Our Annual Report for 2011-12 can be found here.

Originally posted at http://www.cyclenation.org.uk/news.php#594.

There are loads of other attractions so com along for a fun-packed day.

Portsmouth Cycle forum and the Community Cycle Centre will be at the Summer Fair and Picnic at Victoria Park on Saturday 19 May.

We’ll be offering free bike checks as well as information and advice on cycling in the city.

Please note that the Community Cycle Centre at the Stacey Centre will be closed on that day.

For more information about the fair visit www.portsmouthsummerfair.org.

The unused old A3

In the early 1990s the A3 road north from the A3(M) was replaced by a dual carriageway that, for the vast majority of cyclists, does not offer an acceptable safety level. The Highways Agency built cycle tracks alongside the A3, south from Queen Elizabeth Country Park to North Horndean and from Petersfield to Liphook.

The critical section for cyclists, through the Butser Cutting, was left without cycle provision with the loss of the primary cycling route across Hampshire’s South Downs. Over 10 years of campaigning by a large number of cyclists has so far failed to get this unacceptable road design rectified.

However, At a recent meeting with Hampshire County Council staff the Highways Agency agreed to reconsider their objection to a cycle track alongside the dual carriageway, in the Butser Cutting, between the south end of the unused Old A3 and the QE Park entrance. This link would allow the reinstatement of a primary north south cycling route through the South Downs using the now unused Old A3.

The Highway Agency’s more relaxed interpretation of the technical criteria suggests that this is the right time to increase pressure for the reinstatement of the cycle route. The initial action is for a cyclists’ petition that you are invited to support.

Please take the time to support this petition which aims to:

• Maximise the number of cyclists who can cycle across the Hampshire Downs;
• Enable cycle commuting between the Waterlooville/ Horndean area and Petersfield;
• Enable cycle access from south of the Downs to Petersfield Railway Station;
• Improve cycling access from the north onto Butser Hill and into the Queen Elizabeth Forest and the wider South Downs National Park;
• Improve the safety of those who already cycle along the A3 route;
• Increase the level of cycling by making additional cycle routes accessible.

Support the petition online here.

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIKE RIDE

1st and 3rd Wednesdays each month. Next ride 16 May.

Meet at Stacey Centre, Walsall Rd from 10 am

Rides will start at 10.30, last for about 2 hours and include a stop for coffee and cake

The new ride programme is ready and includes our bike week events.

Ride programme – summer2012

Please note the new venue. We’ll be at the St Luke’s Church Hall which is off Greetham Street in the City Centre (2 mins from Portsmouth & Southsea station), opposite the Navigators Centre

There is cycle parking at the venue plus you can bring your bike inside into the hall.

We look forward to seeing you!

Bike week 2012 is on its way and people are registering their events for this year.

The theme of the big bike fix worked so well last year that we are all encouraged to fix bikes again this year.

So lets hear about any events you are holding, it can be as simple as a bike checking session or a ride…..

Originally posted at http://www.cyclenation.org.uk/news.php#593.

You love cycling, so share the fun

Get a ‘saddle-shy friend’ on a bike this summer.

Together, we can double cycling.

Who’s your +1?

Make your pledge at ; www.summerofcycling.net   could we use the logo for the link?

All the cycling organisations as well as others such as the train operating companies, NHS Brompton etc agreed on summer of cycling with the message of bring along a friend.

Originally posted at http://www.cyclenation.org.uk/news.php#592.

1. Lorries entering a city centre should be required by law to fit sensors, audible turning alarms, extra mirrors and safety bars to stop cyclists being thrown under the wheels.

• PCF: this would be a central government responsibility, but it is up to local leaders to influence national policy to take account of local needs.

2. The 500 most dangerous road junctions must be identified, redesigned or fitted with priority traffic lights for cyclists and Trixi mirrors that allow lorry drivers to see cyclists on their near-side.

• PCF: we are sure our members and supporters could find a large number of such locations. The Forum will press Portsmouth City Council to identify and remedy the priorities.

3. A national audit of cycling to find out how many people cycle in Britain and how cyclists are killed or injured should be held to underpin effective cycle safety.

• PCF: again, this is a national policy but PCC could undertake such a task locally.

4. Two per cent of the Highways Agency budget should be earmarked for next generation cycle routes, providing £100 million a year towards world-class cycling infrastructure. Each year cities should be graded on the quality of cycling provision.

• PCF: we support this although motorists may need to be reminded that such a budget would be taken from general taxation, not just ‘road taxes’.

5. The training of cyclists and drivers must improve and cycle safety should become a core part of the driving test.

• PCF: more cyclists training is welcome, but should not be seen as a necessity. The government is improving the driving test to take more account of cyclists.

6. 20mph should become the default speed limit in residential areas where there are no cycle lanes.

• PCF: this has of course been implemented in Portsmouth, although it still requires policing.

7. Businesses should be invited to sponsor cycleways and cycling super-highways, mirroring the Barclays-backed bicycle hire scheme in London.

• PCF: this may be worth exploring, but is probably not realistic in the current economic climate.

8. Every city, even those without an elected mayor, should appoint a cycling commissioner to push home reforms.

• PCF: the city council has a councillor appointed as ‘cycling champion’ for some years, but this has not been successful. However we would welcome a new initiative to appoint a councillor genuinely interested in promoting cycling.

We aim to be back by 1pm.  Meet at the Ferry pontoon, Eastney at 09.45 in time for the 10.am ferry.  Dont forget to bring some change for the ferry.