Cardiff Cycling Campaign

Time to come out on Cycling
David Cameron has behaved as so many cyclists do, infringing the law in minor ways in the interests of personal safety and efficiency.
see Report on http://www.cyclingnorthwales.co.uk/pages/davd_camer.htm

CTC's Kevin Mayne rightly defended his actions, but should surely go further.

Bute Park-Corbett Rd: Protest at Council ignoring Cyclists

URGENT - for Council committee meeting on 19 March

- Latest Plans show zero regard for Cycling.

Object to <Developmentcontrol@cardiff.gov.uk> ref. 07/02649/C,

saying there should be proper planning for cyclists and audit as in

the Cycling Strategy policy,

Bute Park new entrance/ Cycling Campaign Objects

Cardiff Cycling Campaign
33, The Balcony, Castle Arcade, Cardiff, CF10 2BY

Ken Barker
Secretary, Cardiff Cycling Campaign
FAO Richard Cole,
Development Control, City Hall, Cardiff
developmentcontrol@cardiff.gov.uk

11th March 2008
Bute Park new access, Bridge and Roadways, planning application 07/02649/C
We were briefly consulted on an early outline version of this access that ruptures the mandatory cycleway, but provides the benefit of access to the cycleway to and from Corbett Road. However, the new details raise particular concerns at the poor consideration given to cyclists.

We point out this would become a significant route for cyclists, as the cut-through the Park over the Millennium Bridge to and from the University and other offices is a key route avoiding the city centre. It would also be chosen by some cyclists from Gabalfa and Pontcanna in preference to using Colum Road.
We object to the present design and seek changes covering the following:

No indication of priority for vehicles or cyclists movements is shown. We propose cyclists to have priority against vehicles emerging from the Park, whereas vehicles can have priority entering from North Rd and Corbett Rd. We reason that vehicles will be waiting for an appropriate traffic light phase for access onto North Road, and should not block the cycleway for all that time.
As the lights phase is not clear to vehicles emerging from the Park, a traffic light control would be preferable (and safe) and appropriately coupled to traffic lights for both directions of the cycleway.
The turning areas for vehicles within the car park (northern and southern parts) need physical separation from the cycleway. Note this is marked as a mandatory cycleway, but not always respected by vehicles while the turning space is so limited as to encourage drivers to trespass on the cycleway. The physical separation could be simply bollards for the lengths that are designated for turning.
The layout must be designed to enable cyclists to exit into Corbett Road. We note vehicles are to be prevented from this movement, but cyclists can fit in easily (readily see the traffic pulses and cross as pedestrians do at present). Cyclists would make this movement even if not designed. It must be designed in – a specific gap in the lengthened separation island would be best in safety terms, with a red box ahead of southbound waiting vehicles.
From Corbett Rd into the Park and onto the cycleway, there should be an advanced cyclist box with mid roadway feed-in (there is as much or more space than at the similar Park Place crossing of Boulevard de Nantes).
Because of the complexity and importance of this issue (and costs involved), we ask the Planning Committee to require detailed proposals, including safety/cycling audits before permitting this new access to the Park.
We would be pleased if you could include our comments and objections in your report on this planning application.
Yours sincerely,

Ken Barker
Secretary

Ken BarkerSecretary, Cardiff Cycling Campaign,

Bike for Bobath: Charity Cycle Challenge: Lon Las 08

The Lon Las Cycle Challenge 2008!

Take on the ultimate cycling challenge in Wales - the Lon Las Cymru!

From 15th-20th April cyclists will be riding 254 miles from Holyhead to Cardiff in a spectacular 6-day challenge to raise money for children in Wales who have cerebral palsy.

A challenge not for the faint hearted, cyclists will cross three distinct mountain ranges, but the rewards are more than worth it. This challenge is open to anyone over the age of 18 years and all participants must have a good level of fitness.

For more information please contact Jess Evans, 029 20522600 or e-mail, fundraising@bobathwales.org

Paxman on Media anti-cyclist bias

Roy from CTC Cymru reminds us on how

Jeremy Paxman laid into the Media for anti-cycling stories in 1997:

The Unspeakable
in Pursuit of the Unseatable
by Jeremy Paxman

There is a horrid scare going around London. It is about something called Numb Penis Syndrome.

Great progress in Cycles by Rail

Keeping Cycling on Track

The Government has published its White Paper laying out its vision for the future of the railways. Following CTC’s Keep Cycling on Track campaign involving thousands of cyclists, the Government announced a task force to represent cyclists in negotiating detail of franchise agreements, as well as plans to promote cycle access and simplify cycle reservations.

Highway Code cracked: more than 40 rules changed!

Campaign Update from CTC
The Government has agreed to amend the Highway Code to improve cyclists' safety and to encourage drivers to take more care around vulnerable road users.
In total over 40 rules have been changed to the benefit of cyclists.

Wye Valley link goes for Judicial Review

RESIDENTS won leave to challenge a section of the Wye Valley route in the High Court on Thursday (16 August). The case spearheaded by local villager Judy Lewis appears very contrived.

Sustrans schemes to go to 'Big Lottery' TV vote

No doubt you are aware the river Ely Bridge project is included in Sustrans' bid for Big Lottery funding. The "Living Landmarks" television vote is to be held in December.

Sustrans are now at the stage where they are liasing with local community and campaigning groups to shore up the vote in those areas that will directly benefit from the proposed Connect2 projects.

Tredz new bike shop in cardiff

Successful online cycle retailer www.Tredz.co.uk has opened their first bike shop in Cardiff on Penarth Road. The strore is probably the largest in the capital and specialises in everything cycling from commuting to downhill.

They're open 7 days a week at:
Penarth Road Retail Park,
(opp. Porsche garage)
Cardiff, CF11 8EF
02920 702229