CycleClips 29.07.11  29/07/2011

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In this week's newsletter: read the latest on the struggle for cycle-friendly speed limits; how Boris Bikes will take over more of London by 2013; an online auction site that's working to make life difficult for bike thieves; plus some ideas for entertaining the kids during the school holiday.
20’s plenty for Cambridge… and Blackfriars
Cambridge moved closer to implementing a blanket 20mph limit in residential areas this week as city councillors unanimously backed Cllr Sarah Brown’s motion to join up the 20mph zones. Notwithstanding mixed reports about the twelve month trial, every city councillor supported the motion after Cllr Brown told them what it’s like being a cyclist.
Despite years of campaigning for lower speed limits on the arterial roads that carry cyclists across the Thames, Transport for London have denied the wishes of London Cycling Campaign and will implement plans to speed up traffic on Blackfriars Bridge this weekend. Activists say the temporary 20mph limit must stay, since the bridge carries over 6,000 cyclists per day and has a history of cycle crashes. A protest ride took place today and others are planned.
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Cycle to Work + VAT
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs has ruled that Cycle To Work, the UK’s salary sacrifice benefit scheme for leasing a bike, can no longer be VAT free. The decision will make bikes more expensive through the initiative but, by clearing another grey area in the legal structure of these deals, it should help convince concerned employers that it’s a robust scheme. The Cycle To Work Alliance supports the decision. For employers, the benefits of their employees cycling to work are considerable: cyclists take 10-15% fewer sick days off with each cyclist worth around £50 to the economy per year.

 

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How to fill the summer holidays?
With the school holidays now here, you may be looking for ways to occupy some restless children. You could try to catch children’s storytellers The Cycling Gypsies on their journey through England. Families in the East Midlands can visit Henry the skeleton (pictured) at Snibston Discovery Museum to help him clock up the 5,070 miles from Beijing to London in time for the Olympics. Or how about a few days away next week at the New Forest Rally? Those planning a cycling holiday might like Eric van der Horst’s new guide to Cycling in The Netherlands.

 

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The future of our forests
Following the abortive sale of the public forest estate earlier this year, the Forest Access Panel has been considering the future of England’s forests. There are a few days left to submit your views to the Panel and answer their questions. CTC’s response is here.

 

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Boris Bikes go west
Happy first birthday to London’s Cycle Hire Scheme! To mark the occasion, Boris Johnson announced that Barclays has pledged an additional £25 million in sponsorship which will help get bums on saddles in West and South-West London from 2013.

 

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Going, Going, Gone!
Brompton Bicycle has named online auction site Going Going Bike as its preferred retailer of used Bromptons because the site insists that sellers list frame numbers. making the bikes identifiable and making the site unattractive to those who sell stolen goods. Meanwhile, the Police have proven that they can sometimes catch bike thieves.

 

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Potholes by postcode
CTC’s press office has received a call from the TV production company that makes the Postcode Lottery documentary series. They want to interview a cyclist who has had a problem with a pothole. Send your story and your full contact details to publicity@ctc.org.uk.

 

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Use The Force
Toyota is developing a gear changer for bicycles that does not need the cyclist to touch a shifter. However, since the prototype involves wearing a headset and carrying a laptop, they’ve still got some work to do. How does it work?

 

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Created by  alex.bailey@ctc.org.uk  on  29/07/2011