important questions for dcn members
TRANSCRIPT
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DORSET CYCLISTS’ NETWORK
www.dcn.org.ukfounded 1992
campaigning for all cyclists in Dorset
Newsletter no 50August 2005
Recommended price to non-members: 50p
IN THIS ISSUE
DONE WITH YOUR NEWSLETTER?
Don’t throw it away! Recycle it by placing it in your local library
or doctor’s waiting room.
DCN WORKS FOR YOU - COULD YOU WORK FOR DCN?
We need an auditorWe urgently need someone to act as auditor of our accounts. Under our constitution this can be anyone who is not a committee member. It’s a once-a-year job, essential for ensuring that the interests of the paid-up members are protected. If you are reasonably good with figures and could spare a few hours each year, please speak to our Treasurer Peter Watkins (details next page)And we need a TreasurerPeter is at present both Treasurer and Membership Secretary. He also works full time and has other voluntary commitments. Could you offer to do one of these roles and halve his DCN workload? Please speak to Peter to find out what’s involved.
SHOULD DCN BECOME A COMPANY AND A CHARITY?
Our parent body CCN has recently become a Company Limited by Guarantee. This protects those who run it by limiting their personal liability to claims against the organisation. It would seem sensible for DCN to consider a similar process to protect those who volunteer for office. There might also be a case for applying for charitable status.However, your committee does not have anyone with the necessary expertise to guide us on such things. We need the help of any members with this kind of knowledge.Please speak to the Chairman (details next page) if you can offer guidance and/or practical assistance.
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR DCN MEMBERS
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The two questions above were raised by the DCN Chairman at Wareham on 18 June. For a copy of the Chairman’s 2004/5 report or a copy of the AGM proceedings, please send an email or S.A.E to the Chairman or Secretary (see next page for addresses)
2 Your local contacts3 Diary; Poole4 Bournemouth; Bridport; Health & Cycling5 Blandford; 6 Purbeck7 Ferndown Industrial estate9 Police 10 Rail to Trail and general news
11 Letters12 Weymouth & Portland13 Wimborne14 National & International; Salisbury15 Australia16 More national news; Aches and Pains?18 Crossword
19 Dealing with cycling critics20 France; Improve your driving21 California22 Useful contacts23 Hi-Vis order form; Discounts24 Membership information
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Chairman: Michael Evans QPMFarrs Coach House, Wimborne BH21 4EL 01202 880966 fax 0870 130 6358 [email protected]
County Secretary: John Pritchard3 Alexandra Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7EY 01258 455699 [email protected]
Treasurer/Membership/Insurance/ETA: Peter Watkins 1a Greenhill Close, Colehill, Wimborne BH21 2RQ 01202 884122 [email protected]
Blandford: John Pritchard (as above)[email protected]
Bournemouth: Keith Bichard 59 Heathwood Road Bournemouth BH9 2JZ01202 [email protected]
Bridport : Matthew Beeching Hillview, Dodhams Lane, Bridport DT6 3DY 01308 421381
Christchurch: Chris Birkhead204 Bellevue Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth BH6 3AH 01202 [email protected]
Dorchester: Roland Tarr 70 Monmouth Rd, Dorchester DT1 2DG 01305 262359 [email protected]
Lyme Regis: Julian Bond Spinney, Rocombe, Lyme Regis DT7 3RR 01297 444595 [email protected]
Poole: Bob Frew “Hillcrest”17 High Park Road, Poole BH18 9DE 01202 693480 [email protected]
Purbeck: John Thraves 6 Elm Villas Wareham BH20 4AE tel 01929 554550 [email protected]
Sherborne: Mark Brettell4 Huish Farm Cottages, Bradford Abbas, DT9 6RE 01935 410462 [email protected]
Weymouth & Portland: Mike Kelly13 Viscount Road, Weymouth DT4 9EP 01305 775363 [email protected]
Wimborne: Michael Evans (as above)[email protected]
DCN County Committee
The newsletter is compiled by the Chairman and published in February, May, August and November.Deadlines are 1st day of January, April, July and October. Send copy by e-mail or clearly typed
to Chairman DCN. Images in JPG please. Send s.a.e. for return of photos, cartoons and other artwork
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DORSET CYCLISTS’ NETWORKDCN was founded in Wimborne in 1992 and has grown to cover most of Dorset. Our main aim is to promote cycling in the County. A committee, elected annually, is responsible for policy, general
management and finance, while the DCN Branches below are responsible for promoting cycling in their areas. Membership is open to all. DCN is affiliated to the Cycling Campaign Network (CCN), the
Cyclists Touring Club (CTC) and Sustrans. We are members of the Dorset Cycling Liaison Forum and agents for the Environmental Transport Association. Our Constitution, policies and minutes are
available to members by sending a stamped addressed envelope or e-mail to the Chairman
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Rides & EventsVisit the DCN web site for updates
Entries on this page are free. Send details to the Chairman
Sunday 7 AugustDCN Wimborne ride Michael Evans 01202 880966
Sunday 4 SeptemberDCN Wimborne rideDavid Bourne 01202 882721
Saturday 10 September Historic Churches sponsored ride Mrs Butler 01305 260004
Sunday 18 September Meningitis Charity Ride Malcolm Hurley 01202 882466
Sunday 9 OctDCN Wimborne ride David Bourne 01202 882721
Sunday 6 NovDCN Wimborne ride David Bourne 01202 882721
Sunday 4 Dec.DCN Wimborne ride David Bourne 01202 882721
Saturday Mornings in the New Forest Meet 8.45am every Saturday at the Pioneer Store Car Park, Christchurch or 9am near “The Oak PH”, Burton. Return to start by noon. 20 miles. Car park available Just turn up
West Dorset CTC Saturday SauntersEvery two weeks, starts alternating between Weymouth (RSPB hut, Swannery Car Park) and Dorchester (Top o'Town cafe). 10.15 for 10.30 start. About 25 leisurely miles with pub/cafe/picnic lunch. Quiet lanes, no one left behind.Gail 01305 261345 or www.wessexctc.org/
Thursday mornings at 10am in term time, weather permitting, starting from Boscombe Pier. 1½ hour ride mainly off road, average speed 8 mph. Mr A Prickett 24 Keswick Road Bournemouth BH5 1LR
PooleContact: Bob Frew
Design of the new Twin Sails Bridge.from Bob Frew
Members of the Cycling Liaison Advisory Group (CLAG) have been unhappy with the provision for cyclists on the new bridge. A protective barrier was proposed between the footway and the roadway, a cycle lane being marked by a white line on the roadway.
Cyclists would have had no protection from cars and heavy lorries and traffic encroaching into the cycle lane and there would have been no escape for cyclists through the barrier and onto the footpath.
On 24 June I and other CLAG members discussed the proposed design with officers of Poole’s transportation department. Our preferred solution was and still is to re-position the barrier between the cyclists and the traffic, This however would involve a major redesign.
The result has been a compromise. The new plan is to raise the cycle lane surface to produce a 25 mm kerb where it meets the roadway, the cycle lane to be coloured and to fall towards the main carriageway to promote drainage. A dwarf removable post and rail fence 75 mm high will be placed on the roadway side edge of the cycle lane. The combined height of the kerb and the fence would be 100 mm (4 inches.)
This solution falls far short of our original request, but it is an improvement on the current plan, and I expect it will be presented to the transport advisory group.
The bridge project is due to go to public enquiry in September, and I hope that the issue of protection for cyclists on the bridge will be resolved by then.(Chairman’s comment: This appears to be a case of failing to consult interested parties before or during the design stage - something which we were promised years ago at CLAG would not happen in future!)
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BournemouthDCN contact: Vacant
Pedal-Power Politics!In the May 5 election, the Monster Raving Loony Party showed originality by proposing that to improve fitness, combat obesity and solve global-warming problems, all television sets and home computers should be powered only by people using pedal operated generators.
Arts Institute gets on its bike
At Bournemouth Arts Institute (now a Group Member of DCN) good travel planning has resulted in around 14% of students coming to their studies by bike, and an impressive portion of the rest walk or use public transport, according to Travel coordinator Simon Adams. This is just as well, since car parking is going to be even more restricted in future when new buildings have to go up to accommodate the growing number of students. “Staff are also discouraged from car parking and have to pay the going rate,” said Simon during a week of cycling awareness events during Bike Week.
Parking for bikes has been provided at various sites around the Institute complex
Simon Adams
BridportDCN contact: Matthew Beeching
We offer a Warm Welcome at
West Bay near BridportBed and Breakfast
for cyclistsTent rates or Room Rates
We can provide a few tents and sleeping bagsAll you have to bring is a sheet sleeping bag
Phone to book 01308 423475or e-mail [email protected]
ACCOMMODATION PRICE PER NIGHT
Single Bed own room £15.00
Double room 2 people 1 person
£10 per person£15.00
Tent providedSleeping bag includedBRING YOUR OWN
SHEET SLEEPING BAG
£12.00 PER TENTMaximum 2 people
Bring your own tent(limited space)
£6.00 per tent
Breakfast £8.00
HEALTH & CYCLINGDriving cars contributes to traffic congestion, air pollution and the risk of injury and death to road users, whereas walking and cycling pose little risk to others and provide opportunities for physical activity, says the British Medical Journal. The BMJ says: “Increasing physical activity . . . is the best buy for improving public health” and highlights a review doctors should study about promoting walking and cycling as an alternative to using cars. This can be found at http://bmj/bmjjounals.com/
A public meeting for cyclists was called on 2 June. Despite wide publicity it was poorly attended, but there are several cycling issues Matthew feels need attention and he intends to contact local cyclists for an informal get-together and discussion later in the summer.
Meanwhile DCN members in the Bridport area are asked to contact Matthew and to give him their support.
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BlandfordDCN contact: John Pritchard
St Martin’s HouseBed & Breakfast Accommodation
White Cliff Mill Street, BLANDFORD FORUM, Dorset
DT11 7BP 01258 451245
Located in the town of Blandford Forum, with its fine Georgian architecture,
St Martin's House offers delightfully light, spacious accommodation, combining classic
period features with warmth and comfort. Easy walk to Blandford town centre.
Secure, lockable, undercover storage for bicycles.
Visit our web site for full detailswww.stmartinshouse.co.uk
Alan Cooper of DCN Blandford wrote to the town council: Dear Sirs, I have resided in Blandford for just over a year and recently joined Dorset Cyclists Network. I was surprised to learn in their newsletter that cycling stands in the market place had not been provided despite a government grant being available. The nearest are a paltry three by the library. If they are available I then have to walk several hundred yards to various shops, which is no mean feat with MS. Or I could cause inconvenience to others by placing it against a post on the pavement. I'd really like more bike stands around the centre and edges of town. There aren't even any at Somerfields. Anything that will encourage people to get off their backsides sat in a car to alleviate the awful congestion and flow of traffic in East Street would be welcome. Yours Truly, Alan Cooper(Editor’s comment: Good for you Alan! We need more DCN members to take up their pens and let councillors know what needs doing. Blandford’s Town Clerk has answered to say the matter will be discussed by the Council))
Bournemouth University
Showers now open!The new showers in the extension to Christchurch House are now open! The university has had to work its way through a number of problems with contractors, design and production. The following web link carries a couple of pictures of the men’s and ladies’ shower areas. Students and staff who cycle should take a look at them and use them!http://portal.bournemouth.ac.uk/txtlstvw.aspx?LstID=42466962-ace9-4413-9ca4-2b0e92ccf97f Martin Handford [email protected] University 01202 967334 Fax 967398
(Bournemouth University is a Group member of DCN)
Doctors U-turn on helmetsThe British Medical Association voted to press for a law to stop people of all ages from cycling without a helmet, following a brief debate in Manchester recently. This was opposed by some doctors and by the CTC who said it would do more harm to health by discouraging cycling than anything helmets might achieve.
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Purbeckcontact:John Thraves
Wareham’s Mayor’s opened the Northport Greenway cycle link from Wareham Quay to Wareham Forest in April. It was a great success with 56 riders taking part. The route will link campsites in the forest to the National Cycle Network at Stoborough.
Cycling in Wareham Forest
Anne Selby (Mayor) on the left and Diane Cleaton, (Mayoress) on right. John Thraves in the background
getting things organised
OUT OF CAR EXPERIENCES - PURBECK SHOWS THE WAY!
Purbeck DC, the National Trust and other agencies including DCN have produced a pack of six circular local cycle rides from 8 to 47 miles. It was financed by Dorset County Council. You can get the pack free from • Purbeck DC Offices 01929 556561• Purbeck or Swanage T.I.C.s• Norden Cycle Station• National Trust 01202 843004• John Thraves DCN Purbeck (see p.2)• download from www.purbeck-dc.gov.uk/tourism/category.asp?strareano=24_1_14
The Northport Greenway
CYCLE RIDESJohn Thraves writes: The first Purbeck Freewheelers ride was on 17 April to Lulworth Castle. The next on 17 July 2005 marked the opening of the Rempstone Circular Route linking Poole via the ferry and Studland. Wednesday evening rides began on 20 April with a trip to to Middlebere Farm, Norden These start at 6.30pm from Purbeck Sports Centre every week until the end of August.Hope to see you on our rides. Watch the DCN web site for the latest details
CYCLING PROFICIENCYAt the three sessions we have attended, the young people doing Levels 1 and 2 all passed, but I wish I could say the same for some of the bicycles. On a level 1 session 70% of the cycles were unroadworthy or unsafe, mostly due to poor brakes or lack of them. Parents should inspect cycles before they send their children to the classes, and especially look at brakes, tyre pressures and gears. See also late news from Purbeck on page 19
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SADDLE ON OFFERI was lucky enough to ''win'' a saddle from The Prostate Res Campaign News. It is designed to relieve pressure in the perineal area. It does not suit me but anyone interested can contact me. Alan Chitty 01202 883474
Heli Polonen is Accessibility Coordinator for the Ferndown and Uddens industrial estates. She organised a Bike-to-Work Day on 17 June by offering free breakfast to anyone arriving at work by sustainable transport. 23 free breakfasts were served at the Schlumberger site – not a huge number considering the hundreds who work on the two estates, but nevertheless there was an increase on the usual number cycling to work. Nick Manning of Halford’s, Ferndown was on hand to check bikes over, and Darren Hall, travel plan coordinator for the County Council was also there to encourage and publicise sustainable transport.Heli is hoping to create a BUG and has been assured of DCN support.
Anyone interested in finding out about the estates’ Forum should visit
www.ferndownforum.com.uk or ring 01202 862443
L to R: Heli Polonen, Nick Manning, Darren Hall
Ferndown Industrial Estate
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BE CAREFUL IN BOURNEMOUTH
2004 was quite a good year for cyclists in Dorset with accidents lower than for some considerable time. But we mustn’t be complacent, as each accident is one too many. The following six roads are the most dangerous in Dorset to travel along on a cycle. They are all in Bournemouth:
• Poole Road between Branksome and Westbourne.• Christchurch Road, Bournemouth.• Charminster Road, Bournemouth.• Queens Park Avenue, Bournemouth.• Castle Lane West, Bournemouth.• Somerford Road, Bournemouth.
They mainly involve foreign students, many of whom are ignorant of our traffic laws and cycle on the wrong side of the road, ignore traffic lights and signs etc. We are working with language schools to educate the students.
POLICE MATTERSFrom David Lawrence and Vivienne Bedford, Dorset Police
CYCLING ACCIDENTSContrary to popular belief we do stop cyclists who are committing offences and issue £30 fines to them.
A fatal accident occurred in Poole Road, Westbourne on a quiet Sunday morning in July when a Colombian language student was riding towards Bournemouth and collided with a parked car and then a single decker bus. It was tragic that a young girl should die so far from home. The bus driver, who could do nothing to avoid the accident, was so traumatised that he hasn’t driven a bus since.
Bareback riding - on bikes!Several hundred cyclists, most of them naked, rode through London on 18 June. They were protesting against oil dependency and “celebrating the body.”Apparently this was a world wide event but we didn’t notice any at our AGM the same day in Wareham. Pity . . .
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Beryl's B & B
Attractive Victorian house on the outskirts of Wareham
and the Isle of Purbeck with its beautiful views, places to visit
and the Jurassic CoastEn suite rooms, parking, children
welcome, open all year. Sorry no pets. Cycle storage.
Tel 01929 550138Mobile 07860 503944
Email [email protected]
Rail to Trail
The conversion process of the old Somerset & Dorset Railway line to a trailway is slowly advancing. The latest news from Giles Nicholson, Dorset Countryside Country Senior Ranger, is that negotiations are taking place on the possibility of a bridge over the road at Fiddleford.
This may be aided by a “Liveability” Fund grant recently awarded and being administered through North Dorset District Council.
Bikes on EurostarBikes which can be packed down into a 90 x 120 cm package and contained in a bag or case can be taken as one of two large items of luggage. If you want to keep the bike assembled, or the size cannot be reduced sufficiently, the bike travels in the luggage compartment. For this you must book a space, or send your bike by an earlier train.
CYCLING MAPS FOR DORSET SOON
Goldeneye is a small independent company producing top quality maps, travel guides, walking maps and cycling maps (for off-road mountain bikers, and for cycling country lanes & byways) in England and Wales. They have maps for Cornwall, Cotswolds, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, Norfolk, Peak District and Suffolk and intend to produce some for Dorset in 2006. There will be discounts for DCN members.
Goldeneye are at Unit 10 Chivenor Business Park, Chivenor,
Barnstaple, EX31 4AY Tel. 01271 813040
e-mail: [email protected] web: www.goldeneyemaps.com
WimborneContact: Michael Evans
Safe routes to Allenbourn SchoolTown Councillor Val Baker (a DCN member) reports that at a School Council meeting on 8 June, class representatives made suggestions for cycle routes to be signed in the underpass by Somerfields supermarket, along East Borough and along Allenview Road. However, the school does not yet have a Travel Plan, so it’s hoped they will now develop one.
Kingston Lacy safe cycle accessAs promised in the last newsletter, we have written to the Director-General of the National Trust asking for help in achieving a safe cycle route into Kingston Lacy Estate. An acknowledgement has been received. Robert Walter MP and John Grimshaw of Sustrans have also undertaken to speak to the Director General in support of the DCN aim.
More Wimborne news on page 13
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Greenwood Guest House
Small friendly B&B
in a quiet road (some off road
parking)
Lockable garage for bicycles
Easy level walking distance to beach and town centre
Conveniently located for railway station (mainline to London) and Condor Ferry (to the
Channel Islands)Open All Year
1 Holland Road, Weymouth, DT4 0ALTel: 01305 775626
www.greenwoodguesthouse.co.ukE-mail [email protected]
RALEIGH CENTRE
42 ST. MARY ST, WEYMOUTH 01305 781831
NEW AND USED BICYCLES
CYCLE SALESSPARES, REPAIRS
SERVICING ANDACCESSORIES
from Ed Hurn, DCN BlandfordI thought you might like to see this photo of the bike facilities on German trains.Each train has at least two bike compartments. The sides have flip-up seats and securing straps for bikes which "reel-in" like a car seat belt when not in use. On double-deck trains there is even more space for bikes. Regards Ed
WRITE TO US!
DCN welcomes articles, letters and feedback. Please feel free to write in. To comment on the newsletter you could tell us:
† What I like most about it is:† What needs improving is:† I would like to more about:† I would like to see less about:† other constructive comments.
Send your comments by letter, fax or e-mail (not by phone please) to the Chairman
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Main Shimano Repair Centre for West DorsetMain Agents for Brompton, Saracen, Specialised, BH, Peugeot
0% finance available on new bikes over £169New and Used Cycles
Repairs, Spares, Accessories for all types of cyclingOpen until 8.00pm Thursday
Ample Free Parking128 Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth DT4 0JS
Tel 01305 776977 e-mail [email protected] Site www.cycles.freeservers.com
Discount for DCN membersHire Bikes
Weymouth & Portlandcontact: Mike Kelly
Rob and Beatie Coward
These two intrepid DCN members from Weymouth & Portland left
England on 15 June, for a 1000 km cycle across France, from St Malo to Gap. Beatie is disabled and can only walk a few hundred yards without considerable difficulty due to a back problem, so this trip is indeed an adventure for her. Rob and Beatie will be wearing their DCN waistcoats will keep us in touch with their progress.
They have a lovely gîte in Laborel (Drôme) sleeping 5/6 people which can be hired. For details visit http://doucement.chez.tiscali.fr/index.html
Weymouth Charity Cycle Ride This had been postponed until 24 July. It featured a 26 mile time trial on a mainly rural route and a gentle mainly off-road 4.5 mile ride on the Rodwell Trail.
Weymouth Cycle-InThis ride on 31 August will start at 6.30pm from points about 4 - 5 miles from the Town Centre on a leisurely trip to meet up at The Princess Diana Memorial Gardens for a picnic.
Contact Mike Kelly for details.
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Wimborne DCN Contact: Michael Evans
Nice ridesThanks to our rides coordinator David Bourne, our monthly rides have again been successful this year, with between 10 and 15 riders including new and prospective members. Most of our rides are 2-3 hours, and no one gets left behind. To find out more ring David on 01202 882721LEFT Bournemouth Central GardensRIGHT A stop at the River Allen bridge near High Hall to play Pooh-Sticks.
EAST BOROUGH DANGER ADDRESSEDSince No Entry signs went up some years ago at the junction of East Borough with The Square, many drivers have assumed East Borough to be a one-way street and have cut the corner when travelling round the bend towards The Square. They often find themselves faced with with a cyclist legally coming the other way having started from north of the signs. Following representations from DCN the County Council agreed to a new arrow on the road surface to dissuade motorists from this practice
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GROVE LODGE B & B WIMBORNE
DCN members Ruth and Richard Bush
offer a warm, friendly welcome to their family home, with its quiet, peaceful garden.
A few minutes level walk from the town centre.Off road parking, lockable garage for bikes, drying facilities. Maps, routes and useful information from
cyclists for cyclists! Situated opposite Samways cycle shop for all your cycling needs.
Open all year . Children welcome. 2,Grove Road, Wimborne BH21 1BW
01202 882697www.grovelodgewimborne.come-mail [email protected]
National and International News
Parliamentary All Party Cycling GroupThe new Chair is Emily Thornberry (Lab), the newly elected MP for Islington South, a member of the London Cycling Campaign.
Re-Cycle your Cycle Re-Cycle, the charity that fixes & sends old bikes to Africa, to provide transport to schools etc, has been nominated as one of the candidates for Money Saving Expert, a web site (www.moneysavingexpert.com ) that gives money to charities. Visit http://www.re-cycle.org/
London Bike Hire A self-service automated bicycle hire system called “OYBike” has been piloted successfully for the past 12 months in Hammersmith and Fulham, and their bikes can be spotted locked up at various locations around West London. Enquiries to Bernie Hanning, OYBike Systems Ltd, AMC House 12 Cumberland Avenue, London NW10 7QL tel: 0845 226 5751, www.oybike.com, e-mail [email protected]
Cyclists in the capital In London, motorists have come to terms with cyclists, says Matt Seaton*. Cycle lanes and advance-stop lines at intersections have shown that cyclists have a right to road-space. Traffic calming measures and speed cameras have also helped to make the capital's roads seem a less scary environment. The congestion zone has also proved a boon: cycling is reportedly up 30% in the area. Transport for London's budget for cycling is going up from £7m to £19m to "grow" bike use. More people are riding to work, and others feel safer on their bikes and join them. For improving public health, making city centres sustainable, reducing car dependency and cutting CO2 emissions, cycling is the future. London is winning that race, even if much of the rest of the country seems stuck in low gear. *Source The Guardian 13 April 2005
More national news on page 16
News from Salisbury
New cycling mapThis city being close to Dorset’s northern boundary, we have an interest in keeping a close tie with COGS, the Salisbury Cycling Opportunities Group. An active group which helps to develop cycling routes in their district, they helped produce Salisbury’s new cycling map showing recommended and dedicated routes. You can get one of these useful maps from 01722 434581 or [email protected]
To join or make enquiries of COGS, ring 01722 325608 or e-mail [email protected] web site is www.cogsbike.org.uk
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E-mail [email protected] 10% discount for DCN members
We are touring Australia and were
heading south from Darwin on the Stuart Highway towards the tiny township of Daly Waters when we were flagged down by a vehicle at the side of the road. We were asked verify the stopping point for Andreas Dagelet, a paraplegic who is cycling 17,000km around Australia to gain a place in the Guinness Book of Records. He is using a specially adapted hand driven cycle. Having finished his day's quota, he needed us to verify in writing the point he had reached, the kilometre marker by the side of the road. Andreas is 38, and told us that he broke his back in 1995 in an accident “involving a tree and gravity.”
We have only seen a handful of touring cyclists on our journey and they were not having an easy
time of it. To do it using only your upper body muscles would seem to be an extra dimension in difficulty. Meeting people like Andreas and Mark makes us feel both humble and uplifted; Andreas for overcoming the accident which altered his life for
ever, and Mark, his friend since childhood in New Zealand, for taking a year out of his normal life to accompany him.
Andreas and Mark left Brisbane on 3 April and have to return there by April 2006. Andreas hopes to raise money for various children’s charities. Visit www.handcycleoz.com for details.
If DCN members would like to support his cause, please send a donation to Chairman DCN, who will redirect it to Andreas.
CYCLING ROUND AUSTRALIAfrom Jenny and Ian Lawrie, DCN Wimborne
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Competitive prices and £5 discount for DCN members
TENSE or INJURED MUSCLES,
ACHES & PAINS?David Pattison of DCN is a Registered Therapist offering a generous discount to DCN members needing his services. He can give massage therapy for sports strains and injuries, neck and back pain, and occupational therapy for work-related stress. DCN members can have up to an hour’s treatment for only £12, a large reduction on his normal prices. He normally treats people in the clinic at his home, but can also bring a portable couch to do home visits. David says “I’m good on cyclists from calves to the back and neck”. In addition, David is offering a free clinic for charity rides or give backup to help fund raisers’ events.
Contact him at 10 Whitehouse Road, Wimborne BH21 1QP tel: 01202 882824 e-mail [email protected]
More national news
Drop in cycling in 2004According to the Dept for Transport’s traffic survey, cycling in GB fell by 14% in the 2nd quarter of last year and 21% in the final quarter. This may have been due to bad weather, but there are also fears that exaggerated press coverage of “the dangers of cycling” may have had an effect. But there are warnings from observers that the figures may not be very reliable as the sample sizes were very small.
CPAG becomes UKCAThe Cyclists’ Parliamentary Affairs Group, at which national cycle campaign organisations (CTC and CCN) meet MPs and representatives of the cycle industry, has changed its name to the UK Cycling Alliance. Their aim is to maintain good liaison between the various groups and coordinate action on behalf of cycling at national level.
Sustrans gains from government underspendThe Dept of Tpt underspent its budget by over £100 million in the last financial year, and 10% of this has gone to Sustrans for its cycle parking at railway stations project.
PavementsIn 2000 821 cyclists were given fixed penalty tickets for cycling on the pavement. 788 drivers were given FPTs for driving on the pavement in the same year. These were increases of 1.5% and 109% respectively. (We don’t know why more up to date figures are not available.)
For SaleShimano cycling shoes, size 42. SPD compatible. New, worn only a few hours (wrong size) Velcro fastening. Perfect condition. Cost £69 offered at £22 AlsoHalfords tow-bar mounting cycle carrier. Suitable for 2/3 bikes £2001305 782020 or [email protected]. co.uk
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Be safe, be stylish, be scene
Street safe, street style, street creed.
Original glow bag alpha series on the streets £19 inc VAT (Midi style)
£39 inc VAT (Grand style)
GLOWBAG LIMITEDRailway Arch 45b,
South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall,
London SW8 1SS
tel 020 75822282 fax 020 75875397 www.glowbag.com
Open 9am-7pm
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CRYPTIC CYCLE CROSSWORD Across3. Trad gear system affects mercury haters
(7,6)4. Engineers arrive, say, curved for
reclining vehicle6. Theology graduate in shop offer finds a
seat12. Bags either side13. Snooker balls go in this bike part14. Each of these is 100 fathoms15. Girl hater could become legal
requirement (4,5)Down1. This forthcoming film comes after “The
Bike”.2. Circular covering biblical town3. Uttered radiating bar5. Talmud guardian includes this to keep
you clean7. Power replaces judge in union to
become flat8. Near forks, use this for listening9. Incline to be up or down?10. Bournemouth International Centre -
why sea sound? French article - a good vehicle.
11. Film extracts prevent interference with chainAnswers on page 20
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You know the feeling. You’re chatting to
someone and they find out, or know already, that you ride a bicycle. It’s not long before they will be saying “The trouble with cyclists is they never stop at red lights / they never have lights at night / they cycle on pavements / they don’t use cycle tracks / they take up too much room / they delay other traffic / they don’t pay tax,” and so on ad infinitum.
No matter that you are a responsible DCN
member and always try and cycle safely with consideration for other road users – you are expected to answer for all the ills of those who are irresponsible, and would be whether they were driving a car or walking on the pavement.
How should you best deal with such
encounters? It doesn’t seem to make any difference if you point out that the majority of cyclists are responsible. I sometimes
reply “Why are you telling me all this?” but the other person is usually puzzled by this response, because for him or her, I as a person who occasionally uses a bike, must expect to be answerable for the sins of all cyclists. It doesn’t help if I point out that I agree with his / her complaints and would like to see something done about them – the critic still seems to feel I should bear some responsibility for what others cyclists do.
I sometimes retaliate by saying “You’re a car
driver, so what have you got to say about regular law-breaking by drivers?” including:† exceeding the speed limit† ignoring yellow line parking restrictions† parking on pavements, in cycle lanes, and in advance stop line areas† causing pollution by failing to switch off their engine when stationary† following too close † using mobiles while driving
I might also point out that many cyclists, who are
motor vehicle owners, do pay tax but are voluntarily refraining from using their vehicles, which helps reduce congestion and pollution. Cyclists are also contributing to improving the nation’s health by keeping themselves exercised.
I’ve no doubt many readers will have met
criticism of cyclists just because they happen to be one. It would be interesting to know what replies you give.
It could help all of us to have a repertory of
possible replies and reactions the next time someone comes up to us and says, “What I don’t like about cyclists is . . . .”
Why not send me your suggestions?
My contact details are on page 2
How to deal with cycling criticsby Michael Evans
Purbeck (cont from page 6 )
John Thraves has recently written to Purbeck DC pointing out that although some good projects have been realised, there is still a need for more action: in particular, the final link in the route between Wareham and Stoborough, support for the off road link between Wareham and Poole via Holton Heath, Safe Routes to School and taking part in “In Town Without My Car.”
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Cycle campaigning in France
FUBicy, France’s cycling campaign, is protesting that it was a year ago that Brigitte Le Brethon (MP and deputy mayor of Caen) submitted a report to Prime Minister Raffarin calling for the encouragement of more cycling. She argued that cycling is not as dangerous as many people think. It does not pollute, takes up little road space, is a practical fast mode of transport in town and is good for people’s health and fitness. All over the world, people who use bikes to get around know this from experience. We also know that governments go cold on the subject although more cycling is clearly in the public interest. That’s what has happened in France where the Le Brethon report has gone into limbo. Nothing has been heard about a national cycling policy since it was submitted. Does this sound familiar? Eight years ago Tony and John promised us fewer cars and more cycling . . . . (thanks to Philippe Meyer, Bordeaux Cycling Club for the FUBicy information)
ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD PAGE 18ACROSS 3 STURMEY ARCHER 4 RECUMBENT 6 SADDLE 12 PANNIERS 13 FRAME 14 CABLE 15 REAR LIGHTDOWN 1 TRAILER 2 TYRE 3 SPOKE 5 MUDGUARD 7 PUNCTURE 8 HEADSET 9 GRADIENT 10 BICYCLE 11 CLIPS
CAR DRIVING
Many cyclists are also drivers, so we thought we would include a column on driving for once - after all if we drive our cars carefully, other cyclists will be safer. Members are invited to submit future articles for this column.
Can you commit yourself?The charity Vision Wimborne’s “Better Driving & Speed Pledge” scheme encourages drivers to sign a pledge to drive within speed limits, show consideration and drive economically. Joining is free and “pledgers” get a car sticker to show they are trying to obey the law. Early evaluation shows that so far they have found their own driving is better and saving fuel, with little adverse reaction from others. A useful spin-off is that when lots of people in a town make a positive effort always to go at the right speed, others can’t go any faster!If you’d like to join, contact Alan Wilson on 01202 888992, get a form from Wimborne Minster Town Hall or King Street Learning Centre, Wimborne or visit http://tinyurl.com/dnwxg
Improve driving skillsInstitute of Advanced Motorists does “ Better Driving Courses” and can prepare you for the Advanced Driving Test. They offer a free, no obligation assessment of your present driving. For Bournemouth & East Dorset ring 01202 482922 / 872494 or visit http://www.bournemouth-iam.org.uk For other areas visit www.iam.org.uk
Dorset County CouncilYou can book a better driving course by contacting Road Safety on 01305 224558 or email [email protected]
Dorset PoliceDriver Awareness Scheme for offendersRing 01305 227670 for information
The Crown at Winterborne Stickland
(formerly The Shire Horse)17th Century thatched traditional family run
pubNo background music, pool or amusement
machines Just a warm & friendly atmosphere,
with a log fire when the weather is cold! A lovely garden to relax in when the
weather is fine!
Landlord David Heath extends a special welcome
to cyclists, singly or in groups
Featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2005
Good Home Cooked Food served lunchtimes and evenings
(Please note: The Crown is closed Monday lunchtimes, except for Bank Holidays)
The Inglenook Bar is now reserved for non-smokers.
Ringwood Ales and wide selection of
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FURTHER IMPRESSIONS OF CALIFORNIA
My annual trip to visit my son includes a 304 mile drive from San Francisco through many towns. It is obvious that people don't cycle. Because no one walks either, the few bicycles that there are can travel unhindered along the pavement. It's not that California is hostile to the cyclist. Roads are wide with few blind bends and junctions, and drivers are generally more considerate and less aggressive. People see no no benefit in riding a bike or walking when they can afford to drive. Utility cycling is often the confine of the poor or the choice of the cultural alternative. Recreational cycling is slightly more mainstream, but not popular.
America is frequently the butt of environmental criticism in the British media. I find this hypocritical, if only because UK attitudes to the bicycle are closer to the US model than to the European. More than that, we tend to deride America's culture of consumption with words, while emulating it with our actions (e.g.. car use here is still rising, and people are buying larger, heavier vehicles).
In terms of environmental transport legislation, remember California introduced lead-free petrol and car pool lanes 15 to 20 years before we did. Alternative energy systems and recycling facilities are respectively more widely available and more highly developed, and in comparison Britain can seem environmentally retarded and uninnovative. Hypocrisy is, I think, the lesson to be had - stop blaming everybody else and reduce your own personal consumption - whoever or wherever you are. Using your bicycle for short journeys instead of the car is one simple way of achieving that, but I'm not sure the British set a standard-much higher than the Californians.
CYCLISTS RESPONSIBLE FOR GLOBAL WARMING
On Radio 2's Jeremy Vine show in January, an anti-cyclist claimed cyclists’ physical exertion emits 3 times the CO2 per mile than someone sitting in a car. He concluded that cyclists therefore contribute more to global warming than drivers!
CYCLISTS FUND VIVISECTIONJust a reminder for those who do not support vivisection, that some of the major organizations that collect money from charity cycle rides fund experiments on live mammals. Two which definitely do are the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK.
Editor’s note: We asked BHF and Cancer Research UK for their comments, and received the following replies
British Heart FoundationHeart and circulatory disease is the UK’s biggest killer – and a major cause of disability. Many of the treatments that help people with heart conditions: such as pacemakers, beta blocker drugs, and antibiotics would not have been developed without animal research. Nine out of ten people agree that animal research aimed at reducing human suffering should be allowed, as long as researchers follow strict rules, and the BHF supports that view.
Cancer Research UK A great deal of cancer research is carried out without using animals. In certain areas, however, animal research remains essential if we are to understand, prevent and cure cancer. Cancer Research UK only uses animals when there is no alternative. Cancer Research UK has made extensive use of non-animal research techniques but the use of animals is essential if we are to understand cancer and its spread in the body and to minimise the risk to cancer patients during the development of effective new treatments.UK law insists that research involving animals cannot be used to obtain information that could be acquired by other means.
PERSONAL THOUGHTSBy Nick Brown (Dorset Cycles, Stalbridge)
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COUNCIL CYCLING OFFICERSPoole Borough CouncilSally Funnell 01202 262066
Bournemouth Borough CouncilNew cycle schemes Martin Dover 01202 451378 / 07881 908768 Safe Routes, Green Travel Plans Richard Barnes 01202 454645
Christchurch Borough Council Bob Baker 01202 495083
Dorset County Council Andrew Bradley 01305 224269 / 01305 224837
ROAD DEFECTSBournemouth 01202 451463Poole Potholes & overhanging vegetation 01202 262200 Litter and glass 01202 261700Christchurch 01202 495054Rest of Dorset 0800 232323 (CLARENCE)New Forest 0238 063388
NEW FOREST Route closures, safety advice 02380 284476 Camping information 02380 283771 Tourist Information 02380 282269
RAIL, BUS, FERRY INFORMATION0870 608 2608 www.traveline.org.uk
WHO’S YOUR MP? Visit www.upmystreet.com
TO REPORT DRINK-DRIVING, DRIVING WHILE DISQUALIFIED
AND OTHER ROAD CRIMECrimestoppers 0800 555 111
SMOKY COMMERCIAL VEHICLES01506 445216
SUSTRANS RANGERSPoole, Bournemouth, ChristchurchJohn Vuagniaux 01202 476404 [email protected]
Purbeck, East & North DorsetJohn Thraves 01929 554550 [email protected]
West Dorset, Weymouth & PortlandAnne Eccleston 01305 266632 [email protected]
North DorsetJude Hopkins 01747 830617 [email protected]
DORSET COUNTY COUNCIL FREE CARSHARE SCHEME
Share your journey: 08700 111199 Mon-Fri 9-5 orwww.carsharedorset.com
NATIONAL BLOOD SERVICEGive blood - 08457 711711 or
www.blood.co.uk
USEFUL CONTACTS
Dorset County Council Phase 1 (Year 3 and above, off road) Phase 2 (Year 5 and above, on road) To enquire about training for young people, contact your local Leisure Centre For phone numbers visit www.dcn.org.uk or get a leaflet from 01305 224558 or [email protected]
Bournemouth Claire Elkins Transport Group, Development Services, Town Hall Annexe, St Stephen's Road, Bournemouth BH2 6EA 01202 454636
PooleSally Funnell 01202 262066 Phase I and II and individual adult scheme
East DorsetAll ages and levels. Fees include bike hire and refreshments and may be reduced if you have your own bike. Cycle hire available. Booking essential Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Ringwood, Hants, BH24 2ET 01425 470721
CYCLE TRAINING
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DISCOUNTS FOR DCN MEMBERSThe cycle shops below offer discounts on production of a current DCN membership card.
Please ask at the shop for details. Bikes (Branksome), 431-433 Poole Road, Branksome, Poole BH12 1DF 01202 769202 fax 762377 Revolutions, 21 West Street, Bridport 01308 420586Cycle Experience Brookley Road, Brockenhurst 01590 624204 and Barrack Road Christchurch 01202 486278Forest Leisure Cycling 1143-1145 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth 01202 424945 & Village Centre, Burley 01425 403584Horswills, 1 Ensbury Avenue, Ensbury Park, Bournemouth BH10 4HE 01202 512761 fax 514234 Lawsons Cycles, 29 Somerford Road, Christchurch, BH23 3PF tel & fax 01202 486633 On Yer Bike, 88 Charminster Road, Charminster, Bournemouth BH8 8US 01202 315855 fax 319533Primera Sport, 244-248 Charminster Road, Charminster, Bournemouth, BH8 9RR 01202 775588 fax 775599l Samways & Son, 70 Leigh Road, Wimborne BH21 1AJ 01202 882960 Shepherds, 319 Ashley Road, Upper Parkstone, Poole BH16 6EL tel & fax 01202 742180 Raleigh Cycle Centre, 42 St Mary Street, Weymouth DT4 8PU tel 01305 781831 fax 01305 767062Westham Cycles, 128 Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth, DT4 0JS 01305 776977 fax 775477 Xtreme, 111 Commercial Road, Lower Parkstone, Poole BH14 0JD 01202 741744 fax 749569
ORDER FORM FOR HI-VIS WAISTCOAT
To Jonathan Aris, Tower Supplies, 10 Yarrow Road, Poole BH12 4TSI wish to order Hi-Vis waistcoat model C15.SHV06/DCN
Quantity M¨ L¨ XL ¨ XXL¨I enclose cheque for £________ payable to TOWER SUPPLIES
(£3 per garment including p & p)Name:Address: Phone:
"------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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It helps us to budget more efficiently if you take out a standing order. If you do not have one, or still have one for £5.00, please complete and send this form to your bank
"---------------------------------------------------------To the Manager___________________________________Bank / Building SocietyAddress: _______________________________________________________Please pay to Alliance and Leicester Giro, Bootle Sort Code 72-00-04to the credit of Dorset Cyclists’ Network Account no 83861081The sum of £6.00 (SIX POUNDS) commencing on 1 October 2005 and a like sum on the same date each following year until this order is cancelledThis replaces any and all previous standing orders payable to Dorset Cyclists’ Network at the same account
Name of account to be debited________________Number of account to be debited____________Please quote my account name when making the paymentsSigned (all signatures are necessary for joint accounts)
________________________________________________________________________BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE: Full name(s)Address
Postcode Phone/fax/e-mail
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATI0NTO JOIN DCNWrite to the Treasurer (see p.2) with your cheque and details of all cyclists in your household. Application forms are also available from our Branches, at some cycle shops and libraries and on www.dcn.org.ukSUBSCRIPTIONS Annual subscription: £6.00 per household Payable every 1 October preferably by standing order (see below)or by cheque payable to DCN. Send cheques to the Treasurer.IF YOU CHANGE YOUR ADDRESSPostal address: please tell the Membership SecretaryE-mail address: please tell the Chairman (addresses are on page 2)
NEW MEMBERSWe warmly welcome the following new members
whose support adds weight to our efforts on behalf of all cyclists. Mr P Clark, WimborneMr A Cooper, Blandford ForumMr & Mrs M Couzins & family, WimborneMr C Crowe, SwanageMr A Curnow, PooleMr P Guest. Wimborne
Mr J Kerrigan. WeymouthMr & Mrs T Littler & family, PooleMr I MacKenzie. SwanageMr & Mrs Matthews, WimborneMr T McIntyre Bournemouth
Mr & Mrs D Mulley & family, Langton LongMr D Pattison, WimborneMr L Rowswell, WarehamMr & Mrs C Slocock & family, WimborneMr M Taylor, WimborneMs A Turnock, Wareham