A Year in the Saddle - A new record in the making??

The women's world record for most miles cycled in a year stands at 29,603 and was set 77 years ago by Betty Tovey (later Fleming) on a 3 speed bike -impressive! On 1st Jan 2016, Nottingham based Kajsa Tylen sets out to break that record. Kajsa's mission is "to get adults active and to feel good about themselves, in order to set a good example for the next generation."  You can find out more about Kajsa's world record attempt here: http://www.ayearinthesaddle.com/

The attempt starts on New Years day and is due to call in on Stoke Golding, near Nuneaton, on its first day.

Good luck to Kajsa on your record attempt.

For those who would like to work off the excess of Christmas but to a lesser extent, then check out our local rides in another section of the blog!!

Concerns over funding and current cycling in Burton

Those who regularly read the blog will be aware that I always try to portray cycling in a very positive light and encourage people to partake.  I do this as part of my work for Sustrans.  I would like to point out that this article consists of my own views and is not necessarily representative of Sustrans.

Over recent weeks I have become a little disenchanted with my commute into Burton and have tried to address these issues with relevant authorities.  The original lack of response angered me slightly but it appears that the problems around Burton are symptomatic of a larger issue.

Several roads around Burton have been either closed or subject to roadworks over recent weeks and months and this has had an effect on the level of traffic on the A444.  During the summer I found it easier to take a 3 mile detour through Drakelow, Rosliston and Linton because queues of traffic have made it difficult to cycle during the traditional rush hour times.

The above issues have been compounded by the closure of the Ferry Bridge over the river Trent; a key part of the cycling infrastructure into Burton.

The event had been planned for some time so there was ample time to plan and sign a diversion that was suitable for pedestrians and cyclists.  I had requested information on the proposed diversion and had no reply.  On the afternoon the bridge was closed to cyclists and pedestrians some signage was placed for a diversion route.

No way through! 

The diversion route is only suitable for pedestrians as it actually uses an area where there is a no cycling byelaw and the rest is on footpaths that are not signed as shared use.  None of the NCN signs have been changed to reflect the change.  Quite simply cyclists have been ignored.

The work on the Ferry Bridge is essential and I fully appreciate that it has to be completely taken out of action, though query why the bridge has been allowed to deteriorate so much.  I also would like to point out the excellent Facebook Group called Friends of the Ferry bridge who have been posting regular updates

With safety of cyclists and pedestrians a key concern of mine, I have been looking into improving the situation and had a Sustrans area manager come to Burton and look into the situation and liaise with the County Council.

As part of the study of the Ferry Bridge diversion we also looked at the section that links NCN 63 from the Ferry Bridge area towards the Derbyshire Border where I have concerns over safety too, especially at rush hour.

Part of NCN63 uses the A444 from Bretlands Way to Saxon Street.  I have expressed concern to Staffordshire County Council over safety during busy periods and egress from the 2 streets mentioned. I am unable to say if they have any plans to improve the section as I have not had a reply.  This is frustrating as the nearby Brizlincote mini roundabout was re-profiled recently at a cost of around £65k.

A444 during morning rush hour - this is actually on the Nation Cycle Network.

My frustration with situation was matched by a lack of response from the authority in question but this frustration has subsided more into concern over the reason for the lack of response which might be due to the fact that there are a lack of officers responsible for sustainable transport within Staffordshire. I would have liked an officer to ride the route with me to see sights like the above and ask if it was appropriate for 14 year old youngsters to ride.

I am happy to report that the Sustrans area manager had some very sensible suggestions to utilise existing paths and look at the section as a whole rather than address little parts individually.

Of course any improvements will require funding which is becoming a subject of concern.  Outside of London it is becoming increasingly difficult to come across funding.

The below article is written by the Shadow Transport Minister.  It is written with a degree of criticism of the government but is also accurate regarding the ending of various funding streams and is well worth a read.

https://www.politicshome.com/transport/articles/opinion/house-commons/daniel-zeichner-mp-will-government-break-its-promise-and

Whilst the above link is not something that is particularly endorsed by Sustrans, the next link most certainly is.  With cycling funding facing something of a cliff edge it is imperative that this is challenged through parliament.  Please write to your local MP using the following link.

http://action.sustrans.org.uk/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1877&ea.campaign.id=44273

Derbyshire County Council 20mph zone consultation

Derbyshire County Council are currently holding a consultation about introducing 20mph zones throughout the county.

The consultation has already had some debate around it with some expressing concern over how it will be enforced whereas others have praised the initiative and acknowledge that it will reduce speeds in general.

I am fully in favour of supporting the initiative as it has been proven to reduce speeds in those areas.  I find the concerns over enforcement laughable as the same applies to the current speed limits.  A decrease in speed not only improves safety for pedestrians and cyclists but also drivers themselves.  Aside from safety it will also improve noise in certain areas.

Pressure groups incpluding Sustrans, Brake and Living Streets have all presented some fantastic literature on the subject and it is good to see this consultation.

More information on the consultation and a short questionnaire can be filled in via the following link:

http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/council/have_your_say/consultation_search/Consultation_search_index/20mph_speed_limits_on_residential_streets.asp

Leicester Skyride - tomorrow!

A late reminder that it is the Leicester Skyride tomorrow.  Many streets in Leicester will be closed to allow an expected 12000 cyclists to cycle around a circuit that includes the King Power Football Stadium.  The Enderby Park & Ride has been designated a cycle park & ride for the day.

A link to the event can be found here:

https://www.goskyride.com/leicesterskyride

Derbyshire Cycling Strategy - Feedback Welcome

Further to the previous post regarding the Derbyshire Sport cycling strategy, it was recently on the agenda at South Derbyshire District Council Environment and Development Services committee.

The district council report highlighted the outline of the plan to be noted by members and suggestions and comments sent.  This is part of a wider consultation held locally by the district council and more details will follow.

There were some good points raised during the meeting including insuring sustainable transport friendly solutions can be included in developments through planning policy, the issue of ownership and maintenance of routes and the involvement of neighbouring authorities.

The Derbyshire wide consultation can still be filled in via http://www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/derbyshirecyclingplan

Meanwhile it has gathered interest in the local press.  I'm glad to have been asked to discuss such a positive scheme as the content of the second story in the following links show:

http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Plan-hopes-double-numbers-cyclists/story-26900523-detail/story.html

http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Plans-make-South-Derbyshire-hub-cycling/story-27630866-detail/story.html

Derbyshire Cycling Plan - submit your thoughts.

The draft Derbyshire Cycling Plan is now open to consultation and we urge local people, cyclist or not to read this and submit their thoughts.

The plan is very ambitious in all areas; indeed as a taster of the content the commitment from Derbyshire sport is as follows:

"For Derbyshire to be the most connected cycling county, we will need to improve cycling infrastructure and connectivity. We will help people of all ages to take part in cycling, supporting people to overcome the fears and barriers that put them off getting on a bike. We will make sure that the marketing and information about cycling opportunities is excellent, and inspires people who live here, and those who visit, from home or overseas, to recognise Derbyshire as an amazing place to ride a bike. At the highest levels in local government, sport, tourism and business, we will champion Derbyshire as a cycling place, and work hard to bring more investment in cycling to Derbyshire."

For further information including a questionnaire, please see the following link:

http://www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/derbyshirecyclingplan

Go-ride Cycle Fun Day - Eureka Park

Today, the 25th of July we were invited to join the Go-ride Cycle  Fun Day at Eureka Park.

The event was organised by the Sport and Health team at South Derbyshire District Council as part of their range of summer activities.

There were several activities including a number of mini cycle circuits to cater for a number of young riders from balance bike toddlers to junior children.  There was also a blendavenda bike making smoothies, a chance to pre-register for other summer activities, a junior orienteering exercise around the park, the Sustrans stall and the local PCSO Lee was security marking bikes.

Our stall was a little smaller than usual due to the event being a bit smaller but our maps and information was well received and people were interested in the development of local networks.

All in all the event was very successful, being well attended and children and adults alike seemed to be having a really good time.  It was fantastic to see cycling encouraged in such a positive way.

The Sport and Health Team will be running sessions in Eureka park on Monday evenings between 5pm and 6pm through the summer.  More information coming soon........

South Derbyshire Festival of Leisure 2015

Following a break last year we returned to the South Derbyshire Festival of Leisure with our information stall.

Our stall along with the other sports based activities

For those of you who are unaware of the event, it is a 2 day event held in Maurice Lea Park in Church Gresley to launch the activities throughout the summer.  The event features a number of stalls and demonstrations with entertainment provided throughout the show.  The activities mentioned are well worth attending for those with children and a link is given at the bottom of this post.

The first day of the event was held on Saturday 27th June and was very well attended, partly due to the excellent weather.  The Sunday was still very well attended despite a less settled day.

As the Sport and Health Team of South Derbyshire District Council were running a wheels based activity our stall was placed close by to compliment the cycling activity.  We are grateful for the staff involved for their help on the day and have had numerous conversations about future aspirations for cycling in South Derbyshire.

In the latest edition of the What's-on guide there is a page dedicated to cycling within it.  If the picture below is not of suitable resolution, please see the article on the link at the bottom.

Once again our maps were very popular so we are glad that we stocked up this year!  Our local cycle rout leaflets still prove to be popular including the new route from Maurice Lea Park to Conkers and Back.

As always it was great to talk to people and help inform them about the cycle routes and facilities in the area.

To read about the summer activities offered by the sports and health team of South Derbyshire District Council, please read this link and open the first pdf document: http://www.south-derbys.gov.uk/leisure_culture_and_tourism/sport_and_health/holiday_activity/default.asp

To read more about the cycling activities and read the What's on guide for Summer and Autumn, please read this link:  http://www.south-derbys.gov.uk/leisure_culture_and_tourism/tourism_and_travel/whats_on/

National Cycle Network 20 year celebration ride - Sunday 5th July

As part of the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the National Cycle Network we will be doing a led ride from Maurice Lea Park in Church Gresley around the Conkers Circuit and back.

Due to regulations we will only be able to take people who are pre-registered and details on how to do this are on the poster below.  More details will be available on registration or feel fee to comment.

We hope that keen cyclists and families are able to join us.

 

South Derbyshire Festival of Leisure 2015

Next weekend (Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June) sees the annual South Derbyshire Festival of Leisure held at Maurice Lea Memorial Park in Church Gresley between 1pm and 5pm on both days.

We will be representing Sustrans at a stall on the Sunday 28th June.  As normal we will be showing what we do in the local area and handing out maps and information about cycling.  This year we have ordered in more local leaflets and there will be a couple of more local ride leaflets produced.

We will also be registering people for a forthcoming ride on Sunday 5th July to celebrate 20 years of the National Cycle Network.  More details about this are available on a separate page.

For more details about the Festival of Leisure, please see the below link:

http://www.south-derbys.gov.uk/community_and_living/community_events/festival_of_leisure/default.asp

Moira Canal Festival Review

We recently attended the Moira Canal Festival for the first time and had a very enjoyable day explaining the role of Sustrans locally and nationally and gave out a fair few maps and information to people.


Our first stall of 2015

The Festival aims to raise money and awareness of the Ashby Canal reconstruction project.  The completed canal will be a major boost to local tourism and could also be a major part of the future National Cycle Network in the area.

We were joined by many different groups and stall holders and there were several forms of entertainment - from Morris Dancing to Medieval village area and a "battle" on the banks of the canal.  There were also several boat trips taking place on the canal itself.

Great to see boats on the canal

Shawn, Alan and myself were joined by my eldest daughter Emily who helped us on the stall, helping to give stickers, flags and badges to children who visited the stall with their parents.

A future Sustrans Ranger??

Visit the Sustrans Stall at the Moira Canal Festival

On this coming Sunday the 17th May we will be representing Sustrans at the Moira Canal Festival.

This will be our first stall of this year and we are looking forward to getting our trusty Gazebo out.

This is the first time we will have had a stall at the festival and are looking forward to it.  One of the aims of the festival is to raise money for the ongoing restoration of the Ashby Canal.  Part of our National Cycle Route (63) follows the canal and includes the festival site so will be an ideal place for us to share our experiences and encourage cycling in the area.

The festival will run on both days over the weekend but we will be present on the Sunday.  The festival is open from 10am to 5.30pm.  Further details can be found below on the link which also includes admission prices.

http://www.moiracanalfestival.co.uk/

We hope that the event is a big success and hope to speak to a lot of people.

Improvement works between Donisthorpe & Oakthorpe

Work has recently restarted on sections of NCN63 to improve the surface by skimming the muddy top layer which is causing a number of issues with puddles and mud throughout.

We identified several sections at the beginning of last year and had a Community Payback team work on sections between Moira and Donisthorpe Woodland Park for 10 weeks last year and the improvements have been significant, especially on the worst section as shown around 1/4 mile south of Donisthorpe.

Image of section before the work

We were very pleased that the work has restarted by the Community payback team and they have started to work on some of the worst sections between Donisthorpe Church and Oakthorpe.

Same section following work by the payback team - Jan 2015

Reminder of the task ahead - same day as the above picture