Encourage More People to Cycle

The information on this web page forms part of the 1999 'County Durham Sustainable Communities Initiative'. The campaign is currently being reviewed and developed as a region wide project.

The information on this web page has been adapted from a factsheet provided by Sustrans.

Why Cycling Matters

Cycling is an economical, environmentally friendly, and healthy means of transport. For many people it provides a realistic alternative to the car for short journeys. For longer journeys it can combine well with public transport. The main concerns that deter people from cycling are safety, security of their bike and convenience. Improving conditions will encourage more people to cycle.

Some Cycling Facts and Figures

Around one in three adults in the UK own a bike.
Only 1.9% of journeys in the UK are made by bicycle. This compares with 11% in Germany, 18% in Denmark and 27% in Holland.
61% of all car journeys are less than 5 miles.
People who cycle at least 20 miles a week are 50% less likely to suffer coronary heart disease than non-cyclists.
Motor vehicles are responsible for emitting 90% of the carbon monoxide emissions in Great Britain.
Levels of benzene, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are up to 18 times higher inside vehicles than in the atmosphere 50 - 100 metres from the road.
If you cycle 30 minutes every day, after a year you would have burnt around 44,000 calories.

How to get Started

There are plenty of ways to make your group more 'cycle friendly'. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Find out which members of your group are already cyclists or own bikes. If people own bikes, but don't cycle to your group meetings, find out why and consider whether your meetings could be made more cycle-friendly.
Make sure that people are encouraged to cycle to any special events (such as Summer Fayres) by providing an area where bikes can be left safely. Include a sentence on any posters or leaflets encouraging people to cycle.
Organise a sponsored bike ride to raise money for your group or a local charity.
Develop a map of local cycle paths / quiet roads in your area. For more information on this contact Durham County Council (Countryside Team for off-road routes, and Traffic section for cycle paths associated with roads - see below for contact details).
Organise a cycling display or event. Good people to contact are: your local police (for security marking, advice on locks etc.), Sustrans (the charity which promotes cycling), Durham County Council Road Safety Team (who can provide detailed information on cycling safety issues), Durham County Council Countryside Team (who can provide information on existing traffic-free cycle paths) and your local bike shop (who might be able to bring along display bikes, cycle accessories, organise a 'Dr. Bike' session etc.).
Look into the possibility of getting permanent safe cycle storage (cycle racks, bike-lockers etc.) provided at the building where your group meets. Ideally the cycle storage should be in a prominent place that is at least as convenient as the car parking. It may help your case if you can demonstrate a demand for such facilities.
For information about companies which can supply safe cycle storage equipment, contact Durham County Council Traffic Section (Tel: 0191 3834125).
Join in with existing cycling events and activities. Sustrans (tel: 01207 281259) will be able to tell you what's going on in your area. Many cycling events take place during National Bike Week, which is usually held during June (including Bike to Work day, childrens cycle treasure hunts etc.). The Local Agenda 21 Team at County Hall have details of National Bike Week events (tel: 0191 3833361).
Look into the possibility of obtaining a 'pool' bike which could be lent out to any members of your group.
If you are feeling really enthusiastic about cycling, you could consider setting up a Bicycle Users Group (BUG). A BUG is a forum for cyclists to exchange information and consult with managers about providing good facilities for cyclists. A guide on setting up BUGs is available from Project Bike in Bristol (tel: 0117 9300032).

Some Useful Contacts

Sustrans
Rockwood House
Barn Hill
Stanley
County Durham
DH9 8AN
Tel: 01207 281259
email: sustrans@derwentside.org.uk

Sustainability Section
Environment
Durham County Council
County Hall
Durham
DH1 5UQ
Tel: 0191 3833361
email: Local Agenda 21

Countryside Team
Environment
Durham County Council
DH1 5UQ
Tel: 0191 3833239

Traffic Section
Environment
Durham County Council
DH1 5UQ
Tel: 0191 3834125

Road Safety Team
Environment
Durham County Council
DH1 5UQ
Tel: 0191 3833768

Some Useful Websites

Case Study

In 1998 the YMCA centre at Consett organised a weekend long-distance bike ride for young people and adults (along the Coast to Coast cycle route from Whitehaven to Sunderland). About eight people took part, lead by an experienced cyclist. People brought their own bikes and were transported to the starting point by the group minibus. The minibus then followed the cyclists on their way back to Sunderland as a ‘back-up’ vehicle. Basic repair equipment was carried in the minibus and also by some of the cyclists. All the cyclists were covered by the YMCA centre’s group insurance.

The event was easy to organise (the only slight problem was a patch of thick fog!) and the group now regularly arrange shorter day trips along sections of the CTC route.

The YMCA centre at Consett offers bed & breakfast accommodation for cyclists on the CTC route. For more information, contact: 01207 502680.