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According
to the Bicycle Association, the
organization which represents Britain's
cycle suppliers, there are 20 million
cycles in ownership in the UK. If
you've just bought number 20 million and
one, you're on the right track, and
here's how and why to ride your new
bike. |
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'Cycling is for people who can't afford a
car!'.
Answer:
In 1994 the AA found that nearly a third of
their members were 'cycling motorists' so using
a car for some journeys and a bike for others is
perfectly normal. Bicycles started out in the
Edwardian era as rich people's toys and only
became 'poor man's transport' after the 1930s.
Now cycling crosses every social divide: rock
star Eric Clapton rides an Italian racing bike,
as does Paul Smith, the trendy suit designer.
Robson Green has a posh mountain bike stashed in
the back of his jeep. The architect Lord Rogers
rides a bike around London and the head of
American Express in Britain rides a
top-of-the-range Trek mountain bike in Hyde Park
every day to keep himself mentally and
physically fit. Channel 4 newsreader Jon Snow
gets to interviews at No. 10 far quicker on his
bike!.
'I have an elderly relative who needs to be
driven to the doctors, I can't give the car up'.
Answer:
You don't have to. There's no set rule that
says you must use a bike for every single
journey. Using a bike should be pleasurable, not
a chore. There will always be times when other
forms of transport beat using a bike. Just try
to use the bike more of the times when you don't
really need to use a car.
'Won't I get all sweaty?'.
Answer:
For most people it probably takes a good
15-20 minutes to build up a sweat. If you don't
want to arrive at your destination all hot and
flustered, don't pedal so hard. For when you
want to cycle fast, and your journey is 20
minutes or over, wearing the right clothing can
increase your comfort no end i.e. 'wickable'
synthetic underwear, thin fleece mid layers and
a windproof jacket made from a lightweight,
breathable fabric such as Pertex.
'Yes, but what about the rain, I hate getting
wet'.
Answer:
It doesn't actually rain that much. No,
really. Research has shown that, on average, in
the UK it only rains hard on 12 commuting days
per year. And anyway, by wearing the right kind
of weather protective clothing you won't arrive
at your destination dripping wet. Damp, yes, but
even if you travelled by car you'd have to go
outside at some point, risking a soaking.
'My workmates will laugh at me'.
Answer:
Chances are, you get into work quicker than
them, are fitter than them, have more zest for
life for them, and are more open minded than
them. The day will come when they will be forced
to either cycle or take public transport because
driving to work in the city will be heavily
taxed and highly restricted. You're a trend
setter, so let them laugh, you'll have the last
one.
'Isn't
cycling really, really dangerous?'.
Answer:
Yes. If you do it wrong. But do it right and
you'll find cycling is as safe as other forms of
transport. According to the British Medical
Association the health benefits of cycling
heavily outweigh the small risks. You probably
won't be able to follow cycle-paths all the time
so journeying on the roads will sometimes be
necessary. Don't be frightened by this. In city
centres during rush hour, cars and lorries chug
along at a snail's pace because they're gummed
up in jams. It's a joy - and quite safe - to
pass stationary traffic as you speed into work,
school, the shops or wherever. Don't be timid
when riding city streets, don't be squeezed into
the gutter, claim your road space, you've as
much right to be there as cars, lorries and
buses. Buy the book Cycle craft by John
Franklin, a guide to riding in the city, or get
yourself on an adult cycle proficiency course,
or get a confident city cyclist to show you the
ropes (cycle campaign groups often have
members who help out in this respect)
'What
about car fumes, don't cyclists breathe in all
that rubbish?'
Answer:
Funnily enough, research has proven that
motorists breathe in more pollution than
cyclists, who sit high above the fumes. Cyclists
who are breathing hard are rapidly clearing
their lungs out as they exercise. And, remember,
if you are currently a car commuter, when you
start cycling you're part of the solution to
pollution.
'I
would cycle, but my town is really hilly'.
Answer:
Modern day bikes have ultra low gears so you
could pedal up vertical slopes. Remember, it's
not a race, just pedal at your own pace up the
hills. It's not as hard as you would imagine.
And if you've got hills to go up, you've got
hills to come down: a free ride at least half of
the time! If hills really do put you off, why
not invest in an electric motor for your bike,
see electric bikes. And think about this:
Switzerland is also, er, hilly yet cycle use is
twenty times greater over there!.
'Won't
my bicycle get stolen?'.
Answer:
It's a possibility. 595 000 bicycles were
stolen in 1993 in the UK, half from the street,
half from the home. Mind you, in the same year,
541 000 cars were stolen. Crime is a problem for
every form of transport: you may get mugged on
the tube, for instance. As with every walk of
life, there are precautions you can take which
minimise the risks. Always lock your bike in a
well-lit public place with a high-quality
u-shaped shackle lock. Always attach the bike to
an immovable object where the bike and lock
can't be lifted off and away. Position the lock
so that it cannot be hammered against the ground
or levered apart, and always have the keyhole
facing downward. A new security standard is
about to be applied to all cycle locks: the
security working group on the National Cycling
Forum are to recommend manufacturers place 'star
ratings' on their locks to show how long a thief
will take to break in to that particular
product. Locks with higher star ratings will be
more effective but also more expensive. If
possible, wheel the bike into your place of
work, or the shops or wherever. Keeping an eye
on it at all times is the safest form of
protection. If this is impossible with a
full-sized bike, get a folding one, these really
can go everywhere with you.
'Cars
are so convenient for carrying stuff, bicycles
aren't are they?'.
Answer:
As a matter of fact, they're very
convenient. A bicycle is a brilliant
load-carrying platform. People cycle the world
with huge amounts of gear stuffed into their
pannier bags so you'd be amazed how much stuff
you can carry on a bike. For really heavy loads
you could even invest in a cycle trailer. These
can carry as much as a small family hatchback
car.
'I
can't ferry my three kids about on a bicycle,
though can I?'.
Answer:
If they're little kids, yes you can. Fit a
child carrier and hook up a trailer. In the
developing world it's not unusual to see fathers
carrying mum, four kids, the shopping, a pig and
a couple of fluster hens on a single bike.
That's not be recommended here but it shows that
portaging children around on two wheels is both
possible and safe. As kids get older they love
being towed behind on a trailer cycle, an
attachment to the adult cycle enabling the child
to pedal in tandem fashion.
OK,
I'm convinced, where do I go from here ...?'
Answer:
Just get out there and cycle & make it part
of your daily routine. Invest in the right kit &
Join the Cyclists' Touring Club and get some
insurance cover. Become a member of the
Environmental Transport Association. (Tel: 01932
828882) They offer breakdown services for
cyclists, as well as the normal motoring
package. Start buying an enthusiast magazine
like Cycling Plus or mbr. Join your local cycle
campaign group.
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Learn to ride a bike:
Great,
but what if you can't, and you want to?
The popular saying has it that: "It's as easy as
riding a bike." Great, but what if you can't,
and you want to? You could get your partner to
show you how - but this is fraught with the same
sort of difficulties common when a partner
teaches their other half how to drive - or you
could book yourself on a training course. There
are a number of courses suitable for adults, and
new ones are being created all the time. Ask at
your local council.
Patrick Field of the London School of Cycling
runs a one-on-one tuition course. York City
Council have been operating their adult cycle
training course for the past five years and it's
very popular with women. South Tyneside adult
cycling training course lasts three hours and is
run on a Sunday morning and costs £10.00. Course
instructors are experienced cyclists who are
trained to standards recognized by the Royal
Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
Trainees are taught on a maximum of four
trainees to one instructor basis.
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Details:
London School of Cycling, Patrick Field,
tel: 0171 249 3779
South Tyneside MBC, Traffic Services Road Safety
Team,
tel: 0191 427 1717
City of York Council, Ken Spence,
tel: 01904 613161
The self-help options:
Cycle skills training video This is a parents'
guide to cycle training presented by Tony
Robinson, best known as Baldrick from
Blackadder. In an informative 20 minutes the
film covers what to look for in a bike to ensure
it's roadworthy and teaches basic cycling
proficiency skills. Of particular interest was
the part where the camera tails Ken Spence, road
safety officer at York City Council, cycling
along city streets pointing out potential
hazards. Whilst aimed at children it would also
be a good confidence booster for adults who
can't get to an adult proficiency course.
Bike to Basics is available from York City
Council, 01904 613161, for £7.99. Cyclecraft by
John Franklin. Aimed at the adult cyclist, this
newly revised book covers everything you need to
know about riding a bike: from acquiring basic
cycling skills to cycling at night in
thunderstorms. Plenty of explanatory diagrams
break up the test. It's a comprehensive, albeit
dry, self-help course in how to handle your bike
on the road. Available for £9.99 from bookshops.
Buying the right bike:
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New Bicycle info
Used Bicycle info
Bikes are
vehicles, not toys. You shouldn't be rushed into
buying one. There are a lot of pre-purchase
decisions to make before you find the bike
that's just right for you.
Comfort,
practicality, lightness, price, durability, and
other considerations have to be taken into
account. Before you head for the bike shop use
this guide to work out which features you think
you'll need.
What do you intend to use the bike for? Will you
be commuting to work on it every day? Just
nipping down to the shops now and then? Showing
the kids your knowledge of the local disused
railway paths at the weekends? Will you be using
it on city streets or off-road? For long periods
on cycling holidays or short trips every day?
Probably it's a mix of many of the above. Bikes
are very flexible creatures and can cope with
whatever you throw at them, but it can't be
escaped that many bikes have been designed for
certain purposes and if most of your riding fits
that criteria you've got a bike that will do
what you want it to do.
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Here are the basic types.
Road
bikes:
Expensive ones are used by Tour de France
riders; cheaper ones are ridden by fast club
cyclists. They come fitted with razor slim
saddles (which you get used to in time,
honest) and thin tyres. Commonly, and
mistakenly, known as 'ten-speed racers' by those
who were around before mountain bikes were
invented.
Road bikes are designed to be ridden at high
speeds on smooth road surfaces. Because of this
they are lightweight, with tyres pumped up to
over 100psi to minimise friction, and dropped
handlebars to force your body into that
aerodynamically efficient Tour de France tuck.
Road bikes can be easily damaged and are prone
to punctures. When you're not used to it, you
will probably find the hunched forward riding
position uncomfortable. This is not to say road
bikes are for fit young people: plenty
old-timers do hundreds of miles per week on
their road bikes. It's just a matter of getting
used to them. If your primary aim is to get fit
or do any kind of road racing then you need a
road bike, even mountain bike professionals use
them as part of their fitness training. If
you're going to be commuting more than ten miles
each way then a road bike - fitted with
mudguards and a rack- can be a benefit because
of its speed and the low rolling resistance of
the tyres.
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Mountain
bikes:
These now make up 70 percent of all bikes sold
in the UK but that doesn't mean they are the
right kind of bike for you. Very few mountain
bikes - MTB's for short - get to see mountains
but the chunky tyres, 26-inch wheels, strong
frames and flat handlebars are pretty good for
city streets too. Because they are designed for
going up (and down) steep slopes, MTB's
have lots of low gears and highly effective
brakes. For off-road comfort many MTB's feature
front suspension forks; some also have
suspension for the bum, too. These are called
full suspension bikes and were originally
designed for crazy downhill mountain bikers
although suspension adds to any riders comfort.
Even without suspension products, the fat tyres
on MTB'S soak up the shocks and jarrs of
off-road trails and city potholes. The knobbly
tyres found on MTB's don't puncture easily but
can rattle and hum on tarmac, slowing you down.
By adding 'slick' tyres (i.e. fat tyres
without knobbles), mudguards and lights you
could convert your mountain bike into a good
urban bike during the week and change back to
knobblies for weekend rough stuffing.
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Hybrids:
Hybrids are a mix between mountain bikes and
road bikes and offer the advantages - and
disadvantages of both. They look like mountain
bikes but with thinner wheels and tyres, and
offer a slightly more upright sitting position,
suited to urban riding. They are faster on
tarmac but can handle weekend off-roading. Not
all come with mudguards, a rack and lights, but
these can be easily fitted by the shop. Some
hybrids come with internal hub gears. Component
manufacturer Shimano calls hybrids 'Sports
Touring Bikes' or STB's for short. Germans call
them trekking bikes. Some people call them city
bikes. Raleigh, and other companies, call them
'comfort bikes' because they equip them with
seat posts with added bounce and suspension
front forks.
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Utility
bikes:
The so-called Dutch roadster is a perfect
utility bike, a real workhorse. They are
virtually bombproof , very low maintenance and
great in all weathers, although only really
suitable for short journeys in flat areas.
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Touring bikes:
A touring bike is a chunkier, more laid back and
more comfortable version of the road bike. It
normally has drop handlebars and mudguards and
pannier racks for luggage. The wheelbase - the
distance between the hubs - is longer than in
either a road bike or an MTB, giving a smooth
ride, ironing out all the bumps and potholes and
making it easier to handle when loaded up with
panniers.
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Folding
bikes:
Bicycle origami is thriving. Before we get to
the dream of a fully integrated transport system
the best way to get a bike onto a train, bus or
underground service is to pack it down. There's
even a theory that come ten years hence every
new car will come with a folding bike in the
boot because city-centre gridlock means cars
will be next to useless and the only way to get
about will be by bike! Cheap folding bikes are
heavy and don't fold down too well. More
expensive ones fold down tiny in just 15
seconds. Because they are designed for the first
and last legs of a commuter journey they
sacrifice speed, stability and comfort for
convenience. Typically they come with hub gears
and may also be fitted with mudguards and
lights. Optional extras include folding pedals.
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What
size do I need ?:
To get the most out of cycling it's vital to
have the right
sized bike.
Before setting off to the bike shop you need a
tape measure. Your inside leg measurement
determines what size frame you're going to need.
To find your frame size for road bikes and
hybrids, multiply your inside leg measurement by
0.65, this will give you an approximate frame
size in inches. The frame is measured by the
distance along the seat tube from the centre of
the bottom bracket to the centre of the top
tube.
When you get to the shop, stand over and sit
aboard a number of bikes. When you stand over
the bike there should be 2cm clearance between
your crotch and the top tube for a touring bike,
3cm for a road bike, 4-6cm for a hybrid and 6cm+
for a mountain bike. The reach of the handlebars
should be comfortable and neither cramp you or
strain your back. To pedal comfortably, the
length of the crank should be about a fifth of
your inside leg measurement. When you pedal,
your leg should have a slight bend in it and
never be extended fully. The old rule that you
had to be able to touch the ground when sitting
on the saddle is a load of tosh: if you can,
your saddle and seat post need to be raised. (Note:
this is not the case for children). Do this
in small increments over a number of days so you
get used to the new, higher position. Once
you're used to it, you'll find you can cycle
faster and for longer and with more comfort with
less effort.
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Am I
pedalling right ?:
Cadence is important. This is the number of time
your pedals go round per minute, your 'revs' if
you will. Tour De France cyclists can pedal all
day long and at great speeds because they
'spin'. Aim for something similar. Your legs
should whizz round rather than strain in a high
gear. And don't pedal with your heels. Your toes
should be just over the lip of the front of the
pedal.
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Are bikes allowed on countryside footpaths?
Unfortunately not. Countryside access is a huge
subject, policed by specialist lawyers and
'rights of way' experts. Unlike in countries
like Sweden or Germany, we can't wander where we
please in this green and pleasant land of ours.
All outdoor users have to stick to 'rights of
way'.
A bike, unfortunately, is not what the law deems
a 'natural accompaniment' to walking (such as
a walking stick or a dog) so you can't ride
on a footpath. Technically speaking, you can't
even walk on a footpath with a bike. Cyclists
are committing trespass by riding on footpaths -
no matter how wide - and could be prosecuted by
the landowner for any damage caused. Don't
worry, it's a civil matter, not a criminal
wrong. In practice no landowner will sue you but
riding on footpaths upsets walkers.
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You can ride on:
Bridleways (27 400 km)
We've had the right to share bridleways with
walkers and horses since an Act of Parliament in
1968. Note the word 'share'. Horses get spooked
easily and we're faster than walkers so it's
only fair give them due consideration. Slow
down, smile, say hi and pick up speed once you
roll past.
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Byways Open to All Traffic (3000kms)
Otherwise known as BOAT's these allow all
traffic to pass, including vehicles.
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Forest
tracks and paths
Permission is officially required for riding
through Forestry Commission land. Often this
permission has already been granted by the local
conservator and the Forestry Commission
generally regards cycling favourably. Stick to
the way-marked routes, you don't want to meet a
60-ton logging truck coming round the corner of
a dirt track.
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Green
lanes
(10 200kms)
A non-legal term for a pleasant unsealed country
road, track or byway.
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White roads (7000kms?)
Most roads on Ordnance Survey maps have colours
to denote their status. White roads have no
colour so are not recorded as having any
rights-of-way status. When looking at an
Ordnance Survey map they can appear to be farm
tracks or private roads when, in fact, they
might be public highways. Of the estimated 7000
km of 'lost' white roads many of them are great,
totally legal trails for use by cyclists just
waiting to be 'found' and put onto the
'definitive map'.
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It's a
sign!
It's fine and dandy knowing which routes you're
supposed to stick to, but on the ground it's
often a different kettle of rear mech's. There's
not always a footpath sign when you need one and
many wide, open trails look as though they must
be bridleways. It's therefore good practice to
always carry an Ordnance Survey (OS) map. These
don't list every right of way - check out the
'definitive map' at your local highway authority
for that - but will include the main ones. Or
look for paths that have coloured way-marking
arrows: yellow on footpaths, blue on bridleways,
and red on byways that can be legally used by
everybody.
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Saddle sores ?
" My bum
hurts!" ..........
Is probably the
number one complaint of new cyclists, especially
those who choose to get back into cycling by
doing a 50 mile charity ride with no prior
preparation!.
For most people, the soreness quickly recedes
and after a few more day's of riding, getting on
a bike is no longer painful. It's a matter of
getting your bum used to sitting on a saddle,
preferably an 'anatomical' one, and your back
and shoulders used to the new sitting position.
Of course, there are ways to minimise this
initial discomfort. Check your saddle isn't too
far forward on the 'seat post' and make sure
it's a decent width. Many bikes do not come
ready fitted with comfy enough saddles.
'Tractor' cycle saddles - such as those
available from Selle Royal and Madison - are
wide and often come fitted with gel inserts,
bags of soft goo which conform to the shape of
your bum. Some tractor saddles also come with
springs or elastomer bungs. These let the saddle
bounce underneath you when pedalling along (
which can lead to a fair amount of bobbing
around and, whilst comfortable, isn't very
energy efficient )
To convert your existing saddle into a gel one
you could fit a gel-filled saddle cover. Velo
from Moore Large do one for £12. Alternatively,
fit a sheepskin cover from Easy-rider, Tel:
01604 870713. Always bear in mind, though, that
too squishy a saddle won't be supporting you
properly. Over time try to wean yourself onto a
harder, more supportive saddle.
If your saddle is too narrow, all your weight is
concentrated on your perineum (check where
this is in a medical dictionary, we're a family
website! ... !!.) instead of the sit-bones,
the ischial tuberosities. In men the sit bones
are roughly three inches apart; in women they're
four inches apart. This is why women's saddles
are wider. On a sit-up-and-beg bike you're
taking a lot of your weight on your bum; on
mountain bikes and sports bikes a lot more of
your weight is shared with your handlebars.
Don't fit such a wide saddle, however, that it
chafes your thighs. Find a happy medium. If,
after altering your riding position through
trial and error, moving the saddle forward a
touch or fitting a wide - possibly sprung -
saddle or a suspension seat-post, and you're
riding in proper padded cycle shorts, you're
still uncomfortable, maybe you might be on the
wrong sort of bike altogether? Many of the
mountain bikes in the shops are designed for
racing and so sling you far forward into an
uncomfortable position. Racers are used to this
position and it's quite comfortable for them but
for the rest of us a more 'sit-and-beg' position
is desirable. Hybrids are normally more upright
and so more comfy for beginners. Dutch roadsters
are even more upright. But, as was made clear
above, you don't want to be so upright that
hardly any of your weight is being supported by
the handlebars. Again, aim for a happy medium.
If all else fails, why not try a recumbent?
These are laid-back cycles with comfy,
deck-chair like seats. They take a bit of
getting used to but have been godsends for some
riders who might otherwise have had to retire
from cycling.
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Setting
a Saddle up:
Height
Saddles set too high or low can lead to knee
injuries. Find the right position by sitting on
your bike and putting your heel on a pedal in
its lowest position. The saddle and seat-post
are the right height when your leg is virtually
straight (but not locked). The seat-post
should not be extended above the inscribed
safety limit. (If you do .. it will snap!)
Buy a longer seat-post if necessary.
Fore-aft
Most saddles have rails by which they are
attached to the seat post clamp. Undoing a
locknut or Allen key bolt will enable you to
slide the saddle forwards or backwards. With the
pedals horizontal to the ground you should be
able to draw a vertical line from the front of
the forward knee through the centre of the pedal
spindle.
Angle of tilt
For true comfort on a bike the tilt of the
saddle is crucial but is largely a matter of
taste. Women tend to like the saddle nose
pointing to the ground slightly, to relieve
pressure on the pubic area. That's why women's
saddles are shorter than men's. The Terry
Liberator saddle gets round this problem by
cutting a hole out of the nose. By making just
minor adjustments to the saddle's tilt you can
radically improve your comfort. Try your saddle
at different angles and ride about for twenty
minutes or so to check which angle suits you
best.
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Whatever type of cyclist you are,
or want to become, there's an
organization, club or governing
body that can help.
NOTE:
This section of Bicyclemania.co.uk
may not always be bang up to date
with addresses.
If any of the details below do not
work for you, please go to a daily
updated address directory
at >
http://www.bikebizbible.com./
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All Party
Cycling Group
(APCG)
The All Party Cycling Group is a bicycle club in
the Houses of Parliament. MPs go on rides
together but, more importantly, the group
supports and encourages cycling in the UK and
lobbies from within for greater facilities. The
biking MPs argue for cycling to have a greater
role in national and local transport strategies,
for planning, employment and educational
strategies to encourage safe cycling and to
encourage other environmentally beneficial means
of transportation.
Olly Hatch, 31 Arodene Road, London SW2 2BQ
Tel. 0181 6745916 Fax. 0181 6713386
e-mail:
oh@velo-city.org
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Association of
Cycle Traders
The ACT is the national organisation
representing 800 specialist cycle retailers.
Every ACT member offers customers a well-stocked
shop, with complete after-sales service and full
workshop facilities. Buying a bicycle from an
ACT dealer ensures it will be safe and
roadworthy. To locate your nearest ACT bike shop
you can phone the number below or use the
interactive map on their website.
31a High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1XN
Tel. 01892 526081 Fax. 01892 544278
www.cyclesource.co.uk
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Bicycle
Association of Great Britain Ltd.
British Cycling Federation
(BCF)
The BCF is the official cycle racing body in the
UK. It is based at the National Cycling Centre
which is housed in Manchester's velodrome.
Whilst 95 percent devoted to racing matters, the
BCF is trying widen it scope and says it can
answer any enquiry on cycling, including how to
get started. However, it is best suited to
providing information on cycle racing - both
road and mountain bike - and a list of
competitive clubs in your local area. BCF
members get benefits such as third party
insurance cover.
Membership Services Department, National Cycling
Centre, Stuart Street, Manchester, M11 4DQ
Tel. 0161 2302301 Fax. 0161 2310591
www.bcf.uk.com
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British Horse
Society
The British Horse Society's Access & Rights of
Way Department publish a series of 20 trail
guide books covering many areas of the UK which,
although essentially for equestrians, are also
suitable for mountain bikers seeking out good
stretches of bridleway. Those that haven't been
churned up by the horses offer excellent ride
possibilities.
Sheila Hardy, Stoneleigh Deer Park, Kenilworth,
Warks, CV8 2XZ Tel. 01926 707813 |
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British Human
Power Club
A more comfortable bike that is less effort to
pedal - a faster bike (imagine 70mph on a
bike - or cycling 50 miles in an hour) -
that is what human powered vehicles (HPVs)
and recumbents are all about. The BHPC aims to
stimulate innovation in the design and
development of HPVs for utility, recreational
and competitive activities. The Club organises
touring events and races each year, publishes a
quarterly newsletter and "So You Want to Build
an HPV". The race meetings, whilst highly
competitive, are always social forums.
Steve Donaldson, 15 Station Road, Dyce,
Aberdeen, AB21 7BA Tel. 01224 772164 |
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British
Schools Cycling Association
(BSCA)
Encourage the participation of school children
into leisure and competitive cycling with
cycling activities across all disciplines of
cycling with area, national and international
events. BSCA also provides leader courses in
several disciplines for adult cycling with
children. Multi disciplines with anything from
hill climb, circuit races, hard track and grass
track.
Susan W. Knight, 21 Bedhamton Rd. North End.
Portsmouth. Hampshire.PO2 7JX
Tel. 02392 642226 Fax. 02392 660187
http://www.bsca.org.uk/
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British Trust
for Conservation Volunteers
(BTCV)
BTCV is the UK's largest practical conservation
charity, involving 95,000 volunteers in projects
to protect the environment including: One day
projects, UK and overseas working holidays,
support for 2,000 affiliated groups and schools,
community development in the UK and overseas,
courses and vocational training, Natural
Pioneers Millennium Awards.
Jim Boot, 36 St. Mary's Street, Wallingford,
Oxfordshire, OX10 0EU
Tel. 01491 839766 Fax. 01491 839646 |
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British
Waterways
British Waterways manages 2000 miles of canals
and rivers in England, Scotland and Wales. Many
miles of their towpaths offer safe cycling to
those with a permit. To get a National Cycle
pack (price £5) contact the customer
services team.
Customer Service Team, Willow Grange Road,
Watford, WD1 3QA
Tel. 01923 201120 Fax. 01923 2101102
e-mail: info@canalshq.demon.co.uk
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Byways and
Bridleways Trust
The Byways and Bridleways Trust specialises in
the legal and technical aspects of rights of way
and countryside access. The Trust publishes a
journal, Byway & Bridleway, ten times a year.
This is required reading for anyone interested
in ancient roads and the rather arcane legal
processes surrounding them.
Contact the BBT office for a sample copy of B&B.
PO Box 117, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5YT
Tel. & Fax. 0191 2364086
e-mail:
BBT@highwayman.demon.co.uk
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Camping &
Caravanning Club
The Camping & Caravanning Club has a network of
90 campsites in Britain. Many of them are close
to excellent cycling country and great bases for
cycling holidays. It also provides guides,
magazines, advice and a range of services
including discounted RAC, weather call, overseas
camping holidays, legal and financial services.
The club now has 300,000 members. Free sites
guide available.
Bob Stanton, Greenfield's House, Westwood Way,
Coventry CV4 8JH
Tel. 01203 694995 Fax. 01203 694886 |
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Child Accident
Prevention Trust
(CAPT)
The only national charity dedicated to
prevention of accidents of children, getting
involved in research and evaluation of
children's accidents. Also providing information
on several safety issues for parents and people
working in child care in general. Runs various
awareness programmes.
Clerk's Court, 18-20 Farringdon Lane, London,
EC1R 3AU |
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CoBR
CoBR, the Consortium of Bicycle Retailers
Limited, is a marketing organisation
representing over 100 cycle retailers throughout
the UK and Channel Islands. It produces "The
CycleList", a publication full of advice
and assistance about cycling and cycling
products. For further information regarding your
nearest independent retailer or a free copy of "The
CycleList"
contact:
Courtyard Loft, Union Street, Newport Pagnell,
MK16 8ET
Tel. 01908 613263 Fax. 01908 618034
www.cobr.co.uk |
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CTC
The CTC is Britain's largest and longest
established cycling organisation and has its
mission to 'Work for All Cyclists'. It provides
a wide range of services and discounts to its
66000 members and affiliates, has 200 local
groups, provides 12000 rides and events
annually, and campaigns for better conditions
for cyclists, whether they ride on or off road.
Of particular value are its information
services, widely regarded as the most
comprehensive in cycling and covering everything
from routes to bike shops. Members get free
legal aid and £5 million third-party insurance:
essential in the case of an accident, it's the
only way you can be as well protected as a
motorist. The CTC's specialist Freewheeler Cycle
insurance is one service now available to
non-members.
Contact the CTC or visit their website.
www.ctc.org.uk
69 Meadrow, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 3HS
Tel. 01483 417217 |
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Environmental
Transport Association
(ETA)
The Environmental Transport Association (ETA)
is the voice of transport users who are
concerned about the environment. ETA is
Britain's fastest growing motoring organisation.
It offers reliable and competitive recovery and
insurance services to both motorists and
cyclists. Their average call out time is just 35
minutes because they use a network of over 1700
local garages in Britain. ETA covers the whole
of Europe and even parts of Africa and Asia.
10 Church Street, Weybridge, KT13 8RS
Tel. 0193 282 8882 Fax. 01932 829015
www.eta.org.uk
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European
Cyclist Federation
(ECF)
The ECF is a political force to promote the
bicycle as an important part of both transport
and environmental policies at a European level.
A further aim is to facilitate the exchange of
information between ECF members. To achieve
these aims, the ECF lobbies, provides
information and services to the media,
authorities, companies and institutions. Despite
the different experiences of the member
organisations from over 25 countries, many
cycling problems are similar throughout Europe;
for example, dangerous road conditions, the poor
image of cycling, inadequate cycle facilities,
and the lack of political will to promote
cycling. The overall aim of ECF is to achieve a
shift from motorised modes and an increased use
of the bicycle for daily travel as well as
recreational purposes. ECF believes the bicycle
to be the means of transport for the future.
Velo-city Secretariat, 31 Arodene Road, London,
SW2 2BQ
Tel. 0181 6745916 Fax. 0181 6713386
e-mail to
efc@velo-city.org |
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Forestry
Commission
You are welcome to cycle in many of the Forestry
Commission's forests which offer a variety of
cycling experiences, from wide forest roads to
narrow single tracks. 2600 kilometres of
waymarked cycle trails in their forest feature
some of the best off road cycling in Britain. An
information leaflet, giving details of the
cycling facilities the Forestry Commission
offers is available free of charge. Contact your
local office of Forest Enterprise - agency of
Forestry Commission which manages the woodlands
or by ringing the public information line on
0131 3146322.
Information Branch, 231 Corstorphine Road,
Edinburgh, EH12 7AT
Tel. 0131 3340303 Fax. 0131 3344473 |
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GB. BMX. F
Racing organisation, affiliated to the BCF, runs
national BMX racing series.
(note - the GB.BMX.F is not involved with
freestyle contests).
41 Severn Road, Heywood, Lancs., OL10 4RY
Tel. 01706 621193 |
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London Cycling
Campaign
London Cycling Campaign is a member organisation
that promotes cycling in Greater London by
raising awareness of cycling issues, campaigning
to improve conditions for cyclists, and
providing services for members.
Services include: free automatic third party
insurance, free legal advice, bike shop
discounts, optional theft insurance, bimonthly
magazine London Cyclist, organised rides, and
advise on all aspects of cycling.
London Cycling Campaign, Unit 228, 30 Great
Guildford Street, London, SE1 0HS
Tel. 0171 4353725 Fax. 0171 7944484
www.lcc.org.uk/ |
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National
Association of Veteran Cycle Clubs
(NAVCC)
There are 10 veteran Cycle Clubs based all over
the country. Every year they organised a
national rally during the first weekend in
September, hosted by one of the Veteran Clubs.
Each individual club organises rallies
throughout the year. A booklet listing all the
clubs is available from the national secretary.
Mr. A.H.C. Pickering, 29 The Coppice, Narborough,
Leicestershire, LE9 5FB
Tel. 0116 2841881
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Off-road
Cycling
Off-road cycling provides publications for those
wishing to cycle away from traffic. Maps and
route cards are available for: Forest of Dean,
Peak District and the Brecon Beacons. Off-road
Cycling also runs a comprehensive advisory
service for trail managers to help ensure that
the trails you ride are suitable for families,
occasional cyclists or the more adventurous
mountain biker.
Colin Palmer, Coddlington, Ledbury, HR8 1JH.
Tel. 01531-633500. Fax. 01531-636247. |
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Roadpeace
Roadpeace, the national charity for road traffic
victims, provides information and support to
bereaved and injured road traffic victims
through its helpline, literature, local groups
and contact with people who have suffered a
similar experience. It also campaigns for
justice for road victims.
Helpline 0181 964 1021, 9am to 9pm 7 days.
Brigitte Chaudhry, PO Box 2579, London, NW10 3PW
Tel./Fax. 0181 9649353 |
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Rough-Stuff
Fellowship
Founded in 1955 for cyclists who love byways and
tracks the Rough-Stuff Fellowship is the oldest
'off road' cycling club in the world. Members
enjoy a route library that is second to none,
with detailed information on routes throughout
the UK and Europe. Visit their website and see
for yourself.
Phil Cunningham, 4 Hepley Road, Poynton,
Cheshire, SK12 1RX
Tel. 01625 878809 |
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Safe Routes to
School
Whilst not invented by Sustrans (see below),
the Safe Routes to School initiative is now
largely run by them, although there are many
local schemes not operated by Sustrans. The
scheme provides information, support and advice
on making it easier for kids to get to school on
foot or on their bikes. Sustrans produce a
quarterly newsletter with news of their own and
other projects. For a free information pack,
phone the Sustrans information line, tel.
0117-929088 or check out the website. For more
in-depth advice, contact Celia Beeson Tel. 0117
9268893. |
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Sustrans
Sustrans is the civil engineering charity
responsible for coordinating the recently opened
5000-mile National Cycle Network and Safe Routes
to Schools projects. The National Cycle Network
is a UK-wide Millennium project. The Network
will comprise more than 10000 miles of cycle
routes by 2005. The Network is a partnership
project involving over 400 local authorities,
businesses, countryside bodies and others.
Sustrans provide a public information service,
call for a free catalogue which features maps,
technical materials and information sheets on a
range of cycling-related issues.
53 King Street, Bristol, BS1 4DZ
Tel. 0117 9290888 Fax. 0117 9294173
www.sustrans.co.uk |
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Scottish Youth
Hostel Association
(S.Y.H.A.)
Youth hostels come in all shapes and sizes.
There are over 80 well run, friendly hostels
throughout Scotland offering good, comfortable
accommodation, with shower and laundry
facilities and much more. Anyone over the age of
5 years (no upper age limit) can join, just go
to your local district office, a hostel or even
by post. This membership allows you to use not
only Scottish hostels, but over 5,000 youth
hostels all over the world
7 Glebe Crescent, Stirling, FK8 2JA
Tel. 01786 891400 Fax. 01786 891336
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Slower Speeds
Initiative
The Slower Speeds Initiative is a coalition of
bodies calling for a general reduction in road
traffic speeds, both in urban and rural areas.
They are aiming to reverse the situation in
which pedestrians and cyclists are unable to use
the streets for fear of dangerous, fast moving
traffic. Currently, the Initiative's work is
focused on generating support for lower and
better enforced speed limits. An
information/endorsement leaflet is available
from:
Denise Carlo, 213 College Road, Norwich, NR2 3JD
Tel./Fax. 01603 504563 |
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Tandem Club
Offers advice on any aspect of tandems, and
offers a spares services for difficult to obtain
tandem parts, a magazine every two months and a
club handbook. Sixty local groups up and down
the country organise local events, club rides.
Peter Hallowell, 25 Hendred Way, Abington,
Oxfordshire, OX14 2AN
Tel. 01235 525161 Fax. 01235 445706
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Transport 2000
Transport 2000 is the national environmental
transport campaign working for coherent and
sustainable transport solutions. Traffic levels
are set to rise by 60 percent by 2031 but this
rise could be slowed down or even stopped.
Transport 2000's vision is of a country where
every child can walk or cycle to school in
safety, where companies benefit from green
commuting, where local shops thrive and you
don't need a car to enjoy the countryside or
city life. Supporters receive information, a
quarterly magazine and access to a network of
local groups.
Walken House, 10 Melton Street, London, NW1 2EJ
Tel. 0171 3888386 Fax. 0171 3882481
e-mail:
join@transport2000.demon.co.uk |
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Vegetarian
Cycling & Athletic Club
Members participate in road time-trialling,
cyclo-cross and MTB racing and some touring as
well as in athletics. It also provides sports
nutritional advice.
Peter Simpson, 13 Peers Lane, Shenley Church
End, Milton Keynes, MK5 6BG
Tel. 01908 503919 |
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Youth Hostels
Association
(YHA England &
Wales)
Youth Hostels have changed - for the better!
There are comfortable bunk bedded rooms, a warm
welcome, good food and affordable prices. And
cyclists will particularly appreciate the secure
cycle stores, and hot showers! To find out more
about the 237 Youth Hostels all over England and
Wales check-out the web site.
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Binfield Bikers,
26 Hamlet Street, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 6EF
Bradford Cycling Action Group,
c/o Bradford Resources Centre, 17-21 Chapel
Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 5DT
Brighton Cycling Opportunities Group,
PO Box 2502, King's House, Grand Avenue, Hove,
East Sussex, BN3 2ST. Tel: 01273 292722
Bristol Cycling Campaign,
13 Alpha Road, Bristol, BS3 1DH
Calderdale
Cycle Promotion Group,
26 Carr Field Drive, Luddenden, Halifax, West
Yorkshire, HX2 6RJ. Tel: 0113 205 3308
Cam Valley Cycleway Campaign,
13 Jubilee Road, Kingshill, Dursley,
Gloucestershire, GL11 4ES. Tel: 01453 548920
Cambridge Cycling Campaign,
PO Box 204, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 3FN.
Tel: 01223 504095
CAPSIA
(Cyclist
& Pedestrian Safety in Abingdon), 20 Morton
Close, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. Tel: 01235 526636
Cardiff Cycling Campaign,
24 Taff Embankment, Grangetown, Cardiff, CF1 7BE
Carlisle Cycling Campaign,
16 Kells Place, Stanwix, , Carlisle, Cumbria,
CA3 9DT. Tel: 01228 43839
Chelmsford Cycling Action Group,
75 Tabors Avenue, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 7EL.
Tel: 01245 472437
Cheltenham Cycle Campaign,
89 Rowanfield Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire,
GL51 8AF
Cleveland Cycling Campaign,
14 Limes Road, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough,
Cleveland, TS5 6RQ. Tel: 01642 814232
COGS
Salisbury Cycling Campaign, 196 Coombe Road,
Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 8PB
Colchester Cycling Campaign,
15 Scarlett Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1EZ
Cycel
Cycling
Campaign for East Lancashire, 100 Livingstone
Road, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 6NE. Tel: 01254
51072
Cycle 2000,
15 King's Avenue, Wolstanton, ,
Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 8DA
Cycle Action in Sandwell,
8 Grange Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70
8PD
CycleBath,
2 St. James Street, Bath, BA1 2TR
Cyclefolk,
Temple Lane South, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland
Cyclewight,
28 Sea Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5BW
Cyclic
Coventry
Cycling Campaign, 44 Bolingbroke Road, Coventry,
West Midlands, CV3 1AQ. Tel: 01203 443398
Cycling Campaign for Bedfordshire,
20 Haylards Way, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41
9BU. Tel: 01234 353272
Cyclox
Oxford Cycling Campaign, East Oxford Community
Centre, Princes Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4
1DD.
Tel: 01865 794577
Doncaster Cycling Promotion Group
9 Larch Drive, Armthorpe, Doncaster, South
Yorkshire, DN3 3DJ
Dorset Cyclists' Network
Farrs Coach House, Cowgrove Road, Wimbourne,
Dorset, BH21 4EL. Tel: 01202 880966
Dynamo
Lancaster & District Cycle Campaign, 123
Scotforth Road, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 4SD
East Kent Spokes
2 Great Pett Ost, Pett Hill Bridge, Canterbury,
Kent, CN4
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Fylde Coast Cycling Action Group
c/c Health Promotion Unit, 145-147 Newton Drive,
, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 8LZ
Glasgow Cycling Campaign
53 Cochrane Street, Glasgow, , G1 1HL
Goldalming Cycle Campaign
c/o/ The Annexe, The Old Coach House, Petworth
Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 5QW
Guernsey Cycle Campaign Group
Les Villets, Forest, Guernsey, GY8 0HR
Hereford Cycle Users' Group
72 Park Street, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR1
2RE. Tel: 01432 268177
Highland Cycle Campaign
Windyridge, Caaggach, Kirkhill, Inverness,
Inverness-shire, IV5 7PW. Tel: 01463 831600
Hull Cycling Campaign
21 Conway Close, Hessle Road, Kingston upon
Hull, East Yorkshire, HU3 3NR.
Ipswich Cycle Campaign
23 Galway Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 5JW
Kirklees Cycling Forum
PO Box 333, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Knowsley Cycling Campaign
83 Oak Towers, Roughwood Drive, Kirkby,
Merseyside, L33 8XW
Leamington Cycleways
24 Henry Street, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8
2HJ
Leeds Cycle Action Group
14 Oatland Green, Little London, Leeds, West
Yorkshire, LS7 1SN
LEGS
Mid Somerset Cycle Group, St. Edmunds Lodge,
Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8HJ
Leicester Spokes
PO Box 30, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 7OD
London Cycling Campaign
228 Great Guildford Business Square, 30 Great
Guildford Street, London, SE1 0HS. Tel: 0171 928
7220
Long Eaton Bicycle Users' Group
14 Granby Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 8HN
Loughborough & District Cycle Users'
Campaign
32 Bramcote Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire,
LE11 2SA
Medway Cycle Network
14 St. Andrews Road, Gillingham , Kent, ME7 1QR
Merseyside Cycling Campaign
20 Hilbre Road, West Kirby, Merseyside, L48 3HH
Mid Sussex Cycling Campaign
7 South Lodge Close, Burgess Hill, West Sussex,
RH15 8LQ
Milton Keynes Cycle Users' Group
15 The Oval, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes,
Buckinghamshire, MK6 2TW Tel: 01908 674812
Newbury Cycle Campaign
92 Newport Road, Newbury, Berkshire
Newport Cycling Campaign
Newport Friends of the Earth, 13 Leadon
Court,Thornhill, Cwmbran, Newport, NP44 5TZ
Newton Abbot & Torbay Cycle Users' Group
81 Twickenham Road, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12
4JG
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North Eastern Derbyshire Cycling Campaign
Centre for Urban Studies, Market Hall,
Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 1AR
Northern Ireland Cycling Initiative
13 Belvoir Close, Belfast, Co. Antrim,BT8 4PL.
Tel: 01232 645909
Norwich Cycling Campaign
42-46 Bethel Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1NR.
Tel: 01603 664364
Pedal Power: Borders Cycle Campaign
Group
Sunnyside, No. 2 Milne Graden, Coldstream,
Berwickshire, TD12 4HE
Pedal Pushers - Sheffield Cycling Campaign
11 Kenbourne Road, Nether Edge, Sheffield, South
Yorkshire, S7 1NJ Tel: 0114 258 1605
Pedals - Nottingham Cycling Campaign
3 Ryder Street, Basford, , Nottingham,
Nottinghamshire, NG6 0BL
Pedals - Spalding Cycling Campaign
The Chantry, 7 Church Street, Spalding,
Lincolnshire, PE11 2PB
Pushbikes: The Birmingham & West Midlands
Cycling Campaign
20 Conifer Court, Moore Green Lane, Moseley,
Birmingham, West Midlands B13 8MB. Tel:0121 632
6753
Reading Cycle Campaign
84 Kidmore Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire,
RG4 7NA. Tel: 0181 948 3932
Rochdale Cyclist Action
27 Medley Street, Rochdale, Lancashire, OL12 0RQ
Solihull Cycle Campaign
1 Thornton Road, Monkspath, Solihull,
Birmingham, West Midlands, B90 4TF. Tel: 0121
704 4412
South Bedfordshire Cycle Campaign
25 Northfields, Dunstable, Bedfordshire,LU5 5AJ
Southampton Cycling Campaign
60 Gordon Avenue, Portswood, Southampton,
Hampshire
Southend & Surrounds Cycle Campaign
750 London Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
Spokes: The Lothian Cycle Campaign
St. Martins Church Hall, 232 Dalry Road,
Edinburgh, Mid Lothian, EH11 2JG Tel: 0131 313
2114
Sprocket - Manchester Cycling Campaign
c/o One World Centre, 6 Mount Street, Manchester
M2 5NS Tel: 0161 224 6450
St. Albans Cycle Users
35 Ramsbury Road, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1
1SN. Tel: 01727 860705
Stratford Cycle Campaign
4 Bridge Street, Butler's Marston, Warwick,
Warwickshire, CV35 0NE Tel: 01926 641560
Stroud Cycling Campaign
45 Bisley Old Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5
1LU. Tel: 01453 762233
Tring Cycling Campaign
The Grove House, 63 Grove Road, Tring,
Hertfordshire, HP23 5PB
Tynebikes
22 Linden Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne &
Wear, NE3 4EY Tel:0191 284 3781
Waveney Cycling Campaign
136 Dell Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft,
Suffolk,NR33 9NT
Wheel-Rights 2000 (Swansea Bay Cycling
Campaign)
4 The Glebe, Bishopton, Swansea, West Glamorgan,
SA3 3JP
Wirral Cycle Campaign
12 James Street, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside,
L43 5RD. Tel: 0151 652 3166
Woking Cycle Users' Group
6 Heathside Gardens, Woking, Surrey, GU22
7HR
Wycombe Cycling Campaign
54 Rupert Avenue, High Wycombe,
Buckinghamshire,HP12 3NF
York Cycle Campaign
c/o York Cycle works, 14-16 Lawrence Street,
York, North Yorkshire, YO1 3BN. Tel: 01904
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