UK CYCLING’S CONTINUING STORY

Revolution Track Cycling Series

I attended Round 1 of 3 at Lee Valley in December. Yesterday at The National Cycling Centre Manchester, Round 3 took place (Round 2 was in Glasgow).

It’s always a great and knowledgeable atmosphere at Manchester and very family friendly. There was a 9 month old boy in front of me who had already been to other outdoor cycle events and a 7 year old closely following the action.

The event saw a return to the boards for Jason Kenny who didn’t disappoint with a couple of overall 2nd places. Gregory Bauge (Fra), Katie Archibald and Kirsten Wild ((Ndl) were supreme as ever. But for me, it was all about the overall experience and value for money. Nearby is The Etiad Stadium where a ticket to see Manchester City is a likely £70+ for 90 minutes of football. 3.5 hour’s of top track cycling in a much more comfortable environment with no swearing or diving costs £20-£25.

2017 Project Review of The Year

But first, December. It was a busy first couple of weeks of the month, travelling to London, Manchester, Bradford, Bristol and Brighton, all journeys by train apart from Brighton which was partly by train. I saw people doing great community things with bikes. Events included Revolution Track Cycling and the fabulous National Cyclo-Cross Series. I discovered a great teatime series of lecture events in London and test drove Brighton’s new Bike share scheme. I had my one and only puncture of the year.

Apart from the puncture, those first two weeks of December echoed my travels and experiences in the other 11 months of 2017. The Project took me from Bristol to Glasgow, Edinburgh to Bradford, Manchester to Bath, London to Brighton and many other locations across The UK. I visited the cycling and walking charity Sustrans in 2 of its UK regions and heard about the great work they have been doing to increase accessibility to cycling and grow the Country’s cycle infrastructure, while lobbying Government to make meaningful investment in active travel.

In March I had surgery to repair my own puncture and later doubled my bike stable numbers with two very different, but equally re-homed purchases. My Elephant Bike has given me a new outlook on life and the World; its acquisition was inspired by reading Peter Walker’s book ‘Bike Nation - How Cycling Can Save The World’. As the Project has continued I have become increasingly convinced of the book’s message that cycling is the solution to urban road congestion and air pollution, to some physical and mental health problems over-burdening the NHS, and to creating liveable, accessible neighbourhoods and town centres. The Elephant is also saving me loadsa money! My cross/adventure bike will open up access to paths and trails free from traffic and full of scenery and fun.

Cycle365Project has allowed me to meet some great people and business making key contributions to cycle design, cycle development and production, cycle life, culture, business and events. My eyes have been opened to many different genres of cycling outside my bubble of ‘road’. Cycle Speedway and Cyclo-Cross events in particular have been two fabulous new experiences; they are exceptionally accessible and enjoyable and I will continue to follow them in the coming years. The growth of the electric bike is impressive and is playing such an important part in the take up and development of the culture of cycling.

The Final Countdown

Well, not quite. Yes it is Day 365 of 2017 so, in theory, this should be my last 365 Blog post, but I’ve enjoyed the project so much that I am continuing, on a less than 365 day basis, after this final 2017 post.

There had planned to be a morning local ‘fitboys’ group ride-out today but, on the basis of a poorish weather forecast, they cancelled. Sam and I had a look at the forecast and decided that even for him, we *could* do his personal challenge and ride over the hill to Dorchester in dry and blustery conditions, and complete the return before the afternoon heavy rain arrived.

So where fitboys fear to tread, after a thorough briefing, the brave departed. Outbound, The Ridgeway presented a short and steep climb with a long and fast descent on the other side to the outskirts of Dorchester. Sam’s cycle clothing amounted to padded cycle shorts under his jeans, cheap cycle gloves and a scooting helmet. So with a heavy coat outer layer, we needed to keep an eye on temperature regulation and hydration.

With a couple of coat and water stops and a pleasingly uneventful ride, we made good time and met up with little brother and Dad in Costa next to Dorchester station. As an added bonus for a boy keen on birds, there appeared on the scene outside the café, a bird of prey handler scaring off the gulls.

By the return, a few other cyclists were out too. Our planning included a return by train option but Sam wanted to cycle, even though the long slog back to The Ridgeway Summit would have the strong breeze in his face. We completed the café culture consolidation and departed. Apart from the steep ramp up at the end of the climb he managed the whole thing and we arrived back home 20 minutes before the rain arrived.

Two More Rides To Go

Had time for a short ride (1) this morning. I departed heading for Portland but once on the Beach Road, the strong wind was not much fun so I turned right and headed for Dorchester and Poundbury instead.

Before diverting I stopped at an abandoned bike I had previously passed. It looked like a puncture had downed it. There were quite a few cyclists out and about, a some of which I think were part of the group I came across in Poundbury café a couple of days ago, and where I was heading today!

The cafe was buzzing and in another moment of weakness, I ordered my second bacon roll in 3 days. A quick stop off at Waitrose Poundbury where they have the most substantial cycle parking stands I’ve encountered.

Further Cycling Skills

We had planned to cycle on Christmas Day morning but the weather and illness had contrived against it. We have since made up for it.

Don’t Spend. Ride

On a good weather day between Christmas and New Year, forget the travelling, forget the sales - just ride.

It was a cold morning today. Even by 10:30 when I left for the ride, many shady parts were still icy, especially where the roads had been wet. As such, there were not many people out cycling until after midday, once the ice and frost had melted. By then I had passed about a dozen people, only two of whom acknowledged my waves, and one of those just yelled ‘ice’ at me. There were two younger guys with mountain bikes wearing no gloves. At 3degC how does that work?

Non waving cyclists were not the only ones showing no Christmas spirit. Also lacking in Christmas or any other spirit are the selfish, lazy ones who throw fast food empties into the roadside verge, and those that pull out just in front of me; I can notice so much more when on a bike, not just the nice things!

Post Christmas Sales

Needed a non bike item in town. Noticed some sales going on. Found a suitable item with 20% off.

The several cycle shops in Weymouth and Dorchester seemed to look to capitalise on the run up to Christmas, hoping to have an edge over the big internet sellers by offering a personal sales and after sales service; it’s a service considered by many as worthwhile when buying a new bike. One shop, possibly the largest in the area, had a 12 days of Christmas sale with discounts on different item types each day, including bikes.

These local shops do not seem to be having post Christmas sales whereas the big internet sellers all have reductions on at least selected ranges/items. British Cycling has had a big pre and post Christmas push on membership offers.

Boxing Day Match

In ‘olden’ days, most football match goers went to the ground on foot or by bicycle. Today at the Weymouth v Dorchester, festive, eighth tier, derby match, I saw 3 people arrive on foot, 2 including me by bike plus a double decker bus carrying Dorchester supporters from over the hill. Total attendance was 1885. I could find no provision at the ground for bicycle parking.

Traffic was flowing slowly before the start of the match but it was gridlocked after the final whistle. Wet and windy conditions had not been conducive to good football, let alone travelling by bike but, wearing the appropriate clothing, it was comfortable to be watching the 2-2 draw, even standing out of shelter at the pitch side wall.

Essential Cycling Books for Christmas Day Reading and Beyond

During the course of cycle365project, I have collected several lovely books on cycling, 4 of which I have showcased here, with words by the publishers, and a little paraphrasing from me.

The Rides

This coffee table book from Cyclist Magazine includes 32 of the many road-riding routes from around Europe featured in the magazine over the last 5 years. Each ride is stunningly illustrated with images from some of the best photographers in the UK. The Rides also serves as a valuable resource when planning the next cycling holiday, or it can simply offer some moments of escapism during the dark months of a British winter. Destinations in The Rides include classic climbs such as Alpe d’Huez, the Stelvio, Monte Grappa and the Col d’Izoard. There are famous riding locations such as Mallorca, Roubaix and the Dolomites, as well as hidden gems that have yet to be discovered by the cycling hordes. All of the rides can be downloaded as GPX files from the Ride With GPS Website.

The Brooks Compendium of Cycling Culture

In celebration of Brooks 150th Anniversary in 2016, Brooks produced a unique book to mark the occasion. This book is a collection of fascinating views on the bicycle and its cultural influence, featuring contributions from Guy Andrews, Ron Arad, Bella Bathurst, Matt Brammeier, Will Butler-Adams, Antony Cairns, Taz Darling, Geoff Dyer, Timothy Everest, Joe W. Hall, Caren Hartley, Frank Herholdt, Guy Kesteven, Joe MacLaren, George Marshall, David Millar, Simon Mottram, Martin Parr, Laura Quick, Amy Sherlock, Sir Paul Smith, Tom Southam, Mark Sutton, Bernard Thompson, Jack Thurston, Richard Wentworth, and Ben Wilson. A book on cycle culture produced with cycle style.

Velotopia by Dr Stephen Fleming

Across the world, cities are encouraging cycling to make their centres liveable again. Could cycling actually become a key organising principle for future urban growth and the design of new buildings? What would cities designed for cycling look like and feel like? What is needed to make the perfect cycling city? In Velotopia: The Production of Cyclespace in Our Minds and Our Cities, architectural theorist and historian Steven Fleming, a leading international figure in bicycle urbanism and author of the bestselling Cycle Space(2013), argues that the best-connected cities in the future will be those that put cycling before walking and public transport. According to Fleming, cities organised around cycling will be greener and healthier, and also fairer and more accessible than today’s cities; more productive, comfortable, social and fun. Dr Fleming dares readers to think big, to radically reimagine cities and city life around movement on two wheels. The first bike-centric model of urban planning and building design, Velotopia is a book for designers, planners, students, advocates and the general reader, all those shaping cities and the built environment who imagine a future for the cycling city.

Bike Nation - How Cycling Can Save The World by Peter Walker

Cafe Santa Ride

The last ride of the year before Christmas and of course it had to be a Santa ride. I’d already decided to take the lime green machine on its first proper ride since I acquired it, and the pannier rack was perfect for a little tinsel. With 3 rear facing red, flashing lights and 2 forward facing white flashers, and a felt Santa attached to the head tube, the bike bore a vague resemblance to a Christmas tree!

The Amsterdammers and Recharge Cargo

Nestled below and behind Brighton Railway Station in a former horse drawn fire station, The Amsterdammers sell new and used Dutch and similar city bikes. They also hire out these commute/shop bikes and stock hard to find, spare parts.

The Coach House is also a hub for Recharge Cargo, a cargo e-bike package delivery service, with a mission to carry out zero emission deliveries in a congested town for businesses as diverse as fast food and office supplies. They are also a local delivery hub for TNT.

Brighton Station Bike Hub

A 500 space bike parking facility, or hub, was added to Brighton Station in 2015. Costing £1.5m and funded by the Department for Transport, Brighton and Hove City Council and Network Rail, this 24 hour secure facility also incorporates a gym, lockers and showers on the upper level, and a cafe and cycle workshop at the entrance to the parking racks.

Brighton Bike Share Scheme

Brighton is the latest Town/City to launch a bike share scheme. They first carried out a feasibility study in 2010 but didn’t proceed at that point mainly due to a significant revenue subsidy requirement at a time when spending cuts were being made.

They also felt that they first needed to enhance the city cycling experience to make it easier and more enjoyable, and so carried out some cycle infrastructure improvement along the old A27. However, to provide more significant infrastructure would be difficult to get approved while there was low modal share. A bike share scheme was offered as the answer and 5 years further on, seemed the right time to do it.

The scheme was finally launched Sept 2017. The scheme had gone to tender as a publicly owned bike share but privately operated and with no revenue subsidy. Bike Hour were the winners with a mission to make the scheme inviting, easy and comfortable while being innovative, light touch, accessible and flexible. Sponsorship from local employers American Express and Life Water was secured and the bikes were painted a duck blue colour similar to that of Brighton’s seafront railings.

So far, 450 bikes have been provided, supported by 46 hubs with 550 low tech stands. In the first three months, 17,000 users have registered making 80,000 trips covering 150,000 miles. I decided to be rider 17001 and registered the previous evening. There *is* an associated App which allows you to manage your account and find a bike, but actually hiring a bike is achieved by just entering your account number and PIN into the bike’s control panel. This releases the U lock which is then placed into the holder on the bike for the duration of the ride. Adjust the saddle height and you are ready to ride. The bikes are supposed to be high quality with 8 speed nexus hub gears (although I’m sure mine was 6 speed) and a shaft drive rather than an oily chain. The saddle was reasonably comfortable for the 3 mile, 50 minute saunter including many stops for photos, but I found the gears on my bike would slip in the mid range. I also felt that just 3 gears would have been enough, as it was with YoBike in Bristol, and as it is with my own Elephant Bike. I also found the riding position was too upright - for me - because of the traditional sweptback handlebars. The scheme was easy to use and the bikes look good.

There were quite a few bikes out on the prom to where I had cycled down a very bumpy Queens Road from the station, with the low sun in my eyes. I didn’t fancy riding back up the hill to the station particularly as the road was quite narrow with frequent hold-ups. I also wanted to get something to eat in town so I returned the bike to a stand near The Pier; the action of re-inserting the lock automatically terminated the ride. I could have also locked the bike to one of many nearby public stands within the designated operating area. Parking it further afield would incur a £2 recovery charge. At 3p per mile, my exact charge was £1.42 which represented good value to me for the project.

Cycling Home For Christmas

We had just an hour with which to go out and play this afternoon. The gate being locked for the holiday, the path leading up to the rear school entrance was going to be free of people. With its significant slope and relatively narrow width, the path presented some new ground to develop cycling skills.

The boyz cycled the half mile to the training ground on the deserted pavements to the side of quiet roads. To add some Christmas spice, I had raised Noah’s saddle height to something closer to ideal for pedalling, but a height challenging for getting going upslope. Sam was to get more feel of the effect of different gears when going uphill, especially when pedalling out of the saddle.

Cycling Way Of Life

I came across this exemplary cycling family today on Weymouth’s dual use Rodwell Trail. I managed a chat with all of them while on the move. They have an electric version for helping to get up the hill to Portland for the journey to school, a journey they make all year round whatever the weather.

The Create Centre, Bristol

“Create is a vibrant environment centre which hosts a range of events and exhibitions and features a purpose-built Ecohome . The centre is a great venue for meetings, seminars and conferences as well as providing flexible workspace to several environmental organisations. Create is owned and managed by Bristol City Council”.