Isle of Man route plan launched

16 May 2019

The Isle of Man Government has launched an Active Travel Investment Plan, developed by us, to highlight priority routes for cycling and walking.

We were commissioned by the Isle of Man Government as part of a £3.8million Active Travel programme to boost the numbers of people cycling and walking to over 20% by 2021 (compared to 14% in 2011).

The plan, which was developed in partnership with local communities, focuses on a 2.5 mile radius of Douglas town centre with around 35% of the island’s population. It recommends the development of walking and cycling routes along the river valley and promenade, linking up new and existing routes between Douglas and the surrounding communities.

The proposed network will include the existing traffic-free Heritage Trail, which is currently being upgraded to a multi-user path. There will also be continued development of cycling on the promenade in Douglas, with improved links to adjoining roads.

We highlighted the need for a major cycling route through Douglas towards Noble’s Park, leading to Onchan, as well as smaller measures, such as traffic calming, improved signage, dropped kerbs and pedestrian crossings, to make it easier for more people to walk and cycle.

Rosslyn Colderley, our Director in the North of England, said: “The Active Travel Investment Plan is the start of an exciting journey to help make it easier for more people to walk and cycle on the Isle of Man. We have assessed the road networks and communities around Douglas to find out the areas where we can have the most impact to increase travel by foot or bicycle. Now the next stage is to discuss our proposed routes and facilities with local people, work with them to tackle any issues on the ground and help inspire long term change to active travel.”

The Isle of Man Government launched the island’s first Active Travel Strategy in July last year.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer said: “A lot of work has taken place since Sustrans were commissioned last year to use their experience and expertise in this area and produce an Active Travel Investment Plan.

“This document highlights the most effective way to enable people in and around Douglas to walk and cycle to work and school. A number of routes have been identified and prioritised and will inform how funds should be committed to make effective changes to the way we move around.”

Research for the plan included workshops and discussions with local community groups and computer modelling work to assess peoples’ ‘propensity to cycle’, assessing the area’s topography, numbers of commuter journeys between key locations, and existing levels of active travel commuting. The plan is based on the UK Department for Transport’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans which help foster a long term approach in increasing walking and cycling for travel.

The next steps include further engagement with local communities to help identify current barriers to people travelling actively to work and school. As part of the Active Travel programme, we have also appointed two new officers who will work directly with local businesses, schools and communities to encourage more people to travel by foot or bicycle.

Find out more about our work on the Isle of Man or visit either www.gov.im/doi or www.facebook.com/iominfrastructure

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Belcycle is back! Belfast’s cycling festival returns to CS Lewis Square

13 May 2019

Belcycle is back!  Belfast’s family-friendly festival dedicated to all things cycling will take place on Saturday 15 June at CS Lewis Square in east Belfast. Be inspired to get on your bike – whatever your age or ability and join in the FREE festival.

There will be bikes of all shapes and sizes to test ride on the day including tandems, a side- by-side bike and balance bikes. You can join in activities such as children’s cycle training, including the ever-popular ‘Ditch the Stabilisers’ sessions. There will also be bike maintenance workshops to help you deal with punctures, as well as led rides, giant outdoor games and a slow bike race!

Pick up advice and tips from local cycling retailers on bikes, clothing and accessories, as well as information on cycling adventures, holidays, clubs and events. There will be lots of competitions and spot prizes and no festival would be complete without some tasty food and refreshments including a BBQ.     

Ashley Hunter, Sustrans Northern Ireland Director said: “This is a fun festival for all the family focusing on cycling. Leisure and commuting cycling has increased across Belfast with more people realising not only the health and environmental benefits of cycling but also how convenient, cheap and fun it is to travel by bike.

“We know that 71% of residents say Belfast would be a better place to live and work if more people cycled which is why our work to encourage more people to cycle is so important. Events like Belcycle bring people together, to celebrate all things cycling [1].”

CS Lewis Square is the ideal location for the festival as it is where the Comber and Connswater Community Greenways intersect. The square is also home to Sustrans Active Travel Hub, an EU-funded CHIPS project that encourages commuters in east Belfast to try alternatives to the car such as public transport, or cycling and walking.  Sustrans will be at the Festival to offer travel advice, route planning, cycle training and fun pedal-powered activities such as a bike smoothie-maker and paint-spinner.

So bring your family, friends and a picnic for a free fun-filled day that will keep the whole family entertained.

Belcycle will run from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 15 June at CS Lewis Square, east Belfast. There will be provision of on-site cycle parking and it is well connected to the city centre by bus or Glider from the nearby Newtownards Road. For more updates to go www.sustrans.org.uk/belcycle

[1]Bike Life 2017 Report, produced by Sustrans and the Department for Infrastructure

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Wales catching up with Scotland: Sustrans welcomes further funding boost for green transport

9 May 2019

Sustrans Cymru has today (9th May 2019) welcomed an announcement from Welsh Government that there will be an increase in active travel funding in Wales. 

Sustrans have been calling for a long term investment plan in active travel and welcome today’s announcement.  The charity has previously warned that Wales was under investing in walking and cycle, and compared the slow pace of progress in Wales against spending in Scotland where £16 per person per year is invested. 

However, last year, Welsh Government announced an extra £60million over three years to improve infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists – a move warmly welcomed by Sustrans.

“ “Wales’ over reliance on the car is damaging our health, harming our environment and hurting our economy.  Sustrans is delighted to see further investment which will fix pavements, make crossings safer and build new cycle paths separated from traffic.” ”

- Steve Brooks, Director of Sustrans Cymru.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Steve Brooks director of Sustrans Cymru said:

“Wales’ over reliance on the car is damaging our health, harming our environment and hurting our economy.  Sustrans is delighted to see further investment which will fix pavements, make crossings safer and build new cycle paths separated from traffic. 

“Whilst money is important, it’s not the only answer.  We need to ensure that this additional investment is spent wisely.  We know that when councils cut corners and roll out quick fixes, it’s pedestrians and cyclists who suffer.  That’s why we welcome Lee Waters’ emphasis on funding quality schemes.”

ENDS

For more info please contact: Sara Jones sara.jones@sustrans.org.uk or 07376365222

Find out more about our work in Wales

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20’s plenty: Sustrans backs Welsh Government review of residential speed limits

8 May 2019

Sustrans Cymru has welcomed an announcement from Welsh Government that speed limits on Welsh residential streets will be reviewed. In a question from Welsh Conservative AM David Melding, the first minister Mark Drakeford announced a special Welsh Government taskforce would be set up with local councils to look at how 20 mph zones could be rolled out in residential areas.

Sustrans welcomed the cross party support in the Assembly and urged ministers to press on with its plans. Sustrans supports lowering the default speed limit on urban streets to 20mph, arguing the move would make Welsh roads safer.

Currently the default speed limit on streets in built-up areas is 30mph, and last year powers to alter the rules were devolved to Wales. Campaigners, including Sustrans, have called on ministers to use their news powers and implement a lower, safer speed limit in Welsh towns and cities.

“ Sustrans warmly welcomes the cross-party support for the Welsh Government review. Evidence shows that where lower speed limits have been introduced, there has been a significant fall in road causalities. ”

- Steve Brooks, National Director Wales, UK Policy & Public Affairs Director.

Welcoming the news, Steve Brooks, director of Sustrans Cymru said:

“The thought of your child being hit by a car is every parent’s nightmare, yet we know we could make Welsh roads safer if we reduce the speed limit on our residential streets.

“The grim reality is that if you’re hit by a driver travelling at 30mph you’re 5 times more likely to die than if the driver was going at 20 [1]. That’s why the government’s own independent public health advisors back this move”.

“Sustrans warmly welcomes the cross-party support for the Welsh Government review. Evidence shows that where lower speed limits have been introduced, there has been a significant fall in road causalities. A recent study in Bristol showed a 40% drop in casualties, with the biggest fall amongst the number of children being killed or seriously injured.” .

Notes to editors

1. Rosén, E. et al. (2011) ‘Literature review of pedestrian fatality risk as a function of car impact speed’, Accident Analysis and Prevention, 43: 25-33.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Sara Jones on sara.jones@sustrans.org.uk or 07376 365 222

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Sustrans relocates London office to Tower Hamlets by Cargo Bike

8 May 2019
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We have relocated our London offices from Farringdon to Tower Hamlets. This is a significant and exciting change for our development as we focus on our strategic objectives including an overhaul of the National Cycle Network.

Cargo bikes are the way to go

With London-based company, Pedal Me, we carefully stacked the bike trailers, securing them tightly for the journey to our new home.

We moved all equipment and belongings for our 53 strong London-based workforce sustainably, a distance of 2.7 miles across the capital. Using electric cargo bikes we transported a117kg printer, 100 storage boxes, 50 crates full of IT equipment, three cupboards and two smoothie bikes.

Working with Tower Hamlets

Our move brings a significant brand to the borough along with a committed and experienced team who focuses on making streets better for everyone, and making it easier for people to walk and cycle for everyday journeys.

Relocating to Tower Hamlets builds on our strong relationship with the borough over many years of working together. Tower Hamlets is the first London Borough to take part in our Bike Life study, the UK’s largest programme of research into attitudes to cycling across the country. The borough also works with us on initiatives to make streets safer and encourage cycling and walking for everyday journeys within schools, creating young cycling ambassadors throughout the borough.

Pushing for change and a healthier, happier city

We have a long history of pushing the political and social agenda for change and founded the 16,000 mile National Cycle Network in 1995. In London, we work with London boroughs, Transport for London (TfL), the Mayor of London as well as community groups, schools and businesses to build a healthier, happier city where people choose to leave their car at home and walk or cycle instead.

Recent achievements we are proud to have been part of in London are; helping deliver 110km of Quietways cycling and walking routes as Transport for London’s delivery agent, unlocking huge potential in Bromley for liveable neighbourhood funding, working on ambitious cycling and walking designs with Greenwich, and launching a London-wide action plan to improve the National Cycle Network.

Matt Winfield, Sustrans London Director, said:

“We’re delighted to have moved to Tower Hamlets, a borough with great potential for cycling and walking. Our office move here using cargo bikes just goes to prove it is possible to relocate the contents of a sizeable workplace in a busy capital city like London, in a way that is environmentally sound.

“We’re looking forward to continuing our exciting work, empowering communities across London to create happier places.”

The charity’s move is welcomed by Tower Hamlets, complementing their own commitment to walking and cycling.

Cllr Kyrsten Perry, Tower Hamlets Cycling Champion said:

“It’s fantastic that Sustrans has chosen Tower Hamlets to be its new home. We welcome the charity with open arms as a major player in making London a place that is safer and healthier to travel around by bike and on foot. 

“We know Sustrans well, having worked with them on projects that make streets work better for everyone and in schools across the borough, where they help get children thinking about air quality, health and being more active in their daily lives. We’re also very excited and proud to be the first London borough to be part of Sustrans’ Bike Life initiative, the UK’s biggest survey on attitudes to cycling.

“We, as a council, have lots to look forward to as we continue to work with Sustrans in borough and I am sure Sustrans’ London team will enjoy being part of their new local community with all the vibrancy that Tower Hamlets has to offer.”

Get in touch

We’re now at 244-254 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9DA.

You don’t have to use petrol or diesel power to move an office. Get in touch and we can work with you on how to move with pedal power.

Tel: 020 7017 2350
Email: london@sustrans.org.uk

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Sustrans response to UK Parliament’s environment and climate emergency declaration

2 May 2019

On Wednesday 1 May 2019 MPs passed a motion making the UK Parliament declare an “environment and climate emergency”.

Welcoming the announcement, Dr Andy Cope, Director of Insight at Sustrans, said:

“We are very pleased Parliament has declared an environment and climate emergency.

“This calls for urgent and quick action on carbon emissions, including transport, which is the only sectoral source from which emissions continue to grow.

“This declaration by Parliament is a major opportunity to increase walking and cycling and reduce the car use to achieve its zero-carbon target.

“Energy consumption and emissions from transport are influenced not only by technical efficiency, mode choice and but also by lifestyle choices and socio-economic factors.

“To make it easy and attractive for people across the UK to choose active and cleaner ways to travel for everyday journeys, we need cross-government action and large-scale investment in walking and cycling.”

See our evidence submission to a Scottish Oarliament Commission on Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill

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Honour for Harrogate volunteer

1 May 2019

One of our long standing volunteers in Harrogate has been awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to cycling.

Malcolm Margolis attended the medal presentation on 9 April with his wife Gia, at Camp Hill, the home of the current Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Jo Ropner, who presented him with the award.

He was one of seven award recipients to attend the ceremony, which was followed by afternoon tea and cakes with Jo Ropner, who is herself a keen cycling advocate.

Malcolm has been a volunteer since 2006 and was instrumental in campaigns to develop the Nidderdale Greenway, from Harrogate to Ripley. The popular five-mile traffic-free cycling and walking route runs from North Harrogate, through Bilton,  Ripley and Clint and links to the Way of the Roses.

He worked tirelessly to attract support for the route from local businesses, councils and communities and continues to support us to develop the route a further 22 miles as far as Scar House reservoir, helping raise £17,000 so we could conduct a feasibility study. He is currently campaigning against plans to develop two bypasses which will cut through the Nidderdale Greenway and the wildlife-rich Nidd Gorge.

Malcolm also founded the Harrogate-based cycling group Wheel Easy, with Gia, and he has been a long term campaigner to develop cycle routes on The Stray, a 200-acre park in the centre of Harrogate, where cycling was forbidden.  He is an active member of the Harrogate District Cycle Forum.

Malcolm says: “It was a huge honour to receive the medal along with six other champions of their local communities, and a wonderful ceremony which my wife Gia and I will never forget. A big surprise was to discover that the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Jo Ropner, who presented our medals, cycles around 5,000 miles a year, including tough challenges in the UK, and stages of the Tour de France. Altogether, an impressive lady!”

Mike Babbitt, Head of Network Development for Sustrans for the North of England said: “Malcolm is a fantastic advocate of walking and cycling for Harrogate and his efforts have been invaluable to our work. He helped us and local authority partners to develop routes and garnered support from a wide range of people.

“He is a very positive and tenacious individual who has inspired many people about the value of active travel and he continues to campaign tirelessly. If you visit the Nidderdale Greenway look out for the portrait bench which features Malcolm, as part of our series of artworks along the National Cycle Network celebrating local people.”

Interested in volunteering with us? Find out more about our volunteer programme.

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