Archived News - 2011
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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Archived News - 2010
Bedford High Street Trial Closure (updated 14 December 2010)
For this year's Victorian Christmas Fair on Friday 10 to Sunday 12 December 2010, the opportunity was taken of having a three day trial closure of the High Street with activities all the way from St Peters to St Pauls. The closure was a success with very little traffic congestion on the alternative routes. It is hoped that further trial closures will take place with the view in the long term to permanently close the street to non-essential traffic allowing both the regeneration of the street and the creation of a two way north south cycle route.
A421 New Dual Carriageway Opened
The long awaited upgrade of the A421 between the M1 and the Bedford southern bypass to create a new dual carriageway was opened on Wednesday 21 December 2010.
The new road has a number of bridges and underpasses along the route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
Winter Riding
Darker nights are now with us with the clocks being put back on Sunday 31 October 2010. 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?
Bedford Road/Bunyan Road Kempston Junction (updated 8 November 2010)
Work carried out over the weekends of 23/24 and 30/31 October 2010 to re-instate the diagonal crossing at this busy junction, part of Route 51 was completed on 5 November 2010.
The original loop controlled crossing was disconnected during re-surfacing of the junction in January 2009 but without removing the track markings making it a potential safety hazard for cyclists trying to cross at this point. The new control system is of the Toucan type (push button) instead of the original looped system.
St Neots Road Bedford - Pegasus Crossing (updated 20 October 2010)
After eight months since the work started the crossing on St Neots Road, just east of the Norse Road roundabout, was opened on 15 October 2010 following the completion of the track across Renhold Brook. Although work started during late February 2010 on the construction of the Pegasus crossing it was subjected to delays in providing a bridge on the southside across Renhold Brook and problems in obtaining the ends for the safety barrier.
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 in the 2011/12 financial year subject to finance being available.
Cycling in Bedford Bus Lanes
As of 23 August 2010 cyclists can now use all of Bedford's bus lanes, namely:
- Kingsway Link
- Kingsway/Cauldwell Street
- Ampthill Road/Progress Park
- Bedford Road/Kempston Road
- Greyfriars/River Street/Horne Lane.
Bedford and Kempston Cycle Map - Updated
The Bedford and Kempston area is relatively compact and flat and it is possible to cycle safely from one end to the other using quiet roads and cycle tracks.
To encourage new cyclists and those unfamiliar with the geography of the area to cycle more, CCNB published in June 2010 in conjunction with Bedford Borough Council, an updated edition of their popular Bedford and Kempston Cycle Map. This is available from the Bedford Tourist Information Centre, Public Libraries and many other outlets.
Borough Cycling Popularity Confirmed
In a recent national survey 33% of Bedford respondents said that they cycled at least once per month and 23% at least once per week.
Cycle Training
If you have never cycled or have not cycled for some time, the Borough and others run cycle courses to the new 'Bikeability' national cycle training standard. A list of course providers can be downloaded here.
Starter Rides
CTC Beds has added 'Starter Rides' to the range of Rides now available. They are intended to meet the needs of relatively inexperienced cyclists who may lack the confidence to go out on their own but may well appeal to other people who just want a short and easy local ride. The rides will help people find their way around Bedford and the immediate countryside. Non members are welcomed but will be expected to join CTC after a while.
The rides leave from Priory Park Visitor Centre Bedford at 1.00pm on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. They are easy paced and last about 2 to 2½ hours. No one will be left behind! Please contact Chantal Lewis for more information on telephone (01234) 219148.
Bedford River Festival 2010
CCNB alongside both Sustrans and CTC shared a gazebo in the Active Travel area near the Embankment just east of the Butterfly Bridge at this biennual event on Saturday/Sunday 17/18 July 2010.
Bike Week 2010
This year's event took place between 19 and 27 June 2010 and had the slogan 'Everyday Cycling for Everyone'.
CCNB had a joint stand with Sustrans outside the Bedford Central Library in Harpur Square on Saturday 19 June 2010.
Draft Allocations and Designations Plan - Consultation (updated 24 August 2010)
Consultation on the draft plan was published on 31 May 2010 and open for responses until 13 July 2010. The plan when adopted will become a Development Plan Document (DPD) under the Bedford Development Framework.
Under Designations it seeked to identify a future cycle network for the urban area and urban fringe. The document can be viewed from the Borough's website.
The responses to this consultation are now being collated and assessed. The comments will help inform the next draft of the Plan (the Pre-Submission draft), which is scheduled to be published for a futher six weeks' consultation between January and March 2011. It is anticipated that the Plan will then be submitted to the Secretary of State for approval in July 2011.
Bedford Station Planning Application (updated 24 August 2010)
An application for full planning permission for the demolition of the existing Bedford Station and the erection of a new two storey railway station on an adjoining site was orginally open for comments with a response deadline of 28 June 2010. The documents can be viewed from the Planning website under the application number 10/01193/MAF.
On 15 June 2010 Network Rail withdraw the application due to Government cutbacks and it is anticipated that it will not be built until at least 2016.
The proposed platform extensions allowing 12 car trains to stop at Bedford will, however, still go ahead with completion expected by December 2011.
Bedford Station Quarter Planning Application (updated 24 August 2010)
An application for outline planning permission for the Bedford Station Quarter was originally made public on 14 May 2010 and was open for responses until 4 June 2010. Owing to the withdrawal of the separate application for the Station (see above) the application has not been determined to date. The document can still be viewed from the Invest in Bedford website.
New Bedford Town Centre Cycle Stands
New cycle stands were installed in the town centre during March 2010 at St Paul's Square (South), Midland Road and Howard Street.
De Parys Avenue Bedford - Resurfacing
De Parys Avenue was finally resurfaced during the February 2010 half term holiday after several years of campaigning for it to be done by CCNB. Road markings at the north end were completed several weeks later.
The road had deteriorated badly, particularly where cyclists ride, due to numerous utility workings over the last pedestrians.
Bedford High Street - Consultation
A draft strategy for Bedford High Street was put out on 15 February 2010 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 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.
Highway Problems - Potholes (posted 7 February 2010)
A reminder that if, after all the winter bad weather, you find any potholes, etc in the highway or cycle track, please contact Bedford Unitary Authority Helpdesk using any of the methods indicated.
If the Borough is not aware of the problem it will not be put right.
Green Travel Hub Displays
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.
This was followed by a display in Kempston Library in Halsey Road for two weeks from 8 February and a further one in the Bedford Town Hall reception for two weeks from 1 March 2010.
Bedford Borough Cycling Champion Appointed
Councillor Phil Merryman, Borough member for Goldington, was appointed by the Mayor in January 2010 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.
Safer Cycling in De Parys Ward Bedford
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 17 January 2010 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.
The event was the first stage in a long term campaign to encourage cycling along main roads by educating both cyclists and vehicle drivers.
Cyclists were briefed by a member of the Borough's Road Risk Advisory Team prior to the ride.
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