Latest News

Latest News

1 March 2010 - St Neots Road - Pegasus Crossing

Work has started on the construction of a Pegasus crossing of St Neots Road just east of the Norse Road roundabout.
The crossing, for horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians, will make it safe for families, etc to easily reach Route 51 and the Riverside Loop to Danish Camp. An off-road link from the crossing to the entrance to the cemetery on Norse Road will be provided later in the new financial year.

19 February 2010 - De Parys Avenue - Resurfacing

De Parys Avenue was finally resurfaced during the recent half term holiday after several years of campaigning for it to be done by CCNB. Some road markings at each end still have to be completed.
The road had deteriorated badly, particularly where cyclists ride, due to numerous utility workings over the last few years.

15 February 2010 - Bedford High Street - Consultation

A draft strategy for Bedford High Street has been put out for consultation by Bedford Borough Council. When finalised later in the year it will be issued as a Supplementary Planning Document for the Bedford Development Framework.
The strategy emphasises the need to improve the appearance of all the building along the street and to make it more attractive for pedestrians. The eventual aim is to close the street for general traffic and to introduce a two way north/south cycle route.
The consultation document can be seen on the following link together with a response form.

7 February 2010 - Highway Problems - Potholes

A reminder that after all the bad weather to date this winter if during your cycling you find any maintenance problems in the highway or cycle track such as potholes, etc please contact Bedford Unitary Authority Helpdesk using any of the methods indicated.
If they are not aware of the problem it will not be put right.

30 January 2010 - Green Travel Hub Display

A sucessful Green Travel Hub display put together by Sustrans and CCNB was held at Bedford Central Library over the three week period from 11 to 30 January 2010.
The display moves to Kempston Library in Halsey Road for two weeks from 8 February and then to the Bedford Town Hall reception for two weeks from 1 March 2010.

26 January 2010 - Cycling Champion Appointed for the Borough

Councillor Phil Merryman, Borough member for Goldington, has been appointed by the Mayor as the Borough's 'Members Champion for Cycling'. His appointment should enable work put forward by CCNB and Borough Officers to be approved more easily by members.

17 January 2010 - Safer Cycling in De Parys

To kick off a campaign by Bedford De Parys' Community Safety Forum for Safer Cycling in De Parys a 'ride past' event took place on the above date where a number of cyclists rode down Goldington Road from the gyratory to Polhill Avenue and back to highlight to drivers that cyclists have the right to ride safely along roads.
This was the first stage in a long term campaign to encourage cycling along main roads by educating both cyclists and vehicle drivers.
Prior to the ride cyclists were briefed by a member of the Borough's Road Risk Advisory Team.

5 December 2009 - Biking Vikings

Cyclists from Zero Carbon Castle (ZCC) and CCNB cycled around the town today to add Bedford's voice in pressing for decisive action at the Copenhagen Climate Change Talks which start on 7 December 2009.
Several people collected signatures for a petition and this was presented during the day to Patrick Hall MP.
Other CCNB members were among the 40,000 or more people who took part in 'The Wave', London's biggest ever climate change march.

3 December 2009 - Western Bypass Opens

The new Western Bypass which runs runs from the A421 at Marsh Leys to the A428 at Bromham was opened today.
The bridge over the River Great Ouse has an off-road cycle track alongside the road. At the present time track does not go anywhere but eventually will form part of the diverted National Cycle Network Route 51 from Marston Moretaine to Bedford when housing developments are completed at Biddenham Loop, Kempston West and Fields Road, Wootton.

27 November 2009 - Second Bedford Assembly

Following on from the first assembly in April 2009, this event at the University of Bedfordshire was organised to formally present the final draft of the Borough's Sustainability Community Strategy.
The original draft has been substantially revised with transport, including cycling and walking, featuring more strongly in the themes 'A Greener Borough' and 'A Growing Borough'.

16 November 2009 - West End and Cow Bridge Junction Improvements Completed

Work on removing the two roundabouts at West End and Cow Bridge and replacing them by signal controlled crossings including phases for pedestrians and cyclists has now been completed enabling pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross this extremely busy dual carriageway.

2 November 2009 - Cardington Road Priory Business Park Crossing Completed

The toucan crossing which CCNB has been campaigning for at least eight years has finally been completed on the busy Cardington Road adjacent to the Priory Business Park. The crossing will allow safe access to the leisure routes of the old Mid Beds area via Cardington as well as the urban route to Kempston via Cambridge Road.

22 October 2009 - Environment & Transport Cabinet Member Appointed

Cllr Charles Royden was appointed by the Mayor, Dave Hodgson, to his new Cabinet with responsibility for the Environment & Transport. In this role he will also be responsible for cycling within the Borough.

16 October 2009 - Dave Hodgson elected new Mayor

Following the Mayoral by-election on 15 October 2009, Dave Hodgson was declared Mayor with a majority of 2012.

23 September 2009 - Upgraded Grange Estate Track

The track from the end of Church End Willington which bisects the Grange Estate to emerge onto the circular riverside route near the Southern Bypass has been upgraded and resurfaced and can now be used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

2 September 2009 - Marsh Leys Roundabout made Safe for Cyclists

It is now possible for cyclists to safely cross the A421 from Kempston to the Marsh Leys estate using Toucan crossings which have been incorporated into the new elongated roundabout.
Work continues on building a flyover for the A421 over the roundabout.

25 August 2009 - Great Barford Bridge made Safe for Cyclists

Following complaints from CCNB members that cyclists crossing the bridge were often confronted by motor vehicles speeding towards them before they had completed the crossing Borough engineers have modified the timing of the traffic signals to give cyclists time to cross safely.

14 August 2009 - Death of First Directly Elected Mayor of Bedford

CCNB was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden death of Frank Branson just as his vision for the new Bedford Unitary authority was starting to take shape.

16 July 2009 - Union Street Cycle Lanes

Following recent resurfacing of Union Street advisory cycle lanes have been marked along the east side from Tavistock Street to Bromham Road but on the west side only for a hundred metres from Bromham Road due to the build-outs at the two junctions and parking bays on this side of the road.
An Advanced Stop Line (ASL) has been created at the Bromham Road junction.

30 June 2009 - Bromham Road Cycle Lanes

Advisory cycle lanes have finally been marked along both sides of Bromham Road from the Union Street/Greyfriars junction as far as the mini roundabouts at Shakespeare Road/ Ashburnham Road. An Advanced Stop Line (ASL) has also been created at the signalled junction with Union Street.
This is the next stage in the creation of an east west cycle route from Goldington Road to Bromham Road to improve the safety of cyclists commuting to the railway station.

16 May 2009 - Tribute to Don Perkins

It was with sadness that we learnt of the death of Don Perkins on Friday 15 May 2009.
Don was a founder member of CCNB in 1992 and was our first liaison person with the County Council on cycling matters. As an Officer at the Milton Keynes Development Corporation he had been heavily involved in developing the 'Redways' system of cycle tracks.

15 May 2009 - Additional Cycle Stands at Bedford Station

Addition 'Sheffield' type cycle stands have been installed at Bedford station to the left of the main entrance to give an additional 96 spaces.

11 May 2009 - Temporary Bedford Borough Cycling Officer Appointed

Nigel Hooks has been appointed to promote cycling in Bedford during Patrick Lingwood's two year assignment with the Department for Transport. Nigel is no stranger to cycling as he was Cycling Officer for Bedfordshire County Council in the late 1980s.

22 April 2009 - Bedford Borough Cycling Officer Seconded to DfT

It has been announced that Patrick Lingwood, previously Cycling Officer for Bedfordshire County Council who recently transferred to Bedford Borough, has been seconded from 1 June 2009 to the Department for Transport for two years to liaise between Ministers and Cycling England with regard to the funding and policies in the 18 national cycling towns.

1 April 2009 - New Bedford Unitary Authority Commences

Bedfordshire County Council has now ceased to exist, having been replaced on Wednesday 1 April 2009 by two unitary authorities, Bedford and Central Beds.

22 March 2009 - Highways Helpline Changes

From 1 April 2009 the highways helpline for the new Bedford Unitary Authority will continue to use the existing county council highways helpline telephone number (01234) 228661 for all calls relating to highways problems in the Borough area. To e-mail the call centre team the address to use will be highway.faults@bedford.gov.uk.
Please use this telephone number/e-mail address to report any potholes which are of concern to cyclists.
A Category 1 pothole which should be treated as a priority is one which is 50mm deep and 150mm across.

18 March 2009 - Bridleway No 6 Improvements (Section - Castle Mills Lock to Bedford Southern Bypass underpass)

The surface of the bridleway from Castle Mills Lock to just before the Southern Bypass has now been upgraded with a material similar to crushed clinker and a new tarmaced link to the north/east of the bridleway made to join the circular riverside route to Danish Camp. This new section on a higher level avoids the often muddy part of the bridleway under the bypass and also crossing the quarry road if continuing eastwards. Note - the bridleway from North Bedford (Brickhill/Putnoe) can be accessed from St Neots Road near the old MFI.

12 March 2009 - Park Avenue Bedford Cycle Improvements!

An Advanced Stop Line (ASL) has now been installed at the Park Avenue junction with Kimbolton Road and advisory cycle lanes created on both sides from the Park East Lodge to Kimbolton Road as well short stretches towards De Parys Avenue where there had been originally narrow cycle bypasses. Unfortunately, particularly on the sections near Kimbolton Road numerous cars are often parked negating the use of the lanes and making them pointless. (A total of 25 cars were counted on one recent occasion).

15 February 2009 - New Town Hall Chief Appointed

Phillip Simpkins, currently deputy chief executive and director of finance has been appointed to take over from Shaun Field as chief executive of Bedford Unitary Authority when he leaves in June.

28 January 2009 - Bromham Bridge Verdict Delayed

At Bedfordshire County Council’s Development Control meeting held on 28 January 2009 the Committee supported the principle of closing the Bridge to eastbound traffic but agreed to leave the matter to the new Bedford Unitary Authority for a final decision.
The two part traffic management experiment in which the road was closed to traffic in one direction (eastwards) for a number of weeks and then totally closed for a similar period of time finished on 18 October 2008. During this time the number of people walking and cycling across the bridge doubled and tripled respectively,
Whilst the motoring lobby have been very vocal in the local press against any closure it has been felt by many people and also by the officers of the County Council that at least a partial closure would improve the safety of cyclists and walkers crossing the bridge and would open up a latent demand for people wanting to commute to work and school by bicycle.
On the leisure side the partial closure would enable more people, including families, from the Bedford/Kempston area and beyond to be able to safely access the nearby facilities of Bromham Mill (due to be enhanced in the near future) and Bromham Park as well as the villages of the Upper Great Ouse.

16 January 2009 - Louis Fussell Verdict

Almost one year after the death of CCNB founder member Louis fussell when a motor car collided with him as he was riding his bicycle around the mini-roundabout of Putnoe Lane with Wentworth Drive Bedford, a jury at Luton Crown Court has found the driver, a Bedford GP, guilty of careless driving.
The doctor was fined £2000 and had his licence endorsed with eight penalty points. This was in addition to three points which he already had as a result of a speeding offence in 2006.

8 December 2008 - Cycling and 20mph Limits

CCNB Editor, Peter Blakeman, gave a presentation on 20mph speed limits and zones for Brickhill at a Parish Council Public Meeting.
He said that "Every person is vulnerable to being killed in accidents associated with motor vehicles but it is the active travellers, pedestrians and cyclists, and particularly school children and the elderly, who are likely to come out the worst.
If you are hit at 40mph there is a 85% change that you will be killed. If you are hit at 20mph there is a 95% chance that you will live."

15 November 2008 - Cyclenation/CTC Autumn Conference 2008

The theme of the conference was "Streets Ahead: Cyclists and pedestrians campaigning together - succeeding together"
The presentations focussed on speed reduction and road safety and was attended by a wide range of interest groups representing cyclists and pedestrians.
As ever, delegates left the conference feeling inspired to continue cycle campaigning.

14 November 2008 - Bedford Unitary Authority Executive Director Appointed

Stewart Briggs has been made Executive Director for Environment and Sustainable Communities for the Bedford Borough Unitary Authority which starts on 1 April 2009.
He is currently Bedford Borough Council's Head of Environment and Street Services and in his new position will be responsible for highway matters including cycling.

1 November 2008 - Bedford Cycle Shop Closes

Bedford Cycles in Midland Road Bedford closed its doors having been only open since June 2007.

27 October 2008 - New Cycle Infrastructure Design Quide Published

The Department for Transport has placed on their website as Local Transport Note (LTN) 2/108. Cycling Infrastructure Design. The document is an update of the original 1996 document "Cycle Friendly Infrastructure" published by the Institution of Highways & Transportation.

20 October 2008 - New Bike It Officer

Richard Noon has become the new Bike It Officer for Bedford, Luton and St Albans. He replaced Jason Falconer who has now moved to Poole in Dorset.
For 2008/09 Richard's schools in Bedford will be Daubeney Middle, Goldington Middle, Robert Bruce Middle and St Gregory's Middle.

20 October 2008 - New Bedford Cycle Shop Opens

A new BMX and Skateboard shop - Enemite - has opened its doors in Bromham Road Bedford.

19 October 2008 - Manton Lane Overbridge - Update

The bridge has now been demolished. A Toucan crossing will be put in place over the weekend of 25/26 October 2008.

18 October 2008 - Riverside Square Cycle Bridge

Due to the economic climate the Riverside Square development including the construction of a cycle/pedestrian bridge across the River Great Ouse which was due to start this summer has now been put back until late 2009.

8 October 2008 - Bedford Town Centre Area Action Plan

The document part of the Bedford Development Framework which sets out the objectives and policies needed to deliver the regeneration of Bedford town centre was has now been adopted by Bedford Borough Council.
The plan can be viewed on the Borough website.

3 October 2008 - Manton Lane Overbridge - Update

The bridge is expected to be demolished over the weekend of 17/18 October 2008 to be replaced by a Toucan crossing the following week.

27 September 2008 - Bedford Creative Arts New Exhibition Opens

A photographic exhibition - A Glimpse of the Familiar - by CCNB member, Joanna Clark, opened at the BCA Gallery, High Street, Bedford until 22 November 2008.
The exhibition includes a video bike ride along the old railway line from Bedford to Willington filmed on a camera attached to Joanna's helmet.

5 September 2008 - New Bedford Cycle Shop Opens

A new Bedford cycle shop - Transition Cycles - opened its doors on Friday 5 September 2008 at 44b Castle Road in Bedford for bikes, clothing, parts, accessories, repairs and servicing.
CCNB wishes the owners success in this new venture.
This joins a growing band of cycle shops and cycle hire facilities in Bedford and the local area.

31 August 2008 - Manton Lane Overbridge - Update

The Bedford Modern School overbridge in Manton Lane was not demolished over the weekend of 9/10 August 2008 and replaced the following weekend by a Toucan crossing due to objections.
A report recommending the demolish of the bridge due to its unrepairable deterioration is to be prepared for the September meeting of Bedfordshire County Council's Development Control Committee. If approved the demolition may take place during the school's half term holiday towards the end of October.

11 August 2008 - Bromham Bridge Experiment - Option 2

The second of the two part traffic management experiment starts today until 18 October 2008, namely, the prohibition, except for pedestrians and cyclists, of all motor vehicles or mechanically propelled vehicles in either direction along the whole length of Bromham Bridge.
Comments on the options should be made by 7 November 2008 in writing to Bedfordshire County Council (Orders and Commons Registration Officer).

24 July 2008 - Manton Lane Overbridge

The Bedford Modern School overbridge in Manton Lane is to be demolished over the weekend of 9/10 August 2008 and replaced the following weekend by a Toucan crossing.
This will allow school children cycling to the school as well as other cyclists, the elderly and families with pushchairs to be able to safely cross this busy road.
A Public Meeting for local residents and others will be held at Bedford Modern School on Wednesday 6 August 2008 at 7pm.

16 July 2008 - Inspector's Report on Bedford Town Centre Area Action Plan Received

Bedford Borough Council has received the Inspector's Report on the public examination of the soundness of the Town Centre Area Action Plan. The overall conclusion was that it was sound.
On cycling issues the inspector stated that with respect to the proposed Town Centre West development he did not consider that non-provision of a cycling route through the site was fatal to the soundness of the plan. By facilitating access around the edge of the pedestianised area he considered that the Council is seeking to take a balanced view between the needs of cyclists and the safety of pedestrians. The full report can be found on the Borough's website .

7 July 2008 - Wixams Update - Northern A6 Underpass

The northern cycle/pedestrian underpass of the new A6 between the Southern Bypass and Wilstead is now open together with a 600m section of off-road cycle track. This allows access from Elstow village via the new off-road cycle track alongside Wilstead Road Elstow. Unfortunately until a roundabout on the old A6 just north of Watson Road is completed it is only possible to access the Elstow Asphalt facility and not the Seasons Garden Centre or Wilstead village.

27 June 2008 - County Cycling Champion Promotion

Bedfordshire County Council's Deputy Director of Environment and the Council's Cycling Champion, Richard Watts, has been promoted to Director of Environment. He takes over from Huw Jones who is leaving to join Oxfordshire County Council. Richard Watts will be in his new role until 1 April 2009 when the County Council makes way for two new unitary authorities, Bedford and Central Beds.

22 June 2008 - Bedford Green Wheel

Consultation/workshops by Bedford Borough Council take place this week on Bedford's exciting new project. The Bedford Green Wheel will build on the town's great system of traffic-free cycling and walking routes to help everyone explore the area and get to their favourite park or open space in an enjoyable, healthy and relaxing way.
23 June - St Marks Church Community Centre, Brickhill – north Bedford and nearby parishes.
24 June - 229 Project, Bedford Road, Kempston - west Bedford, Kempston and nearby parishes
26 June - Barkers Lane Reading Rooms, Bedford – east and south Bedford and nearby parishes.

(all are evening sessions from 7.00 to 9.00pm).
For those who can not go to one of the events details of the project together with a questionnaire can be seen on the newly created Bedford Green Wheel website.

15 June 2008 - Wixams Update - Southern A6 Underpass

The southern cycle/pedestrian underpass of the new A6 between the Southern Bypass and Wilstead is now open and can be used to get from Wilstead to the Seasons Garden Centre. Unfortunately until a roundabout on the old A6 just north of Watson Road is completed it is not possible to continue to the northern underpass to Elstow village.

22 May 2008 - West End and Cow Bridge Roundabout Junction Improvements

The Highways Agency inconjunction with Bedfordshire County Council are proposing to make improvements to the roundabout junctions on the A6 between the A421 and Elstow Road Kempston. This is an opportunity to improve the junctions for cyclists at these very busy points.
Comments should be sent by 13 June 2008 to the Highways Agency (Roy Brunsden) at Woodlands, Manton Lane, Bedford, MK41 7LW.

20 May 2008 - Bedford Town Centre Transportation Study

The final report by the consultants Faber Maunsell dated April 2008 has been put on the Bedfordshire County Council and Bedford Borough Council's websites.
It has confirmed, what has been known by cyclists for a number of years, that the connectivity of cycle routes in the town centre is not good.

19 May 2008 - Bromham Bridge Experiment

In December 2007 Bedfordshire County Council launched a consultation to ask people how they could improve Bromham Bridge although in practice there was only two options:
Option 1 - To close bridge off to all motorised vehicles and
Option 2 - To have one way traffic westbound only.

The public consultation was claimed to reveal an even split between the two options. As a result a two part traffic management experiment will take place on the bridge this summer. From 2 June until 9 August 2008 motor vehicles or mechanically propelled vehicles will be prohibited from being driven in an easterly direction along the full length of Bromham Bridge and then all motorised vehicles will be prohibited from 11 August until 18 October 2008. For the first experiment it states in the order that some provision will be provided for two way movements for pedestrians and cyclists in a shared lane on the bridge. It then goes on to say the cyclists should dismount while crossing the bridge for safety reasons.
The experimental one way traffic order will remain in operation for up to 18 months and before its effects can be continued in operation by a permanent order all objections lodged during the trial of both experimental orders will have to be considered. Objections in writing to Bedfordshire County Council (Orders and Commons Registration Officer) will be allowed up to 7 November 2008.

11 May 2008 - A6 Realignment - Now Open

The realigned A6 between the Bedford Southern Bypass and Wilstead was officially opened to accommodate the development of the Wixams. The northern cycle/pedestrian underpass is also open but work continues on the off-road cycle track along the old A6.

8 May 2008 - CCNB Longholme Cycle Ride Leaflet Updated

CCNB's 'Bike Rides from Longholme Lake Cafe Bedford' has now been updated and includes the new Circular Riverside Path mentioned below. Leaflets may be obtained form the Bedford Tourist Information Centre (price 60p) or direct from CCNB (see Publications page)

18 April 2008 - Riverside Path - Bedford River Valley Park - Now Open

A new 3km tarmac path including a new bridge across Elstow Brook has now been opened as the first part of the development of the Grange Estate bought by the Marston Vale Trust in 2006. The path links up two points of the Bedford to Sandy section of National Cycle Network Route 51 near Willington.

12 to 14 March 2008 - Bedford Station Quarter Proposed Re-development Exhibition

Consultants Halcrow Group Limited staged an exhibition at Bedford Railway Station to put forward their ideas for the re-development of this important gateway site.

Apart from a relocated and redesigned station there will be a new multi-storey car park, hotel, offices and flats together with increased cycle parking and improved cycle routes.

25 February 2008 - National Cycle Network Route 51 - Latest

It is now more than four years since the section of Route 51 was completed between Marston Thrift (Marston Moretaine West End) and Rooktree Farm (Hulcote) and to date has still not bedded down to give a 100% hard rideable surface.
The problem is still in the hands of lawyers and we have been told that it is unlikely to be resolved for this summer's leisure riding season.
In the meantime it is advised to use the alternative signed route via Cranfield.

28 January 2008 - Tribute to CCNB Founder Member Louis Fussell

It is with great shock and sadness that CCNB has learnt that one of its founder members, Louis Fussell, was killed in an accident on Friday 25 January 2008 whilst riding his bicycle though the junction of Putnoe Lane with Wentworth Drive.
CCNB Chair, Hazel Mitchell, said: "Louis will be remembered for his courageous cycling trips during his seventies on behalf of a number of local charities, for example, from Bedford to Spean Bridge in Scotland for the Primrose Appeal (often managing 70 miles or more a day), and to Dundee for the British Legion to name two. He raised thousands of pounds over the years, and helped an unknown number of people in consequence. This was a generous and committed gentleman in the truest sense.
Louis was a founder member of the campaign in 1992, and over the years attended committee meetings regularly, baking cakes for us when the meetings were in his home.
We will sorely miss his charming and gentle personality."

Louis' funeral service will take place at 3pm on Friday 8 February 2008 at St Pauls Church Bedford followed by cremation at Bedford Crematorium. No flowers are requested but donations for Macmillan Cancer Support or Royal British Legion (Bedford) may be sent c/o Arnolds Funeral Service 48 Roff Avenue Bedford MK45 7TE.

13 December 2007 - Bedford Station Cycle Parking

The installation of 116 new, under cover, 'Sheffield' type cycle stands was completed on Wednesday 12 December 2007 and officially opened by representatives of First Capital Connect and Bedfordshire County Council with the participation of Santa Claus and CCNB. The stands were already being well used.
CCNB hopes that these additional facilities will help to continue the increase, seen in the last few years, in commuters cycling to the station.

12 December 2007 - Sustrans Connect2 Project

It was announced that 'Sustrans' Connect2 had won the People's £50 Million Lottery Giveaway with 42% of all the votes cast.
Four organisations, including 'Sustrans' Connect2 project, had competed for the £50 million grant from the Big Lottery Fund's 'Living Landmarks: The People's Millions' competition with each project the subject of a television programme on ITV1 during the week commencing 3 December.
The project will revitalise walking and cycling in 79 communities across the UK by creating new routes for the journeys we all make every day. Crossings and bridges will be created over busy roads, railway lines and rivers, linking into new networks of local paths to get you to where you want to go.
In our immediate area there is only the construction of a new bridge over the River Great Ouse at St Neots but as above winning the award will give a significant boost to cycling.

4 December 2007 - Bromham Bridge Consultation

Bedfordshire County Council has launched a public consultation to ask people how they could improve Bromham Bridge. The bridge is classified as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and has to be preserved and protected from damage. With the construction of the Western Bypass now underway and the proposed redevelopment of Bromham Mill, the County Council wish to mitigate any future impacts from these schemes and aim to achieve this by producing appropriate traffic management measures.
Highway engineers have looked at all the options available and have produced two possible solutions:
1 - Close Bromham Bridge off to all motor vehicles, and give priority to cyclists and pedestrians,
2 - Make the bridge one-way to traffic on the westbound route only. This would also reduce the volume of vehicles using Bromham Bridge and 'rat-running' which is a concern to local residents.
The full consultation is available on the Bedfordshire County Council website and is open for people's feedback until 17 January 2008.

7 November 2007 - Western Bypass Starts

Work started today on the construction of the Western Bypass from the A421 Marsh Leys roundabout to the A428 at Bromham.
The work will include five new roundabouts and three cycle/pedestrian underpasses as well as a cycle track over the River Great Ouse. The bypass is expected to be completed in 2010.
Some of the cycle facilities will eventually become the new route for the National Cycle Network Route 51 through the Kempston West and Biddenham Loop developments.

13 August 2007 - Cycle Friendly Infrastructure Consultation Draft

The Department for Transport has placed on their website the consultation version of a new Local Transport Note "Cycling Infrastructure Design". The document is an update of the original 1996 document "Cycle Friendly Infrastructure" and is complimentary to the recently published DfT document "Manual for Street". The consultation period closed on 5th November 2007.

10 August 2007 - Win a Folding Bicycle

First Capital Connect, Bedford's local train operating company, has announced a competition to win one of 4 Dahon Speed D7 folding bikes. To enter visit the FCC website.

26 July 2007 - Pegasus Crossing Timing Amended

After active campaigning by CCNB the Pegasus crossing of Kimbolton Road near Mowsbury Park has now had its timing for cyclists, pedestrians and horseriders adjusted from 30-40 seconds to instantaneous. This now makes the crossing much safer, particularly for school children who are not in the habit of waiting such an excessive time if they are late for school.

28 May 2007 - New Bike Shop for Bedford

In early May the old established cycle business of Michael's Cycles (Rydion) of 54-56 Midland Road Bedford suddenly closed. CCNB is pleased to report that a new cycle shop has now opened on the same site, to be known as Bedford Cycles.

21 March 2007 - Official Launch of the Wixams

Work has started on a new dual carriageway for the A6 between the Bedford Southern Bypass and Wilstead. This will allow Village One to be built between the new and existing road. The old A6 will then have a cycle track constructed along its entire length with an underpass at the northern end of the new A6 into Elstow and another underpass at the southern end into Wilstead.

1 November 2006 - New Toucan Crossing

Bedfordshire Highways on behalf of Bedfordshire County Council have now completed in Kimbolton Road Bedford the new Toucan crossing where the Lombardy Close cycle track from Putnoe crosses over the road to the track to Larkway and the town centre via Bedford Park. This is 19 years after it was originally proposed.

28 July 2006 - Clapham Footpath No 24

Bedfordshire County Council have accepted CCNB's application to have the above footpath from Falcon avenue Bedford to Green Lane Clapham via Hawk Drive, Clapham Park and Carriage Drive upgraded to a 'Restricted Byway'. The application will be determined around Easter 2007. The footpath has been used by cyclists for more than 20 years and application has been made as a result of the recent Royal Assent of the National Environment and Rural Communities Act which gives the same rights to cyclists as previously given to walkers.