Cycling Shorts

Bristol and Bath Railway Path

The Bristol and Bath path has seen a lot of activity lately. The area by the flats at Lawrence Hill has been resurfaced, including those horrible cobbles. Further along a drastic shrub clearance has taken place at the request of the police. They say that the bushes provided cover for muggers. It seems a bit tough on all the birds that live along that stretch, but the plan is to replant the edges with blackthorn—a native, and very thorny shrub that will probably support more wildlife in the long run. If you want to comment on the work, phone (0117) 922 4325.

The cycle network around the ring road is now completely open (along with the ring road itself, already snarled up with traffic). It's not too bad, apart from having to cycle alongside and over a busy road.

But if you thought that was the last development to affect the Bristol-Bath Path, then you'd be wrong. A developer has put in applications to build a road across the Bristol-Bath path near Warmley. More information is included in the letters page. Please write and object to this further erosion of this wonderful amenity.

Meanwhile down at Bitton, the steam railway has been given permission to extend even further. While the railway is a great tourist attraction, it does narrow the cycle path on the parts where it runs. On the plus side, a lot of the barriers and obstructions have been removed and even in mid-January there were crowds of people out enjoying cycling.

Cycle West launch new schemes

The cycle-promoting charity Cycle West are now busier than ever. As well as providing cycle training, setting up BUGs (bike users' groups) and helping employers become more cycle-friendly, they are now about to set up Bikeability schemes in Easton and Southmead. These schemes will provide a resource centre (maps, route information, etc.), cycle training and perhaps even bikes.

Cycle West are also holding a conference on Cycling and Health at the Create Centre in April.

Bike Week

Bike week this year is from 15 to 23 June. The Big Bike Ride will be on 23 June. Marshals needed—phone (0117) 922 3287 to volunteer.

BCC gets action on dodgy traffic lights

A BCC member complained to the council that the traffic lights at the junction of Ashley Road/Stokes Croft were both on amber at the same time— with obvious dangers to everybody, especially cyclists. She received a letter telling her this couldn't be so, but after we raised it again the council decided to investigate and found that the lights were indeed erratic. They are now being put right.

Ticket Barriers at Temple Meads

There are plans to put automatic ticket barriers in the entrance to Temple Meads. BCC has been assured that there will be a permanently staffed gate to take bikes through—no staff means the gate has to be left open. This isn't so much out of consideration to cyclists (heaven forbid!), but to avoid contravening the Disability Discrimination Act.