Eggs-cellent walks this Easter in N. Ireland

27 March 2018
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With the brighter evenings, thanks to the clocks springing forward, and the milder weather, it’s the perfect time of year to get out walking.

Discover Northern Ireland has put together a useful list of events for all the family over the Easter fortnight, many of which can be combined with an active journey. We’ve made some suggestions to incorporate a walking trip into some great days out across Northern Ireland this spring.

Easter Egg hunts in Enniskillen and Omagh

Perhaps the most fun to be had in a walking trip is finding chocolate eggs along the way! Easter Egg hunts have been organised by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in both Enniskillen and Omagh town centres. You’ll find the Easter bunny in both towns from 12 noon to 4pm this Saturday 31 March, where there will also be street entertainment and face painters.

The Easter Egg Hunt will bring participants through the town centres to find Easter Eggs located in shop windows of 12 retailers. Everyone who returns to base with their completed Easter Egg Hunt activity sheet will receive a sweet treat while all completed entries will be placed in a draw to win an Easter Egg hamper. So to justify all those sweet treats here are a couple of walks we suggest:

From Enniskillen bus station or nearby car park you can walk along the River Erne past the Lakeland Forum leisure centre and explore the rich history of the town at Enniskillen Castle. For a longer walk you could visit the beautiful Georgian mansion and grounds of Florence Court, just outside Enniskillen and roll your eggs down the hill. The National Trust property has 10 miles of trails for walking and cycling in the adjoining forest park.

In Omagh, you can cross the footbridge from the bus station which is a 10-minute walk into the town centre to join the Easter Egg hunt. Afterwards you can take a stroll along the riverside path and visit the Omagh Memorial Garden and Strule Arts Centre.

  Love My Greenway, Derry~Londonderry, 7 April

Celebrating the district’s Greenways, this festival is more one to take your bike to but there’s plenty on offer for people who come by foot. The festival includes performers on unicycles and rickshaws, take part in the pop up graffiti wall, visit Sustrans’ stand and make your own bike powered smoothie plus get your bike checked with tips to keep it in tip top condition with free bike checks. Remember greenways are for walking and cycling! #LoveMyGreenway

The event takes place at the Peace Bridge, City Side which is accessible by foot from all parts of the city. It is just a 20 minute walk or five minute cycle from Derry railway and Ulsterbus station on the Waterside.

Easter at Downhill Demesne, Co Londonderry

Downhill Demesne is an extensive estate near Castlerock on the scenic north coast. It is a great place to explore for children and adults alike, as there are so many different things to see, experience and learn about. The most famous building in the Demesne is the Mussenden Temple which is perched on the edge of the cliff overlooking the sea far below.

You can take the train to Castlerock and it’s a half hour walk (1.7miles) from the seaside town to the Demesne. There is also a shared path on the main Mussenden Road if you prefer to cycle which is part of NCN route 93.

Dockside Festival 2018, Titanic Quarter, Belfast

This festival from 30 March to 3 April celebrates the opening of a new visitor centre at HMS Caroline, featuring live entertainers, film screenings and arts and crafts events for a fun-filled family programme.

The ship is the last survivor of the WW1 Battle of Jutland and is moored at Alexandra Dock, off Queens Road in the Titanic Quarter. From Belfast city centre you can walk across the spectacular pedestrian and cycle bridge near the Albert Clock, passing the Big Fish, into the Titanic Quarter. It is a half hour walk along the Lagan riverpath, past the Titanic Museum and along Queens Road. Alternatively, from east Belfast you can cycle along the Comber Greenway (NCN Route 99) and Connswater Greenway, through Victoria Park into Titanic Quarter.

For more ideas for days out go to Discover Northern Ireland For more walking and cycling routes check out the NCN in Northern Ireland

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Londoners overwhelmingly back new Cycle Superhighways

23 March 2018
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More than 80 per cent of consultation respondents support a major new cycle route – Cycle Superhighway 4 - between Tower Bridge and Greenwich, including four kilometres of protected cycletrack. News follows recent 59 per support for similar west London route, Cycle Superhighway 9.

“ The overwhelming support just shows the hunger across London for more high quality cycle routes. ”

- Matt Winfield, Sustrans’ London Director

The proposed route - Cycle Superhighway 4 - will bring the first high-quality protected cycle route to southeast London and enhance the pedestrian environment along the route with five new pedestrian crossings and upgrades to more than 20 existing ones.

The signal of public support comes soon after proposals for a route in west London, Cycle Superhighway 9, received 59 per cent support in a consultation with the results announced in February. Route 9 would run from Kensington Olympia to Brentford Town Centre, providing a safe cycle track along many busy roads in west London.

Matt Winfield, London Director at Sustrans, said:

“The overwhelming support for the CS4 consultation, with 83 per cent in favour, just shows the hunger across London for more high quality cycle routes.

“A fully protected cycle route in southeast London will be a huge step forward in tackling congestion and cleaning the air. Londoners are starting to feel the benefit of their capital’s new cycle routes, which is good news for everyone.

“We are seeing, through Sustrans’ work with boroughs, more and more Londoners backing changes that will make their neighbourhoods more welcoming and encourage walking and cycling.”

83 per cent support proposed southeast London Superhighway 4

“ Cycle Superhighway 4 will encourage many more local people on to their bikes and improve the area for pedestrians. ”

- Will Norman, Mayor’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner Transport for London (TfL) today published the initial results of a public consultation into the proposed Cycle Superhighway 4 (CS4), with overwhelming support given to the plans.

More than 3,000 people responded to the consultation on the route between Tower Bridge and Greenwich, with 83 per cent in favour. Many respondents suggested that it would make cycling safer, increase the number of people choosing to cycle in the area and help reduce air and noise pollution. The new Cycle Superhighway would provide the first high-quality segregated cycle route in southeast London, linking with the cycle network across the capital.

London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, said:

“I’m delighted that our plans to improve cycling facilities in southeast London have received such overwhelming support. We know that this is an area with huge potential and these results show what a great demand there is for a safe, segregated route. Cycle Superhighway 4 will encourage many more local people on to their bikes and improve the area for pedestrians, benefiting the whole community. I look forward to working closely with the boroughs to take our plans forward.”

TfL has worked with Lewisham, Southwark and Greenwich councils on the proposals and will be continuing to work closely with them to take the plans forward. Construction could start later in the year.

59 per cent support for west London route – Superhighway 9

Additionally, the proposed route from Kensington to Brentford – Cycle Superhighway 9 - received 5,388 direct responses the consultation, of which 59 per cent supported or strongly supported the proposals.

Transport for London have committed to review the detailed feedback in order to determine the best way forward.

Councillor Alan Smith, Deputy Mayor of Lewisham and Cabinet Member for Growth and Regeneration, said: “We’re very excited about the CS4 coming to the borough. For many years we have worked with partners to improve cycling routes across the borough and the new Cycle Superhighway will make it safer to travel by bike in Lewisham and will help improve the quality of our air.”

Fran Graham, Campaigns Coordinator at London Cycling Campaign, said: “London Cycling Campaign is delighted to see the overwhelming support for Cycle Superhighway 4, demonstrating just how much a physically-protected cycle route in southeast London is needed. CS4 will enable many more people to cycle safely and enjoyably, and will connect to future routes such as the Canary Wharf - Rotherhithe walking and cycling crossing. CS4 is also vital to progress on the Mayor’s pledge to Londoners and the London Cycling Campaign to triple the mileage of protected cycle tracks during his first term.”

Gareth Powell, Managing Director of Surface Transport at TfL, said: “It’s fantastic to see that so many Londoners support this new cycle route, which will dramatically improve the safety of a series of junctions in southeast London. Cycle Superhighway 4 is a key part of our work to make cycling more accessible across London and complements proposals for a new cycle route between Rotherhithe to Peckham, the proposed Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf crossing and our growing network of Quietway routes.”

Find out about Sustrans’ work on Cycle Superhighway 9 Read our blog considering the future of London’s Cycle Superhighways

Notes

TfL consulted on its proposals for CS4 between 28 September and 19 November 2017 Of the 3,265 responses received, 83% supported or strongly supported the proposals, with 14 per cent opposed or strongly opposed and 3% neither supporting nor opposing In addition to CS4, TfL is working with Southwark Council on a potential new cycle route between Rotherhithe and Peckham and has just announced strong public support for a new walking and cycling crossing between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf, following a consultation on that scheme. CS4 will connect with Quietway 14 via the proposed segregated cycle lane on Tanner Street. This Quietway would link the North-South Cycle Superhighway with the proposed Cycle Superhighway 4. Plans for the section on Lower Road, which will incorporate the regeneration planned for Canada Water, will be consulted on at a later date.

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Huge public support for new Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf bridge

22 March 2018
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We welcome the overwhelming public support for a new walking and cycling bridge linking Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf, published on Wednesday by Transport for London (TfL).

TfL’s public consultation results show 93% of respondents support plans for a new pedestrian and cycling crossing over the Thames. Eighty-five per cent of respondents prefer a bridge over a ferry or tunnel. And the greatest support is for a bridge to link Nelson Dock and Westferry Circus.

The bridge would link up existing cycling routes, offering thousands of Londoners a quick, cheap and clean way to cross the river, and enable them to easily and safely walk or cycle around this rapidly growing part of east London for generations to come.

“ A new Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf bridge would give people a clean, healthy and quick way to get around and this public endorsement takes us one step closer. ”

- Matt Winfield, London Director, Sustrans

TfL predicts that by 2031 more than two million pedestrian and cycle journeys will be made across the bridge every year. Our research says that it could be many more.

Working with TfL on making London a city where it is easier to cycle and walk, Sustrans carried out a feasibility study into a bridge linking these two parts of London, supported with funding from TfL and local businesses, which led to TfL adopting and progressing the project.

Matt Winfield, London Director, Sustrans said:

“It’s fantastic news to hear that so many people are asking TfL to bridge the gap between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf. Our initial feasibility study demonstrated a strong transport case for the bridge and I’m pleased to hear so many people support it. We’re really excited about the design stage later this year.

“A third of London’s growth to 2030 is set to happen in the east, beyond Tower Bridge, including a doubling in the number of jobs on the Isle of Dogs and over 4,000 new homes around Canada Water. London needs this bridge not just for people that struggle to cross the river today, but to connect these new homes and jobs in the future.

“Currently the only bridge over the Thames in the entire 20 miles to the east of Tower Bridge is a motorway, so this new bridge is greatly needed to provide Londoners with real choice and encourage walking and cycling.

“We all know that getting people out cycling or walking cuts congestion and has great benefits to our health. A new Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf bridge would give people a clean, healthy and quick way to get around and this public endorsement takes us one step closer.”

It’s no secret that London has long needed more river crossings in the east. Pleased to see strong public support for a new pedestrian and cycling crossing at Rotherhithe. https://t.co/CIuMu0aA7q

— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) March 21, 2018 Find out more about Sustrans’ involvement in establishing this project Read the Transport for London Report

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Community group recognised for their support on Dumfries Street Design Project

22 March 2018
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Sustrans Scotland, local residents and Dumfries and Galloway Council have been recognised for their work in Dumfries at the Scottish Civic Trust ‘My Place’ Awards, after DG1 Neighbours were awarded the Civic Champion prize for their support to the Dumfries Street Design Project.

Funded by the Scottish Government and Dumfries and Galloway Council, the ‘Neighbourhood Street Design Project’ made the neighbourhood a safer, more vibrant and attractive place to live.

People living and working in Queen Street, McLellan Street, Brooke Street and Cumberland Street have closely guided the changes carried out on their streets from initial design ideas through to the construction process. Over the past five years this has seen the installation of innovative art work, traditional Victorian street lights, gateways and greenery.

“ There has been so many positive changes that have taken place over the past few years to transform our neighbourhood and it’s great that our continued work has been recognised. ”

- Robert Rome, Chair of DG1 Neighbours

The local community was involved in the full process, and a priority of the project was to support and enable them to develop their own solution to the problems raised and ensure a lasting legacy.

As a result of the collaborative design process, the residents have come together to form a constituted community group, meaning they are now able to access funding and grants to help maintain the improvements to their local area.

Sustrans Scotland Street Design Co-ordinator Emily Davie said:

“We are thrilled DG1 Neighbours has been recognised for this award following their active participation in the Street Design project.

“The success of this project rests on the great partnership and involvement of representatives from DG1 Neighbours, Dumfries and Galloway Council and Sustrans Scotland. The local community are now feeling proud and more empowered to continue investing in and actively caring for their area.”

Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Elaine Murray said:

“We’re delighted that the neighbourhood Street Design project has been recognised for this award.

“This was an ambitious project which wouldn’t have been as successful without the backing of the local community who were involved at every level of the project and actively participated in the look and design of their area. Hopefully this project sets a good example of what can be achieved when the whole of a community is involved.”

Chair of DG1 Neighbours, Robert Rome said:

“There has been so many positive changes that have taken place over the past few years to transform our neighbourhood and it’s great that our continued work has been recognised.”

Find out more about how Street Design empowers communities.

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West Cumbria cycle bridges reopen after restoration

21 March 2018
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Three bridges have reopened on popular cycle and walking routes between Whitehaven and Rowrah, as part of work our work to restore the built and natural heritage of the former iron ore railways in the area.

Tracks of the Ironmasters project, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, will restore a total 41 historic bridges and structures along 16 miles of routes in West Cumbria, and develop a signed trail including stories from the local community.

We worked with specialists to repair and improve three bridges which serve the National Cycle Network routes around Cleator Moor in Copeland – part of the main cycle connection between Hadrian’s Cycleway and the Sea to Sea (C2C). The work included de-scaling and repainting the distinctive metal railway bridges at Montreal Cottage and at Parkside (across the busy A5086 Cockermouth – Egremont main road). The team also repainted the newer metal footbridge carrying the National Cycle Network route 72 at Blind Lane, as well as undertaking extensive timber replacement and maintenance work on the three bridges.

The bridges carrying the cycle path were each closed for three week intervals during the winter while works were completed.

Claire Kerrin, Sustrans Network Development Manager said:

“I’m delighted to say that the bridges at Montreal Cottages, Parkside and Blind Lane South are all now renovated and open for people on foot or by bike. These are very well-used sections of the path so we worked to a tight schedule to make sure the work was completed ahead of the Spring season. Two of the bridges were over 100 years old and are fascinating reminders of the foot and cycle path’s past history as an iron ore railway.”

The local team in West Cumbria will now work with volunteers to reseed grass verges with wildflowers and continue work to enhance wildlife habitats in the area. The tracks act as vital routes for wildlife as well as people and are home to rare species such as red squirrels, the small blue butterfly and nationally significant hay meadows.

Tracks of the Ironmasters routes are part of the long distance cycle route the Sea to Sea, a 140 mile challenge route which attracts over 15,000 people every year. We are carrying out bridge restoration work along 42 miles of the C2C.

Find out more about our projects across the country For more information, images and interviews please contact:
Sarah Roe, Marketing and Communications Officer (north),  T: 0161 233 4071 or M:07785 268 417

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Call for UK Government to join up cycling and walking policies with air quality plans to tackle crisis

21 March 2018
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We set out recommendations for the UK Government, from local authority and public health representatives, to solve UK’s air pollution crisis.

The UK Government should join up policies that have a positive impact on air quality, starting with properly funding and linking cycling and walking plans with Clean Air Plans.

The “Actively Improving Air Quality” report from a round table Sustrans held with local authorities and Chris Boardman, in his role as Greater Manchester’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner sets out ten recommendations for UK and local government, and charities working in the field, to help clean up the air.

It follows the joint parliamentary committee inquiry report published last week, which calls for the UK Government to take meaningful action on air pollution amid a series of court rulings in recent years.

The report concludes that cycling and walking programmes have a key role to play in reducing emissions from motor vehicles, which are responsible for the majority of air quality limit breaches in the UK, through a shift away from car journeys.

However, there are many barriers that local authorities currently face that prevent them from effectively implementing such programmes, including lack of political leadership on air quality; timing – the pressure for immediate success; funding; car dominance and lack of community engagement.

Other key report recommendations for the UK Government to overcome these barriers include:

Lead a national campaign to increase awareness and build momentum from communities to tackle air pollution and give politicians the mandate to act. Prioritise direct measures to limit private vehicles as the mode of choice into city centres as a central component of Clean Air Zones, and help local authorities take action to deliver long-term continuous improvement in air quality beyond 2020. Provide dedicated, continuous funding for walking and cycling to enable local authorities to prepare active travel programmes that are shovel-ready to tackle air pollution.

Furthermore, local government should place health practitioners in transport and planning teams, to help integrate cycling and walking infrastructure that promotes a healthier lifestyle and better air quality.

Anita Konrad, England Director for Sustrans said:

“We face an air quality crisis. This is an invisible issue that kills tens of thousands of people prematurely every year in the UK; and will be the greatest environmental cause of mortality worldwide by 2050.

“One of the best ways to improve air quality in the UK is to reduce the number of motorised vehicles on the road and offer alternatives to private vehicle travel, such as walking and cycling.

“We’re calling on the UK Government to take joined-up action on linking policy and funding for walking, cycling and reducing air pollution and to help local authorities to encourage more people to travel by bike and on foot for shorter journeys. It is time for the Government to take the lead and work with others to deliver tangible solutions to save lives.”

Neil Tuck, Sustainable City Team Leader at Southampton City Council said:

“We want to see a long term commitment by Government to delivering ongoing improvements to air quality that go beyond compliance to EU standards by 2020.

“Accessing funding for, and developing, walking and cycling schemes needs to be made as easy as possible, and a priority for Government, if we are to enable healthier lifestyles, improve air quality and see long term transformation in UK cities. Promoting the health benefits associated with active and sustainable travel is essential for creating an environment where people want to live and work.”

In joint research with environmental consultancy Eunomia, released last year, Sustrans found that if government goals for walking and cycling in England and Scotland were reached, this would save the public purse £9.3 billion and reduce over 12,000 premature deaths from air pollution over the next decade. The gains would be even bigger if wider benefits to health and wellbeing from increased physical activity were included.

To read the full report go to www.sustrans.org.uk/airquality

Notes to editors

For further information and to request interviews 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

Twenty nine local authorities in England that are breaking legal air quality limits are to produce Clean Air Plans by November 2018 with this number set to increase following successful legal action by Client Earth against the Government, whilst the devolved nations are trialling a number of different plans to improve air quality. The Scottish Government, for instance, is proposing to introduce Low Emission Zones in four cities by 2020 and air quality management areas (AQMAs) by 2023 across the country. Sustrans is the charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle.  We connect people and places, create liveable neighbourhoods, transform the school run and deliver a happier, healthier commute. Sustrans is a registered charity no. 326550 (England and Wales) SCO39263 (Scotland). Established in 2001, Eunomia Research & Consulting Ltd (‘Eunomia’) is a Bristol-based, independent consultancy and an appointed advisor to many types of organisations including the European Commission; www.eunomia.co.uk

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Sustrans celebrates opening of more Quietways in London

21 March 2018
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We’re celebrating the opening of new sections of Quietway routes in Brent and Lambeth. Our project team have been working hard with Transport for London (TfL) as well as Brent Council and Lambeth Council to open up the Quietway network further, making it easier for Londoners to cycle around their capital.

The first sections of Quietway 3 in Brent and Quietway 5 in Lambeth are now open, offering people a real choice to leave their car at home, get on their bikes and cycle down quieter streets, away from the busier roads in London.

“ We’re proud to have helped TfL and the London Boroughs of Brent and Lambeth make it easier for people to cycle. It’s been great working with the councils making the Quietways a reality for Londoners. ”

-  Matt Winfield, London Director, Sustrans

Brent’s first Quietway section links Gladstone Park with Kilburn Station and in Lambeth the new Quietway section links Oval and Clapham Old Town.

Along with TfL, we want to encourage people to try out these routes for themselves and experience their commute, their trip to the local shops or their journey to school in a completely different way – leaving the car at home and jumping on the bike.

The new routes complement a number of other cycling initiatives across London including Mini-Holland schemes and Cycle Superhighways.

Quietways are designed to make cycling more attractive by providing a continuous cycling route away from busier streets. All Quietways are marked with purple signs to help people find their way along roads they may never have cycled along before. The routes are ideal for people who are new to cycling, as well as anyone who wants to cycle on quieter streets.

‘Although it takes longer to drive it’s lovely when I ride’ feedback from mum & son using Q5 for school run @lambeth_council #healthystreets pic.twitter.com/zD4Q5q0YCD

— Sustrans in London (@SustransLondon) April 25, 2017

These new routes are part of the Mayor of London’s commitment to record levels of spending on cycling, an average of £169 million in investment per year over the next five years.

Awarded Transport Consultant of the Year 2018, we’ve already been formally recognised for our work with TfL, London boroughs and many others, helping to transform the capital into a cycle and pedestrian-friendly city. And we’re looking forward to continuing our working with our partners to make it easier for all Londoners to cycle.

Brent – Q3

Quietway 3 travels through Gladstone Park before connecting to Willesden Green station along Park Avenue. It then continues along Chatsworth Road to provide a further connection to Tube services at Kilburn station. The section from Gladstone Park to Kilburn station is the first of a longer route, which will eventually provide a direct, quick and safe link to Regent’s Park.

Lambeth – Q5

The route provides a quieter connection between Oval station and Clapham Old Town. Cyclists can also connect to Cycle Superhighway 7 at Clapham Common and Cycle Superhighway 5 at Oval.

The section from Oval to Clapham Old Town is the first of a longer route, which will eventually provide a direct, quick and safe link from Waterloo in the north to Norbury in the south. At Waterloo, cyclists will be able to continue their journeys along quieter streets on Quietway 1, which runs to Greenwich. The route will also connect to Q4 at Clapham Common, providing a route all the way from Waterloo via Clapham Common to Wimbledon.

Matt Winfield, London Director, Sustrans said:

“We’re proud to have helped TfL and the London Boroughs of Brent and Lambeth make it easier for people to cycle. It’s been great working with the councils making the Quietways a reality for Londoners.

“In Brent, we’ve also helped support the council and TfL with improvements near to Q3 at Carlton Vale in Lambeth, Q5 opens up very useful connections to other parts of London’s cycling network. It is also ideal for anyone wanting a quieter alternative to the busy Cycle Superhighway 7.

“Quietways help to give more transport choices to anyone wanting to get about under their own steam. There’s already been a 56% rise in people riding the first Quietway route from Waterloo to Greenwich, and it’s exciting to think that there is still a lot more to come, with 28 Quietway routes now in delivery across the capital. These will help reduce traffic congestion, improve people’s physical and mental wellbeing and help improve our air quality.”

Brent’s environment chief Cllr Eleanor Southwood said:

“We’re committed to encouraging even more people to either discover the joys of cycling for the first time, or return to pedal after a break, so the new Quietway cycle route is really welcome.”

Find out more about London’s Quietways  Hear what people riding Quietway 1 had to say

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