079 2014 05 - Dorset Cyclists` Network

page 1
DORSET CYCLISTS’
NETWORK
www.dcn.org.uk
founded 1992
campaigning for
a cycle-friendly Dorset
Newsletter no 79
May 2014
DCN ANNUAL MEETING
NEW FACES
14 June 2014 at 2pm
Dorford Centre, Bridport Road,
Dorchester DT1 1RR
It’s all change in a number of key DCN
posts as we welcome Phil Wilson as
Treasurer, and three new Coordinators:
Dilys Gartside (Blandford & Sturminster
Newton, Roland Tarr (Dorchester) and
Speaker: David Henshaw Judy Windwood (Wimborne.)
Editor of A to B magazine
Read about them on pages 4, 9, 10 and 11.
(www.atob.org.uk), based in Dorchester, They will all be nominated for election to
reviewing folding, electric and other the County Committee at the AGM on
alternative bikes, technical articles and 14 June. Please send any other nominations
bike travel guides for UK and abroad to the Secretary before 7 June.
Page 16: DCN at the CTC
DCN members and others welcome
campaigning conference.
New traffic powers - how are they being used in Dorset?
The Department for Transport recently gave
permission for low-level traffic lights for
cyclists at some junctions in London, and
a few years ago they gave local authorities
power to authorise two-way working for
cyclists in suitable one-way streets. A wider
range of cycling signs has also been permitted.
More innovations are in the pipeline, such as
2
3
4
6
7
8
DCN rides
Other rides
New Treasurer
New cycling measures
Cycling round the world
Ferndown; DCN at CTC
campaigning conference
9 Wimborne
“early starts” and “left turns” for cyclists at red
traffic lights.
We asked the Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth
councils how they had applied the new powers
so far, and what further plans they have for
using them in order to make Dorset a
cycle-friendly county.
See page 6 for their replies
IN THIS ISSUE
10 Dorchester; Highpowered cycle lamps
11 Blandford &
Sturminster Newton
13 Purbeck; Sherborne
14 Weymouth & Portland
15 Trailways
16 Conference (continued)
17
18
19
20
22
23
24
Helmets
Dorset to Dundee
A Ride in India
Home and Abroad
Letters
DCN Contacts
Membership;
Advertising rates
Next newsletter: September 2014. Deadline for copy 1 August
page 2
Cycle rides
Check www.dcn.org.uk/diary.html or phone for updates.
DCN regular rides. (Other rides page 3)
PURBECK (see also page 13)
Wednesdays 6.30pm
Short and long rides on and off road from
Purbeck Sports Centre. John Thraves
01929 554550 purb@dcn.org.uk
WIMBORNE
Sundays monthly except Dec & Jan.
2 to 3 hours incl. lunch stop. See web site
for dates or contact David Bourne
01202 882721 wimbornerides@dcn.org.uk
FERNDOWN
1st and 3rd third Saturdays Various start
points 10am. 20 miles with refreshment
stop. Ken Cook 01202 890084
fern@dcn.org.uk
WIMBORNE
Every Monday and Friday.
Meet 10.15am Walford Mill car park.
Friendly rides, usually with coffee stop.
Suitable for new riders.
Michael Evans 01202 880966
michael@dcn.org.uk
SHERBORNE
Thurs evening rides, meet 6pm in
Culverhayes car park, ride for 1-2 hours
Occasional Sunday rides Peter Henshaw
01935 389357 sher@dcn.org.uk
POOLE 1st Saturdays April to October.
Short, easy cycle rides from Upton House
2-3 hours including coffee stop
David Anderson 01202 697376
pool@dcn.org.uk
Riversdale Guest House
33 Poole Rd,
Wimborne, BH21 1QB
welcomes cyclists!
Owner and keen cyclist
Charles Glide offers details
of local routes and safe
storage for bicycles, tools
for emergency repairs
and pressure-washing for mountain bikers
by prior arrangement.
Close to the Castleman Trailway and a pleasant
stroll into the town centre. Wimborne Minster is
an ideal base for a pleasant off road cycle to the
coast or inland rural Dorset. Charles is also happy
to provide maps and help co-ordinate short
guided rides around Wimborne. Why not make
Wimborne a base for your cycling holiday?
01202 884528
charles@riversdaleguesthouse.co.uk
www.riversdaleguesthouse.co.uk
DCN ANNUAL MEETING
14 June 2014 at 2pm
Dorford Centre,
Bridport Road,
Dorchester DT1 1RR
This is a friendly social meeting with a
minimum of formal business, an
interesting speaker and a chance to
show your support for the DCN
Committee and their hard work on
your behalf.
There will be an opportunity for
members to express their ideas.
Non-members are welcome, so bring a
guest. It helps if you tell the Secretary
you are coming. If you can’t come, do
send your apologies so that we know
you’re with us in spirit!
page 3
Other cycle rides
Rides on this page are as sent in by the organisers shown.
DCN does not accept responsibility for any errors or changes
National Trust Kingston Lacy House
Thursdays 9.30am 1-hr “Health Ride”
and Moors Valley Country Park
Wednesdays 10am 1-hr “Health Ride”.
Saturday mornings Bike Fit class
Adventure cycling sessions for children
For NT and Moors Valley Park rides :
call 01425 470721 or visit
www.moors-valley.co.uk/events/months/
september/?health-rides
Wimborne, Blandford and Dorchester
About 2 hours, not fast and furious, suitable
for men and women. Some off road
depending on the weather.
April - September Tuesday evenings
October - March Wednesday afternoons
Also off-road mountain bike rides Tuesday
evenings weekly
Trevor Bridle 01258 454811
or Graham Austin 01202 886096
Wimborne Pedal Pushers
Paul Jenns 07900 987624 paul@jenns.biz
Stourton Caundle. Mondays:
Summer 9am - 4pm : 50-70 miles
Winter 10am - 3pm : 30-45 miles.
Parts of N & W Dorset, S.Wilts and
S.Somerset, usually quiet lanes, rarely off
road. Suitable for all ages, moderate
sustained pace.
Coffee, lunch and tea breaks
Tom Eden 01963 364447 / 07711 133736
New Forest
8.45am Saturdays at Waitrose, Christchurch
or 9am near “The Oak PH”, Burton. Return
to start by noon. 20 miles. No need to book
Upwey Monthly first Sunday. (Not
September)
Meet 10am near The Ship Inn, Elwell Street,
Upwey Ron March 01305 813935
Christchurch Bicycle Club
Various rides 40-60 miles in New Forest
Rob Jamieson 01202 489858
CTC West Dorset
Saturdays 10.15am. From Weymouth (RSPB
hut, Swannery Car Park) or Dorchester (Top
o' Town cafe). Check start from the website
About 25 leisurely miles with lunch stop.
West Dorset Folders: Usually 1st Thursday.
Train-assisted but riders can join at the start
of the ride. Check start from
www.westdorsetctc.org.uk
Blackmore Vale
“TryCycle” short and easy rides for getting
back to cycling.
www.wessexctc.org/bv.htm
Salisbury Cycling Campaign (COGS)
3 or 4 evening rides a month May to August.
7 to 14 miles, leisurely pace, refreshment
stop. Non-members please phone or email
first
01722 325608 hello@cogsbike.org.uk
Sunday 29 June
Bournemouth to the New Forest
for Leonard Cheshire Disability
Perfect for people of all ages and abilities,
from beginners to experienced.
10, 20, 50 and 100 miles routes
Under 16s accompanied by an adult go free
Register online
www.lcdisability.org/cycletogether
or text ‘CYCLE’ to 80878
Sunday 6 July
Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride
25, 38, 48, 60 and 100 miles
Closing date for entries 24 June
www.macmillanbikeride.co.uk
01202 601705
page 4
DCN’s new Treasurer
We welcome Philip Wilson of DCN
Broadstone who became our
Treasurer on 1 April, taking over
from Michael Woodhall to whom we
owe much gratitude for his work over
the past 6 years.
Phil introduces himself:
I'm 50 and have lived in Dorset for
the last eighteen years, fifteen of
them in Broadstone. I'm married with
two teenaged children. I first worked
for Barclays Bank and moved to J P
Morgan around six years ago, working in I.T.
I started cycling to work 16 years ago and
remember a friend telling me I could extend my
route via Upton Country Park. I wondered why
he supposed I would want to make my journey
longer than it already was but it wasn't long
before I was using his suggestion. I won't go into
the many reasons for my decision, I'm sure I'd be
preaching to the converted.
My journey now is a little longer, a twenty
mile round trip, the sting of which is reduced
using an e-bike (I'm on to my second in four
years). The route is varied, with
mixed cycle path, the Bourne Valley
Greenway, quiet cul-de-sacs and busy
Bournemouth roads such as Gervis
Place and Holdenhurst Road.
Like many DCN members I have a
few bikes including a traditional
mountain bike on which I've done
15,000 miles over 14 years, including
a sponsored trip from Marseilles to
Dieppe. My next project is to build
my own trailer so I can use my e-bike
for heavier shopping runs.
I joined DCN in 2002 and was not terribly
active until I helped Michael Evans give cycle
training at Wimborne First School and later
helped him index back issues of the newsletter.
I'm now able to answer the call for a volunteer to
act as Treasurer. I've belonged to clubs in the
past and I appreciate that the more one gets
involved, the better the experience for all.
(Contact details: page 23)
Greenwood
Guest House
CYCLE LIFE
WEYMOUTH
Small friendly B&B
in a quiet road
28 Abbotsbury Road
WEYMOUTH DT4 0AE
01305 781831
(some off road parking)
Lockable garage for bicycles
Easy level walking distance to
beach and town centre
Conveniently located for railway station
(mainline to London) and Condor Ferry
(to the Channel Islands)
Open All Year
1 Holland Road, Weymouth, DT4 0AL
Tel: 01305 775626
www.greenwoodguesthouse.co.uk
enquiries@greenwoodguesthouse.co.uk
NEW AND USED BICYCLES
CYCLE SALES, SPARES,
REPAIRS, SERVICING
AND ACCESSORIES
page 5
page 6
New cycling measures (see front page article)
What are our authorities doing or planning?
Here are their replies.
From Adam Bows, Dorset County Council
From Tom Gaze, Cycling and Walking Officer,
We are already making use of the new cycling Poole Borough Council
signs, for example "Cyclists rejoin carriageway" We are making use of some of the infrastructure
and are looking at where we can more
you refer to. Several schemes already include
effectively and safely make use of contraflows contraflow cycling on one-way streets such as the
on one-way streets. We will consider new
Quay and Springfield Road which has recently
innovations in providing for safe and convenient been enhanced as part of the Three Town Travel
cycling in future schemes, as and where they are program. We are incorporating advanced cycle
appropriate to the local circumstances, the
stop lines at all junction improvements along this
collision record, the competing demands for road corridor. We have also made use of wider range
space and the available budget. As ever, it is
of signs available to us as part of this project and
about attempting to best tailor the infrastructure incorporated an area of shared space to allow less
to the specific circumstances of the scheme.
confident cyclist to avoid the Sea View junction.
Ultimately the schemes developed must take into We are also taking advantage of the new rules
account the majority view of the local
which make it easier to introduce 20 mph zones,
community as articulated by the Elected
with a new scheme in Newtown currently
Member(s)
undergoing consultation. We will continue to
consider new infrastructure available to us when
(Read also Ken Reed’s report
developing cycling schemes and would
“Contraflow proposals” on page 14)
appreciate DCN members’ ideas of where they
would consider the new powers to be appropriate.
From Michelle Fillingham, Traffic Signal
Design Engineer, Technical Services
Bournemouth BC
We have installed the first cycle priority detector
in the country at the junction of Wimborne Road
with Whitelegg Way (A347.) It detects the
presence of a bicycle in a defined zone and
differentiates it from other forms of traffic. A
designated cycle lane and advanced stop line in
addition to the cycle detector system linked to the
traffic signals have been installed, providing
cyclists with priority at the junction.
The council is planning a cycle by-pass at the
junction of Castle Lane West (A3060) and East
Way which will incorporate road studs in the
cycle lane and a bicycle radar detector.
They intend to seek DfT approval for trial site of
a low-level cycle traffic signal but there is no
guarantee that approval will be given.
page 7
Bike Craft Dorset
My son’s cycling
round the world!
– Mobile Bike Mechanic
– Free collection & delivery
– Custom Bike Builds
As you read this,
Richard,. my eldest
son aged 52 will be
cycling round the
world. I saw him off
at Harwich on 5 April
and at the time of
writing he was going
well. Having done the
Paris-Brest 3 times, various Tour de France
étapes, London to Edinburgh, round the
Baltic and many Audax rides, it was
inevitable that he would eventually want to
do this trip.
by Michael Evans
- Competitive rates for repairs
and service of all type of bikes
- Cytech Level 2 Technician with fully equipped
home and mobile workshop
- Free collection and delivery to any Dorset address
- Basic Service from £30.00
- Full Service from £60.00
- 5 Star Strip and Rebuild from £100.00
Tel: Phil 07582 645334
E-mail phil@bikecraftdorset.co.uk
Web: www.bikecraftdorset.co.uk
Recycle your old bike
Sherborne:
hope2cycle.org.uk
01747 851397
Bournemouth:
bcha.org.uk 01202-802040
Hamworthy
PC Ian Schofield 07795 401420
Know any more? Tell
Chairman DCN
His route is 30,000km via Holland, Russia,
(flying over China who won’t give him a visa)
Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, NZ, Canada,
USA, Portugal, Spain, France and home by the
end of September. He will tweet on
@laid_back_rich and keep a blog at http://
laidbackaroundtheworld.
blogspot.co.uk/
He's raising money for
RoadPeace,
(www.roadpeace.org/)
which looks after the
bereaved and injured from
road crashes and
campaigns for safer
streets. Please join me in
“Laid Back” on his
supporting him - visit
Bacchetta Giro
https://mydonate.bt.com/
recumbent in
fundraisers/laidbackrich
Bartoszyce,
Poland during the
Baltic tour
Looking for a dancing partner?
One of our male members living near Wimborne is seeking an
intermediate level dancing partner for Ballroom and Ceroc/Modern Jive styles,
preferably no taller than 5 ft 4 inches, slimmish and agile.
He is a director/inventor and also drives a school minibus.
Replies can be sent to chair@dcn.org.uk giving permission for me to
forward the message to him and for him to contact the sender.
Michael Evans
page 8
Ferndown
Coordinator Ken Cook
Ferndown Town Plan
The Merchant
of Venice
in Ferndown
The results of a survey of Ferndown
Cyclist-friendly
residents carried out in 2012 have been
coffee shop
published; the survey was in the form of a
Lorenzo invites
detailed questionnaire covering areas of
importance to the local community. A response
cyclists
rate of 34% (3350) was achieved with a separate to his family run
Young People's Survey producing 399 responses
delicatessen
(% not given).
The Transport and Traffic section
Large range of
confirms that the main mode of transport is the
fresh cheese,
family car. There is an even split about the
meats, pasta and
adequacy of public transport, but disappointingly,
Fairtrade coffee
the subject of cycling received scant comment
Gluten-free and organic products
viz. “Responses showed that riding a bicycle is
certainly not an important mode of transport
Sandwiches and baguettes
used in Ferndown to get about; of those that did
made on the premises
cycle, a good many were happy with the
489 Ringwood Road
maintenance of the cycle paths.”
Ferndown BH22 9AG
Once again we are faced with public
01202 855166
apathy, reflected in the response figures ((64% of
responses came from the over 60s) but
info@merchant-of-venice.co.uk
particularly in the failure to realise that we have
a 'chicken and egg situation' here; provide the
DCN at CTC CONFERENCE
facilities and they will be used! Indeed, the
Peter Henshaw reports on the recent conference
Young People's Survey identified this because
for cycle campaigning groups in Plymouth
they have called for “more traffic free routes,
Five
of us from DCN, Dilys Gartside, Michael
more cycle paths to school and more safety
Evans,
Roland Tarr, Anna Finch and Peter
training.” Interestingly, in the Young People's
Henshaw, were in Plymouth on 15 March for this
Survey, spare time activities listed in order of
preference, showed cycling in second place, after conference aimed at cycle campaigners in order
to spread best practice on issues like how to
computer games, but ahead of swimming and
approach your council, design of on-road
football.
facilities and the CTC's Road Justice campaign. It
attracted delegates from across the southwest,
Transport Working Party
from Cornwall to Bristol.
As a corollary to the above, a survey Roger Geffen, the CTC's effervescent Campaigns
carried out among residents of Mountbatten
and Policy Director, gave an energetic
Drive seeking on the cycle route there has been introduction with the national policy context,
inconclusive and the TWP has decided to focus focusing on the new “Space for Cycling”
almost entirely on getting rid of HGVs as this is campaign, with advice on using it locally. As
its only 'target' in the Town Plan. However, our ever, the question of whether groups should push
suggestion for this particular route does accord for segregated traffic-free paths, or cycle
with the views of the 'Young People', so we take provisions on roads, loomed large.
heart from that and will continue to press the
The CTC's slogan is “integrate where possible,
case for more,
segregate where necessary.”
Continued on page 16
page 9
Wimborne
Coordinator Judy Windwood
I have long been involved in meetings with the
Judy Windwood, a DCN member
CTC and DCN representatives.
since 1995, took over as Coordinator
in February and now introduces herself I would like to see Wimborne become a town of
more cyclists. I would like the town to become
more tolerant of cyclists and to make space for
I learnt to ride a trike when
them. Equally, we as cyclists have a role to
I was 3 and a bike when I
play, ensuring we behave in accordance with the
was 5. I have cycled ever
since. I have ridden to work, Highway Code. I hope I will be able to go some
way towards my ideals as coordinator.
to shop and for pleasure.
Cycling still gives me the
same sense of freedom
which I had as a child.
Until 2013, I spent my working life as a town
planner in local authorities, mostly in Dorset. I
worked in the policy team, on the future
planning of the area and part of my role
involved me working with the County Council’s
transportation team on issues within the district.
I worked for North Dorset and helped to
develop the North Dorset Cycleway route which
is now signed as a Sustrans recreational route.
Cycle parking
Last In March we told the County Council we
needed more cycle parking, so they asked local
people for their views. 84% of those who
replied agreed with our view, and many
suggested where it was needed. DCC assessed
them with the district and town councils, and
will implement those they consider meet criteria
for road safety, pedestrian accessibility, vehicle
access and demand. Local Sustrans Rangers
have also added extra signs for NCN Route 25
through the town, at our request.
(continued on page 10)
page 10
Wimborne
Dorchester
cont. from previous page
Coordinator : Roland Tarr
Welcome back, Roland!
Cycle stands at Wimborne
Library will be replaced and
sited further from the wall
The additional cycle parking will be situated at
• The Square by Costa Coffee
• Cornmarket by The White Hart
• West Borough by The Tivoli,
• in front of Allendale House
• Park Lane by Harker & Bullman
• East Street by “La Vie en Rose”
• Inside the entrance to the Model Town
• Poole Road opposite Surplus Store
• Bike stands by the Cook Row toilets and at
Wimborne Library will be improved.
For maps of the locations visit
http://tinyurl.com/bikeparkingwimborne
I was Coordinator here for
some years before other
interests took over. I believe
that every child here should
have safe walking and cycling
routes to their schools, the
Sports Centre, Youth Club,
sports field etc. by 2018 and
that it should be safe to cycle to a place of work.
With the £3-5 million apparently available for a
forward looking transport plan fit for the 21st
century, Dorset could be a leading example of
sustainable transport. The County Council
showed the way with the world class Jurassic
Coast Project, so it could also be superb for
transport management in this historic town and
the surrounding countryside.
We must hope that the Olympic Legacy applies
to cycling in the county, which played a major
role in the sailing successes of Team GB, and in
particular the outstanding success of our cyclists.
Roland is also Chair of West Dorset CTC, and I’m
very pleased at this opportunity DCN has to work
closely with the national cyclists’ organisation in this
area. Michael Evans
Mobile bike repairs
Ben’s Bikes UK
High-powered cycle lamps
Drivers on country lanes at night have reported
being dazzled by cyclists with very highpowered headlamps at various heights. One
driver was temporarily blinded and couldn’t see
what kind of vehicle was approaching and her
first impression was of a large tractor! The only
safe thing to do was to stop, which clearly
surprised the cyclists themselves and almost
made them wobble into each other.
Our mobile cycle servicing brings
the bike shop to you. We do our
job on demand and in the
location of your choice
From 1 off servicing on single
or family deals,
to B2B contracted work.
(Based in Christchurch)
Such lights improve safety for cyclists on dark
roads, but should there not also be consideration
for their effect on oncoming traffic? What do
DCN members think?
07851 201743
bensbikesuk@gmail.com
www.bensbikesuk.cabanova.com
page 11
Blandford & Sturminster Newton
Coordinator: Dilys Gartside
Laurie’s End, Wimborne Town
Welcome to Dilys
Gartside, an
Self-catering HOLIDAY HOME
experienced cycle
campaigner recently
moved to Dorset, as
Coordinator for
Blandford and
Sturminster Newton.
Tucked away but minutes walk from town centre
Dilys introduces
Spacious and light 1930s end terrace.
Wood burner, garden vista, bike shed.
Converted at college by the chic simplicity of
Sleeps 3/4. Short break option.
cycling, I bought my first bike aged 25 - not a Cycle from door to explore on quiet routes
popular transport choice with 1970s
the fabulous scenery and Dorset’s local
establishment where you were identified by the treasures. Book a cycling lesson or a led
car you drove. Years later, I wrote an article on ride tailored to you: try ‘Beach Picnic Ride
cycle commuting for the Women Solicitors
to Shell Bay’ or ‘Cream Tea Crawl’
magazine! In 2008 I had fun making a BBC TV
01258 860157
07751 044365
series after persuading neighbours to go carless
D. Gartside Cyclewise@aol.com
for a week. Having cycle commuted to work as
www.lauriesenddorset.co.uk
a solicitor for three decades, in 2005 I qualified
as a road cycling instructor and set up
'Cyclewise'. Initially working with schools, I
Can we learn from New York?
have delivered Southampton Council’s adult 1:1
by Dilys Gartside
training while also serving Southampton
herself:
Cycling Campaign as media spokesman. I was
CTC Volunteer of Year and was awarded with a
colleague for our campaigning work in
Southampton. A British Cycling Ride Leader
and Route Planner, I lead Sky and off-road rides
and BREEZE women’s rides.
Having been attracted to North Dorset by the
Trailway, whose committee I have joined, my
husband and I moved to Okeford Fitzpaine in
Dec 2013. I believe there is much to be done to
make Blandford town centre cycle-friendly, e.g.
a contraflow cycle lane in the main street to
avoid cyclists climbing the narrow one-way
system, and safer connections to the Trailway
for surrounding villages both south and north.
All this would attract tourism income and help
regenerate Blandford and Sturminster Newton.
I would welcome anyone with a vision for
doing this with me (details page 23)
Comins Tea Room in Stur Newton
see advert page 13
The streets of New York City have changed
radically over the past decade. Watch this
short film (http://tinyurl.com/qbm8cxt)
about the huge improvements at Times
Square, Herald Square, the Brooklyn
waterfront, and many other places that City
Hall have transformed for the benefit of
cyclists and pedestrians. These changes are
the result of determined leadership of their
Mayor and Transportation Commissioner.
We must be radical too if lives, like that of
Wimborne cyclist David Irving killed on
Mountbatten Way, Southampton, are to be
saved. The driver who hit him was acquitted
of careless driving simply because the bright
morning sun temporarily blinded him.
What message does this give - that cyclists
ride on our roads at their peril?
page 12
page 13
Purbeck
Coordinator John Thraves
Purbeck Freewheelers summer rides
12 members came to our meeting on 19 March
to discuss rides for the coming season. Leaders
were asked if they would like to be responsible
for planning their own routes but this
suggestion was unsupported so the status quo
remains. At the time of writing, the first ride
was planned for 23 April to Shipstall Bay and
back. Details of Wednesday evening rides are
available from me or from the DCN Web site.
5 members have volunteered to lead and thanks
go to them.
We discussed the nutty problem of leaving less
able riders behind when riding as a group.
It was suggested that the first 3 riders should
turn and ride back to the main group if they are
too far ahead. I am in favour of this therefore
and we’ll see how it works out. We also
discussed communication. Because of the areas
we ride in, our walkie-talkies are unreliable so I
will need the mobile numbers of all riders.
(continued in next column)
Sherborne
Coordinators Peter Henshaw and Anna Finch
Because the
Advanced Stop
Lines and cycle
lane markings on
the A30 / Marston
Road junction
were worn away
and being ignored
by drivers, I told
the Highways Dept at DCC. Within two weeks,
ASLs and lanes were beautifully relined, much
more noticeable and drivers are respecting them.
I’ve sent thanks on behalf of DCN.
Peter Henshaw
(Purbeck - continued from previous column)
We thank 3 new members who joined at the
meeting. This is our 10th year so we must be
doing something right.
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THE QUARTERJACK, BRIDGE STREET,
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01258 475 389
page 14
Weymouth and Portland
Acting Coordinator Ken Reed
Local schemes - Portland Beach Road
and Weymouth Way,
As you will see cycling around the Borough,
the construction of cycle schemes during the
winter has continued apace. DCN commented
on both the current schemes, Portland Beach
Road and Weymouth Way, and our comments
were taken into account in the final designs.
Please let us know when you ride the new
schemes if there are any detailed aspects which
could be improved. It is often easy to get this
done as part of the final snagging process
before the scheme is signed off.
Increased cycle use
Figures on cycle usage for 2013 were still in
draft when this was written. We understand, off
the record, that between 2006 and 2013 cycle
journeys went up by around 70% in the
Borough. It is amazing what happens when a
good network of cycle routes becomes
available. It will be even better with the new
routes coming on stream in 2014. This indicates
to areas of Dorset with few cyclists and fewer
routes what can be achieved when a safe cycle
network is built.
Contraflow proposals
The Dorset Local Enterprise
Partnership (DLEP) put a draft plan out for
consultation during the winter. Their final
submission to government has the potential to
obtain very substantial funding for the county’s
entire transport infrastructure.
We confined our comments to the transport
aspects of the plan, which in its first draft
concentrated only on improvements to major
roads. Following our submission the DLEP has
agreed to reconsider the plan to take into
account sustainable transport. We made the
point that workers on industrial estates need
good cycle and bus routes as does any new
housing.
We have the example of Bournemouth Airport
and Poundbury which have no cycle routes and
Osprey Quay and Bournemouth Airport which
both have very poor public transport. We also
mentioned the need to improve the rail network.
We indicated that all of these measures would
reduce car usage, improving access for
commercial enterprise.
Bike Polite
We also had correspondence with DCC about a
“Bike Polite” initiative on the Rodwell Trail.
We do not support this approach which singles
out cyclists as being more at fault than other
trail users. DCC has agreed to use “Share This
Space” type signs on the trail. There are
actually very few problems and users mainly
get on well together.
As part of the Cycle West scheme in Weymouth
one of the DCC options is to have a contraflow
cycle lane in Westham Road. This is a short
shopping street about 300 metres long. It has
no actual parking but is much used for drop off
and by blue badge holders. We talked to our
usual friendly and helpful contact at DCC about
the contraflow proposal. We received the
impression that it would be unlikely to become
the chosen option because of the conflict with
motor vehicles. We think that our contact could
be in favour but that some other officers with a
different agenda could block it. In our response
to the consultation we put the contraflow route
down as the DCN/CTC preferred option and
have not yet heard which route will be chosen.
We believe that DCC would like to put in a
cycle contraflow somewhere in the County but
it needs to be in the right place. It does look to
us as if the door is open.
CAPTION COMPETITION
Send your caption to Peter Henshaw (page 23)
Surprise prize for first one opened on 2 June
page 15
Trailway News
North Dorset Trailway
This December
news item arrived
too late to be
included in our last
newsletter. Work on
the next section of
the Trailway was in
its very early stages
then, and the next
objective was the link between Sturminster
Newton and Stalbridge. Planning application
has been made for a link between Rolls Mills
industrial estate and Bath Road at Snooks
Builder’s Yard, to give access from the town to
Rolls Mills and the Trailway. The ultimate
dream is to be able to walk, ride or cycle from
one end of North Dorset to the other.
To support the Trailway, contact
Helen Bolton, 20 Hinton Close,
Blandford, DT11 7RS j.bolton@btinternet.com
For more information visit
http://www.northdorsettrailway.org/
Maiden Newton-Bridport Trailway
Work began
on the
BridportBradpole
section on 17
March. It
starts from
Sea Road
North, runs
around the
bottom of the Co-op car park, along the top of
the flood bank through Happy Island to the
wood behind Wellfields Drive in Bradpole,
emerging through the existing alleyway. The
construction should be complete by early May,
and we hope to have a ribbon cutting ceremony
in mid-May. Subject to landowner consent we
will eventually have a path from Bridport to
Maiden Newton
For more information contact
Peter Henshaw
01935 389357 peterpodd@yahoo.co.uk
page 16
DCN at cycle conference
continued from page 8
We were welcomed by
Cllr Philippa Davey,
Cycling Commissioner
for Plymouth City
Council, while two of
the Council's officers –
Jim Woffenden and
Zsolt Schuller, outlined
what has been done to improve the city's cycle
network. It certainly looks good, and appears to
have resulted in a big increase in cycle use.
We were there because Michael Evans had been
invited to lead a workshop on organising a
campaign. DCN is unusual in being the only
county-wide cycle group in Britain, as all the
others are city-based. Other delegates were very
interested in how we are organised, especially
the coordinators running local campaigns while
being supported by DCN centrally.
There were several good workshops and it was
hard to choose which to attend, but Roger
Geffen's, on how to understand and approach
local authorities, was good and gave a lot of
DYLANS
RESTAURANT
at the Courtyard Centre
Cyclists welcome
for breakfast, lunch or snacks
Open 7 days 9.30 to 5pm
Cottage Farm, Huntinck Road
Lytchett Minster BH16 6BA
01202 631030
www.thecourtyardcraftcentre.co.uk
Follow the brown tourist sign
on the A350 just north of Upton
OS ref SY 964 936
useful tips. For instance,
it's worth finding out who
tends to make decisions
(councillors or officers).
The workshop, 'Safety on
the A30' was more
specific, focusing on the
many Lands End-John
o’Groats riders who use this busy quasimotorway despite the risks. The Road Justice
campaign was described by Mark Slater of the
CTC, and discussion on this continued into the
final summing up.
With a single-day conference, there was limited
time, but a huge amount of useful information
was exchanged. Thanks to the CTC, Plymouth
City Council and Plymouth Cycling Campaign
for organising it. One piece of commonsense
advice about on-road cycle safety sticks in my
mind: a three-tier hierarchy with space for
cycling at the top, driver education second and
safety equipment for riders third!
Gold Hill Organic Farm Shop
& The Cake Tin
While cycling around our beautiful Dorset
countryside and hiking over Hambledon Hill,
why not visit us for a pit-stop at this glorious
café set within our courtyard, where you can
snack on home-made cakes, rehydrate on
teas and coffees, and while here browse
around our Organic Farm Shop, Art Gallery
and Interiors shop.
Ridgeway Lane, Child Okeford,
Nr Blandford DT11 8HB
Tel: 01258 861916
Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm.
www.goldhillorganicfarm.com
page 17
Helmets
Australian government refuses
to test need for compulsion
It seemed that Queensland, Australia, might
relax its strict bicycle helmet laws after
parliamentary committee recommended,
among other things, letting cyclists over 16 ride
helmet-free in certain conditions. The Transport
Minister ignored their evidence and rejected
any relaxation of bicycle helmet laws. He
supported recommendations such as safe
passing distances for motorists, but said he
believed helmets reduce the risk of serious
injury.
The committee had recommended a 2-year trial
exempting cyclists aged 16 years and over from
compulsory helmet wearing in parks, on
footpaths and shared/cycle paths and roads with
a speed limit of 60 km/hr or less, conditions
where the risk of serious injury is low. The
focus on adults was important, as 50% of
cycling injuries were among children. The trial
could have made a case for or against helmet
law reform based on real evidence
but one politician and other advisory groups
relied on their own opinions and beliefs.
For more background, see The Guardian online
DCN garments
Sweaters, polos, T-shirts, hoodies
embroidered in gold with
DORSET CYCLISTS NETWORK
Chest sizes: S (34/36") M (38/40")
L (42/44") XL (46/48") 2XL (50/52")
Range of colours. Prices from £10.
Check colours and prices at
www.salixembroidery.co.uk/html/
dorset_cyclists_network.html
or phone 01202 763291
Postage extra - free if collected from
Salix, 2 Belgrave Rd, Poole BH13 6DB
Buy a DCN
Hi-Vis waistcoat
TOWER SUPPLIES of Poole generously
provide these garments at cost price
in the interests of cycling safety
Helmets in advertisements
The waistcoat is printed on the back
A few months ago the Advertising Standards
with
Authority received criticism of Cycling
DORSET CYCLISTS’ NETWORK
Scotland for a promotional advert showing
www.dcn.org.uk
an unhelmeted cyclist, and ruled that in
Send a cheque for £7.00 per garment
future all adverts showing cyclists must show
payable to TOWER SUPPLIES to
them wearing helmets. It also said that the
Jonathan Aris, Tower Supplies,
cyclist had been cycling too close to the kerb.
10 Yarrow Road, POOLE BH12 4TS
Quote “HI-VIS WAISTCOAT
We don’t know what cycling qualifications
model C15.SHV06/DCN”
or experience the critics had, but following a
and ask for quantity and sizes required
challenge by the CTC, the ASA has
Medium (M 34/36”) Large (L 42/44”)
withdrawn its ruling pending the outcome of
Extra
large (XL 46/48”) Very large (XXL
an independent review which they will
50/52”)
publish on their website at www.asa.org.uk
at http://tinyurl.com/queensland-helmets
The newsletter is compiled by the Chairman and published in January, May and September.
Deadlines are 1st day of December, April and August. Send copy and images (under 500kb)
by e-mail or by post to Chairman DCN. Send s.a.e. for return of photos, cartoons and other artwork
page 18
Dorset to Dundee
Report by Michael Evans
DCN member Enid Fookes lives in Corfe
Mullen but originates from Dundee. Last year
she celebrated her 60th birthday by cycling back
there from home and raising £1,500 for Cancer
Research UK. The route is about 800 km as the
crow flies but she made it nearly 1,560 km so
that she could call on friends and relations on the
way.
I met her in early
January having
read about her feat
in the Stour &
Avon Magazine
and Wimborne
Life and learnt that
she had published
a book about it
"One Day at a
Time – Tales from
the Saddle on the
Road from Dorset
to Dundee."
It’s a good read, with many interesting cameos
of her life, including times when she worked as a
teacher in Botswana and Norway.
One section of her journey was from
Scarborough to Whitby, described in
guidebooks as probably North Yorkshire’s best
cycling trail along an old railway with
picturesque views of the North Sea.
Enid’s encounter with it on one of those wet
days for which June 2012 was notorious shows
it in a different light:
“Needless to say, on this wet morning, the
idyllic scene depicted in the guidebook was not
the one I encountered – the cinder path was
already waterlogged. The rain turned into a
torrential downpour and as well as deep
puddles, one after the other, there were also
numerous rocks on the path. After trying to
dodge these obstacles over and over again I
realised that I would have to dismount because
I never knew when I was going to hit a
submerged rock. Progress was painfully slow.
The path was a running torrent coming down
the hill towards me and I was soon soaked,
mud-splattered and cold.
Although I believe I passed quite close to the
edge of the cliff in places, I could see nothing
because visibility in the rain was next to
nothing.”
Fortunately there were more pleasant sections to
Enid’s journey such as this one where she
recounts her descent of the Southern Uplands
towards Edinburgh:
“On the other side of the pass the run downhill
was exhilarating – the five miles of freewheeling
was extended by a mile and half because I was
enjoying it so much I forgot to swing off left on
to a smaller road and only realised when I met
the main road with busy traffic zipping along it.
A quick look at my map showed me that I would
have to retrace the last mile and a half to get
back on to my correct route. What had taken me
only three minutes to race down took almost
fifteen minutes to go back up – oh well, it would
teach me to look at my GPS more often.”
The book is on
sale in
bookshops in
Wimborne,
Broadstone and
Corfe Mullen at
the discounted
price of £7.99,
available from
Amazon or
direct from
Enid, ISBN
9780992741204.
Enid wants to
raise more
money from
Cancer Research
from sales of the
book and will
donate a sum
from the profits
For more details visit www.enidfookes.com
page 19
A ride in India
by Guy Ottewell, DCN Lyme Regis
I first cycled in India in 1995,
could almost keep up with, but I'd
riding my own bike from Delhi to
rather have gone slower and paused
Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri (eclipse of
to contemplate and sketch. The
the sun), and Agra. Nowadays I'd
Cannondale bikes had to be strong:
rather not travel at all, especially if
most roads were bad. You could opt
it means flying, but my wife Tilly
to ride in the van (I mostly resisted
Lavenás tempted me by
this). Kalypso Tours' website tells
discovering that we could take a
me that from 13-25 December (only
bike tour in Kerala. That's the far
8 actual cycling days) we covered
southern Indian province famous
405 km at 20 to 90 a day.
for high literacy, low infant
I wish I had space to describe the
mortality, clean environment, and
temples and the abundant and lavish
Giraffe overseeing a
Communism.
roadside discussion churches, the "backwaters" and the
An adventure, though not such a
houseboat of our last night, and what
fresh one as I at first supposed. Several
we learned about rice in the plain, rubbercompanies offer bike tours; one variant is selftapping in the foothills, and harvesting of the
guided, with GPS to get you to the booked
tea bushes that tightly clothe the amazing
accommodations. Our company was Indianlandscape of the mountains.
Guy Ottewell lives in and cycles around
owned. There could have been up to 25 in the
Lyme Regis. "The Winged Velocipede:
party, but for the first 3 days it was just us two;
how to fly overseas with your bicycle"
another couple joined us at the highest part.
is one of his publications described at
Our guide Pravin led us at a pace that only I
www.universalworkshop.com
page 20
Cycling news from home and abroad
A nice ride
Maria Leijerstam from
Glamorgan is the first
person to cycle to the
South Pole, beating two
male riders from the
USA and Spain in a customised recumbent
through terrible conditions and frozen boots to
complete the 500-mile ride in 10 days. Her
mother attributed her daughter's success to
“meticulous planning, super fitness and pure
determination.”
Independent online http://tinyurl.com/o63cvqe
As train fares rise, so might bikes!
The architect Sir Norman Foster has plans for a
135 mile network of aerial ‘Skycycles’ over the
top of rail lines in London. The CTC questioned
whether the enormous cost would justify the
end, saying reducing motor traffic is key to
safer cycling. http://tinyurl.com/skycycleway
Press exaggeration
The Times 27 January: “Cyclists create army
of walking wounded.” The sub-editor who
wrote this headline couldn’t have read the
article, which said that 78 pedestrians were
seriously injured and one pedestrian killed in a
year by cyclists.
We agree that pedestrians need security as
vulnerable road users and that there are cyclists
who should ride more responsibly, but 79
people are not an army, and it appears that
about 75% of them may have been responsible
for their own injuries because they were on the
road, not on the pavement.
The Times is running an influential safety
campaign for cyclists which is spoilt by this sort
of scaremongering headline.
Correction
The following item in Newsletter 78 about
cycles and lorries in Holland gave a faulty web
link to YouTube. Thanks to members who
pointed this out (see Letters, page 22)
Following more cyclist fatalities from collisions
with lorries, the CTC urged more action to
implement safer roads, and drew attention to a
film showing how they reduce conflict in
Holland. YouTube http://tinyurl.com/lbsput4
page 21
page 22
from Nick Brown, Dorset Cycles, Stalbridge
Re “Benefits & Risks of Cycling” (Newsletter
78, p.20), I think the article got it wrong. The
stats given were that the risk (of death) in 1 hour
of cycling were equivalent to 2hr walking, 5hr
driving, and 5 mins. motorbike, meaning that
cycling is twice as dangerous as walking, 5 times
as in a car, and 12 times less than motorcycling.
But most people would be surprised to know that
the chances of being killed cycling are only
twice that of walking on the pavement or
crossing the road. The fact remains that cycling
is nowhere near as dangerous as is irrationally
believed.
Ed: Nick is correct. Instead of “The risks are
double for walking, five times greater for car
travel” it should read “The risks are double than
those of walking and five time greater than those
for car travel.” Also, “there is only one cycling
fatality for every 300 years of continuous cycling”
should read “there is only one fatality for every
three million hours of continuous cycling.”
.
from Jane and Ernest Rowe, DCN Weymouth
Re “Cyclists and lorries in the Netherlands”
(Newsletter 78, p.17) - the link to YouTube
didn’t work. Could you reprint the article so
others can see the correct link?
Ed: Yes, sorry the URL was faulty. The article is
repeated on page 20 with a correct link.
From Anne Neale, DCN Weymouth
Re “High Powered Cycle Lamps” (p.10) it
works both ways, or it should. Last summer,
cycling in the dark in the New Forest, Ken and I
were blinded by a motorist who did not dim his
lights. I hit an obstruction in the road, and my
bike and I suffered damage. The driver stopped
beside me as I lay on the road, then drove off. I
assume he had the courtesy to check that I was
alive but as he knew what he had done quickly
disappeared. I was not able to see the car's
registration number. Fortunately not all drivers
are so uncaring. I was picked up and taken to
the hotel while Ken rescued the bike.
page 23
DCN BRANCHES
Blandford & Sturminster Newton
Coordinator Dilys Gartside
01258 860157 / 07704 485449
blan@dcn.org.uk or snew@dcn.org.uk
Bournemouth
Coordinator John Hayter
01202 510706 bour@dcn.org.uk
Bridport
Coordinator Aileen Shackell
01308 426 514 brid@dcn.org.uk
Christchurch
Coordinator John Grantham
81 Mudeford Lane, Christchurch BH23 3HW
01202 470975 chri@dcn.org.uk
DCN COUNTY OFFICERS
Chairman, newsletter and website
Michael Evans QPM
Farrs Coach House, Wimborne BH21 4EL
01202 880966 chair@dcn.org.uk
Vice-Chairman & Secretary :
Peter Henshaw
30 Hunts Mead, Sherborne DT9 6AJ
01935 389357 sec@dcn.org.uk
Membership Secretary: Dave Busler
8 Benbow Crescent, Poole BH12 5AJ
01202 524492 membership@dcn.org.uk
Treasurer : Phil Wilson
12 Sandford Way, Broadstone BH18 9NW
01202 601107 treasurer@dcn.org.uk
Dorchester
Coordinator: Roland Tarr
70 Monmouth Road, Dorchester DT1 2DG
01305 262359 dorc@dcn.org.uk
Ferndown, West Moors, Verwood
Coordinator Ken Cook
01202 890084 fern@dcn.org.uk
Poole
Coordinator : David Anderson
01202 697376 pool@dcn.org.uk
Purbeck
Coordinator: John Thraves
01929 554550 purb@dcn.org.uk
Sherborne
Coordinators: Peter Henshaw & Anna Finch
01935 389357 sher@dcn.org.uk
Weymouth & Portland
Coordinator VACANT
Acting Coordinator: Ken Reed
01305 772654 weym@dcn.org.uk
Wimborne
Coordinator: Judy Winwood
01202 885075 wimb@dcn.org.uk
Weymouth & Portland, Shaftesbury,
Gillingham and Lyme Regis are among
places where Coordinators are needed to
help our cycling campaign. The post does
not call for an expert, but only for
someone who can give a little time to
listen to local people’s cycling issues and
make them known to the appropriate
council. Members who would like to
represent and help local cyclists as a
Coordinator can contact me to find out
more, without obligation.
Michael Evans
DCN ANNUAL MEETING
14 June 2014 at 2pm
Dorford Centre, Bridport Road,
Dorchester DT1 1RR
DCN members
and other cyclists welcome
page 24
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
How many cyclists do you have?
In January many members helped us by updating
the numbers of cyclists at each address, so that
we have a more accurate account of how many
we represent. We get this information when
members join but numbers change over time.
If you haven't recently let us know that the
number of cyclists at your address has changed,
please tell the Membership Secretary by e-mail if
possible, otherwise by phone or post (details
page 23) and quote your membership number.
Standing Orders. Subscriptions paid this way
save us time and effort, as well as assuring us of
our income. This is why the subscription stays at
£6 for standing orders when the fee for others
increases to £7 in October. Subscriptions are due
by 1 October for the following calendar year.
Standing Order forms are available from the
Membership Secretary, the Chairman and the
website Membership page.
The newsletter. If you would prefer to download
it please e-mail the membership secretary. You
will get an email each time it’s ready.
DCN’s web site [dcn.org.uk] has lots of useful
cycling information and advice. Do look at it
from time to time. On Facebook you can give
your own cycling news and comments. Follow
the link from the Home Page.
Welcome to new members
Thank you for supporting the campaign
for a cycle-friendly Dorset. .
Okeford Fitzpaine
Dilys & Jeremy Gartside
Poole
John Stringer
Ferndown
Maureen Vidler
Wimborne
Graham & Sue Hansen
New members are welcome to contact
their nearest Coordinator
to discuss local cycling problems
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BOURNEMOUTH Forest Leisure Cycling,
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BRANKSOME Bikes
BRIDPORT Bspoke, Revolutions
BROCKENHURST Cyclexperience
CHRISTCHURCH Cyclexperience, Lawsons
Insurance For advice on insuring your bike
DORCHESTER Dorchester Cycles
visit dcn.org.uk/insurance.html or send sae to
FERNDOWN Pedals Cycle Centre
Chairman DCN if you are not on the internet.
LONGHAM Bicycle World
POOLE Ride Cycleworks, Cycle Paths, Bikelab
A request. When paying your subs by internet or SHERBORNE Riley’s Cycles
cheque, or in any communication concerning
WAREHAM Cyclexperience
membership, please always quote your
WEYMOUTH Cycle Life, Westham Cycles
WIMBORNE Samways & Son
membership number.
MOTOBITZ Boscombe, Ferndown, Winton, Oakdale
Quiz: What’s odd about the page 19 article?
A prize for the first correct reply to Chairman
DCN.
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