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This edition.........
- Front Page - LTP...Annual Progress Report - Reality or Rhetoric?
- CCN in Liverpool
- Biketime rides win Health Award
- £2 Million for Cycling Projects
- Where can you cycle with the wind always on your back?
- Local News
- Cycle routes or routes fit for cycling?
- End to End
- Can you ride tandem?
- A promenade to the Palm House
- Don’s Gone!
- LIfT - Local Initiative for Transport
- What is a school travel plan?
- Memoriam
There have been a number of areas of progress in the original aims of the LTP, which set out to "ensure inclusive, sustainable regeneration".
This was to accord with Government transport policy in that it would, amongst other objectives, "protect and enhance the built and natural environment. . . improve safety for all travellers..contribute to an efficient economy, and support sustainable economic growth in appropriate locations... promote accessibility to everyday facilities for all, especially those without a car...and...promote the integration of all forms of transport".
Amongst the wide range of policy areas underpinning these objectives was health. There was consultation over road developments at Hall Lane, proposed within the LTP as a major scheme. The plans as presented, fail to adequately provide for cyclists and pedestrians, including those accessing the Royal Liverpool Hospital, and would precipitate an increased social severance. Development opportunities for the Royal Liverpool Hospital therefore appear compromised by this impaired access, any potential environmental benefits, by increased local traffic pollution, noise and threat.
It might be considered that park and ride, or the proposed light rail network, would more closely meet the stated objectives in the LTP, of enhancing the "quality of life of those who live and work in, and visit Merseyside, moderating "the upward trend in car use" and securing "a shift to more sustainable forms of transport" and perhaps most cogently, securing "the most efficient and effective use of the existing transport network".
The proposals for improvements leading up to Liverpool's bid for European Capital of Culture status, focus on city centre regenaration. This includes "an approachable and accessible City Centre for all" and an intention to "ensure that all sectors are engaged and involved throughout the implementation"
Whilst a general concept of these proposals has been tabled, there appears to be no mechanism for pre-emptive consultation over detail on specific transport issues such as cycling. It is suggested, however, that local cycling organasations might assist in this development with the objective of realising the desired turnaround in the central city environment, along the lines of many other, great European cities.
Cycling groups involved
A cycle network is developing within Merseyside and local cycling groups have been significantly involved in this. However,
a. There are critical staffing problems in the council’s transport offices. The officers in post are heavily worked, there is little in the way of cycle audit and engineering development is consequently restricted.
b. A series of TravelWise Biketime rides has been highly successful in promoting cycling, however the City culture around transport remains car oriented and wider promotion is required. In particular cycle training of school children could be a core issue within the Safe Routes to Schools initiative.
c. Within proposed 'Green Commuter Plans’ (now Transport Plans), as cited in the LTP is the promotion of facilities for cyclists. There is little evidence of such plans being widely adopted. At the Royal Liverpool Hospital a Transport Plan has become the work of a single, heavily burdened individual. There appears to be no separate funding or indeed any clear local imperative for development and implementation of such plans.
d. Failure to enforce parking restrictions results in increased risk to cyclists using established cycling facilities.
e. There is widespread disregard for speed limits within the city, increasing the perceived and possibly real, risks of cycling.
f. There has, apparently, been no measurable increase in journeys by bicycle.
....achievable in Liverpool
Liverpool has a depressingly poor health record, particularly in cardiovascular and lung disease. The deliberate promotion and implementation of a significant modal shift from car to bicycle has been massively successful in several European countries, and also in many British cities, and is unquestionably achievable in Liverpool. There is, however, a perception that there is a lack of precedent which is failing to truly realise the health, social, environmental and indeed eeonomic, advantages of a high promfile cycling culture in Merseyside.
Derek Gould
Copies of the Local Transport Plan and the Annual Progress reports can be found in most Libraries or the Transport and Planning Office.
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The Merseyside Cycle Campaign has agreed to host the Autunm Conference of the National Cycle Campaign Network. The venue will be Blackburne House in Hope St on the 2nd November. This facility was used very successfully when the MCC hosted the Conference in 1997.
The event in ‘97 was a huge success and with the supprt and help of members will be again. The programme is not yet finalised but the practical logists of a post conference ride or rides and providing accommodation need to be considered.
Carol Fatzpatrick will be coordinating offers of accommodation for delegates.
If you can help in any capacity i.e. accommodation or the day, sponsorship, please contact Don Thompson on 724-2924 or Carol Fitzpatrick 653 3887
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A pat on the back to all those involved in the ‘Biketime' Rides last year. In March I received the Health Challenge Award on behalf of the MCC, Travelwise and Healthstart at a presentation in Warrington.
The award also brought with it a cheque for £1,000 which will be used to produce a booklet showing the routes of all the Biketime rides so people can ride them on their own.
A big thank you to Sarah Dewar for entering the project for the Health Challenge Award.
The rides continue to grow in popularity with nearly a 170 participants on the Sefton ride.
Don Thompson
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Organisations across the country are being invited to bid for a share of a £2 million 'Cycling Projects Fund’ to encourage more people to cycle. The fund has been provided by the DTLR.
Applications are welcome. If you have a project which:
- Is particularly noticeable
- Will lead to an increase cycling
- Could be set up quickly
The grants are available to all organisations both private and public, health and education sectors and cycling groups.
"The fund will play a vital part in creating greater opportunities for people wanting to cycle. Cycling is excellent exercise and people who choose to cycle rather than use their car play an important role in reducing pollution"
Details from DETR 0207 944 2979
Email: Bob Richards
CTC CycleDigest Issue no.32
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Answer: Merseyside! With the aid of the train!
Take the train to Cressington (Aigburth would be better) from Ainsdale to take advantage of the SW gale force winds, this blew me back to Ainsdale! A distance of 24 miles with a stop for tea at the Pier Head and Hall Road, Blundellsands. Riding time was about 2 1/2 hrs. 'tea' time about l hr.
The route along Otterspool Promenade was impressive with such a high tide and on shore wind. The water was about 3ft. below the walk-way, yesterday it was over the top.
First stop was at The Pier Head (6 miles) for tea at the café in the ferry terminal. I thought about having tea on the 'cruise’ boat, but as it was out on the river the café was chosen.
This fist 6 miles to The Pier Head is all off road and traffic free along the sea wall with good views over the river and the passing ships.
From The Pier Head I continued North past the new hotel and came out on the Dock Road (Waterloo Road / Regent Road) which is now quiet (see later) and wide enough to have a cycle path painted down each side, if the pot holes were filled and the rubbish was all swept up!
This is a good way out of liverpool when going North except for the ‘closing’ of the road beyond Millers Bridge, so you are then forced to ride along Derby Road amongst the traffic.
A 'painted' cycle lane would be nice here even if it was in broken lines, i.e. cyclists have priority when they are on it. Same principle as a Pedestrian Crossing for pedestrians.
Braving the traffic along Rimrose Road and Crosby Road South I eventually got to Cambridge Road and turned left, phew it would be so much safer 'off road' along the little used sidewalk or even through the containerbase. (11 miles)
From here the route uses the roads fronting on to the Crosby Marina all the way to Hall Road at the Coastguard Station, this sounds easier than it is. There are cycle route signs in places which I lost plus the new Crosby Baths construction has blocked access. I made a second stop for tea at The Coastguard Station, this time DIY as there is only an ice cream van here ( wasn’t today!) but there is a toilet (poorly maintained). (14 miles)
Continue up Hall Road West then Hall Road East and follow the path where Hall Road turns right, it's called Dibbs Lane on the map, more of a rutted track actually, so care is needed. Also needed is a bit of Tarmac down the middle for cyclists!
This brings you out in Little Crosby Village, turn left and follow Moss Lane till you come to Gorsey Lane and again turn left.. This is a quiet lane leading to a farm and eventual dead end, however, as you reach the farm here is a wide path called Sandy Lane (public footpath sign) which brings you out in Hightown. if you survive the ruts etc. again some Tarmac down the middle is all that’s needed to make this good for cyclists. (18 miles.)
From Hightown you follow Alt Road then North End Lane to the Formby By Pass (A565) and use the cycle path to the end.
Care is needed when on these cycle paths at islands where you are 'thrown out into the traffic', and where side roads join and cars stop in your path. Advanced stop lines would help here, and cycle lane painting could help at islands. At the end of the By Pass you join the Trans Pennine Trail and follow the Coast Road to Southport. (24 miles.)
An alternative is to follow the A556 (through Ainsdale and Hillside to Southport. There are no cycle paths, but there is plenty of room for a painted path on the road. (28 miles)
By watching the weather forecast the night before its easy to see which way the wind is blowing and plan your route accordingly.
The prevalent wind on Merseyside is South West so most times the ride described will have favourable wind conditions. If you live in Liverpool you would ride to Southport and let the train take the strain of the return journey.
Ron O'Nions
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Where has all the money gone?
Last autumn Muesli Eater predicted a massive underspend on Liverpool's £300k cycling budget. This was firmly refuted by the Council.
Figures released at the last cycling Forum confirm his nasty suspicions.
Although the Council managed to dispose of £282k ( an underspend of 'only' 6%), £150k was used to finance non-cycling schemes (drains and traffic lights) and a scheme which had not been started by the end of the financial year. The effective spend was thus a mere £132K - an underspend of 56%.
What we actually got was cycle parking stands (£23K), two Toucan crossings (£30k - still under construction), traffic calming in Score Lane & Greenbank Lane (£25k) and a road closure opened at Cairns St (see below).
Another £31k was spent on promotion and monitoring of cycle use. If there is a relationship between cycle use and its share of capital spending on transport this means that liverpool cannot sustain the current level of cycling never mind increase it.
Hopefully the situation will change this financial year. The Cycling Officer already has £156K worth of cycling schemes in the pipeline.
Gold plated cycle gap.
A well engineered 4-metre long gap through the closure at Cairns St/ Kingslev Road, on the local Distributor route linking Princes Rd to Kingsley Rd via Granby St cost over £6,500. When challenged about the cost the Council thought there was nothing abnormal. Crunching numbers with my favourite breakfast food I figure that works out at £1,500 per square metre or £2,400,000 per mile.
Email.
I am now on e-mail - at richard@hebden154.freeserve.co.uk
Let me know about any exciting humps, kerbs, potholes etc that you come across.
Parks bid fails.
Liverpool's bid for Lottery Dottery money to do up three Victorian parks has failed. Apparently the City failed to produce a convincing plan for maintenance.
This is a blow for cyclists since the parks form an important part of the proposed Cycle Route Network and are an invaluable nursery for trainee cyclists.
Lack of maintenance of the parks has been a civic scandal for many years and their neglect is a monument to tight-fisted voters who regard cuts in Council taxes as the sole aim of progress.
Polling day.
Campaign member Jean Hill stood as Green Party candidate in the Council elections for Granby Ward, garnering 103 votes (6% of votes cast) giving the Conservatives a sound thrashing. Well Done Jean. Yes Jean I did vote for you, sorry I couldn't dig the rest of my household out of bed to vote as well.
John Coyne - a well-known traffic activist, parks campaigner, and Brompton cyclist - won one of 2 seats in Dingle for the Lib-Dems.
Potholers corner
I reported the trench in Catherine St. near Little Cathertne St. in April 2001, and have phoned liverpool Direct several times since. It's still not fixed.
There is a magnificent pothole on the University Route near Fern Grove which has been there for several months. It’s now 2 phone directories deep and has had some nice white paint sprayed round the edge, now rather faded. I haven’t reported it I'm waiting to see how deep it will go!
The Council are coy as ever about their arrangements for maintaining cycle routes - they blanked a request to discuss this at the last Forum.
Richard Hebden
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Following input from cyclists in the north of Sefton the process of identifying a potential cycle network continues in the more spacially-challenged south of Sefton. And it is in south Sefton that the Council are committed, through the Local Transport Plan, and with the assistance of European funding, to tackling the lack of cycle provision first. This will inevitably require difficult choices and the political will to take the network of cycle routes from dream to reality rather than into a nightmare of inadequate and token provision.
Cycling Strategy
Sefton's Cycle Forum is in Southport on Thursday June 27th at 6.30pm. It's in the Churchtown room at Southport Town Hall - they’ve even got cycle stands if you look very carefully! The topics for discussion are the cycling strategy and promotion. There will be a presentation on cycle spending plans for 2002/03 and, of course, the pandora’s box that is 'any other business'.
No Nothing!
I came across an interesting variation on the advanced stop line last week in the vicinity of Southport station. On the road at the traffic lights was an empty box - no
bike symbol and no coloured tarmac and curiously no motor vehicles (as occasionally happens with fully-fledged ASLs). It seemed to me that this box was, to all intents and purposes, an ASL except that I did not feel the need to be territorial about it. Yes, maybe I should get out a bit more......
Streets reclaimed
And get out a bit more they did in Crosby on Sunday 5th May as ‘Bike Time’ came to Sefton. The streets of Crosby and district were reclaimed for a while for cycling. My grateful thanks to all who helped - with publicity in advance and assisting on the day and to the 155 cyclists who made the day so memorable.
BikeTime Rides
The next Bike Time ride in Sefton is on Sunday 7th July starting at, Ainsdale Station.
However, if you would like to go cycling with others berore that, then MCC member Brenda Riddick is planning rides on a circular route of about 12 miles from Rimrose Park to Hightown - phone her on 0151 474 9445 for dates and times.
And finally, if you have any Sefton-related news comments or complaints and you think I may be responsible(and I sometimes am) please contact me or fill some column inches in the next Pedal Press.
Contact me on by email Peter Roome
Peter Roome
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There is no news from these areas in this edition. If you have any news for the next edition please send it to PedalPress
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We have all, at some time I suspect, been left feeling somewhat annoyed and disappointed at some of the poor cycle facilities or the lack of them when out pedalling.
But, is the way forward just in the provision of cycle facilities?
Do cyclists want cycle routes or routes fit for cycling?
In 1995. Cycle Friendly Infrastructure was published. Steven Norris welcomed this joint publication between the DETR, CTC and others as a tool to provide ‘up-to-date’ guidance to those ‘seeking to make the general highway infrastructure safer and more convenient for cyclists'.
But what is recommended in this document is a hierarchical approach, with appropriate emphasis on reducing motor vehicle volumes and speeds and by using traffic management techniques to reduce accidents and give cyclists a positive advantage.
Traffic reduction, calming. junction treatment and redistribution of the carriageway before Cycle lanes and tracks?
Comments to PedalPress
Don Thompson
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"This very remarkable man,
Commends a most practiced plan,
You can do what you want,
If you don’t think you can’t,
So don’t think you can’t think you can.”
(Proverb)
The Start
Up bright and early to sunny skies and a fresh breeze a few minor adjustments to the seat and a last minute quick check of everything. Panniers on, goodbyes to all, little hands waving as the single cyclist rode the two seater off in search of a stoker. Found one fifteen minutes later. Pat was all ready to go, so once the second pannier was secure we continued on to the station to meet up with Colin and Dave. The anticipated sendoff with the representatives of the LVSB and Liverpool Echo didn’t happen but a solitary member of the MCC and a 'round the world’ cyclist himself did come along to wish us well. So as the train, slipped away from Lime St. station only Neil witnessed the beginning of a journey which started off as an idea as a passing thought, mulled over a pint or two, the rest is.....as they say.
Delays at Birmingham excellent sea views as we passed Exeter and on to Newton Abbot as the track follows the coast. Arriving in Penzance late afternoon with clear skies above we located the YHA, a large country house just out of town. Colin booked us in whilst we unloaded the bikes. Problems already as we were removing the panniers we discovered the Dawes had a broken spoke. Our first of quite a few, but with the expertise of the resident mechanic, Colin, and three other pairs of willing hands the delay was short. Problem sorted we pedalled off to Land’s End and arrived some forty in mutes later. Being relatively familiar with the peninsula from the many diving trips enjoyed around this rugged coastline I pointed out a few of the more interesting features other than Peter d’Savaro's creations.
We snapped a few obligatory photographs to bear witness to the start of our adventure. We returned via the First and Last public house at Sennen for some local ales and food.
Left feeling very much refuelled and made our way back at a quicker pace through a heavy sea mist to the youth hostel.
Sunday
Awake and up by 6.30, a reasonable sleep although I’ve discovered that one or two travelling companions can raise a fair cacophony of noise through the night.
After a good cholesterol rich breakfast, we cycled off at 9.00 soon finding that Cornwall has a few steep hills along the coastal route. The weather was fine with a slight breeze in our favour and good progress was made. Towards lunchtime the rain gave a good soaking to all without, the benefit of Goretex, but as quickly as it appeared it went, so did another spoke! Help was at hand in Wadebridge where the lads in a cycle hire shop not actually willing to do the repairs necessary themselves allowed us free rein with their equipment to sort it out.
With limited space in the shop, I ferried Dave and Pat to the local hostelry, where they kept their heads out of the threatening skies.
Forty minutes later and we all sat down and enjoyed cream teas and other delights at Anton’s Bistro considering the route ahead and collecting donations from the other customers interested to hear of our epic ride.
It was to be a steep learning curve for me understanding how to use the gearing on a tandem correctly and even given that the ratio of chainwheel to block wasn't the best, we were to experience a fair deal of trouble and pain. Shortly after leaving Wadebridge at 1.30 the chain slipped off the lower chainwheel, jamming itself between the frame and causing terminal damage.
This left us with no low gearing and with a number of steep hills ahead this prompted a few walks which aggravated Pat's sore foot at times.
With the promise of bed, board and a beer on the horizon, we rolled on down to Tintagel YHA arriving at 6.00. The hostel is perched high above the wild sea on Grebe Cliff with views over Dunderhole Point. Checked in, panniers off and a cup of tea brought instant relief to tired muscles but with only self catering at this hostel, a ride down into the village was necessary to find sustenance.
King Arthur was the provider, well at least a café so named, pasty and chips (with even a veggy one for CL) with apple pie and clotted cream for afters served al fresco on the pavement table by our charming host, only 'cause she was closing.
Then across the road to discuss tactics over a pint of Devenish or two!
To be continued...... Click here for the next installment
Don Thompson
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Ever ridden a tandem? Do you fancy giving it a try?
LVSB (Liverpool Voluntary Society for the Blind) established their Tandem Club in late 1996 with the donation of 3 Dawes tandems from a loca1 company. The idea at the time was to enable blind and partially sighted people to enjoy the pleasures of cycling, to give them the same chance as everyone else and to keep fit. It was hoped to join other cycling initiatives that were then beginning in liverpool.
Since the club began we have accepted several challenges including, in 1997, a ride from St. Petersburg to Moscow, a sponsored ride where we entered 4 bikes out of over 100 that took part. In 1998, 4 of our tandem riders (2 bikes) undertook the 'End to End’ ride that is Land's End to John O'Groats. However, these are the outstanding feats. We have taken part in the Liverpool to Chester Rides since 1997 and the Northwest Water and Lancashire Lanes runs.
Each Sunday is set aside for organised rides which can be local routes or as far afield as Burscough.
This is an extremely popular activity for our visually impaired stokers, and we now have 10 tandems. We have a regular band of front riders who give their time sometimes twice a month, others every week This is a great opportunity to meet friends, have a good time and an interesting ride and gives you an excuse to get out on your bike on a Sunday.
One of Our blind riders says "It is great to get out into the countryside and enjoy the speed and movement., and get to places I have never been before” and, from a front. rider's perspect ive "It's a good excuse to get out of washing those Sunday dishes!"
We now need new volunteers to help us continue the high standards we have reached. We will offer the training and good company if you could offer your time.
Please contact Nita in the afternoons on 221 0888 for more information.
Jim Moran
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Having lived for many years in a village with a bus twice a week to the local market town it was a real treat to move to Liverpool four years ago and have such a choice of transport. Working in the city centre for the first couple of years it was easy to combine public transport with walking and only have to make a short journey with the car.
Moving out to a job at the Palm House 18 months ago extended my journey to work considerably. I tried a month of public transport but gave up because it needed so many different changes. It seemed there was no option and disappointedly I resorted to the car.
Then one day I decided to test it on my bike. Amazingly it meant that my 10 mile journey was reduced to 6 and could be done on traffic free routes most of the way in only a small amount of extra time compared with the car at rush hour! It gives me wonderful thinking Time in the morning and a great way to let work thoughts be blown out of my head at the end of the day.
I now cycle as often as possible and am hooked on my ride along the Wirral promenade and Liverpool riverside with 10 minutes relaxation with a free coffee on the ferry. The final section through Sefton Park must be one of the best rides to work round.
The Palm House is in a superb location and there are cycle racks on site to park your bike whilst you take a look around. It’s very easy to incorporate it into a ride whether using the riverfront, visiting some of the nearby parks or linking up the Trans Pennine Trail Link.
Using the MCC Cycling Map is a great aid to planning your route.
The Palm House is well worth a visit in its new restored splendour and the Trust is gradually developing a range of events there so you might catch something different going on.
For further details visit: www.palmhouse.org.uk
Info: 0151 726 2415
Elizabeth-anne Williams
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After 12 years of tireless campaigning for cyclists Don Mathew, the CTC Policy Adviser, is retiring.
Joining the CTC in 1989 just after “the government started the biggest road building policy since the Romans" he now places his hopes in the advent of the Local Transport Plans (LTPs).
Cycle Digest.
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Based in the Netherley and Valley area, Valley Wheels is a cycling scheme providing bikes for local residents but also available for hire to other groups...they even have a trailer to carry 10 bikes.
Contact Gil Taylor or 0151 487 6374 to find out more about this innovative scheme.
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A high quality school travel plan puts forward a package of measures to improve safety and reduce car use, backed by a partnership involving the school, education and transport officers from the local authority, the police and the health authority.
It is based on consultation with teachers, parents, pupils and governors and other local people the school travel plan concept is still relatively new, but it has generated considerable interest both in this country and on the continent.
We believe that this approach will have more impact than initiatives which focus on a single issue or mode of travel. It enables us to bring together measures which reinforce each other to create a virtuous circle: improved safety leading to reduced car use and still better safety. It also provides a single focus for action by a partnership to benefit children, and ultimately all of us.
ETSU, on behalf of the DETR and in association with the DfEE and DH ran a programme of free regional seminars on school travel.
The purpose of the seminars was to raise awareness of school travel issues and to promote two recently published guides: ‘A Safer Journey to School’ and ‘School Travel Plans and Strategies: A Best Practice Guide for Local Authorities.'
The final report, which provides a summary of the issues that were raised, is available on the web site at School Travel Seminars.
Locally Travelwise are developing School Travel plans at a number of schools on Merseyside to find out more speak to Jane Moore at Travelwise on 0151 330 1253 or visit their website at gotravelwise.com or the DETR website at www.local-transport.dtlr.gov.uk/schooltravel/seminars/index.htm
ETSU Helpline 0800 585 794
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Frank Lewis was a leader of the Wirral Group of the Winal Cycling Campaign and the over 50s Cyclists, West Kirby Concourse. He died on May 28th after a short illness. He was well known to many of us cyclists and was always a most friendly person.
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© Merseyside Cycling Campaign 2002