again at our June meeting!
There are a few photos posted on our Flickr site.
(added 1/06/11)
UPDATE 6th MAY re Big Spring Ride this Sunday
Bristol Cycling Campaign and Cycle Bristol CTC are very pleased to announce that the list of riders for Sunday's Big Spring Ride is now full. However, if you are still keen to particpate and have not yet registered there may be some places available on the day. If you are prepared to take a chance, come along at 9:15 as there may be some last minute cancellations (To help speed things up, please bring completed entry forms with you.) Looks like it will be a fabulous day.
Martin was interviewed on BBC Radio Bristol Saturday morning about the ride - you can listen to a sound clip here. We shoud also get a plug during the Radio Bristol News on Sunday.
Find out all about our Big Spring Ride 2011 here or click on the poster on the right.
Last year we had a great day out with over a hundred riders including several families and a picnic at Chew Valley Lake. This is a joint venture with Cycle Bristol CTC.
(updated 07/0511)
Brief report on our recent monthly meeting - "Getting Nurses Cycling" - 26th April
Angela Raffle & Pierre Fox from Bristol NHS Trust, two of Bristol's leading experts in travel for health, gave aninteresting and inspiring talk on their work on getting people cycling and using other sustaonable means of transport in the NHS.
Angela is a director of Transition Bristol, is one of the founders of Sustainable Redland add is also a Consultant in Public Health with the NHS in Bristol.
Angela described her background in health and how it developed into a campaigning role on a broader front. She likened the campaign for sustainable transport to the campaign to recognise the harmful effects of smoking and the subsequent moves to reduce the harm caused by smoking. She also drew attention to the powerful lobby groups, for example, the tobacco, pharmaceutical and alcohol industries that may oppose such changes.
In Bristol, the campaign against the expansion of Bristol International Airport led to wider recogntion of environmental impacts and resulted in environmental issues being incorporated into the core values of Bristol NHS.
Pierre talked about specific initiaitives to encourage NHS departments to move towards more sustainable modes of transport and to promote Active Travel.
A fuller report will follow either on the website or in our magazine.
You can find out more about the sustainable transport initiative here http://www.golow.org.uk/
Our next meeting will be on an Italian theme - see the Diary page for details.
(added 29/4/11)
Pictures of Bristol's First Vinatge Velo Ride - Sunday 17th April 2011
A great day out. Over 100 people on pedal cycles. Vintage clothing. Classic bikes. Smiley faces. Sunshine. A great fundraiser for the 2011 Bristol Cycling Festival 2011 Bristol Cycling Festival
(added 17/4/11)
April/May/June Rides Lists NOW ON THE DIARY PAGE and the Spring edition of The Bristol Cyclist is just being put to bed. We're also planning more Discover Bristol rides and possibly some Wednesday evening rides - if you are interested in helping or taking part please get in touch via rides@bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk
(updated 30/3/11)
Lawrence Weston Overbridge now open to the public (original article below)
The M5 Lawrence Weston Overbridge (Route 41 and The Avon CycleWay) is now open to walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. Note the special hoof-friendly surface and watch out for the black bollards at either end and at the underpass.
(added 26/3/11)
AGM 9 March 2011 - UPDATE ON NEW COMMITTEE ROLES 17 MARCH 2011
We had an excellent and entertaining evening with a talk from Jon Rogers about taking Cycling City forwards; our AGM business - with a review of the year; treasurer's report and election of committee members; followed by a quiz hosted by the one and only Richard Burton and his glamorous assistants with some amazing prizes for the top 3 teams - the overall winners being David & Terry.
David is pictured receiving his prize (courtesy of Bike UK, Bristol) from Chairman Martin Tweddell and quizmaster Richard Burton.
A fuller report will be available in the future. Meanwhile the review is available as a slideshow below; the treasurer's report is available on request from secretary@bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk.
The following members were elected onto the committee. Roles will be agreed at the next committee meeting which takes place at the Cornubia, 7pm on Tuesday 15 March.
Re-elected: William Baker Steve Kinsella Martin McDonnell Terry Miller Veronica Pollard Martin Tweddell
Newly elected: Mark Brough Martin Booth Mike Frost Chris Whitlock
At the first meeting of our newly elected committee, the following roles were adopted. We would welcome expressions of interest in any of the vacant roles - you don't have to be on the committee to fulfill all of these roles - or any offers of help with additional roles. (Minutes will be published next week.)
Chair- Martin Tweddell
Treasurer - Steve Kinsella
Secretary - Martin McDonnell
Membership Secretary - Veronica Pollard
Campaigns Co-ordinator - Mike Frost
Infrastructure - Terry Miller
Cycle promotion (Women & Families) - William Baker
Publicity & Media - vacant
Magazine - Martin Booth
Website - Martin McDonnell
Website assistant - vacant
Rides Organiser - Chris Whitlock
Infrastructure - Terry Miller
Events Co-ordinator - vacant
Events Organiser - vacant
Stall Holder - vacant
External Liaison - Mark Brough
Meetings Organiser - Martin Tweddell
Contact details via the contacts button - top right of this page.
(added 11/03/11)
Cycling City review on the Radio 7 March 2011
You can hear it on BBC "Listen Again" - about 8am on BBC Bristol (or download here (8mb wma file)) and a different view at 11 on Radio4. Further coverage sometime on the 4 o'clock show on BBC Bristol.
Also on the BBC Bristol website with a quote from the campaign.
(added 7/03/11)
UPDATE - Brook Bridge is now open!
Thanks to Andy for the update. The official opening is due to take place at 3.30pm this Thursday (3rd March) in case anyone can make it along! (Just need to get rid of those dratted bollards now!)
Here's Andy's video:
Original Article: Brook Bridge linking Muller Road to Lockleaze (Dovercourt Rd) is due to open on Monday, but it appears that people were so deperate to use it that they have removed the barriers and are using it already. Our roving correspondent spoke to workmen at the site on Saturday (26 Feb) who were hoping that the rain would stop so that they could finish the paintwork. The bridge surface still had a covering over it, so hopefully won't have been damaged by early use. The site manager was on his way so with a bit of luck it should be available for one's morning's commute tomorrow. If you have a chance check it out then please let us know here at the website (website@bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk) because we won't be up that early.
(added 01/03/11)
New Consultation - Kingsway Area, St George Parking Restrictions - any cycling implications?
Consultation Overview
St. George Neighbourhood Partnership has identified a parking restriction review in the Kingsway area as a minor traffic scheme priority for the 2010/11 financial year.The purpose of the scheme is to identify those junctions where double yellow line restrictions would improve visibility and maintain access for motorists and pedestrians. It is also proposed to introduce limited waiting restrictions adjacent to the Kingsway shopping area to encourage greater parking turnover.
Find out more here: kingsway-area-st-george-parking-restrictions
Please respond to the consultation if you are aware of any cycling implications and copy us in via secretary@bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk. Thanks.
This web page has a very useful summary of all recent local schemes www.bristol.gov.uk/trafficscheme
You can subscribe to be notified of all Transport schemes as they are put out for consultation at www.opinionsuite.com/bristol/advanced_consultation_finder
(added 22/02/11)
Pictures of our Avon Cycleway South ride now available in our Flickr gallery:
(added 22/02/11)
UPDATE "Astrid Domingo Molyneux's World Tour"
Astrid gave a fascinating account with amazing photos of her 2 year sojourn around the world on a bicycle (with front basket, no lycra and no padded shorts!) to our(more than) packed February meeting.
For those that missed it we would highly recommend that you attend another of her talks the next talk being at an open meeting of the Almondsbury Ladies' Circle on Wednesday 9 March, 8.15 for 8.30 in the Old School Hall, Lower Almondsbury; admission £4
"I celebrated my 50th birthday in 2006 and announced then that I was going to be cycling around the world at some time in the future. I have to admit that I hadn't quite anticipated it to be the near, rather than the distant, future .....".
Astrid set out in May 2008 on her 2-year trip around the world and is now back in the Bristol area to share her experiences with us.
You can find out more about Astrid's journey here http://www.cyclingfullcircle.com/
(updated 16/02/11)
Lawrence Weston Overbridge NOW INSTALLED (12 Feb) - it'll now be about 4 weeks until it's available for use - watch this space! .
Feb 13 UPDATE The Highways Agency replaced the Lawrence Weston Overbridge overnight on 12 Feb. A local resident told us that the work finished around 7am on Sunday 13th and was fascinating to watch as the massive bridge was lowered into place and positoned with pin-point accuracy.
Let's hope that the bridge will be available for use within the stated 4 weeks and that the silly "Cyclists dismount sign" is removed and the rocks are not put back in place on the North Western approach.
Original article below: The original road bridge over the M5 on the popular cycle route from Lawrence Weston to Cabot Business Park had been weakened by several collisions involving vehicles on the M5 beneath. The bridge is being replaced by a new "bridleway" bridge with safer parapets (so that cyclists no longer have to dismount!). This route (part of the Avon Cycleway and Sustrans' National Cycle Network route 41) has been closed since about Christmas 2009 and has been greatly missed as part of a walking route for the local community and as a leisure and commuting cycle route.
See the map for details:
View M5 Bridge Diversion in a larger map
Watch the video and see some pictures- Park Street Challenge 7pm Saturday, January 29, 2011.
Pictures here flickr
To settle a long standing battle between bike disciplines. Who will be the fastest in a short uphill sprint in Bristol’s city centre? A night time dual uphill eliminator race for all bike disciplines: BMX, Mountain Bike, Road Cycling and Fixed Gear. Taking place on the iconic Park Street and featuring 16 of the top bike athletes from across the UK versus 16 top local heroes from Bristol, Red Bull Hill Chasers will settle the score once and for all.
Find out more at Red Bull
(updated 30/1/11)
Development Plan for Bristol's Mountain Bike Trails announced
The 1SW Project's development plan for Bristol's trails recently received its official launch, at an evening attended by the project staff, trail designers, and a cross-section of Bristol's MTB community.
If you're not already familiar with the 1SW initiative, for the past year, a partnership of the Forestry Commission, Bristol City Council, the National Trust and trail design company Architrail have been designing new and improved trails, consulting with local riders and other user groups, getting the necessary permissions from environmental and planning agencies, and tenders have now gone out for the actual building work.
The developments comprise a substantially overhauled trail for Ashton Court and a brand new trail for Leigh Woods. The routes of these trails will be familiar to anyone who knows the local trails well, but the new and remodelled trails are going to be a step up from what's there currently.
Find out more from Bristol Trails Group
(added 13/1/11)
Autumn edition of "The Bristol Cyclist" in the post to all our members
Thanks to Martin Booth, our new editor, and half a dozen volunteers from our membership, who spent the afternoon folding, enveloping and stamping, the Autumn 2010 edition of our capaign magazine "The Bristol Cyclist" is now in the post to all of our members.
The magazine includes articles on The Greater Bristol Cycle Strategy; dealing with Bike Issues; Coast to Coast on one wheel; Strict Liability and a photo spread on the very successful Bristol Cycle Carnival (which is to become an annual event!).
We produce 4 issues a year and the magazine is free to members - join now to catch up on this edition - the annual subscription is still only £5 (but rising next year!)
Back issues of the magazine our available on our magazine page
The Committee wish you all a very Happy Christmas and look forward to your continued campaiging in the New Year.
(added 19/12/10)
Cycling in the snow - so graceful (on the flat in a straight line!)
Here's a clip from Copenhagen last year - watch out for the snow plough at 3:15 - now where can we can get our hands on one of these?
Copenhagen January Cycling - Your Country from Copenhagenize on Vimeo.
(added 19/12/10)
Taking folding bikes on buses
Some of you may have had problems taking your folding bikes on buses. Apparently, there is some "driver discretion" about the number of people and the size of objects that can be carried depending on available space, but First Bus policy is to allow the carriage of (folded) bikes - see attached letter.
(added 8/12/09)
A good night out! A talk with Jon Rogers; A quiz; and ... oh yes - our Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, March 9 7.30pm for 8pm Bristol YHA, Narrow Quay
Councillor Jon Rogers on where we go after Cycling City. Will they all pack their panniers and say "job done" leaving us with a mixed bag of results? Or will there still be the resources to continue all the good things and get something done about the bad?
The AGM bit will be kept as short and exciting as possible. A review of progress to date and what we hope to achieve in the next year. Having recently lost several of our valued committee members due to changing personal circumstances, this is your chance to step up and shape our future.
Mini Pub Quiz on the theme of cycling, with over £100 worth of prizes up for grabs and freshly baked Bicycle Biscuits from Harts Bakery in Cotham for everyone taking part. Admission and entry to the quiz free of charge. Only members can vote - but you can join on the night - only £5. Prizes kindly supplied by Bike UK, Queens Ave, Clifton.
(added 1/03/11)
Members Meeting - 10 Nov 2010 - Cap'n Bikebeard & Cyclenation
Cap'n Bikebeard is one half of Spoke 'n' Chain and a leading light in the world of art and cycling in Bristol. The Captain is going to chat with us and show some pictures of some of his bicycle creations such as the cycle merry-go-round, tell us the inside story on the recent hugely successful Bristol Cycle Festival and especially the Carnival ride of 600 cycles and who knows what else!
Find out more about the captain via his blog or by clicking the above logo.
We are also delighted to welcome Andre Curtis, the chair of Cyclenation, the co-ordinating group for cycle campaigns, who will give us a brief update on activities.
Find out more about Cyclenation by clicking on the logo 
730pm for a chat and 8pm for the meeting. YHA Bristol. Next to The Arnolfini, on the Harbourside, near Pero's bridge
(added 6/11/10)
Inner East Bristol 20mph speed limit comes into effect
Traffic will be restricted to just 20mph in and around most of Inner East Bristol as a trial speed limit comes into effect on Friday 22nd October.
In preparation, the wards of Ashley, Easton, Eastville, Lawrence Hill and St George West have seen the installation of 20mph entry signs, 20mph road markings and smaller 20mph reminder signs.
A map showing the 20mph boundary is shown below and a larger version is available to download. (Traffic on the roads shown in blue will not be restricted to this speed limit.)
Inner East Bristol 20mph map (613kb)
(added 23/10/10)
New venue pulls in the crowds
A very succesful first meeting at our new venue (Bristol YHA) and day (2nd Wednesday of the month).
Thanks to all those who came to the meeting, enjoyed the "Beauty and the Bike" film, participated in the after-film discussion and stayed in the bar afterwards for more discussion and some fun till nearly midnight!
The film is available to purchase via the Beauty and the Bike website
Special thanks to Jacky, Lucy and the Bike It officers from Sustrans who helped to make the evening a success (and increased the bar takings afterwards).
Bristol Cycle Campaign would be happy to take any of the issues arising forwards with you or loan you our copy of the DVD or come along to one of your meetings to present the video and lead a discussion.
(added 14/10/10)
Bike Bike Treasure Hunt report
On Saturday 18 September fifty children and adults spent their afternoon enjoying the September sunshine gently peddling around the streets of Bristol in search of treasure.
The Big Bike Treasure Hunt was organised by the Bristol Cycling Campaign as part of the first ever Bristol Cycle Festival. Starting from Windmill Hill City farm, who kindly let us use their front yard, the treasure hunters had to navigate their way around the streets of south and east Bristol to answer questions at ten particular locations.
Most of the questions were fairly straightforward, as long as you were in the right spot. The real tiebreaker though was at Stapleton Road railway station, where the number of wheels depicted on the platform mural had to be counted . . .
On their return, many of the treasure hunters (who in some cases had not been out on their bikes in a while) said how much they had enjoyed the ride and were genuinely surprised at how much of their home city they’d not seen before.
Everyone was given mugs, pens and rulers kindly donated by Cycling City and they all got the chance to win a lucky dip prize. Some of these were extra special having been generously donated by Pembury Cycles, Strada, Zero G, Bike UK, Psyclewerx and Mud Dock and included bike locks, gift vouchers and a free bike service.
If you’d like to have a go at the treasure hunt for yourself then the map, directions and clues will be available shortly on the Rides section of our website. The answers can be found here too . . . but no cheating!
We’re hoping to run another series of Discover Bristol rides in 2011, so any suggestions for routes or help in leading rides would be gratefully received. Please contact us in the usual ways, using rides@ address for email. Meanwhile thanks to Philippe, Veronica, Steve, Emma and Martin for all their efforts in the planning and preparation as well as helping out on the day.
(added 2/10/10)
Campaign Action - Consultation: Deadline this Monday 4th Oct
Here’s the big one - our suggestions for your response to the West of England Partnership's (WoEP) proposed Joint Local Transport Plan (JLTP).
This plan covers the next 16 years – so even if you do no other campaigning until 2026 please do this one!
Bristol Cycling Campaign has already commented on the proposal - our comments can be viewed here. - but the comments of individual people are just as important and will add weight.
The Campaign has been heavily involved in the production by Arup of a Cycling Strategy for Greater Bristol - funded by Cycling City - you can find out more about it here
We would very much like people who want to support increased emphasis on cycling in Bristol to personally show their support for our comments; to ask for the Stratgey to be used as guidance document for the JLTP; to seek approval for a Major Scheme Bid to obtain transport funding to implement the Stratgey.
Please refer to the Campaign page for further information on how to comment.
REMEMBER - your comments are needed by Monday. It would be helpful if you could send a copy of your comments to secretary@bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk - if you miss the dealine we will endeavour to make sure that your comments are still noted.
(WoEP comprises the City of Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset Local Authorities)
(added 2/10/10)
A great turn-out for the Cycle Carnival on Sunday 19 Sep
Some photos of Bristol cycle Campaigners in the Carnival:
Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
Picture 4
We are keen to hear from you if you have ideas for meeting topics; articles for our quarterly magazine; or want to help on our rides - If you can help please get in touch via the website or info email addresses.
See the festival site link on the right for links to more photos and details of events during the last week of the festival.
Monthly Meeting - BMWs for Women - Thursday 3 June 19:30, The Cornubia
Sylvie Zidek talks about running bike maintenance workshops for women, and gives some tips to get your bike ready for the summer.
Most months we have a guest speaker and all the usual stuff - committee updates, lively discussion etc.
Guests Welcome. More info on the diary page
(added 23/05/10)
Special Meeting Thurs May 20th: Cycling City - What's in store for 2010-2011?
A very interesting talk from Ed Plowden (the Cycling City Supremo). Ed used a conversational style in a relaxed and informal way to take us through a comprehensive review of Cycling City plans and fielded a number of questions and discussed issues on the way through.
The Campaign would like to extend it's thanks to Ed for taking the time to come and talk to us and giving us the opportunity for open discussion on some of the issues.
More details of the talk and discussion to follow.
(added 20/05/10)
B*stard Hills of Bristol - this Sunday's ride 23rd May 2010 start 10:30 Thali café, Picton St,Montpelier
Constitution. Brooks. Marlborough.St Michael's, Nine-Tree. A few words, words with no meaning, no emotion. But add "Hill" to the end of them and something happens. They get a meaning, they come with emotions. Pain, yes, but what else? Fear? Excitement? Anticipation.
A lot of people laugh at the idea of Bristol being a cycling city because of the hills. Why cycle there? It's all hilly!
We say the hills are what make it fun. Copenhagen? Flat. Amsterdam? Flat. London? Mostly flat. Bristol: hilly. Hills that give you a feeling of accomplishment when you get up them, hills that let you glide down them.
It's time to come out and enjoy those hills. This is the inaugural Bristol Cycling Campaign's "B****rd Hills of North Bristol" ride.
More details at: BristolByBike
(added 20/05/10)
Special Meeting Thurs May 20th: Cycling City - What's in store for 2010-2011?
Ed Plowden (the Cycling City Supremo) has kindly offered to talk us through the plans for the final year of the Cycling City project. It's a great opportunity for us to hear what's in plan, discuss ideas and raise a few issues. GUESTS WELCOME.
See the diary page for details.
(added 14/05/10)
Chris Hutt's funeral - Photos and videos of the cycle hearse, the cortege and the celebration ride.
The funeral of Chris Hutt took place in Bristol on 30th April 2010. The coffin was carried on a cycle hearse in a cortege from Westbury-on-Trym village to the Crematorium, where a service was held. Tributes were made by Dorothy Brown, who spoke of a long standing friend and excellent plumber; John Grimshaw, a long standing friend and colleague from the early days of Sustrans, and Cyclebag, before that; Councillor Jon Rogers, who had recently been working with Chris on cycling issues in Bristol, as well as gritting the pavements in Clifton together this winter.
The service was followed by a reception at the old Sustrans offices in King Street and was followed by a celebratory ride along the Bristol to Bath Railway Path, one of the many cycling projects which Chris had been involved in. We had a chance to admire his plumbing skills when his son turned on some of the drinking fountains for us (these were installed before the days of bottled water!).
Chris was an ardent campaigner for cycling and sustainability and will be missed by all who new him.
(added 2/5/10)
The Funeral for Chris Hutt will be on Friday 30th April.
There will be a tribute ride for Chris on Friday 30 April starting at 5.30pm from outside 35 King Street. We want this to be a cheerful and joyous occasion to celebrate the life and achievements of Chris, so bling up your bikes with bright things like ribbons, garlands and flowers and things that make nice noises like bells and bongos. It's up to you where we go, but it would be great to take in the railway path, one Chris's most significant achievements and end up in a hostelry in town so we can raise a glass to him. We're hoping Chris's son & daughter, Chris Jnr & Alice will be able to join us too. Any queries please email chairman@bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk
If you're coming to the funeral by bike, Chris Jnr would like you to follow the cycle funeral hearse in the traditional way from the funeral directors. It will be leaving the Co-Op funeral directors in Westbury Village around 12:30pm carrying Chris to Canford Crematorium for the funeral at 13:00. It shouldn't take any longer than 10 minutes at traditional slow speed. Dress as you like. Chris Jnr will be dressed in casual black clothes that can be cycled in comfort and is happy for people to wear bright cycling clothes too.
(Updated 21/04/10)
Bristol's Foremost Cycling Champion and most tenacious Cycle Campaigner
Chris Hutt, a leading Bristol cycling camapigner died recently.
Some tributes to Chris:
More at
BBC Bristol
(added 21/3/10) A personal and moving tribute from Josh Hart, who campaigned with Chris whilst visiting the UK:
On The Level blog
(added 01/04/10) There will be a cycling-related event for Chris - details to follow.
(updated 1/4/10) Take a cycling trip to Weston-Super-Mare, the South Coast or Wales on a traditional train replete with bike spaces!
(updated 26/3/10)
CORRECTION. Members Survey
(added 19/3/10) (posted 12 March 2010) (updated 19/02/10)
Bristol Cycling Campaign responds wherever possible to local public consultations on cycling and related transport matters.
- Here is the reply received from Terry Bullock: pdf version -
Word version
(added 2/12/2009 - updated 28/01/2010)
First up:
(added 28/01/10)
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) 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.
(added 30/11/2009) 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)
(added 28/9/09)
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
(added 6/11/09 - updated 8/11/09 and 10/11/09)
(added 28/9/09) 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/.
The Committee have been campaigning hard to get the best out of Cycling City. Bristol City and South Gloucestershire Councils are holding
Our main objections have been where national guidelines have clearly not been followed and alternative schemes such as traffic restraint
Added our response to the consultation on the Cumberland Basin Scheme here.
All Bristol campaigners and other interested parties should be taking the opportunity to participate in these consultations
We can only make this work if people who know about cycling get involved and make their voices heard!
(added 20/11/2009) {updated 26/11/2009} 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: Find out why and how at the No Bristol Airport Expansion website 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).
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.
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! 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.
Are Jeep telling us what their new Cherokee Predator will prey on?
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.
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.
Find out why and how at the No Bristol Airport Expansion website The on-line petition was presented to the Council on the 22nd November.
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 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
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. Congratualtions to Rowland on his appearance as BCC spokesperson on the BBC's Politics Show. 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 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. 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 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: According to the Chairman of the Western Rail Passengers Committee: Congratulations and thank you to everyone who took part in the BCC campaign. 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. The path has now been reopened. 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
Chris worked hard for many years to improve cyling in Bristol and he was on our campaign's committee - he will be greatly missed.
There is some information about Chris and some pictures on the Bristol Traffic blog and you can find out more about Chris's recent work through one of his greatest legacies the Green Bristol blog
If anyone would like to send us some memories of Chris and his work then please do and I will publish on this site - send to website@bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk
Here is Chris putting his principles into practice - spreading grit on the non-motorised vehicular routes in Clifton (uncustomarily wearing high viz - probably a council requirement for the photo!)
"I am very saddened by the news that Chris Hutt died last weekend. Chris was a committed and articulate campaigner for cycling who had a great depth of detailed knowledge, much of which he put into his Green Bristol Blog.
One of Chris’ recent campaigns was to open up the Avon Path to cycling. If this can be brought to fruition it would be an appropriate legacy to his work over several decades.
Acerbic in print, warm hearted and considerate in person, Chris, self-styled “grumpy old man” will be sorely missed."
Steve Kinsella, Vice Chair Bristol Cycling Campaign & CTC Ride to Ride rep
This is Bristol
Bristol Traffic Blog
'Bike Trains' to the sea-side!
See the Rides page for details
The Bristol Cyclist - Spring Edition now out!!!
Dear members - there is an incorrect link in the magazine - there should be a /s between the .com and the rest of the link - ie .com/s/5SXBG97. Hope that makes sense if not get in touch.
Also some errors in the rides list - see the Diary page for changes and the latest version.
The magazines were wrapped and stamped last night and should be on members' doormats any time now!
Packed full of news, views and information including:
* Special Needs Special
* Bristol Blue Wave
* New straplines
* Stop the pot!
* Big Spring Ride
* Cycle trains
* News
* Rides
* Events
Don't miss out on Bristol's best cycling magazine - join Bristol Cycling Campaign for your free quarterly copy (simply follow the link at the top of the page).
Bristol to Bath Railway Path lighting - travel advice for weekend cyclists (from 5th March 2010)
As part of the Cycling City project street lighting is being provided to on the Bristol to Bath Railway Path. Works have been on site between Alcove road and Staple Hill Tunnel since January 2010.
Due to the cold weather in January and February, and the diversion of contractors nationwide to remedial works, the scheme has suffered a modest delay into March. To speed up the works, the council's contractors will be working on the next two Saturdays between 7.30am and 3pm. We are aware that many people, including families, use the path for leisure rides at the weekend, so we will do our best to keep the path open during this time. Where works are taking place the path will be narrowed so that contractors have a safe operating area.
There are diversions available by road, but they are not recommended for families with young or inexperienced children. At important times cyclists will be asked by the contractors to wait for a short period whilst lighting columns are being lowered into place.
Further info
AN "EXTRA SPECIAL" MEETING
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 - 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!)
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.
Cap'n Bikebeard's run up a few messages on his mast - there's a lot coming 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/
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
Fed up with bad cycle facilities? Find out how to challenge them
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.
News of a recent Ride
Changes made to fault reporting contacts - see Resources/Contacts
Bristol Cycling Campaign – Extraordinary General Meeting (19:30 on Thursday 5 Nov) - Constitution Approved!!!!
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).
Radio 4 - Bristol: Cycling City - interviews with Bristol Cycling Campaign members - recording available here
or via the BBC iPlayer
News
Our vision for a cycle-friendly Bristol is now available for download.
Campaigning for a Cycling City to be proud of
public consultations on the infrastructure schemes forming the major components (at least in terms of spend) of the project and the campaign
have been reviewing these and submitting comments which so far have not met with a favourable response. (The list of schemes and
published details can be found here.)
have not been considered. The most recent example of this is the proposal for Hartcliffe Way, to which we are objecting because it is
not in accordance with DfT guidance, is dangerous and does not improve conditions for cycling. Our response is here.
(as far as we are aware it is only as a result of our efforts and that of other stakeholders that we are being consulted at all!)
and try to get along to any site visits that are arranged (unfortunately often during work times). To find out more keep an eye on the
betterbybike website or get in touch with the committee via secretary@bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk (also if you wish to view any of our
other responses).
Cycling City Stakeholder group meeting
On the Council website
Say no to Bristol Airport expansion
Tell the Aviation Minister to rethink airport expansion
Part of Avon Cycleway closed in anticlockwise direction
July 2006
A secion of the Bristol to Bath railway path will be closed while a landslip is repaired.
10 May 2006
Urgent - reply to Driving Standards Agency consultation on draft highway code.
4 May 2006
Refuse to use that death trap ‘facility’? That’s contributory negligence!
29 March 2006
Honesty from Jeep?
27 January 2006
Bristol to Pill path reopened
22 December 2005
Clevedon, Sand Bay and Weston-super-Mare Missing Link
Say no to Bristol Airport expansion
Petition to permanently close Princes Street Bridge to motor traffic?
Bristol to Pill path blocked
24 October 2005
Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study
24 October 2005
No 4x4s
26 September 2005
BCC on the BBC
19 June 2005
Glow Places with Bristol Cycling Campaign Tabards
19 June 2005
The BCC has joined the World Carfree Network
10 March 2005
Joint Local Transport Plan 2005
4 March 2005
"Wessex Trains Announces Good News for Cyclists"
Victory for the BCC Campaign
2 February 2005
"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."
"Cycling and rail travel work well together and it's great that Wessex Trains have listened to their customers"
Temporary closure of Bristol Bath Cycle Path
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.
Way to go
