Newsletter April 2008

Help Requested

Cycle Campaign will be sharing a stall with Cycle Wise cycle training at two local events in April and members' assistance manning the stalls would be most welcome. The first is the University environment event on Tuesday 22^nd April, at the Students Union, 10am--4pm. The second is Environmental Rock at the Hobbit in Beavois Valley from mid-day on Saturday April26th. Both of these events are focusing on a number of environmental issues, of which transport is one. Please come along and help, even if you can only spare an hour or two.

Hello all

Nearly spring and I expect you are all, like me, looking forward to some warmer weather so that you can get out and about more on your bicycles and blow those winter cobwebs away. We have planned a spring cycle ride in the New Forest for Campaign members, family and friends on May 17^th. Meet at 10am at Brockenhurst train station. Trains leave Southampton Central every 15 mins to Brockenhurst, or, if you are feeling very energetic, you could always cycle there.

Cartoon taken from The Bristol Cyclist,
the magazine for the Bristol Cycling Campaign.

ALAN WHITEHEAD LOBBY

Christian Aid at Southampton Uni organized a lobby of Alan Whitehead (MP for Test) on Monday 31^st March. As Chairperson of SCC I went along, hoping to be able to raise with him the government's lack of support for cycling. Alan said that some of the problems were caused by obstruction on the part of the Department of Transport to new ideas. There is also, he said, an inbuilt bias towards cars in government policy: when comparing benefits for a given expenditure on different forms of transport, a car driver is regarded as having greater economic value than a bus passenger!!! And what economic value is given to a cyclist I can hear you asking---the answer, I fear, is that we don't feature at all in government accounting.

However, Alan was hopeful that the Local Transport Bill would free local authorities from some of the restrictions of current DoT regulations and allow them to introduct this solution has already been ruled out. Some members thought a zebra crossing would be preferable to a toucan as this would have the effect of reducing vehicle speed.

Dorset St cycle way

Romsey Road/Tebourba Way crossing

Townhill Way cycle way

Members are reminded that if they have any concerns regarding cycling in Southampton they should contact Dale Bostock, Cycling Officer at the Council. Alternatively, come along to a Cycling Campaign meeting and share your concerns.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Southampton Cycling Campaign AGM will take place at the start of the May monthly meeting at the Friends' Meeting House, 7.30pm, 12^th May. We need the following:

As current Chairperson of the Campaign, I am at present fulfilling all of these roles and I would welcome some assistance. On their own, none of these roles takes too much time.

Please try to get along to the AGM---we will start with tea and biscuits at 7.30 ready for a prompt start at 8pm.

CHANGEYOURWORLD.ORG.UK

This is the sustrans change your world annual campaign website, in the run up to sustrans change your world week, 30^th June to 5^th July. There are lots of ways for you to get involved, via the website, and 2008 is sustrans' Year of the child, with the campaign focusing on children.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

We now have dates for the following events:

19^th April---SCRATCH sponsored cycle ride. It is a 30 mile round trip, Millbrook to Calshot beach, where there will be a barbecue. £5 registration fee (includes BBQ). www.scratchcharity.co.uk

17^th May - spring cycle ride in the New Forest, 10 am meet at Brockenhurst

27^th -- 30^th May---Junior Warden Bikes activities in various locations across Southampton

Still under consideration; date for the NAKED BIKE RIDE. Possibilities are 6^th, 7^th or 13^th June. If you wish to participate and have a preference, or would like more info contact Rob, the Southampton ride coordinator on 07900 521782

21^st June - Solent Coasts Cycling Challenge--- 66 mile course will test your fitness. Includes six ferry journeys and passes through Southampton. It is necessary to register well in advance, as places fill quickly

Bike Week 2008 will take place from 14th --- 22nd June and is this year challenging families to get out of their cars, step away from the TV and get on their bikes. The call to action is "Free the Family---Free the Family" and rediscover how much fun you can have together on a bike. Thousands of free cycling events will provide plenty of opportunities for people to get on their bikes. There will be something for everyone from total novices to passionate cyclists.

PLEASE BE THINKING ABOUT EVENTS WE CAN PUT ON IN SOUTHAMPTON

We will discuss ideas at the May meeting

HOVIS FREEWHEEL - according to A to B mag, this will be on 26^th September, although this date is not yet on the website. NOT TO BE MISSED. Register early to be sure of a place at this free event which gives you the chance to cycle around the landmarks of central London without a car in sight.

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Contacts

Chairperson: Lindsi Bluemel; 17 Whitworth Road, Bitterne Park, SO18 1GE

02380 332926 lindsibluemel@hotmail.co.uk

Website Coordinator: Mair; www.southamptoncycling.org.uk

www.southamptoncyclingcampaign.org.uk

Membership Secretaries: Barry and Sue Colborne; 39 Swift Road,

Woolston, SO19 9FP

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