Welcome to Celebrating Cycling Update No.28.
In this issue find out more about:
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Community Cycle Funding
Network Improvements Update
Bike Week 2007
Summer Training Update
Other News incl forthcoming events
COMMUNITY CYCLE FUNDING
Earlier this year, we asked groups to come forward who could prove they could make a
difference to cycling in the district. The Cycling Demonstration Town project aims to show
how increased investment can encourage more people to get on their bikes. In order to
encourage as much community involvement as possible, for the second year running, we
have allocated money to be spent on a range of small locally based cycling projects.
Successful projects had to seek to do at least one of the following:
Publicise or promote the take up of cycling
Increase skills and training
Organise rides or one-off cycling events
Increase cycle commuting (to work or to school)
Provide equipment
Increase access to cycling
Successful applicants who proved that they could play a part in boosting levels of cycling in
the district were:
Wheely Good Communities (read more about his community project below)
Healthy Living Centre (read more about his community project below)
Morecambe Bay Primary School
Moorside Primary School
Barton Road Youth and Community Centre
Pedal Power
Lancaster and Morecambe College
Christ Church Primary School
Skerton Community High School
Go Ride Cycling Club
Tortoise
Lancashire Constabulary
Bolton-le-Sands Guides
Wheeely Good Communities
"A new community project aspiring to make their local villages places where people feel
confident to use their bicycles for local journeys.
We're here to support people who want to use their bikes instead of cars to go to work, school
or college for shopping or running errands to visit friends, relatives or local attractions for
health, fitness, leisure or pleasure.
So if you want to give your car a rest and your legs a gentle spin, let us help you get out in the
fresh air, see the local countryside, and find a quiet back road way to get where you want to
go by bike.
Thanks to funding from Lancaster City Council and Cycling England until March 2008 we're
offering FREE in village support for cycling including:"
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Information and advice
Dr Bike: Free bike check-ups
On Your Bike - Guided Local Rides
Family Cycling Equipment Loans
Bike Buddies
Advice on Bikeability Training
Visit their website at www.wheelygoodcommunities.org or contact the Project Coordinators
- Stuart and Kirstie - on 01524 782351 or email them at wheelygood@familyonabike.org
Or visit them at their last 2 roadshows:
Borwick: Borwick Green, Saturday 16th June, 09.30 - 11.00
Priest Hutton: Priest Hutton Green, Saturday 16th June, 11.30 - 13.00 followed by guided
ride
See details of the Wheely Good Bike Rides during BikeWeek below
Healthy Living Centre, Morecambe
The HLC's project aims to increase access to cycling for people in need by organising a
series of local rides & providing skills and training.
What's happened so far?
- 7 bikes and ancillaries have been purchased through Pedal Power, thereby supporting a
local project and encouraging recycling
- We have developed a questionnaire within the Healthy Living Centre to establish people's
attitudes to cycling (ie whether they have a bike, can ride a bike, etc.).
- Using the questionnaire, we have established a group of non-cyclists and returners and
organised cycle training on Wednesdays 4-6pm. These sessions are
organised in partnership with Pedal Power, who have provided a qualified and
experienced trainer
Click here for more details
NETWORK IMPROVEMENTS
Work on creating a new access for cyclists from Morecambe Promenade - at the Heysham
end - has just been completed. This route goes via Knowlys Road giving access into
Heysham village.
Please note that cyclists should not continue along the promenade path beyond this point, as
this is a footpath and Bailey Lane is narrow, one way, with poor visibility.
Work to link the Greenway with the Promenade will begin the week commencing 11 June
2007.
This scheme consists of shared use footways at either end of Central Drive (Hilmore Road
and part of Marine Drive) plus an advisory cycle lane on Central Drive.
City Centre Proposals
Consultation report and revised map available to read here http://www.celebratingcycling.org/more_info.asp?current_id=214
BIKE WEEK JUNE 2007
There's something for everyone this week - fun, film and food are on offer. Please get
your bikes out and your friends, family and colleagues to take part in the UK's biggest
celebration of cycling!
Friday 15th
Visit our Cycling Roadshow in Lancaster's Market Square to pick up lots of information, get
your bike checked out by Dr Bike and make your own smoothie using pedal power. Plus free
postcoding!
Contact: celebratingcycling@lancaster.gov.uk or call 01524 582086
Saturday 16th
Family Cycle Toddle Bike Ride
Burton in Kendal - Cinderbarrow - Deerslet & return. Meet: Burton Morewood School from
12.30 for 13.00 departure
A short, slow, fun ride. Perfect for families and those looking for an easy ride. We'll take a
back road route to Cinderbarrow for free train rides then onto Deerslet Tea Room and
Nurseries for tea and donkeys before heading home. Join us to see how easy it is to ride 6
miles.
Grade: NOVICE, 6 miles
Contact: To reserve a place, call us on 01524 782351 or email
Read our rides policy before joining a ride. It tells you what to bring and what to expect.
Slaidburn – High Bentham – Slaidburn
Part of the County Council Ride programme. A hilly ride (30 miles) that will require a fair level
of fitness. The route starts and ends in Slaidburn, via Bowland Knotts and Cross o’ Greet.
There is also a small detour included to High Bentham to allow for refreshments at the half –
way point. Meet Slaidburn Car Park.
Contact: mikehutchinson@fastmail.fm or call 01524 734467
Sunday 17th
Family Bike Ride
The Lune Valley (meet 11am at Green Ayre).
Grade: EASY/MODERATE, 12 miles
Contact: celebratingcycling@lancaster.gov.uk or call 01524 582086
CTC Ride to Grange over Sands
55 miles with refreshment stop at Beetham
Contact: mikehutchinson@fastmail.fm or call 01524 734467
Tuesday 19th June
Trolley Dash Bike Ride
Burton in Kendal - Dutton Arms (Holme) - Cinderbarrow (Yealand) - Priest Hutton/Borwick Carnforth & return. Meet: Burton Memorial Hall from 10.00 for 10.30 departure
Leave the car at home on this outing to the local supermarket by bike. Armed with panniers
and trailers, we'll make our way through the countryside to Carnforth. Then after shopping
and refreshment, we'll load up and head back home, making a pleasant, social outing out of
what can be a weekly chore.
Pick-ups (by prior arrangement only): Dutton Arms (for Holme)~10.40; Cinderbarrow (for
Yealands)~10.50; Priest Hutton~11.00, Borwick~11.10.
Grade: EASY/MODERATE, 12 miles
Contact: To reserve a place, call us on 01524 782351 or email
Read our rides policy before joining a ride. It tells you what to bring and what to expect.
Cycling Films
A second chance to see a selection of short films on cycling at the Dukes (FREE) - 7pm.
Great range of cycling on offer from courier racing to a prolific Scottish bike thief to Little Red
Riding Hood
Contact: celebratingcycling@lancaster.gov.uk or call 01524 582086
Wednesday 20th
Bike2Work Day
A district wide event encouraging all employees to cycle to work. For more information on
organising an event at your workplace please contact Beverley Harding on 01524 582086 or
email celebratingcycling@lancaster.gov.uk
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Bikers Breakfast, Dalton Square (0815 - 0945)
Celebrate cycling in style - Come and join us for croissants and coffee in Lancaster's
Dalton Square.
Plus FREE bike postcoding.
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URBAN Lunchtime Ride
Meet at 12:15, Dalton square for a 40-45 minute leisurely ride suitable for all abilities!
This circular ride will take us down the canal and will be predominantly off the road.
To register an interest call Beverley on the number above, or just turn up!
FREE workplace cycle training
Workplace cycle training is FREE on Wednesday 20th June only! Normal price £20
per hour. All levels catered for from basic cycle skills to gaining confidence on the
roads. One hour at lunchtime or after work, available at, or near, your workplace.
Why not run something at your workplace?
How about organising a group ride to the pub after work? Or set up a cycle challenge
for Bike Week with prizes for furthest cycled, most frequent cyclist etc. Or you could
follow Lancaster and Morecambe College's lead and book some free cycle training
that day. Or hold your own 'Bikers Breakfast' for those that cycle in like the Royal
Lancaster Infirmary are doing!
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Rivers, Parks & Gardens Bike Ride
Holme - Milnthorpe - Beetham – Holme. Meet: Holme Parish Hall from 10.30 for 11.00
departure
A relaxing ride around local rivers, parks and gardens, wending around Holme, Milnthorpe
and Beetham much like the river Bela. We'll take tea in Milnthorpe, bike through the Deer
Park, visit the Heron Corn Mill and take lunch at a local garden centre, before heading home
for an afternoon snooze.
Grade: NOVICE/EASY, 8 miles
Contact: To reserve a place, call us on 01524 782351 or email
Read our rides policy before joining a ride. It tells you what to bring and what to expect.
EVENING Family Bike Ride
Lancaster to Hest Bank (meet 6pm Nelson St car park)
Grade: EASY, 6 miles
Contact: celebratingcycling@lancaster.gov.uk or call 01524 582086
Thursday 21st June
RSPB Round Robin Bike Ride
Burton in Kendal - Yealand - Leighton Moss - Warton - Yealand - Burton in Kendal. Meet:
Burton Memorial Hall from 10.30 for 11.00 departure
A there and back ride taking in some of the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty and visiting the RSPB reserve at Leighton Moss. If bitterns and great bearded
tits do nothing for you, then perhaps the idea of coffee and cake in the tea room will persuade
you to join us on this calorie neutral ride.
Pick-ups (by prior arrangement only): Yealands (11.30)
Grade: EASY/MODERATE, 12 miles
Contact: To reserve a place, call us on 01524 782351 or email
Read our rides policy before joining a ride. It tells you what to bring and what to expect
Friday 22nd June
Over The Fell And Far Away
Holme - Hutton Roof - Clawthorpes - Holme (includes OFF ROAD), 19.00 - 21.30. Meet:
Holme Parish Hall from 18.30 for 19.00 departure
Have a go at some easy local off road riding on canal and fell on this longer, hillier, circular
evening outing up and around Hutton Roof, Farleton Fell and Clawthorpes. Be prepared for
climbs and descents of up to 150m on and off road as we find out who's the local King of The
Mountains. Pick-ups (by prior arrangement only): Hutton Roof ~20.00
Grade: CHALLENGE, 11 miles
Contact: To reserve a place, call us on 01524 782351 or email
Read our rides policy before joining a ride. It tells you what to bring and what to expect.
Sunday 24th June
Family Bike Ride
Lancaster to Sunderland Point (meet 11am at Millennium Bridge North).
Grade: EASY/MODERATE, 12 miles
Contact: celebratingcycling@lancaster.gov.uk or call 01524 582086
Wheely Big Day Out
Burton in Kendal - Arnside & return Meet: Burton Morewood School from 10.30 for 11.00
departure
Pick-ups (by prior arrangement only): Dutton Arms (for Holme)~11.15
An easy paced, family friendly day out by bike, on a circular route to the seaside at Arnside
and back again. With plenty of things to see and do on the way, you'll hardly notice the
cycling. We’ll have an extended stop at Arnside with time to walk, paddle or play, and have
fish and chips, ice-creams or a picnic, before pedalling home. By the time you get back we
guarantee you'll all be ready for bed.
Grade: MODERATE, 14 miles
Contact: To reserve a place, call us on 01524 782351 or email
Read our rides policy before joining a ride. It tells you what to bring and what to expect.
CTC Ride to Kirkby Lonsdale
45 miles with refreshment stop at Leighton Moss.
Contact: mikehutchinson@fastmail.fm or call 01524 734467
See www.bikeweek.org.uk for details of all Bike Week events
See our What's On Pages for details re all local events
SUMMER CYCLE TRAINING
Is the sunny weather getting you in the mood for cycling but do you need a bit of confidence?
Do you need some advice/information to help you with taking the kids out on a weekend?
Need some help to take that first step..?
Why not attend one of Pedal Power's fantastic maintenance or skills courses during June and
July for just £5 (£3 for children / unwaged adults). See course lists below.
OR take advantage of our FREE Bike buddy scheme to help you plan a route, feel more
confident or just get some friendly advice
Maintenance:
Sat June 16 (L2)
Tues June 26** (L3)
Fri July 6 (L2)
Thurs July 12** (L3)
Sat July 21 (L1)
Tues Jul 24 (L2)
Skills:
Fri June 22 (L2)
Call for info or to book on 01524 65328. All courses start at 1:30pm except those marked **
which start at 5:30pm
YOUNGSTERS CROSS THE FINISH LINE
Local school children have made it to the finish line after taking a virtual trip around
the world on their bikes.
The inter-schools competition was launched in January by Lancaster City Council and
Sustrans Bike It Officer, Kathy Bashford who invited round the world cyclist Alistair
Humphreys to talk to pupils of the district’s Bike It schools about his own adventure which
spanned 5 continents and 60 countries.Each time a child cycled to school, a number of miles
were added to their journey in a race to see which school could cover the 46,000 mile
expedition first.
24th of April saw the first pupils arrived back at base, fresh faced and ready for lessons at
Ellel St. John's School in Galgate. Moorside Primary School, Lancaster crossed the line less
than a week later followed by Westgate Primary School, Morecambe and more recently
Dallas Road School, Lancaster.
All schools who complete their round the world trip by July will be rewarded for their efforts by
a visit from three times junior world cycle trials champion Ben Slinger who will be amazing the
children with an exciting display of cycling tricks.
If you are interested in becoming a Bike It school for the next school year, or would like
support and information about cycling to school contact Kathy Bashford, Sustrans Bike It
Officer by e-mailing her at kathy.bashford@sustrans.org.uk.
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OTHER NEWS
For Sale / Wanted
Have the kids have outgrown their bikes?
Do you want to try before you buy?
Want to find a cycling friend?
Then why not post a message on the celebrating cycling website?
It will only take you a couple of minutes but could save you pounds / free up useful space
Date for your Diary - Local Prologue
The Tour de France 2007 starts in London with a 7.9 km prologue. To celebrate there will be
7.9km prologues across the UK. One will be held around Salt Ayre Cycle Track on Saturday
14 July, promoted by Lancaster Cycling Club.
Race against the clock for just under 5 miles. Open to all. Full details coming soon. For
more info contact 01524-844162
Urgent Petition: re Highway Code cycling
The proposed new Highway Code says cyclists should "use cycle facilities where possible". If
approved, cyclists will effectively lose the right to ride on the road where there are alternative
routes or adjacent facilities. This is also likely to result in more abuse and intimidation from
drivers.
Also, if a cyclist is knocked down and injured, the motorist's insurers will be able to argue that
the rider contributed to the accident by not using the cycle facility. Unless there is an
unprecedented amount of adverse publicity to persuade the government to re-write this
version of the Highway Code, this will become law. If you want to prevent this, please join in
registering your name on the petition here and persuade others to do the same.
See http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/roads4bikes/?signed=acceae5.4a673d and pass it on
Ride of the Roses - Date Change!!
This ride will now take place on Sunday September 16th
Join the first ever 'Hearts First - Ride of the Roses' event with hundreds of cyclists tackling the
100 mile route from Lancaster to York all to raise money to help the fight against heart
disease.
The route has been designed so that riders go through some of the most beautiful scenery,
starting and finishing in two of the country’s most historic towns. Both towns will offer a full
family orientated cycling programme on the day, so if a 100 mile ride is too much there will be
other activities in which to take part.
Entry fee £15.
See www.bhf.org.uk for more details