Cycling Shorts

We are still having trouble with mail deliveries to our FREEPOST and PO Box addresses. So we apologise again if you get a second membership renewal reminder when you have already responded to the first one.

There is to be another Ride the Green Wheel event in Peterborough on 2 September. Teams or individuals can solve cryptic clues along the 20 mile route starting at 10 am by the Cathedral. Details from Narissa Frost on 01733 704669 or events@nkrf.org.uk. Not to be confused with the Cambridge Green Wheel ride.

Madingley Road at the M11 – it may be possible to bypass the lights soon

Proposals are afoot for bus priority measures in Madingley Road. We will have more details next time, but the idea is to let buses and bikes bypass the queues of traffic down Madingley Hill and past the M11 junction.

Last year, the Safe Cycle Hire Trader Scheme was launched by Trading Standards to promote a code of practice for cycle hirers and, later in the year, it is to be expanded county-wide. The scheme, which so far has six participating businesses, will be more widely promoted locally after the first trader audit has been conducted. Safe Cycle Hire Traders agree to fair, safe and honest trading. They must ensure that:

• Cycles are safe and legal to use.
• Cycles and accessories are checked between each use, cleaned and kept in good working order.
• An effective system of hire and maintenance is in operation.
• A lock and safe means of carrying luggage is provided.
• The use of cycle helmets is encouraged.
• Cycles are suitable for their purpose and the description is accurate.
• The correct size of cycle is given and will be adjusted to fit.
• Advice will be given on how to use the cycle, where to ride and cycling safety.

The School Run: surely there are better ways

Cambridgeshire County Council has appointed a School Travel Plan Co-ordinator to work with schools to reduce the impact of the school-run and to encourage parents and children to use alternatives to the car. The County Council headed a partnership project which won Government funding of £90,000 over three years to reduce traffic generated by the school run. Hannah Moore, a former geography teacher, has now started work as the School Travel Plan Co-ordinator and will initially concentrate on Cambridge.

Cambridge City Sports Development Team have organised a Disability Multisport Day on Sunday 5 August at Hills Road Sports and Tennis Centre. They are looking for interested cyclists to take part and bring along a variety of bikes for people to ‘come and try’ e.g. tandems, tricycles, adapted bikes, hand-cranked cycles, co-pilots or side by sides. Children’s activities will take place from 9.30-11.30 am and adults’ activities 12.00-3.00 pm. If you are available and would like to be involved, please contact Genevieve Ahl (01223) 457535.

David Earl