Southampton Cycling Campaign

Welcome to the website for Southampton Cycling Campaign. Here you will find information about us and our strategy as well as information about cycling in Southampton. Members of the campaign range enormously from occasional cyclists to daily cycle-commuters and their views can vary accordingly. However, all are committed to ensuring that cycling is a viable option for transport and leisure throughout the city. If you are interested in finding out more about these campaigns or can offer some support, please contact us. We meet on the second Monday of every month (except August) upstairs at the Friends Meeting House, Ordnance Road (map). Enter through the side door. Meet at 19:30 for tea and biscuits, with business from 20:00. Everyone is welcome.

The Southampton Cycle Challenge is on!

Organisations across Southampton are competing from 14 June to 4 July to see who can get the most staff to ride a bike for just 10 minutes or more. Learn more…

Hop on a bike, have some fun and win prizes! It’s quick and easy to register. Register now…

Then start logging your trips…

Title: Ride to the Newport Inn, Braishfield
Location: Cowherds
Description: Meet 6.30 pm at the Cowherds, Southampton Common. Suitable for experienced cyclists; lights essential.

Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2010-06-24
End Time: 22:30

Title: Ride to Hamble
Location: Meet at Bargate or Woolston Station
Description: 6.15 pm at the Bargate; alternatively, 6.45
pm at Woolston Station. Gentle ride suitable for all abilities. Almost all off road on level tarmac paths. After refreshments in Hamble, return journey arriving back in Southampton by 10.30 pm. Lights advisable. Optional return by train.

Start Time: 18:15
Date: 2010-06-23
End Time: 22:30

Title: Urban Rides
Location: Various starting points around the city
Description: Come along to Big Bike Event and let us know where you would like to cycle in the city and we will plan the routes; meeting up for refreshments in the city centre. Discover traffic free/quiet routes around the city

Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2010-06-21
End Time: 19:30

The latest newsletter (June 2010) is available for download in [pdf] format. Highlights of this issue include:

• Forthcoming Events
• Bike Week Programme
• Naked Bike Ride
• Departing Chairperson’s Words
• Southampton Cycle Challenge
• Connecting Communities Survey
• Cycle Crash Maps
• CTC Commuter Survey
• Keep Posties on ikes
• Recycle the Island
• Books Reviews

When: 9am, Friday 28th May 2010 (or meet us at the Cowherds at 11am).

Where: Dock Gate 4, Southampton.

More Info: On Friday morning, 14 American cyclists (www.pleasantrevolution.net) will be arriving by boat for the start of a tour of musical festivals around Europe and we would like to give them a welcome they will remember! We are welcoming them to Southampton by meeting them at the Docks and taking them on a little tour of the historical sights of the city.

The plan is to meet at Dock Gate 4 after 9am (we don’t know exactly when they will disembark so we may have to hang around for a bit!). The welcome tour will include the World’s oldest bowling green, past God’s House to the Maritime Museum, the Mayflower memorial and then around to the Old Walls. We’ll then cycle up to Tudor House and up to the city centre, to the Bargate. Then into the parks up to the Peace Fountain, Titanic memorial, Cenotaph and then up Bedford Place and over to the Avenue cycle path and up to The Cowherds.

We’ll arrive at The Cowherds pub between 10.30am and 11:00am and with luck they may do a little performance for us there!

Boring legal bit: Please note that people attend at their own risk (so don’t blame us if you get a puncture or a sore bottom!).

The band will also be performing at West Quay on Saturday at 12:00pm and 2:00pm as part of the Dancing in the Streets benefit for the firefighters. Then in the evening they will be at the King Alfred in Northam from 8pm (see below). Please let any cyclists know as we’d love to see a big convoy through the city!

From: Warsashcats
Date: Tue, 25 May 2010 05:38:15 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: Hamble Path Update

Hello everyone,

First of all thank you to all of you for your support for this campaign, and in particular to those who have completed User Evidence Forms for Hampshire County Council.

At the last count there were 187 forms submitted. This is more than for any other disputed path in Hampshire.

Over the last few months we have been in contact with councilors and police, started publicizing the dispute, campaigned for the removal of the “No Cycling” signs, researched the ownership of the land along the route, established the legal position as best we can, contacted landowners along the route with a view to getting voluntary agreement for cyclists to use the path, researched the history of the path, and started working with Hampshire County Council to resolve its status.

The attached poster sets out our current understanding of the legal position. It is not a criminal offence to cycle the path unless you are cycling with reckless abandonment. Anyone cycling the route should be aware that they may be committing a civil offence of trespass against the landowner unless they could show that cyclists have a right to cycle the path either under common law or under the principle of presumed dedication. We consider it unlikely that a landowner would attempt to prosecute anyone for trespass.

Publicity

The story has been regularly covered by www.Locksheathpeople.co.uk

We have had some initial coverage in the Western Wards Gazette followed by a front page article in their online version.

There has been one article in the Echo.

We have had some film footage taken for possible follow up by local TV if the dispute escalates.

Thank you to all those that took part in the photo and film shoots down by the ferry

Police

Initially the police were involved in discouraging people from cycling. Their involvement included putting up no cycling signs, meeting with local residents at the northern end of the path, carrying out surveys of the number of people cycling and speaking to cyclists.

After a lot of discussion and much correspondence with local police and the Chief Constable they have backed off completely. They have removed their inflammatory signs and have indicated that they will only get involved if people cycle dangerously.

Since their signs came down there seems to be less friction between walkers and cyclists.

Councillors

Most councillors seem to be generally sympathetic apart from one who was strongly against cyclists using the route. Since the publicity there is more willingness to explore options for changing the recorded status of the path. We understand that council officers have been asked to look into establishing a voluntary dedication for part of the route.

Land Ownership

We have been contacting landowners along the route and so far we know of only one who objects to cyclists using the path. Contrary to what was initially assumed most of the path is probably owned by the Crown and not Hampshire County Council.

It is worth noting that many of the adjoining properties along the northern end of the path have private rights to walk, and to take animals and vehicles along the route. This would include bicycles and indicates that the Council’s “No Cycling” signs were somewhat misleading.

History

Some interesting details have emerged especially regarding the northern end of the path. For example there was a spring near Brooklands and people used to come from Southampton in carts to collect water from it, just north of Brooklands farm there is an area which was used as a beach for the public to swim in the river, and we have heard that the path was made up to the current road by Fareham Borough Council. We are trying to ascertain if this is true and if it was at ratepayers cost.

“No Cycling” signs

The misleading and inflammatory Police signs have been removed.

A council sign at the northern end of the path has now been removed, leaving just the privately erected Brooklands Historic Park sign, which does incorporate the words No Cycling and a small symbol to that effect..

The council signs at the southern end of the path remain. This is absurd since the southern end forms part of the National Cycle Network and the County Council licenses the ferry to carry bikes. In the days before outboard engines when the ferry was a rowing boat, bikes used to be carried in the bow of the boat. The council maintains that until the recorded status of the path is changed they cannot do anything to indicate that they accept cycling.

Universal Boatyard have erected signs showing the route of the path over their land. They describe this as a footpath and have put up “No Horse riding” signs. If any of you do decide to cycle the route PLEASE show extra care when passing through the boatyard.

Voluntary Dedication

This would require agreement of all the landowners along the route and is the Council’s preferred option. Unfortunately, because of the probable objection of one particular landowner this unlikely to be successful. The council is unwilling to pursue voluntary dedication of part of the route unless there is a clear exit to a public highway. In many ways dedication of the path would be an ideal outcome and we are continuing to talk to the council to try and address their concerns.

Reclassification of the route as a Restricted Byway.

There are a number of ways of doing this. One option is redesignation under the principle of presumed dedication through continuous use for a period of at least 20 years prior to the use being called into question. This would almost certainly involve a public enquiry. The legislation seems heavily weighted in favour of landowners, which is one reason why CATS has taken a long time to decide to proceed with the application, but this should be submitted this week. The weight of evidence is a key factor and we urge you to complete evidence forms if you or your friends who have used the path have not already done so (see attached form).

Designation of the route as a Cycle Track (joint pedestrian and cyclist use).

This seemes an appropriate use of the legislation introduced in the 1980s. It is the Highway Authority who must make the application, private individuals cannot. Any objection (there would be at least one) has to be referred to the Secretary of State for a decision.  It may be that the criteria for the decision would be more favourable than for Reclassification.  Our requests to the County for them to investigate this option have so far led to no action from them.

Regards,

CATS

Title: World Naked Bike Ride – Southampton – June 11th
Location: East side of Southampton Common, next to Highfield Road
Link out: Click here
Description: This year’s Southampton Naked Bike Ride takes place on June 11th. As ever, the meeting place will be the east side of Southampton Common, next to Highfield Road. Meeting time 6pm, departure 6.30pm, ride length 6 miles which – at our leisurely pace – will take about 1 hour. Bring picnic snacks and drinks to relax on the Common while it’s still warm, then join us for more celebrations at The Hobbit into the evening.

For those who are new to the ride…

WHAT’S THIS ALL ABOUT?

This is a peaceful, imaginative and fun protest against oil dependency and car culture. A celebration of the bicycle and also a celebration of the power and individuality of the human body. A symbol of the vulnerability of the cyclist in traffic. The world’s biggest naked protest: 50+ cities and thousands of riders participate worldwide, including more than 3000 in the UK in 2009, of which 150 rode in Southampton!

Dress code is ‘bare as you dare’. That means nudity is not compulsory, but many go completely naked. Go as bare as you feel comfortable doing.

Will I get arrested? Very unlikely. Simple nudity is not a crime and no-one has been arrested at any UK ride over six previous years. In Southampton the police have been completely accepting of full nudity, and in London and Brighton, bike-mounted police have even helped with traffic control (clothed!). Indecent or lewd behaviour will not be tolerated so keep it clean.

Full details of the Southampton ride here: http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/uk/southampton/

VOLUNTEERS WANTED, CLOTHED & NAKED, RIDING & NON-RIDING

We’d love to make the ride even better than previous years, but need volunteers to help. For example, with a couple of non-riding volunteers we could provi de a ‘cloakroom’ facility so riders could leave belongings at the Common, instead of lugging them around on the bike. We hope to have a changing tent where more sensitive souls can have a little privacy while stripping off. We’d also like a clothed rider to follow the back of the ride, just to make sure no-one is left behind. Please, please ‘volunteer’ your friends or yourself to help out with these tasks. Emails please to southampton <at> worldnakedbikeride.org.

THE ART HOUSE PAINTS BODIES AGAIN

Our friends at The Art House, Southampton’s favourite creative hot house and organic cafe, have offered once again to apply their artistic talents to pre-ride body painting from 4pm on the day of the ride. Some of our most spectacular riders got painted up here in 2009, so join us again this year for your full body makeover. http://www.thearthousesouthampton.co.uk/

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK EVENT

If you haven’t already, click through to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=331502301042 and join this event. Then be sure to invite all of your friends!

PROMOTE THE RIDE WITH POSTERS AND FLYERS

We have posters and flyers for you to print and distribute here: http://tinyurl.com/35wywr4

SEE YOU ON JUNE 11TH!
Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2010-06-11
End Time: 20:00

Title: Mass Bike Ride
Location: The Peace Fountain (north end of central parks, at bottom of London Rd)
Description: Sunday 20 June 12 noon. MASS BIKE RIDE. Meet at The Peace Fountain (north end of central parks, at bottom of London Rd), mainly on cycle routes and some on road. A loop through town to Mayflower Park then back up the parks to the Peace Fountain. Suitable for all abilities. If parent/guardian is happy that children are competent on their own two wheels, they are more than welcome, as long as under 18 year olds are accompanied by an adult who is responsible for the child. Decorate your bikes and yourselves if you wish! Do join us with your picnic lunch afterwards (maybe 1pm). Just turn up
Date: 2010-06-20

Title: BHF Round the Harbours Ride
Location: Gosport, Fareham, Southsea & Havant
Link out: Click here
Description: *DESPERATELY SEEKING VOLUNTEERS – SEE BELOW*

Time: 08:30
Date: 2010-06-06

Now in its 14th successful year, the British Heart Foundation’s Round the Harbours Bike Ride is a fantastic cycling challenge for riders of all abilities and ages.

Brand new routes for 2010, riders can choose to follow the original 32 mile bike ride starting from Fareham, Gosport, Southsea or Havant, or they can take the new 40 mile route starting from Southampton or Fareham. The third option is to take the combined 65 mile cycling challenge round both routes and start from any of the 5 locations – Southampton, Fareham, Gosport, Southsea or Havant.

All routes offer stunning views around the Hampshire harbours, coastline and countryside. Last year’s event saw 1350 cyclists signing up and raising over £50,000 in life saving funds for the BHF.

The organisers are looking for people to help cover the start/finish/checkpoints at the following locations:

• Langstone Technology Park, Langstone Road, Havant, PO9 1SA
• Next to Esplanade Car Park, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO5 3AA
• Bath Lane Recreation Ground, Bath Lane, Fareham, PO16 0DH
• Stokes Bay Car Park, Stokes Bay Road, Gosport, PO12 2QU
• Weston Shore, Weston Parade, Weston, Southampton, SO19

Helping to welcome, register and book riders in at the start and throughout the day as a checkpoint. When they finish their ride you’ll be there to cheer and present medals.

We also need marshalls. As a marshall, you’ll be our eyes on the route, advising control if anything happens or if support is required.

We have a control vehicle, able to support the route with moving water or collecting riders if they would like to be transported back to the start. We also have full first aid support with both static and mobile response units. You’ll have a gorgeous high visibility tabard to wear and a route map.

All volunteers will be fully supported and be given refreshments throughout the day. We will also reimburse any costs of you getting to the event, either by public transport or vehicle mileage.

The Charity

The BHF is the nation’s heart charity, dedicated to saving lives every day through pioneering research, caring for patients and families, campaigning for change and by providing vital information to help people care for their own heart health.

Contact

If you are able to help out on the day or for further information please call Melanie Blackman on 01767 681026 or e-mail blackmanm <at> bhfr.org.uk