Our response to the Walking and Cycling Statistics England 2017

30 August 2018

Responding to the Walking and Cycling Statistics, England, 2017, Xavier Brice, CEO for Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity, said:

“Whilst it is encouraging to see that walking continues to increase at the national and regional level, it is disappointing to see that levels of cycling have not changed nationally or regionally compared to previous years. Cities with well-established cycling cultures such as Cambridge and Oxford unsurprisingly record the highest prevalence for cycling at least once a week.

“This confirms what is already widely known – that good quality cycling infrastructure combined with behaviour change programmes is responsible for increased cycling uptake. Protected cycling infrastructure also helps break down a barrier for those people who don’t cycle because of safety reasons, a number one concern according to the data.

“The UK Government recommends people build active travel into their daily commute to increase levels of physical activity yet it fails to take bold steps to turn that into reality.

“We urge the UK Government to prioritise the development of safe and high-quality walking and cycling routes to enable more people to walk and cycle.”

For more information, images and interviews, please contact:

Anna Galandzij, Senior Press Officer at Sustrans, anna.galandzij@sustrans.org.uk, 07557 915648.
Liv Denne, Press and Media Officer at Sustrans, liv.denne@sustrans.org.uk, 07768 035318.

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Walking and cycling key to tackling poor air quality in Birmingham

30 August 2018

Earlier this month we responded to a consultation being undertaken by Birmingham City Council on a new Clean Air Zone (CAZ) for the city centre.

Although we welcome these plans, the Clean Air Zone won’t solve the air quality crisis on its own. A sustainable solution to our air quality crisis must involve fewer, not just cleaner, vehicles.

Even electric cars can contribute to poor air quality and in London and last year a study found that up to 45% of the harmful particulates in the air we breathe came from tyre and brake wear.

Funds from Clean Air Zone should be reinvested into cycling and walking 

We believe that the best way to reduce the number of vehicles on the road is to achieve a ‘modal shift’ away from cars and towards more sustainable forms of transport, such as cycling and walking. To achieve this, we’re calling on Birmingham City Council to reinvest any revenue it receives from the CAZ into alternatives that encourage people to walk and cycle. We’d also like to see funds earmarked for e-bikes and e-cargo bikes to help with deliveries around the city.

There were 19.5 million cycling journeys in the city last year alone with strong support from the public to make cycling easier. If people used alternatives for just two return journeys a week it would remove around 200,000 cars from the city’s roads.

Safety is clearly a barrier to cycling and last year’s Birmingham Bike Life study revealed that only 22% of residents think that cycling safety is good. However, it also found eight out of ten residents support the construction of more protected cycle lanes - even if it meant less room for other traffic.  Clear evidence that more people will cycle with the right investment.

The Clean Air Zone proposal 

The proposal to develop a CAZ has been brought forward by Birmingham City Council in response to the threat of legal action from the EU. However, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels have breached safe levels in the city for some time and the whole city was declared an air quality management area in 2003. The city council estimates that poor air quality is responsible for 900 early deaths in the city and up to 2,400 in the West Midlands.

A ‘class D’ CAZ is the option favoured by the council which would levy a charge on every vehicle entering the area which doesn’t meet emissions standards. This would include diesel vehicles older than September 2015, petrol vehicles older than 2006 and HGV, coaches and busses which are older than September 2016. It’s thought that around a quarter of all vehicles entering the city centre would not meet these standards, equating to around 60,000 vehicles every day.

Commenting on the consultation Matthew Easter, Sustrans Director Midlands and East said:

“All the evidence shows that fewer, not just cleaner, car journeys are needed to improve air quality so cycling and walking must be part of the solution. That’s why we’re calling on the Council to reinvest the income it receives from the Clean Air Zone to make walking and cycling a safe and attractive alternative for short journeys. Let’s be clear, we’re dealing with a real air quality crisis which kills 900 local people every year – with many more suffering health problems. It really is time we tackled this problem courageously and collaboratively so our children can grow up in a safe and healthy environment”

The consultation on the Clean Air Zone finished on 17 August and the Council will consider the findings before making a final decision. The scheme will then come into effect in January 2020 subject to approval by the UK Government.

Read our full response to Birmingham City Council Clean Air Zone proposal 

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We respond to a call for ban of pavement parking

30 August 2018

Sustrans have backed the letter from Living Streets and Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and over 17,000 members of the public, calling for a long overdue review of how a new law to tackle pavement parking would work.

Xavier Brice, CEO for Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity said: 

“We strongly support a banning of pavement parking in England, outside of London.

“Obstructing pavements forces pedestrians out on to the streets, into the path of traffic and frequently also blocks cycle lanes. It is particularly dangerous for those who are blind and partially sighted, other less able people and people with pushchairs.

“We’re calling on the UK Government to protect our most vulnerable road users and urgently bring the ban of pavement parking across the rest of England in line with London.”

The letter

PAVEMENT PARKING

Sir, It has been 1,000 days since the government promised to take action to prevent unsafe pavement parking by researching how a new law to tackle the issue would work. Cars parked on the pavements force people into the road to face oncoming traffic, which is particularly dangerous for many, including blind and partially sighted people, parents with pushchairs and young children, wheelchair users and others who use mobility aids. The government has been stalling on this issue, and we urge the prime minister, and the government, to take action to change the law on unsafe pavement parking.

Tom Wright, Chief Executive, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association; Joe Irvin, Chief Executive, Living Streets; Andrew Pester, Chief Executive, British Parking Association; Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director, Age UK; Philip Darnton, Executive Director, The Bicycle Association of Great Britain; Julie Harrington, Chief Executive Officer, British Cycling; Ian Harvey, Executive Director, Civic Voice; Paul Tuohy, Chief Executive Officer, Cycling UK; Steve Conway, Chief Executive, DeafBlind UK; Graham Footer, Chief Executive, Disabled Motoring UK; Janet Morrison, Chief Executive, Independent Age; Neil Heslop OBE, Chief Executive Officer, Leonard Cheshire; Cathy  Yelf, Chief Executive, Macular Society; Malcolm Booth, Chief Executive Officer, National Federation of Occupational Pensioners; Vanessa Griffiths, Chief Executive, The Ramblers; Eliot Lyne, Interim Chief Executive, Royal National Institute for the Blind; Mark Atkinson, Chief Executive, Scope; Lisa Hopkins, Chief Executive, SeeAbility; Xavier Brice, Chief Executive, Sustrans; Peter Corbett, Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Pocklington Trust.

For more information, images and interviews, please contact:

Anna Galandzij, Senior Press Officer at Sustrans, anna.galandzij@sustrans.org.uk, 07557 915648.
Liv Denne, Press and Media Officer at Sustrans, liv.denne@sustrans.org.uk, 07768 035318.

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Cycling and walking in Yorkshire given boost by improvements on canal

29 August 2018

We attended a community celebration at Silsden on Saturday 18 August to mark the official re-opening of a section of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, following improvement works as part of a £2.9m package to boost cycling and walking access on West Yorkshire towpaths.

The 2.7km section between Riddlesden and Silsden has been resurfaced, building on previous improvements from Kirkstall to Shipley and providing people with high quality, traffic-free cycling and walking routes. 

Providing routes for people 

The route forms part of the National Cycle Network and the scheme is part of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s £60m CityConnect programme aimed at encouraging more people to cycle and walk.

Members of the local community were joined by John Grogan, MP for Keighley and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways, Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, Cllr Taj Salam, Cycling Champion at Bradford Council, Mike Marshall, Customer Operations Manager at Canal & River Trust, and Rupert Douglas, our Network Development Manager in Yorkshire.

Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said:

“These improvements will provide people travelling by bike or on foot with safe, scenic traffic-free routes all year round.

“As well as providing missing links in local cycling and walking infrastructure, these improvements – alongside other schemes across the region – are helping open up access to some of our best countryside, including the Yorkshire Dales.

“Through our CityConnect programme, the Combined Authority is working in partnership to connect people to employment and opportunities, and encourage more of us to travel in a way which benefits our health, the environment and our economy.”

Canals at the heart of communities across the region 

The schemes are funded by the Department of Transport (DfT) and delivered by the Combined Authority’s CityConnect programme in partnership with the Canal & River Trust, the charity which cares for the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, and local authority partners.

Michael Marshall, Customer Operations of the Canal & River Trust, said:

“Yorkshire’s canals are at the heart of communities across the region, making towpaths the ideal way for millions of people to enjoy a slice of fresh air in their daily lives. We’re delighted to work with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and local authority projects on these towpath improvement schemes, which will ensure residents and visitors can make the most of the canals all year round.”

“ It is great to have the Riddlesden and Silsden towpath upgraded and improved, giving individuals and families from across district access to traffic-free cycling and walking routes. ”

- Cllr Taj Salam, Bradford Council’s Cycling Champion

Cllr Taj Salam, Bradford Council’s Cycling Champion, said:

“It is great to have the Riddlesden and Silsden towpath upgraded and improved, giving individuals and families from across district access to traffic-free cycling and walking routes.

“I am excited to be part of the programme that provides routes connecting some of the most beautiful and scenic areas of the district, so that people from all walks of life have the opportunity and encouragement enjoy the outdoors and benefit their health.”

John Grogan, MP for Keighley and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways, said:

“The Leeds & Liverpool Canal is one of the glories of the North of England and carried the lifeblood of the industrial revolution.

“I hope the completion of work on this section of the towpath today will encourage residents of Silsden and Keighley to make even greater use of it and also attract visitors.”

Improvements being made across West Yorkshire  

The improvement on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is one of four canal towpath schemes across West Yorkshire. The Calder & Hebble Navigation towpath between Sowerby Bridge and Hollas Lane Bridge recently re-opened following improvement works. Works are currently underway between Huddersfield and Milnsbridge on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal towpath, while the Rochdale Canal is to benefit from improvements to create a 10km route linking Sowerby Bridge to Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge.

A further £1.5 million of funding from the Department for Transport (DfT), announced earlier this summer, will see this extend to Todmorden.

Find out more about our work with City Connect

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Sustrans celebrates opening of Quietway2

29 August 2018
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Today we’re proud to see the new Quietway 2 (Q2) officially opened.

It offers a quieter and safer way to cycle, enabling people to cycle from east London into the city centre and beyond. The route that connects Bloomsbury and Walthamstow via Angel, Haggerston, London Fields and Clapton is another important step towards making London a great place to travel around by bike or on foot.

As Transport for London’s (TfL) delivery agent for the Quietway programme, we have been working hard with TfL and London Boroughs to develop and expand the Quietway network since 2015.

Over 100km of Quietways have now been constructed.

Building a better city

Quietways are starting to make it easier to cycle in London by providing routes away from the busiest main roads. Where possible, they take people through many of London’s green spaces and along waterways, creating an environment which encourages people to leave the car at home and walk or cycle instead.

Quietways have made cycling safer at 86 junctions across London and new routes have driven increases in cycling by more than 50%.

Opening up a network for everyone in London

The 12km Q2 route links with other parts of the emerging cycling network including Cycle Superhighway 1 in De Beauvoir Town, Cycle Superhighway 6 in Bloomsbury, and forthcoming routes including Quietway 13 at London Fields and Quietway 10 near Angel. The network of cycling routes now reach as far south as Merton, as far north as Tottenham and as far west as West Acton.

Across London Quietways will create over 250km of new cycling routes on streets with less traffic.

Improving streets for people

The new route involved making improvements to streets that make it easier for people to walk and cycle. Improvements made include a new signalised crossing of Queensbridge Road, traffic-filtered roads around Clapton Square and Chatham Place, as well as a reduction in large vehicles through Dalston on Middleton Road to safer crossings of main roads including St John Street, City Road, Mare Street, Morning Lane, Lower Clapton Road and Chatsworth Road.

Improvements in Walthamstow include new pedestrian and cycle crossing at the Selbourne Road and protected cycle lanes on Willow Walk.

Since 2014 cycling has increased by up to 94% in areas along the route. 

More routes open across London

Another 4km route, Quietway 2 West, has also opened connecting Notting Hill and Acton via Wormwood Scrubs. A new traffic-free path through Wormwood Scrubs is also part of this new safer cycling route.

Once the section through Westminster is completed, the full Q2 route will form a 23km continuous cycle route from Acton in the West to Walthamstow in the East.

Quietways are making a difference

Quietways are helping to overcome barriers to cycling by offering Londoners routes through areas with lower volumes of traffic.

Quietways have already made cycling safer at 86 junctions across London.

The first route from Waterloo to Greenwich, Q1, saw a 54% increase in cycling after opening to the public.

“ Riding on Quietway 2 was a delight and made me discover a whole part of town I did not know. ”

- Andrea Mac-Fall, Sustrans supporter

Quietways are also helping make cycling more diverse. TfL’s data from Quietway 1 between Greenwich and Waterloo shows that the proportion of women cycling along the route rose from 29% to 35% following its opening, which is a bigger increase than increase in women riding on the cycle superhighways.

Kelly Clark, Head of Infrastructure Delivery, Sustrans said:

“It is wonderful to see Quietway 2 officially open. Working in partnership with TfL as well as the London Boroughs of Islington, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Camden and the Lea Valley Regional Park Authority, we have created a route which invites people to cycle rather than drive. It would be fantastic to see people who have previously been nervous about riding in London, dust off their bike and try out the route too.

“By creating an environment which encourages people to walk and cycle, we can make a huge difference to all of our lives. Building active travel into our day helps us get fitter and healthier. If we drive less, the air we breathe becomes cleaner and with fewer vehicles on the road, there’s less congestion so our road network becomes much more efficient, so with every Quietway that opens, that is great news for Londoners.”

Ben Plowden, TfL’s Director of Strategy and Network Development, said:

“London has seen a boom in the numbers of people choosing to walk and cycle and new routes such as these are essential to encouraging more people out of their cars and onto their bikes.”

Deputy Mayor of Hackney, Cllr Feryal Demirci, said: 

“With more Hackney residents cycling to work than in any other London borough, we’re proud to be launching Quietway 2, which has introduced a new direct link for people in Hackney to cycle into central London.

“As part of the new route, we have introduced safer cycle crossings on Mare Street and Powerscroft Road in Hackney, and new traffic signals at the Middleton Road and Queensbridge Road junction. These improvements are key to getting more people cycling, improving their health and cleaning up London’s air in the process.”

More “streets for people”

We want to see many more of London’s streets transformed so people feel safe and comfortable cycling and walking. That’s just what Quietways can do, by providing routes away from busier streets. 

We are proud to have been awarded Transport Consultant of the Year 2018, for our work as TfL’s delivery partner on Quietways for our work with London boroughs and other partners, helping to transform the capital into a cycle and pedestrian-friendly city.

Veronique Caroller, Sustrans volunteer, gave us her thoughts on riding Quietway 2 for the first time:

“What a great route. I have been put off cycling in London before, but that was a pleasure. I urge anyone to give Quietways a try.”

Andrea Mac-Fall, Sustrans supporter said: 

“I just loved it. The idea that you are all out there, working hard and achieving these changes, is so comforting for me. Riding on Quietway 2 was a delight and made me discover a whole part of town I did not know. I’ll retrace my steps with the family very soon.”

Learn more about Quietways routes in London Watch the first impressions from individuals who cycled Quietway 2

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New Online Travel Resource Launched in Cheltenham

28 August 2018

A new online resource designed to make active travel easier for people in Cheltenham is launched this month.

Sustrans, the charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle, in collaboration with the Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID) have created new online travel pages to help locals travel more actively and sustainably to and from work.

Sustrans developed the series of travel pages on the Visit Cheltenham website under the ‘Your Visit’ section to help support employees in the Cheltenham BID, as well as residents and visitors to the town.

The pages are full of useful information and suggestions for more sustainable and enjoyable ways to travel to and around the town, including bicycle, on foot, public transport and the park and ride scheme.

Kevan Blackadder, BID Director, Cheltenham BID said: “It is important that detailed information is readily available about how to get to and around Cheltenham. This applies as much to locals as it does to visitors to the town.

“In the past, the information has been both confusing and lacking in detail. I’m delighted that by working with Sustrans, we now have easy-to-understand travel information available online which will help you plan your journey to and around Cheltenham.”

A Sustrans Active Travel officer ran a number of travel information sessions for employees working at House of Fraser, Marks and Spencer’s and the Regent Arcade in the centre of town.

The sessions helped to identify individual barriers to active travel and provided bespoke advice and solutions to help overcome these. The sessions were very well received by staff and the businesses.

Sustrans have also worked with Cheltenham BID to make recommendations around car sharing schemes that can be used by employees in the town.

James Cleeton, Sustrans England South Director, said: ‘‘At Sustrans we recognise that the daily commute can have a significant influence on staff’s mental and physical wellbeing, as well as their finances and time.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with the Cheltenham BID and commend their efforts in actively supporting their members to have a healthier and happier workforce.

“The more we can choose to walk and cycle the healthier we and our neighbourhoods become, which ultimately benefits everyone.”

Employees who encourage staff to actively travel to work create many benefits, including:

Staff having fewer sick days – which can cost UK business £32 billon each year1 Reduces rush hour congestion. It has been estimated that congestion on England’s roads could cost the economy over £22 billion by 20252 Healthier people: Using the World Health Organisation’s tool, developed with Sustrans, for measuring the health benefits of walking and cycling, the estimated annual health benefit to all those using the National Cycle Network in 2012 was worth over £290 million.

Please visit www.visitcheltenham.com/your-visit/travel to find out more about walking, cycling and other sustainable modes of travel around Cheltenham, funded by Cheltenham BID.

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Glider drivers sharing the road safely

22 August 2018
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Bus drivers are gearing up for the launch of the new Glider service in Belfast by taking part in a Safe Urban Driving course aimed at improving safety for all road users.

We have joined forces with Translink to ensure all its Glider drivers pass the Safe Urban Driving course - a best practice training programme to help drivers deal with the increasing challenges of busy urban driving.

The accredited course is specifically designed to provide bus drivers with skills to share bus lanes safely with people cycling and to see the road from a cyclist’s perspective.

The course was originally developed by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and Sustrans in partnership with Cycle Training UK (CTUK). To date hundreds of lorry drivers in Northern Ireland have taken part in the one-day course which is offered as part of Driver CPC training.

“ There is an onus on all road users to travel safely and respect one another. ”

- Richard Anderson, Translink

Translink Glider Service Delivery Manager, Richard Anderson said safety is a top priority to the public transport provider: “With more people looking for better ways to travel, growing numbers are choosing the bus or their bikes to get around; Glider is set to inspire even more people to choose public transport with bike interchanges at key halts along the route.

“We are pleased to once again work with Sustrans who carried out similar training for our Metro and Ulsterbus drivers in the past. There is an onus on all road users to travel safely and respect one another.

"This training will help give Glider drivers a better understanding of cyclist needs, potential blind spots and the adjustments to be made while travelling to ensure they travel safely on the road together.”

Protected cycle lanes call

Karen Mawhinney, Sustrans Cycle Skills Team Manager said: “We are really pleased to work with Translink to deliver this training programme to ensure both drivers and cyclists can safely share road space. With the imminent launch of the Glider system, we want to minimise the safety risks of cyclists sharing bus lanes and also ensure people are not put off cycling in the bus lanes.

“Ideally Sustrans would prefer a separate network of protected cycle lanes and we will continue to lobby government for this. It is not just Sustrans that want this, the majority of Belfast residents, whether or not they cycle, support protected cycle lanes.” [1]

As part of the course, a new ‘Travelling in Harmony’ with Glider  leaflet has been produced highlighting safety tips for both bus drivers and cyclists.

Find out more about cycle training in Northern Ireland

[1] Bike Life Belfast 2017 report and survey by Sustrans and the Department for Infrastructure

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How one school in Leicester marked Clean Air Day 2018

20 August 2018

With our help, parents and children at Glebelands Primary School in Leicester marked this year’s Clean Air Day with a street party for the whole community.

The road next to the school was closed for the day, creating a traffic-free space for pupils, parent and residents to enjoy.

Parents and pupils also got stuck into a range of activities encouraging them to leave their car at home during the school run. These included a Dr Bike session where children were able to bring their bike in to school for a free safety check.

We helped to stage the event in conjunction with Leicester City Council, who also fund us through; the Local Access Fund, capital programme funding and school run parking funding to work with local schools. By demonstrating the benefits of active travel we encourage young people from schools across the city to take part in active travel, such as walking and cycling.

Clean Air Day was held on 21 June and is an annual event with schools, businesses and other organisations from across the country taking part. It helps to raise awareness of the problems caused by poor air quality in towns and cities across the UK. It’s estimated that up to 40,000 early deaths are attributable to air pollution every year and road transport is responsible for 80% of the pollution where legal limits are being broken.

Nichola Jackson is a Sustrans Schools Cycling Officer in Leicester and helped to coordinate the day. Speaking after the event she said: “The day was fantastic!“. 

Over a third of the children arrived by bike or scooter; 59 children and staff arrived by bike and 43 arrived by scooter. In the lead up to the event, the children made bunting with a ‘clean air’ theme which hung around the school and closed street, had special assemblies, completed the Big Street Survey, and made manifestos and posters to display.

In the afternoon, the event welcomed families and local residents to join in the fun and take part in activities as well as make the most of stalls that partner organisations had set up. The feedback from the school community and local residents was really positive about what a difference the closure had made.

Mr Lee, Head teacher at Glebelands Primary School, said: "It was the highlight of the school year!”.

Find out more about our work with schools

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Sustrans South Launches One Path Initiative on Bristol and Bath Railway Path to promote care and respect by users

13 August 2018
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An initiative designed to promote positive behaviour on shared paths was launched on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path (BBRP) yesterday (Monday 13 August 2018).   Designed to tackle conflict that can arise between different users on shared paths, the initiative encourages positive actions and behaviour by all.   Developed in partnership with BBRP’s newly established community stewardship group, Up our Street, and the Councils who own and manage the path (Bristol City Council, Bath and North East Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council), One Path is an alternative to physical change, focusing on people and behaviour with the key message of ‘Share, Respect and Enjoy’.   There are approximately four million trips per year on the 13 mile long BBRP making it one of the busiest dedicated traffic free routes in the UK.   A recent survey* counted more than 5000 trips per day along the Whitehall section alone. Numbers peak during the morning and evening rush hours with nearly 1000 people using this section between 8am and 9am. With this high level of use there are increasing levels of conflict and accidents.   Piloted in Northern Ireland in 2016, the programme aims to engage with path users, listen to their concerns, analyse the issues and collaborate with them, local authorities and community groups to find potential solutions. Questionnaire interviews will be undertaken over the next few weeks at various points on the Bristol section where most of the issues have arisen. Ideas for physical changes will also be collected for consideration at a later date.   James Cleeton, Sustrans England Director South said the organisation is committed to ensuring the BBRP is a viable space which can be enjoyed by all users. whether by foot or by wheel.    He said: “At peak times the path is very congested and is experiencing increased levels of conflict.   “This is damaging its value to the communities it serves because the least confident and most vulnerable users are dissuaded from using it. We have instigated the One Path Initiative to ensure that its value to people and the localities it serves is enhanced and protected for generations to come.   “We are committed to a Bristol and Bath Railway Path that is a community space for everyone - a park, path and place for all, by foot or by wheel, enabling healthy lifestyles in a green and biodiverse corridor linking the two cities and communities across the West of England.”   Cllr Mhairi Threlfall, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity at Bristol City Council, said: “We are making improvements to Bristol’s physical infrastructure with upgrades to walkways and cycle routes, but this is only one part of creating a well-connected, efficient network.   “Conflict between pedestrians and cyclists is a growing challenge as more people choose to travel short journeys sustainably, by foot or bike, and we are concerned about anything which could disrupt or dissuade people from continuing these journeys.    “This has been no-more evident than on the popular Bristol to Bath Railway path, and we want to work with local people, path users and non-path users alike, to identify how we alleviate pinch points and problem areas so we can all travel together in harmony.”   South Gloucestershire Councillor Paul Hughes, Cabinet Member for Communities and Tourism, said: “The Bristol to Bath Railway Path is a wonderful resource for everyone and we are pleased to support an initiative which promotes it to new users and encourages sharing the space safely for people walking and riding, whether they are out to get fit or just take a leisurely ride or walk with friends and family.    “The section through South Gloucestershire is very popular and I want everyone to be able to use the path together, to respect each other as equal users and to be safe as they enjoy our wonderful environment.”   Zoe Banks-Gross, a Bristol-based environmentalist and founder of East Bristol Kidical Mass, a movement to encourage families to ride bicycles for transportation, exercise and fun said: “The Bristol to Bath Railway Path is my favourite local linear park.   “It’s an ecological corridor, an oasis for human city dwellers and an excellent traffic-free resource for everyone not just people on road bikes going fast. Just like other public spaces in the city, we need to share it and make sure it stays accessible for everyone.”    

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DfT consultation into cycling safety laws – our response

13 August 2018

On 12 August 2018 the Department for Transport announced a new consultation into whether proposed new offences of causing death or serious injury while cycling, equivalent to existing offences for drivers, should be introduced.

In response, Anita Konrad, National Director (England) at Sustrans, the cycling and walking charity said:

“The case for a new offence to tackle dangerous and careless cycling must remain proportional. In 2016, 448 pedestrians were killed on our roads but cyclists were only involved in three of these cases. Every death is a tragedy but we must remember that people on bikes are vulnerable road users, too. There is an urgent need to ensure that the justice system is able to deal appropriately with careless and deliberately dangerous behaviour by all road users. ”

The Government also announced:

£1 million in funding to support the pathfinder demonstration projects for repairing and upgrading sections of the National Cycle Network (NCN) updates to the Highway Code including measures to counter the practice of dangerous close passing of people on bikes commissioning the Cycle Proofing Working Group to develop national guidance and best practice for cycling and walking infrastructure.

Commenting on the announcement, Konrad added:

“We are pleased that the Department for Transport has recognised the importance of the National Cycle Network by investing in supporting the demonstration projects. This is a critical first step in upgrading the NCN, which is vital for everyday journeys by foot and by bike, leisure and tourism. The Network will need continued support from Government and other partners to help bring all its parts up to a standard that ensures it is a resource for everyone.

“We also welcome proposed changes to the Highway Code on close passing. Close passing vehicles can be extremely frightening for people on bikes and can lead to accidents. We support measures that help reduce these risks to help give more people the confidence to get on a bike for short everyday journeys. Developing national guidance on cycling and walking infrastructure should also see the safety of all vulnerable road users improved.”

- Ends -

For more information, interviews, case studies and photos contact:
Anna Galandzij, Senior Press Officer at Sustrans, 07557 915 648, anna.galandzij@sustrans.org.uk
Liv Denne, Press and Media Officer at Sustrans, 07768 035318, liv.denne@sustrans.org.uk

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Sustrans Scotland welcomes £7m funding from Scottish Government to the National Cycle Network

10 August 2018

Sustrans Scotland has welcomed the investment of a further £3.9m from the Scottish Government to help develop National Cycle Network routes across Scotland. 

The move brings the the total of Scottish Government investment to the NCN to £6.9m for 2018/19 and will fund a series of infrastructure improvements to make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle across the country.

Sustrans Scotland Deputy Director Grace Martin said: “The National Cycle Network is vital for every day journeys, leisure trips and tourism in Scotland. The Scottish Government’s additional investment in the network highlights its commitment to creating a sustainable and active Scotland.   “Sustrans will be releasing the results of its National Cycle Network Review in November 2018, which will help inform how the network is developed and improved in Scotland over the coming years.   “This additional funding will help create better connected communities and encourage people to walk and cycle more on the journeys they make every day.”   The most significant changes to the network will complete the last two sections of the Caledonia Way (National Cycle Network Route 78), between Campbeltown and Inverness, and develop a new route between Doune and Callander.   The funding will also be used for the completion of construction of Soldiers Bridge in Fort William and enhance existing NCN routes across central Scotland to encourage every day active journeys.

Find out more about the National Cycle Network in Scotland.

 

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Cycle to Work and reap the benefits

8 August 2018
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Did you know just 5% of Belfast residents usually cycle to work but as many as 54% would like to start cycling or cycle more?

To help kick-start a healthier, greener commute we’re promoting the UK’s biggest cycle commuting event, ‘Cycle to Work Day’, on Wednesday 15 August with a number of activities to get people on their bicycles.  

Belfast city centre activities

In Belfast city centre, we are taking over four car park spaces outside Clarence Court, Department for Infrastructure offices, from 8am to 2pm with a City Cycle Stop.

The aim is to rethink car park spaces and offer incentives to people cycling to work. For example, an average 14 bikes can fit in a single car park space.

There will be vouchers for breakfast snacks from 8am and a range of activities open to the general public from 10am:

Mech Monkey, bike mechanic will be doing some light bike servicing. Get your bike registered with the Police Service of Northern Ireland Bike Register to help identify your bike if it gets stolen. Get a free smoothie courtesy of our smoothie bike – you could even make one yourself and feel better about the calories! Talk to Sustrans staff and volunteers about route planning and advice on cycling to work. Find out about the new Cycle-friendly Employer Accreditation Scheme, and get your employer or business to sign up. Watch local artist Friz work live on the street to produce a cycling-related piece of art. Enter a free raffle for a chance to win Marks & Spencer vouchers and other prizes. See our new Streetkit and find out how it can be used to reimagine a car park space or your street.

Sustrans Active Travel Officer, Workplaces, Patricia Magee said:

“Many people think that they would like to try cycling to work. Cycle to Work Day on 15 August is a UK-wide initiative to really encourage people to give it a go. We have lots of tips on our website and we’ll be available in person at the City Cycle Stop for a chat, information and some freebies.”

We deliver a workplace programme called Leading the Way, funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA), across a number of public sector organisations in Belfast and Derry~Londonderry to encourage staff to travel actively on their commute.

Other activities happening across Northern Ireland  In Strabane there will be a Sustrans information stand at the Alley Theatre between 12pm and 3pm on 15 August with freebies, a quiz with prizes and information on the North West Greenway Network plan. There are a number of ‘Leading the Way’ workplace activities in the north west: A Bike to Work breakfast and Dr Bike event for staff at Derry City and Strabane District Council. Staff from the Western Health & Social Care Trust and PHA can enter a Cycling to work ‘selfie’ competition As part of the CHIPS project in east Belfast, there will be on-road cycle training courses from the Active Travel Hub in C.S. Lewis Square on 14 & 15 August, beginners and adult courses. Call 028 90738513 or book online to reserve your place. Pledge to commute on Cycle to Work Day on 15 August, and be in with the chance of winning prizes

For further information/interviews contact:

Patricia Magee, Active Travel Officer, Workplaces, 028 90 434 569 or 078 8776 3470 Anne Madden, Policy & Communications Manager, 078 2655 6416  

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Photo exhibition showcasing National Cycle Network wildlife on display in Edinburgh

6 August 2018

A public photo exhibition, showcasing stunning images of wildlife and scenery on the National Cycle Network in Scotland has gone on show along the Union Canal in Edinburgh.

The free exhibition, which showcases submissions from photographers of all abilities as part of Sustrans Scotland’s Go Wild photography competition, will be displayed at Lochrin Basin until 30 August.  

Go Wild is part of Sustrans Scotland’s Greener Greenways project, which is part-funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, and aims to improve and enhance biodiversity on traffic-free sections of the Network that are home to a variety of animals and plant species.

The shortlisted photos range from a playful stoat to scenic shots highlighting breath-taking views along National Cycle Network routes in Scotland.

Sustrans Scotland Volunteers Coordinator, Laura White said: 

“We hope these photos will inspire and encourage more people to explore their local area by foot or bike, and enjoy the fantastic scenery and wildlife the National Cycle Network has to offer.”

“The National Cycle Network plays a vital role in supporting and promoting a wide variety of wildlife in Scotland and is a fantastic place for people to experience some of the rich biodiversity that Scotland has to offer.”

SNH’s Recreation and Access Officer, Caroline Fyfe said: 

“This fantastic, free exhibition showcases the work of people who have been inspired to grab a camera, get on a bike and capture stunning images of Scotland’s nature on the National Cycle Network, and we are thrilled with the results.

“With eight cycle routes across central Scotland, we are delighted to support the Greener Greenways project and hope it encourages even more communities to record, improve -  and above all enjoy - their local nature.”  

You can visit the exhibition at Lochrin Basin, EH3 9QD, along the Union Canal in Edinburgh during the month of August. 

There are approximately 2,371 miles (3,815 km) of National Cycle Network routes in Scotland, including 644 miles of traffic-free routes which use a mix of railway path, canal towpath, forest road, shared-use path, segregated cycle lanes and re-determined rural footways. It plays a vital role in helping people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more every day journeys and can act as a green corridor for wildlife.

Find out more about the Go Wild photocompetition Discover your local National Cycle Network routes

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Sea to Sea Phoenix Bridge gets a makeover

3 August 2018
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Local teenagers have painted a colourful artwork on the Phoenix Bridge along the Sea to Sea (C2C) National Cycle Network route at Cleator Moor, West Cumbria.

The mural evokes the fiery spirit of this former iron ore railway path’s rich industrial and natural heritage. It features a dragon fighting a phoenix, a steam train and red squirrel in a miner’s helmet. The community painting event was part of a joint effort with our local officers, artists of the Colourful North and the Phoenix Youth Project.

All the artwork design ideas came from the young people at Phoenix Youth Project, and include a range of images inspired by local history and wildlife, such as the Seven Sisters, hedgehogs, butterflies, bees, a minehead, and a silhouette of the unknown soldier.

This section of the Sea to Sea is known as the Tracks of the Ironmasters as it was once a railway that linked former iron ore mines at Knockmurton and Kelton to ironworks at Workington, Cleator and Distington.

The route includes a number of historic bridges and remnants of the path’s past, such as a rock crusher and railway signal. It is also a haven for nature as well as people, with rare wildlife such as red squirrels, the small blue butterfly, and bat colonies on some bridges.

We were awarded a grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund to work with the local community to restore the path’s historic and natural heritage and develop a signed trail.

Nikki Wingfield, our Project Officer for Tracks of the Ironmasters said:

“I’m really impressed with the design ideas and hard work of all the young people from the Phoenix Youth Project, working alongside artists of The Colourful North. They have transformed the area, brightening it up, making it a pleasure to walk and cycle through.”

Callum Bagley from Phoenix Youth Project said:

“I really enjoyed working with the artists on decorating the bridge and all with of the other young people from the youth club.

Kayleigh Jardine, also from the Project said:

“The bridge looks amazing, it was so much fun painting it, and there’s something so much better to look at now.”

The 140 mile Sea to Sea route attracts over 15,000 people on foot or by bicycle each year and is part of the National Cycle Network.

Would you like to get involved? Find out more on the Tracks of the Ironmasters Facebook page

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