Newsnet 23.10.09 23/10/2009

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IN THIS ISSUE OF NEWSNET ^ Darth Vader on a bike \| ^ Belfast bike ban \| ^ Winter warmers and crap cycle lanes \| ^ A trip to paradise \| ^ Member Benefit: Legal Advice

	Darth Vader on a bike The Commons Public Accounts Committee have just published a report on pedestrian and cyclist safety in which they called for more 20mph speed limits, traffic calming and speed cameras. Yet the Daily Mail latched onto a paragraph in the report which MPs urge the Government to tackle the “irresponsible behaviour of some cyclists [who] are a hazard to themselves and other road users”. This is based on an anti-cyclist tirade made by David Curry MP earlier this summer, where he talked about cyclists dressed like Darth Vader! CTC’s Roger Geffen said: “Can we please deal with reality rather than perceptions as cyclists are far more likely to be the victims than the perpetrators of irresponsible behaviour on our roads”. The only truth in David Curry’s words is the fact that Darth, as he’s known to his CTC pals, does actually ride a bike!
	Belfast bike ban There are plans to restrict cycling on two busy streets in Belfast. As part of the ‘Streets Ahead’ scheme, cyclists will only be allowed to travel in one direction on Donegall Place and Queens Street. CTC Councillor for Northern Ireland Barry Flood told Newsnet: “CTC and Sustrans worked closely with the independent consultants to advise on the safe routing of cyclists through Belfast city centre. In spite of this, the Department of Social Development has decided to ignore the consultants’ expert advice that options other than two-way cycle access through Donegall Place would force cyclists into some of the heaviest traffic in the city centre. Both in terms of cyclist safety and encouraging cycling in Belfast this perverse decision, taken in the face of professional advice to the contrary, is incomprehensible and will put the lives of ordinary cyclists in Belfast city centre at completely unnecessary risk."
	Welsh resort bans seafront cycling Councillors in Llandudno have decided to ban cyclists from using the promenade and have dismissed advice from cycling groups who support a route along the north shore. Instead, the council is proposing to direct NCN 5 around the perimeter of the town through some of its most unpleasant roads, avoiding shops, hotels and the Great Orme, but providing a wonderful view of a breakers yard! CTC Right to Ride Rep for the area Roy Spilsbury said: “CTC will take whatever action is necessary to confront this blatant discrimination and social exclusion.” Local cyclists, and those familiar with the area, can email in protest to highways@conwy.gov.uk. More information can be found on http://www.cyclingnorthwales.co.uk/.
	Mayor claims to help cycle safety – yet cuts lorry police unit Today the Mayor of London has published a draft Cycle Safety Action Plan, with a heavy focus on dealing with the disproportionate threat posed by lorries. Unfortunately at the same time he has cut funding for the specialised police unit that dealt with illegal lorry use. There are a few good suggestions, but overall the document is just a list of existing programmes and inexplicably misses out the role of 20 mph limits in making London’s streets safer. CTC will be responding in detail to the plan – initial thoughts are on the CTC website.
	Cotton wool kids This week’s Daily Telegraph featured the Gyrowheel, which aims to eliminate the bumps and scrapes children sometimes suffer when learning to ride bikes. The technology, originally developed to help people learn to ride unicycles, works by means of a motorised gyroscope embedded in the bike’s front wheel which aids balance and can be gradually turned down as the rider’s balance improves. CTC’s Senior Cycle Training Officer Greg Woodford said: “Parents could either buy bikes without pedals or simply remove the pedals from the child’s own bike - it’s better for children to develop their own sense of balance rather than use so-called ‘training aids’, including stabilizers.”
	And pigs do fly? Newsnet has recently featured photos of a road sign warning of numerous road humps and also of pig-shaped cycle parking in Devon, both sent in by readers. Now Frank Burns has combined the two with this photo of a mysterious sign encountered on the road running the length of the Isle of Raasay in Scotland. He wonders what Newsnet readers make of it…
	Cracknell cracked the record As featured in last week’s Newsnet, Olympic rowing champion James Cracknell and his team of relay riders have beaten the record for completing the End to End in a time of under 35 hours. Cracknell said: “They were taking me along at 25mph at times. It was an amazing experience to ride up the entire length of the country.”
	Research job in cycling The University of East London is seeking applications for the position of research fellow on a new 22-month project entitled “Cycling Cultures in a Mass Motorised Society”. Although the position is advertised as post-doctorate, candidates with a relevant social research masters degree and research experience (not necessarily academic) are encouraged to apply. The project is supported by CTC.
	Bright days Down Under Good news from Western Australia: the Federal Government has announced a package of $2.8 million to fund cycling infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, over in Bright, Victoria, the Australian equivalent of France’s Semaine Federale and our own Birthday Rides will take place from 17 to 23 January 2010. The event will be a week-long celebration of cycle touring in a festival atmosphere and international visitors are welcome.
	Bicycle song As you may be feeling a little gloomy at the prospect of the clocks going back this weekend, we have found something that will cheer you up: a YouTube video of extraordinary cycling images, accompanied by a chirpy song in Italian extolling the joys of the bicycle. The video is quite long at 4 minutes, and has some fleeting nudity in it, but is well worth watching to the end - I guarantee you’ll be singing along to the chorus and have a smile on your face!
	Winter warmers and crap cycle lanes As we get ready for shorter, darker days don’t put your bike away for the season. For help and inspiration to keep cycling this winter, you can read not one but two guides on the Guardian’s bike blog. You can also upload your pictures of the world’s worst cycle lanes on their group on Flickr.
	A trip to paradise Fancy winter sun and an opportunity to explore the southern tip of India? Places are available on the CTC tour to Kerala next year. Warmth and sunshine; palm-fringed beaches, tea, coffee and spice plantations; friendly people and superb South Indian cuisine await you. Cruise the fabulous inland waterways on converted rice barges. Visit Cochin's antique and spice warehouses, witness sunsets over the harbour and enjoy traditional Kathakali dance. India, Kerala and Tamil Nadu is a 16-day holiday from 20 February to 7 March. CTC holidays are not-for-profit and are exclusive to CTC members. For more information or to book your place see the CTC Holidays website.
	Member Benefit: Legal Advice If you are injured or your bike is damaged in a cycling accident, you may be entitled to a cash payment for your losses. In 2008 CTC Accident Line undertook 380 personal injury claims for CTC members, which has resulted in almost £2 million being recovered in damages. The CTC Accident Line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is no fee, irrespective of the outcome of your case: if you win, you keep 100% of your compensation. Cases are conducted with personal injury specialist solicitors Russell Jones and Walker. CTC Accident Line is available on 0844 736 8452.