Southampton Cycling Campaign Newsletter April 2006 Welcome to the April 2006 Southampton Cycling Campaign Newsletter. Springtime is here, hopefully bringing with it some warmer weather. The winter did not bring much rain, so at least we didn’t get wet very often! I visited the The CarbonNeutral Company’s website (www.futureforests.com) and worked out that I have saved 0.3 tonne of carbon dioxide since I started working part-time, by travelling to work on my bike, rather than using our car. Maybe it’s a drop in the ocean, but I was pleased! If you do nothing else this month, please read about the proposed revision of the Highway Code, and contact your MP! The Driving Standards Agency want to see it mandatory to use cycle facilities, opening up the way for drivers to claim negligence on the part of cyclists, instead of being forced to take responsibility for their actions. Please help to ensure this does not happen! The Road Safety Bill is now in the House of Commons – have you had your say? Also, check out the Council’s plan to make some routes in Southampton of Public Footpath designation only. Are any of the routes listed on your daily commute? Have a great Easter, and enjoy the springtime! debbie.back@bigfoot.com In this issue... Cyclists lose out in proposed change to the Highway Code page 2 DSA changes could damage cyclists’ legal standing Road Safety Bill page 3 Changes proposed for cyclists’ safety Cycle Routes around the Common page 4 Lover’s Walk – shared-use or footpath? Local News page 4 Public enquiry to be held on the status of local routes, & other news Route updates page 6 Work in progress on cycle routes Stop Press… page 6 Wiggle jackets Events page 7 CTC rides, a route opening and SEACITY 2006 Contact Information and Membership application page 8 CTC – The Uk’s national cyclists’ organization http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4303 Cyclists lose out in proposed change to the Highway Code A revised draft of the Highway Code has been put for public consultation by the Driving Standards Agency. However, a change in wording could lead to major problems with cyclists seeking compensation from drivers following accidents. According to the CTC (CTC – The UK’s national cyclists’ organisation); “The most significant change to the Code is to old Rule 47, new Rule 58. Cyclists were previously told to “Use cycle routes when practicable. They can make your journey safer”. In this form, the wording presented no real problems. By contrast, the proposed new wording says: "Use cycle routes when practicable and cycle facilities such as advanced stop lines, cycle boxes, and toucan crossings where they are provided, as they can make your journeys safer". The distinction between the wording of “Use cycle routes when practical” (on the one hand) and '[Use] cycle facilities… where provided' (on the other) means that the use of cycle facilities will no longer be discretionary for any cyclist who wants to protect him/herself from the threat of adverse legal action. The words ‘such as advanced stop lines, cycle boxes, and toucan crossings' do not exclude other types of cycle facility from the legal argument. If a cyclist was injured and there was a cycle facility nearby (of whatever kind), the driver’s insurer would have all the pretext they needed to argue that any compensation due to the cyclist should be reduced on the basis of “contributory negligence”, i.e. that the cyclist was at least partly the author of his/her own misfortune because if s/he had been using the cycle facility, the collision would not have occurred. It is also likely to be used by some police officers to take unjustified action against cyclists where they ride out wide in the road to avoid being overtaken in circumstances where this would be dangerous (as recommended by the Stationary Office publication “Cyclecraft” and by the Government-backed National Standard for cycle training.)The Cyclists' Defence Fund is already supporting a cyclist in such a case, but the new Highway Code wording would almost certainly lead to a substantial increase in such cases.” (http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4303) “The CTC is calling for the following changes to the Code: * Remove all words which could give rise to unwarranted “contributory negligence” claims against cyclists (including those relating to use of cycle facilities and helmets); * Include clearer advice to drivers on safe interactions with cyclists (e.g. on how much space to leave when overtaking a cyclist); * Ensure that its advice to cyclists (particularly that on negotiating roundabouts) is in line with the Government-backed National Standard for cycle training and; * A recommendation that anyone wishing to improve their confidence and safety should undertake cycle training to the National Standard” To support the CTC’s suggestions please lobby your MP! If you do not have time to write a personal letter or email, then the CTC have a prepared an email which you can send via their website, on the link below. Alternatively, go to www.locata.co.uk/commons where you can enter your postcode to find your local constituency and Member of Parliament. The deadline for consultation is 10 May, so please get writing. http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=3996 Road Safety Bill The Road Safety Bill has now entered the House of Commons. The most controversial part of the Bill is a plan to reduce the number of points drivers receive for ‘marginally’ exceeding the speed limit from three points to two points. It looks like the government will back down, but it would be a good idea to contact your MP to confirm this. CTC is one of the partners in the ‘Safer Streets Coalition’ (SCC). The SCC Manifesto can be viewed on http://www.transport2000.org.uk/campaigns/SSCManifesto.htm, but the minimum the SCC is asking the government to introduce is; * “Real Government leadership on this issue. Policies must reflect both road danger and the imperative of casualty reduction as well as the wider health, environmental and social benefits of reduced speeds. This will require much more effective joined-up Government action than in the past, with commitment from Ministers from areas such as health, education, employment, environment, urban and rural affairs to work together to make our streets safer. * A review of speed limits across the country to introduce speed limits that are appropriate for each road. We expect that this would confirm 30mph limits in villages and much wider use of 20mph limits, eg in residential areas, around schools and on main shopping streets. We would also expect to see significant reductions in the speed limits on a very large number of our rural roads through a lowering of national limits and the re-assignment of roads according to a new rural road hierarchy. * Enforcement of speed limits given a much higher priority, eg through the use of cameras, more resources for the traffic police, and more frequent and stiffer penalties for speeding offences to act as a deterrent. * Collection of statistics that would accurately reflect the true level of death and injury on our roads. * A recognition of the fact of death or injury in the charges brought against a driver responsible for road death or injury. * Increased funding for well designed traffic calming in town and country and pedestrian priority schemes that take into account the needs of all pedestrians and cyclists, as well as for measures such as safer routes to school and workplace travel plans, which reduce overall traffic levels. * Government taking a lead on changing attitudes to dangerous driving (in particular to speed) and more generally to over-dependence on cars, eg by making substantial revenue funding available for local and national awareness campaigns on these issues.” (http://www.transport2000.org.uk/campaigns/SSCManifesto.htm) “The three key measures which CTC is calling for are: * Lower speed limits, including 20mph as the "default" limit for community streets; * A change in the law on drivers' insurance schemes, to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to claim injury damages from drivers who hit them; * A statutory "duty to drive safely", as part of an overall reform of offences and sentencing powers for bad driving” (http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=3996) Please contact your MP (contact details in the previous article) to support these suggestions. Cycle Routes around the Common (In response to the Council’s Cycling Development Officer’s comments in ‘Shared-use path on West side of The Avenue’ in the previous issue) “I am confused by the Council rep's comments about Lovers Walk. I travel this way several times a week and was always under the impression I was within the law. Now I have checked and, and at top end, there is clearly a sign that shows this to be a shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians. Am I missing something here?” John Auger, Woolston (editor: I am waiting for the Council’s response!) Local News 1. The objections the Campaign made to formalise some routes in city which cyclists use as only "public footpaths” has moved on; there is now going to be a Public Enquiry into the matter with a planning inspector considering what the status of the routes are. The routes that the City Council Rights of Way Officer has proposed to be of public footpath designation only are as follows;- Location Description Gypsy Grove footpath no 24 --Modification Order no 9 Footpath known as Gypsy Grove, adjoining Shirley road and extending north eastwards for a distance of 550m from its junction with Shirley road GR 440369 113282 to its junction with St James road GR 440717 113704 Western District Cut footpath no 26 modification order no 11 Footpath known as western District cut , adjoining Shirley road and extending north westwards for a distance of 45 m from its junction with Shirley Road GR 440587 113008 to its junction with Stafford road GR 440617 113033 Cemetery road footpath no 91 Modification order no 12 Footpath known as Cemetery road footpath, adjoining cemetery road and extending south westwards for a distance of 240m from its junction with Cemetery road GR 441377 113588 to its junction with hill Lane GR 441198 113432 Northlands gardens Footpath No 93 Modification Order no 13 Footpath known as Northlands Gardens footpath, adjoining Northlands road and extending north-westwards for a distance of 134 m from its junction with Northlands Road GR 441429 113352 to its junction with Northlands Gardens GR 441295 113380 Millbrook Station Footpath no 16 Modification Order no 15 Footpath known as Millbrook station footpath adjoining Millbrook railway station and extending south-eastwards for a distance of 1480m from Millbrook Rail Station GR 439843 112596 to Southampton Railway station GR 441219 112120 Church end footpath no. 22 Modification Order no 16 Footpath known as Church end adjoining Shirley road and extending north -eastwards and south-eastwards for a length of 375m from its junction with Shirley Road GR 440121 113573 to its junction with Janson road GR 440369 113367 Church end link Footpath no 23 Modification order no 17 Footpath known as Church end Link adjoining church End and extending north-eastwards for a distance of 110m from its junction with Church end GR 440341 113400 to its junction with Treeside Road GR 440432 113459 Silverdale road Footpath no 94 Modification order no 18 Footpath known as Silverdale Road footpath adjoining Silverdale Road and extending westwards for a distance of 70m from its junction with Silverdale road GR 441261 113214 to its junction with Hill Lane GR 441199 113215 Archers Road footpath no 95 modification Order no 19 Footpath known as Archers Road footpath adjoining Archers Road and extending northwards for a distance of 40m from its junction with Archers Road GR 441456 113091 to its junction with Ranelagh Gardens GR 441440 113126Any cyclists who have used these routes , please let us know; 1. how often you use the route on a bike (eg. Every day) 2. how long have you been using the route on a bike for (eg. For 10 years) We want to protect our rights and not have routes used for years by cyclists (like Cemetery Road to Hill Lane) declared and signed as Public Footpaths alone… Eric Reed (Chair, Southampton Cycling Campaign) ericliz@reed27.wanadoo.co.uk C/O 39 Swift Road, Woolston, Southampton, SO19 9FP 2. Solicitors, 62 The Avenue Dale Bostock (Cycling Development Officer, Southampton City Council) has confirmed that “the segregated cycle facility was amended with the “give way “markings as a result of several accidents involving cyclists. This additional marking makes it visible to all users of the access and crossing point (over the footway). It is our brief to minimise any risks in our designs – this has achieved the result that as since its introduction we have not been aware of any accidents”. Route Updates Southampton City Council have signed the path from Mansbridge to Cutbush Lane (with stickers stuck on existing signs), so it is now officially converted to a cycle route. This now ties in with the existing link between Cutbush Lane and Townhill Way leading to Itchen Valley Country Park in Allington Lane. Eric Reed The council contractors are currently building the footway/cycleway forming part of NCN 23 from Manor Farm Road to Woodmill, on south side of Woodmill Lane alongside the park, to tie in with the exiting footpath/cycle route through Riverside Park from Woodmill to Cobden Bridge. They will apparently be installing mini roundabouts at the junction of Manor Farm Road with Woodmill Lane and the junction of Forest Hills Drive with Woodmill Lane - we have not been consulted on plan details. Also, the cycle route is to be extended along Forest Hills Drive from Woodmill Lane to River Walk. A new route across the east end of Riverside Park will be built where there is a rough dirt path from River Walk to Mansbridge. Eric Reed The Council have also started work at the Chilworth Roundabout, behind the filling station. The cycle lane is being upgraded and later Hampshire County Council will be constructing a shared facility from the boundary to the Chilworth Science Park Dale Bostock Stop press….. Wiggle are selling the New Altura Nevis 2006 cycle jacket for just £39.99 Plus, free P&P. (www.wiggle.co.uk). I am assured they are really good jackets! Events * The launch of the National Cycle Network 23 route south from Basingstoke will take place at Eastrop Park in Basingstoke centre on Saturday 22 April at 10.30. if you would like to join the celebrations and attend the launch , then pedal part or all of the route, just turn up on the day and join in the fun. As it is fairly long, you may want to just cover part of it before returning to Basingstoke. There are some steep hills on parts of the route, so a bike with low gearing is best suited for the route, which is mainly on rural narrow lanes once clear of Basingstoke and passing under the M3. Eric Reed Liaison Ranger, Sustrans www.sustrans.org.uk * Southampton City Council are celebrating Southampton as SEACITY 2006 with the Chamber of Commerce. Events will include walks and cycle rides. Dale Bostock is looking for some volunteers who would like to guide cyclists along Weston Shore NCN2 to the Southampton Water Activity Centre or Woodmill and riverside along NCN23 to the Woodmill Activity Centre. Please contact him (details below) if you are interested in helping. For further details on Sea city (1 June – 30 September 2006), and planned events, see www.seacity.co.uk. Dale Bostock Cycling Development Officer, Southampton City Council Dale.Bostock@Southampton.gov.uk tel: 023 8083 2366 * South Hampshire CTC April rides; Friday 14 – Monday 17 April – Easter Tour to Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire Sunday 23 April - Wylye OS 184 GR 008376 Sunday 30 April – IOW Randonee For further details see http://www.southhampshirectc.org.uk/sotonlatest.htm, or contact the South Hampshire District Association CTC, Southampton section secretary, Mike Etheridge on 023 8073 9359 * Southampton Cycling Campaign AGM is at the May meeting – 8 May 2006. * Don’t forget Bike Week (17 – 25 June 2006). If you register your event with Bike Week, you can get free liability insurance, posters and other goodies, as well as getting your event publicised for free on the website. See the Bike Week website, www.bikeweek.org.uk, for more details. A free organisers guide is also available. Get in touch Chairperson Eric Reed. Tel: 02380 497512 E-mail: eric.reed@eastleigh.gov.uk Membership 39 Swift Road, Woolston, Southampton, SO19 9FP. Want something raised at a meeting? Call or e-mail Eric. Or e-mail agenda@southamptoncycling.org.uk. And finally, to keep our meetings on track, how about getting that winge out of your system by emailing winge@southamptoncycling.org.uk Meetings at 19:45 every 2nd Monday of the month (except August) at Friends Meeting House, Ordnance Road. This newsletter is available online at www.southamptoncyclingcampaign.org.uk Membership application Join us and help make a difference! Name Address Telephone Email Annual fee (please circle) £10 Waged / £5 Unwaged Return this form with your fee to SCC Membership Secretary, 39 Swift Road, Woolston, Southampton, SO19 9FP Cheques payable to Southampton Cycling Campaign, please. Southampton Cycling Campaign Newsletter April 2006 Southampton Cycling Campaign Newsletter April 2006 Page 2 Page 7 Page 1