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Cyclox in 2005–2006: City and Council transport planners are adopting a ‘rapid-rolling’ programme of small schemes that can be implemented quickly at low cost, aiming for an Ideal cycling network by increments. They have discarded the ‘grand plan’ approach to cycling, because if the entire ‘grand plan’ isn’t approved then nothing at all gets done.
They have an Open Brief for small schemes, meaning they are VERY keen for input from all sources. All suggestions will be added to a master cycle network map, and implemented when time, money and approval permit. Many suggestions from last year’s consultation have already been funded. It’s all a bit piecemeal at the moment, and much of it may turn out to be just a wish-list; but it’s an amazing opportunity to get cyclist’s ideas onto the transport planner’s agenda.
Immediate priorities are:
Click here to see the Ideal Cycle Network map so far.
More info? Want to contribute? Contact us.
National Bike Week Cyclox arranged 6 rides, out of about 20 NBW events in Oxfordshire. These were advertised in the local press and promoted from stalls in the city centre and Cowley Road, which were a good opportunity to advertise Cyclox.
European Car Free Day (22nd September) What was the Petrol Addiction Rehab Clinic?
Cyclox led short bike rides every Wednesday evening from April–October, to promote the city’s cycle route network. Numbers varied from 1 to 17, averaging about 7, with 2 or 3 regulars. For most participants it was a social occasion; but with the Cycle Network Review entering its active phase, these rides have potential to generate idea for cycle routes and facilities (by talking to the people who come on them).
Cyclox organised 3 family Cycle Skills training Courses. Claire Farley who has a CTC accreditation certificate in cycle training assisted us. Other Cyclox Campaign members who assisted were Patrick Simpson, Marion Richards, Colin & Sally Hersom & Henry Strivens.
Courses were held
October 05 Grant Thornton, Westway, Botley (8 family groups) February SS Mary & John, Iffley Fields (21 family groups) and June West Oxford County Primary School, Ferry Hinksey Road (7 family groups).
We discovered the most successful means of participation was when there was a proactive, designated teacher (Ubaid Ansari) who ensured that a flyer was inserted into every pupil’s school bag so parents were aware.
Families who were already cycling attended the courses. The courses gave them greater confidence and I have seen at least 3 families cycling since.
Cyclox charged £15 per family group (=85p / person / hr) on the second course. This covered our printing costs and the bike computers we handed out to adults. The balance paid for the fruit and biscuits for participants at break times, and coffee to warm up the volunteers after very cold mornings spent, mainly hanging around!
Uptake of cycle training has been less than expected.
We need to now leaflet school entrances at closing time and inform mothers of the availability of these courses. A start time of 17.30 is the optimum for families to attend and arrange alternative child care arrangements for those who are too young to be on the road. The age of 9 appears critical to cycle control on the roads and awareness of other traffic.
We should also concentrate on secondary schools, marketing cycle skills as a means independent mobility and the opportunity to come out on Wednesday evening bike rides.
There has been limited interest by 35+ age women who want to learn to cycle safely in traffic. Cyclox needs to co-ordinate training these people, possibly with women instructors. I would be interested in hearing other views on how this should be best done.
Without Doubt, “Cycle Skills Training for Families” has been a high profile, positive contribution to campaign activities during the year.
MEETINGS WITH OXON COUNTY COUNCIL Dom Scholfield has had series of very positive meetings with Steve Howell, the new Head of Transport at the County Council. Details on application. LIFE BEGINS AT 20 CAMPAIGN UPDATE
Life Begins at 20 was launched by the Lord Mayor at the Beech Croft Road street party in June. It went public at Car Free Day on 22 September. We are aiming to have a public meeting in 2007 on the subject at which County Road Safety Officers, Police, County and City Councillors will be invited to speak/respond to the challenge of a 20 mph speed limit for all of Oxford.
Expect to see and read more about LB at 20 as the campaign builds – and please do your bit to promote it in your neighbourhood and your workplace.
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