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Rights of Way Improvment Plan 2012-2017 - 26 January 2012
Bedford Borough Council is responsible for 984 kilometres of Public Rights of Way which link Bedford and Kempston to the villages and the countryside. Within the Borough there are 350 kilometres of Public Bridleways and 34 kilometres of Public Byway (BOATS) which cyclists can use officially although a number of sections may only be suitable for mountain bikes and even then not in the wet winter months.
Bedfordshire County Council in 2006 produced and adopted a Bedfordshire Outdoor Access Improvement Plan (2006-2011). As this is now out of date Bedford Borough Council have issued a draft new plan for a 12 week public consultation until 13 April 2012.
A standard response form is available for comments.
The final document and action plan when adopted will guide the work of the Council from 2012-2017 in managing the public rights of way network in the Borough. It will complement the Bedford Borough Local Transport Plan (LTP3).
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Bedford Station Car Park/Rail Fare Increases - January 2012
Car park charges at Bedford Midland Station increased by 3% on 2 January 2012 (£50 increase on an annual and premier tariff) while train fares increased on average by 5.9% (£220 more for a yearly ticket to London). Further increases are also expected shortly in petrol and diesel prices. In these severe economic times why not consider cycling to the station and join the 300 to 400 commuters who already do, particularly if you only live a short distance away. Cycling could save you up to £1350 per annum simply in car parking charges alone as well as helping to keep you fitter and healthier.
Further cycle parking stands are expected to be installed in the station forecourt by First Capital Connect over the next three months.
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New Year Resolution for 2012
I MUST:
- cycle more often
- use that bike in my shed/garage, after having it serviced
- buy a bike (bike shops) and start cycling (if necessary after going on a Bikeability cycle training course).
Winter Potholes
Do not let that pothole get any bigger than necessary.
If you see one on your travels please report it to the Bedford Unitary Authority Helpdesk - If they no not know about it, it will not be filled in.
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Winter Riding
Darker nights are now with us with the clocks being put back on Sunday 30 October 2011. Although your bicycle should be maintained properly all year round please ensure particularly that it has:
Both tyres in good condition. Worn tyres are more prone to punctures and slipping on greasy roads.
Brake blocks not worn down. Modern brake blocks and rims in wet weather will wear out faster.
Both front and rear working lights. You may be able to see the motorist, but will they be able to see you?
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Headphone Warning
This winters must have fashion accessory is a pair of large headphones to plug into your MP3 player. However a word of warning - these can compromise your safety by not being aware of the sounds around you if you wear them while riding your bike, particularly headphones of the isolation type.
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Allocations and Designations Plan available for Consultation (30 September 2011)
The pre-submission draft of the Borough Council's Allocations and Designations Plan has been published for a six week consultation period ending on 14 November 2011.
The consultation offers the opportunity to comment on the 'soundness' of the plan before it is approved by the Council's Executive for submission to the Secretary of State next year.
The plan which contains a chapter on the Bedford Cycle Network and the Green Wheel and associated documents can be seen on the Borough's website.
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New Bedford Green Wheel Link Open (24 September 2011)
A new link from Asgard Drive to the Pegasus crossing on the St Neots Road across the green area behind Renhold Brook which runs parallel to Norse Road is now open as part of Bedford's Green Wheel.
At the same time the footpath on the east side of Norse Road between the cemetery entrance and Asgard Drive has been widened and converted to a dual use track thus extending the Norse Road track from Hookhams Lane as far as Asgard Drive.
This means that it is now possible for cyclists to cycle safely from the Brickhill and Putnoe areas to Willington and the National Cycle Network Route 51 along completely off-road dual use tracks.
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Bedford European Mobility Week Events (16-22 September 2011)
The Theme for 2011 is Alternative Mobility - To support the transition towards a resource efficient transport system by promoting clean fuel efficient modes and human-powered travel to make urban life healthier, safer and more enjoyable. CCNB is pleased to see that the Council is using the week to highlight the options for sustainable travel for residents across Bedford Borough.
It will start on Saturday 17 September with a free rickshaw pedicab service for town centre visitors available form outside the Town Hall between 9am and 5pm.
Monday 19 September will see the launch of a Sustainable Travel Competition where local residents will be challenged to use only sustainable transport on the Wednesday and Thursday. Those taking part can then submit their entries for the competition via the Council website (www.bedford.gov.uk/sustainabletravelchallenge) or via the Council's Twitter account, @bedfordtweets. Entries will be placed into a draw on Friday 23 September for the following categories - bus, train, motorbike, bicycle, pedestrian and car share, the winners of each of which will receive an appropriate prize.
A 'Commuter Challenge' will take place on Tuesday 20 September during the peak morning rush hour when volunteers travelling from a set location will travel into Bedford town centre by bicycle, motor bike, bus and hybrid car to demonstrate that sustainable travel is a viable way of travelling during busy periods.
There will be a market stall in the town centre offering tips and advice on Wednesday and Thursday 21 and 22 September, the latter day will also have a Dr Bike' service offering free repair's. safety checks and advice for all cycle users.
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Sponsored Bike 'n Hike (10 September 2011)
Have fun cycling or walking to churches and chapels and at the same time raising funds for your local church. Saturday 10 September 2011 between 10am and 6pm will be the 20 year this event has taken place.
There are over 600 churches participating in the event throughout Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, 46 churches & chapels in the Bedford area alone. For further details see the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust website.
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New Cycle Stands - Ashburnham Road Car Park (27 July 2011)
The final stage of the temporary use of the old 'Focus' store site in Ashburnham Road has seen the Borough Council install cycle parking stands at the north end together with a motor cycle parking area and car spaces for users with young children.
The cycle parking spaces are of the 'Sheffield' type. A row of eight stands with four along the back of the area give room for 20 bicycles. Although not under cover they are under CCTV surveillance and are a welcome addition for cyclists commuting to the adjacent railway station from the Prebend Street, Midland Road and Ford End Road direction.
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School Holiday Ideas (19 July 2011)
If your child is between 9 and 15 years old and has not had any cycle training at school to date what about a Bikeability cycle training course to Level 2. Courses are being run by both Bedford Modern School at their Manton Lane site and Bedford Borough Council's Sports Development team at Beauchamp Middle School in Hawk Drive, Brickhill.
How about trying your cycling skills on the BMX track in Mowsbury Park off Wentworth Drive in the north of Bedford.
To buld up your confidence to cycle you could go to one of Bedford's larger parks such as Mowsbury Park, Bedford Park, Russell Park, Jubilee Park or Priory Country Park and then use the various cycle routes available on other off-road tracks and quiet roads to explore other parts of the Borough including the National Cycle Network Route 51 which runs through the town and is completely off-road (with some signalled cycle crossings of more busy roads in the Kempston area) from Kempston to Blunham. To find out where all the cycle routes are pick up a Bedford and Kempston Cycle Map from Bedford tourist information office, libraries and many more outlets.
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Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) (10 July 2011)
CCNB in April 2011 gave support to Bedford Borough Council in their bid for £5 million from the first tranche of the Department for Transport's four year £560 million Local Sustainable Transport Fund to support packages for sustainable travel schemes that will generate economic growth and help to reduce carbon emissions. Unfortunately it was announced in early July that Bedford Borough had been turned down for funding. 39 projects from 38 local authorities out of 71 projects were given the go-ahead with funding of £155 million.
Has your bicycle been security marked? (updated 26 June 2011)
A lot of cycles today are expensive items and it is important that when left unattended they are secured to a cycle parking stand or similar substantial object using a good quality lock. Even this may not be adequate and it is also advisable to have the frame security marked.
Local police officers will carry out cycle security marking on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 July 2011 at Bedford Park near Robinson Pool between 9.30am and 3.00pm. See also the Cycle Security section of the website.
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National Bike Week 18-26 June 2011 (updated 26 June 2011)
National Bike Week which this year had the theme to get as many of Britain’s bikes fixed and used during the week by encouraging everyone to dig their bike out of the shed and get it (and themselves) fit for summer has already come and gone.
A number of events took place in Bedford including CCNB and Sustrans Cycle Promotion Stands with the Borough's Dr Bike area for a free check over of your bicycle in the town market on Saturday 18 June.
CCNB had a good turnout for a members evening ride to Willington on Wednesday 21 June (the longest day).
On Saturday 25 June there was a ‘Cycle Fest’ at Priory Country Park organised by Bedfordshire Road Cycling Club and was billed as Bedford’s first festival of cycling featuring adult and junior race events, cycle cross, mountain biking, a ‘come & try’ track, trade stands, route planning and much more. It was estimated that 1200-1500 people attended the event.
This followed on from previous Borough cycling events 'Fun, Sun & Cycles' at Priory Park in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2009 and CCNB's 'Cycling Celebration' at the Civic Theatre in 2007.
Cycling encourages residents to lead healthier lives, is a sustainable way of getting around and is often for short journeys the quickest and easiest form of transport. Since there is no fuel to buy or parking fees to pay cycling can also help you to save money.
For more information on Bike Week visit the Bike Week website.
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Bridleway Closure (updated 22 June 2011)
Bridleway No 26 which runs from Salph End Renhold to the pegasus crossing on the A428 St Neots Road is now open after being temporarily closed from 11 May 2011 at a point behind the cemetery while a new roadway was constructed across it to serve an extension to the cemetery.
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Bedford Stations Travel Plan Launch (updated 25 May 2011)
CCNB is a stakeholder member of the Bedford Stations Travel Plan. A launch of the plan by Bedford Borough Mayor Dave Hodgson took place at Bedford Midland Station on Tuesday 15 March 2011. During the morning and also during the evening of Thursday 17 March 2011 passengers were invited to take a Passenger Travel Survey to fill in and return by 31 March 2011.
A leaflet on the travel plan can be seen here.
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Cycle Parking Stands - Bedford Station Improvements! (updated 7 June 2011)
CCNB was disappointed to find that work on Bedford Midland Station forecourt over the weekend of 6/7 November 2010 had resulted in the loss of 48 cycle spaces to make room for the re-allocation of the motor cycle stands. This was at a time when further stands not less will be required to cater for the growing number of commuters cycling to the station.
A First Capital Connect (FCC) spokesman said earlier in the year that new cycle stands at least to the same level as before would be re-installed before the 2011 peak summer cycle season but this has not happened.
A site visit was held in June between FCC, CCNB and the Borough and proposals put forward for some new stands to be erected later in the year.
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1970s Style 'Oil Shock' - Trigger for Increased Cycle Use?
With oil currently (March 2011) at a two and a half year high and expected to rise further as political turmoil spreads across the Gulf it is believed that we may be in for a 1970s style 'oil shock'.
In the 70s this was the trigger that started the resurgence of cycling as a viable mode of transport for that short journey. Will this latest crisis be just the trigger to give a further welcomed boost. This years Bike Week (18 to 26 June) has the theme to get as many as Britain's bikes fixed and used during the week. The organisers have stated that research has estimated that 77% of people own a bike but only 14% use them regularly.
With Spring now in the air why wait. Get the bike out, dust it down and have it checked over (see Cycle Shops for your nearest repairer).
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Dropped Kerb Obstructions
A number of dropped kerbs are often obstructed by vehicles where off-road cycle routes change to on-road routes or vice-versa.
Since 01 April 2010, parking in front of dropped kerbs became an offence under the Traffic Management Act 2004. Therefore Bedford Borough Council enforcement team has the power to issue Penalty Charge Notices to those vehicle contravening this regulation. If an obstruction is observed please report the matter to Bedford Parking Services on 01234 227477, and resources permitted, they will endeavour to attend the site.
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Bedford Station Car Park Costs Increase - January 2011
Car park charges at Bedford Midland Station increased on 2 January 2011 resulting in an average increase across the various tariffs of 10.6% since 4 January 2010. With increases in petrol and train fares as well why not consider cycling to the station and join the 300 to 400 commuters who already do, particularly if you only live a short distance away. Cycling could save you between £1300 and £1768 per annum simply in car parking charges alone.
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Signalled Crossing Improvements (updated 7 July 2011)
It was announced on 2 December 2010 that the Borough would carry out a review of all Pelican, Puffin, Toucan and Pegasus crossings to see if changes in the signal timings could be made to reduce the average waiting times for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly for families with young children, without any any significant delays to road traffic.
Approximately two thirds of the 60 signalled crossings in the urban area were amended earlier this year to give shorter cycle times.
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