Touring News
July 2023
YHA have decided to sell 1/3 of its network, and these are now for sale.
Blaming the effect of the pandemic, and cost of living pressures affecting numbers staying at hostels, as well as increasing costs. Now 90% of YHA income comes from 60% of their hostels. The risk is many may be purchased and turned into private homes.
The other concerning thing is that there are some other hostels not on the list, but appear to be operating on rent a hostel basis only, so unavailable to most, and effectively closed. Are there further closures on the way?
I can't seem to find any news of this on the YHA website, but here's the details;
YHA Hostels for sale June 2023
Haworth 950K
Streatley on Thames 850K
Holmbury St Marys 800K
Eyam 650K
Patterdale 650K
Minehead 600K
Poppit Sands 550K
Boswinger 550K
Cheddar 550K
Hathersage 500K
Dufton 450K
Port Eynon 450K
Blaxhall 400K
Wells next to the sea 400K
Clun Mill 375K
Mankinholes 375K
Rowan 350K
Helmsley 325K
Kington 300K
Lockton (Dalby Forest) 250K
April 2021
At our recent virtual AGM and planning meeting, the all-volunteer York Rally organising committee unanimously decided that it is, regrettably, not possible to run the Rally in 2021.
Although restrictions may have eased by June, we cannot at this point be sufficiently confident to run the event. We had left the decision about a 2021 event as late as possible, hoping for more certainty by now, but the decision could not be postponed further simply because so many aspects of the Rally need booking and organising well in advance.
However, the committee is optimistic that we will be able to run a full York Rally in 2022. Of course this will have to be confirmed in due course (probably towards the end of this year) if circumstances permit.
We’ll keep everyone informed of any updates.
Meanwhile, thank you to all of the York Rally’s volunteer officers and committee members who agreed to continue in their roles at the Rally’s AGM.
The committee will meet again (virtually) on the 24th April to discuss what if anything we can do mark the traditional Rally weekend in June. As ever, our meetings are open to all, so please do contact us if you would like to join.
But for now, let’s cross fingers for the next York Rally to take place on the weekend of 17-19th June 2022 – COVID permitting of course!
Nov 2020
Next Years York Rally looking doubtful I've heard, but nothing official yet as far as I know.
March 2020
Sadly the York Rally, run with much success during the last few years has been cancelled, due to the current pandemic panic.
YHA have decided to sell 1/3 of its network, and these are now for sale.
Blaming the effect of the pandemic, and cost of living pressures affecting numbers staying at hostels, as well as increasing costs. Now 90% of YHA income comes from 60% of their hostels. The risk is many may be purchased and turned into private homes.
The other concerning thing is that there are some other hostels not on the list, but appear to be operating on rent a hostel basis only, so unavailable to most, and effectively closed. Are there further closures on the way?
I can't seem to find any news of this on the YHA website, but here's the details;
YHA Hostels for sale June 2023
Haworth 950K
Streatley on Thames 850K
Holmbury St Marys 800K
Eyam 650K
Patterdale 650K
Minehead 600K
Poppit Sands 550K
Boswinger 550K
Cheddar 550K
Hathersage 500K
Dufton 450K
Port Eynon 450K
Blaxhall 400K
Wells next to the sea 400K
Clun Mill 375K
Mankinholes 375K
Rowan 350K
Helmsley 325K
Kington 300K
Lockton (Dalby Forest) 250K
April 2021
At our recent virtual AGM and planning meeting, the all-volunteer York Rally organising committee unanimously decided that it is, regrettably, not possible to run the Rally in 2021.
Although restrictions may have eased by June, we cannot at this point be sufficiently confident to run the event. We had left the decision about a 2021 event as late as possible, hoping for more certainty by now, but the decision could not be postponed further simply because so many aspects of the Rally need booking and organising well in advance.
However, the committee is optimistic that we will be able to run a full York Rally in 2022. Of course this will have to be confirmed in due course (probably towards the end of this year) if circumstances permit.
We’ll keep everyone informed of any updates.
Meanwhile, thank you to all of the York Rally’s volunteer officers and committee members who agreed to continue in their roles at the Rally’s AGM.
The committee will meet again (virtually) on the 24th April to discuss what if anything we can do mark the traditional Rally weekend in June. As ever, our meetings are open to all, so please do contact us if you would like to join.
But for now, let’s cross fingers for the next York Rally to take place on the weekend of 17-19th June 2022 – COVID permitting of course!
Nov 2020
Next Years York Rally looking doubtful I've heard, but nothing official yet as far as I know.
March 2020
Sadly the York Rally, run with much success during the last few years has been cancelled, due to the current pandemic panic.
April 2019
Mildenhall Cycling Club have announced a major change to their annual cycling event. Their three-day Mildenhall Cycling Festival will be much smaller this year with a small selection of events taking place on the Saturday & Sunday of the August Bank-Holiday weekend.
Chairman of the organisers, Mark Burchett explains “Ultimately we have been the victims of our own success. Over the thirty years of the event the majority of the organising committee has remained largely unchanged and with none of us getting any younger, there are not any willing volunteers to take over. We have therefore had to take the very hard decision to make this radical change.”
Reflecting this change, the event will be known as the Mildenhall Mini-Cycling Fest and still located in nearby West Row with its wonderful facilities set in a peaceful and tranquil rural setting around the Village Hall, where refreshments will be provided from over the two-days. It is just under three miles from Mildenhall which can be reached very safely by cycle using the tarmacked Wamil Way bridleway.
Headlining the two-days of grass-track racing will be Sunday’s Ladies National 800m Championship. It is expected that the meeting will still attract the country’s top riders given Mildenhall’s reputation for grass-track racing as well as staging rounds of the National Endurance and Sprint Leagues. Juvenile racing will be on the Saturday.
For the touring cyclist, C.T.C. (Cyclists Touring Club) Suffolk will be offering 57, 100, 160, 200 & 300km timed-touring rides on the Saturday, under the auspices of the Audax organisation.
After last year’s successful trialling, the organisers will promote the ‘Come and Try It On/Off Road Time Trial’. This will allow competitors on the Saturday morning to pit their wits against the clock over a mixed 23km course of byways, tarmac and Fenland Droves!
This is a unique type of course that only the Fens can offer. Despite this, every single rider that competed in last year’s test event, for time-trialling’s governing body in the UK Cycling Time-Trials (CTT), thoroughly enjoyed it.
On Saturday afternoon & evening there will be a Cycle Jumble held in the Village Hall.
Although camping on site will unfortunately no longer be available, West Row has three campsites and the organisers are very much encouraging regular visitors to previous events to still come and spend the weekend in Suffolk cycling and at the Mini-Fest.
“It has been testament to the hard work and professionalism of the committed organising committee that an individual cycling club was ever able to promote an event of that magnitude which has become synonymous with cycling.” added Mr Burchett.
The Festival and its predecessor the Cycling Rally, have always attracted many up and coming names from the world of cycling including the Mildenhall Club’s very own Golden Member Victoria Pendleton CBE and more recently Laura Kenny CBE, both of whom went on to become Olympic and World Champions!
Other well-known cyclists to have ridden at Mildenhall before going onto international fame include welsh starlet Nicole Cooke MBE, Ben Swift, Jason Kenny OBE and Steve Burke MBE.
Further details of the Mini-Fest will be available at www.mildenhallfestival.bike
May 2017
YHA have given notice to several camping barns that they will no longer be supported by YHA (ie appear on YHA site and be included in the YHA bookings system). This hasn't gone down well with the camping barn owners, who will struggle to fill beds without access to the YHA brand and booking system. More details shortly.
Mildenhall Cycling Club have announced a major change to their annual cycling event. Their three-day Mildenhall Cycling Festival will be much smaller this year with a small selection of events taking place on the Saturday & Sunday of the August Bank-Holiday weekend.
Chairman of the organisers, Mark Burchett explains “Ultimately we have been the victims of our own success. Over the thirty years of the event the majority of the organising committee has remained largely unchanged and with none of us getting any younger, there are not any willing volunteers to take over. We have therefore had to take the very hard decision to make this radical change.”
Reflecting this change, the event will be known as the Mildenhall Mini-Cycling Fest and still located in nearby West Row with its wonderful facilities set in a peaceful and tranquil rural setting around the Village Hall, where refreshments will be provided from over the two-days. It is just under three miles from Mildenhall which can be reached very safely by cycle using the tarmacked Wamil Way bridleway.
Headlining the two-days of grass-track racing will be Sunday’s Ladies National 800m Championship. It is expected that the meeting will still attract the country’s top riders given Mildenhall’s reputation for grass-track racing as well as staging rounds of the National Endurance and Sprint Leagues. Juvenile racing will be on the Saturday.
For the touring cyclist, C.T.C. (Cyclists Touring Club) Suffolk will be offering 57, 100, 160, 200 & 300km timed-touring rides on the Saturday, under the auspices of the Audax organisation.
After last year’s successful trialling, the organisers will promote the ‘Come and Try It On/Off Road Time Trial’. This will allow competitors on the Saturday morning to pit their wits against the clock over a mixed 23km course of byways, tarmac and Fenland Droves!
This is a unique type of course that only the Fens can offer. Despite this, every single rider that competed in last year’s test event, for time-trialling’s governing body in the UK Cycling Time-Trials (CTT), thoroughly enjoyed it.
On Saturday afternoon & evening there will be a Cycle Jumble held in the Village Hall.
Although camping on site will unfortunately no longer be available, West Row has three campsites and the organisers are very much encouraging regular visitors to previous events to still come and spend the weekend in Suffolk cycling and at the Mini-Fest.
“It has been testament to the hard work and professionalism of the committed organising committee that an individual cycling club was ever able to promote an event of that magnitude which has become synonymous with cycling.” added Mr Burchett.
The Festival and its predecessor the Cycling Rally, have always attracted many up and coming names from the world of cycling including the Mildenhall Club’s very own Golden Member Victoria Pendleton CBE and more recently Laura Kenny CBE, both of whom went on to become Olympic and World Champions!
Other well-known cyclists to have ridden at Mildenhall before going onto international fame include welsh starlet Nicole Cooke MBE, Ben Swift, Jason Kenny OBE and Steve Burke MBE.
Further details of the Mini-Fest will be available at www.mildenhallfestival.bike
May 2017
YHA have given notice to several camping barns that they will no longer be supported by YHA (ie appear on YHA site and be included in the YHA bookings system). This hasn't gone down well with the camping barn owners, who will struggle to fill beds without access to the YHA brand and booking system. More details shortly.
November 2016
YHA will close Thurlby (nr Bourne) and Woody's Top hostel (nr Louth) at the end of the current season. This will leave no YHA properties in Lincolnshire, as Lincoln closed in 2006.
Update May 2017. Woody;s Top and Thurlby (unconfirmed) are both still for sale, and are available only to stay in if the whole hostel is hired. Woody's Top has an asking price of £250000.
L'Eroica location change
This vintage inspired festival has been held on Bakewell showground for the last three years, but this June (17th-19th) will see it operate from Friden Grange, which is adjacent to the High Peak Trail, along which the Sunday rides will run. How close it is to anything else I'm unsure, but with a massive publicity m/c in full operation, it should be as well attended as ever.
YHA will close Thurlby (nr Bourne) and Woody's Top hostel (nr Louth) at the end of the current season. This will leave no YHA properties in Lincolnshire, as Lincoln closed in 2006.
Update May 2017. Woody;s Top and Thurlby (unconfirmed) are both still for sale, and are available only to stay in if the whole hostel is hired. Woody's Top has an asking price of £250000.
L'Eroica location change
This vintage inspired festival has been held on Bakewell showground for the last three years, but this June (17th-19th) will see it operate from Friden Grange, which is adjacent to the High Peak Trail, along which the Sunday rides will run. How close it is to anything else I'm unsure, but with a massive publicity m/c in full operation, it should be as well attended as ever.
May 2016
Former YHA hostel becomes a premium wedding venue Tyn Dwr Hall, just outside Llangollen , was built for ironmaster John Dickin in the 1800s and has been used as a youth hostel and educational venue. YHA closed it as a hostel, and sold it to The University of Central Lancashire in 2008, who in turn put it up for sale in 2014 in a bid to cut costs, sparking concerns about its future.Knights Construction boss Matt Jones bought it for around £1m last October and has set about the job of turning it into a luxury venue. The bridal suites are being tiled and the downstairs rooms are being decorated as we speak.”There will be accommodation for 45 people and wedding parties will be able to take over the whole site for the big day.During the week the site will also host conferences with activities still on site from its previous use as an outdoor activity centre.There will be a total of 25 jobs created.
April 2016
Mildenhall Cycling Rally announcement
Mildenhall Cycling Club has announced that their much-acclaimed Mildenhall Cycling Rally will undergo a major change this year.
Due to circumstances beyond their control, they have not been able to secure a suitable venue in time for this year's event. Instead, to ensure the continuity of the event, they will be holding a one-day event using the facilities at West Row Village Hall.
The Mildenhall Cycling & Fun Day will take place on Sunday 28th August 2016, returning to the three-day format in 2017. The new venue in West Row is just over two miles from the old site, when using the bridleway that Suffolk County Council tarmacked last year, making it a very safe route in to Mildenhall.
On revealing this news, the Club’s Chairman Mark Burchett said, “This is clearly a blow to everyone involved, but I can honestly say that everything that could be done was done in the search for a suitable venue.
We’ve had a limited amount of time to agree the format of this year’s event and very much hope our regulars will continue to support the event.” he added.
Events that are already confirmed making up the programme are grass-track racing, the Audax touring events, all-day Cycle Jumble, Ladies Led-Ride, Children’s Sports, Face Painter, Charity Stalls and come-and-try Cycle Polo sessions, with more to be confirmed. Refreshments and snacks will be served in the Village Hall.
Headlining the grass-track racing will be the British Cycling National 400m Championships, which is expected to attract the country’s top grass riders, including the current holder of the title, Andrew Leveton (VC St Raphael). The track programme will also include the final round of British Cycling’s Endurance league.
The Audax events will be organised by C.T.C. (Cyclists Touring Club) Suffolk who will be offering 50, 100, 160 and 200km rides. For those that want something more relaxing, Mildenhall Cycling Club will have their range of touring routes, offering a variety of scenery over varying distances
The club have been impressed with the trustees of the Village Hall in their discussions about the use of their facilities, which has made the transition to a new venue, much easier.
"By holding a one-day event this year will allow us to fully test the facilities and working with the trustees, iron out any issues in plenty of time for next year's event which will revert back to its traditional three-days over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Our aim is to come back bigger & better in 2017” explained Mr Burchett.
The Club are in discussions with the traders about attending the one-day event this year. For those that had requested details of this year’s event and in particular the camping, have already been contacted as they will be guaranteed to receive the details for the 2017 event when they are available.
More details will be available about the Mildenhall Cycling & Fun Day on www.mildenhallrally.org.uk
January 2016
London Quietways
The first Quietways are opening in 2016. Aimed at attracting new cyclists they are a network of well-signed cycle routes that use quieter streets and run through parks and along waterways. They’ll link to other cycling infrastructure in the capital and help overcome barriers to cycling by providing an alternative to riding on busy roads. By reprioritising and redesigning existing infrastructure, and sharing information about the new routes, the Quietways give many more people the opportunity to make their everyday journeys by bike.The Quietways are more than just cycle routes. They also provide the opportunity to make streets and neighbourhoods safer and more pleasant for everyone by reducing the speed and dominance of motor traffic, improving air quality and investing in the urban realm.
Where do Quietways go?
The first seven routes span London and include:
Q1 - Waterloo to Greenwich (Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich
Q2 - St Pancras to Walthamstow (Camden, Islington, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Lee Valley Regional Park)
Q3 - Regents Park to Gladstone Park (Dollis Hill) (Westminster, Brent, Camden)
Q4 - Clapham Common to Wimbledon (Lambeth, Wandsworth, Merton)
Q5 - Waterloo to Croydon (via Clapham Common) (Lambeth, Wandsworth, Croydon)
Q6 - Aldgate to Hainault (first phase Victoria Park to Barkingside) (Tower Hamlets, Newham, Redbridge, Hackney, and the London Legacy Development Corporation)
Q7 - Elephant & Castle to Crystal Palace (Southwark, Lambeth).
Design standards for Quietways
The Quietways are designed to TfL's London Cycling Design Standards. As sponsor, TfL review all designs from ourselves or boroughs against these standards. Interventions are focused on improving key locations that are barriers to cycling, such as intimidating junctions and other smaller measures that help the routes to flow.
Where traffic speeds and volumes require it there will be segregation. At other times other methods, including filter permeability, will be used to reduce the speed and volume of traffic in residential areas.
More information on Sustrans website
January 2016
Derby Arena (aka Derby Velodrome) was the venue for the launch of Derbyshire County Council's Derbyshire Cycling Plan, published by the The Derbyshire Cycling Plan Strategic Group, although this event is organised by the Marketing Officer of Derbyshire Sport. Lots of fine words no doubt (I wasn't able to attend due to another for more important commitment, a free dinner), but unsure how much action will result. See Derwent Valley Cycleway's website for another commendable project (http://derwentvalleycycleway.org.uk/), who were also attending this event. The biggest problem is deciding what cycling is. A sport, transport, or a "tourist activity". Then how to bring these parts together, and what exactly to do next.
December 2015
Awards highlight cycle-rail successes
The winners of the 2015 National Cycle-Rail Awards show how the industry is working together to contribute to the country’s cycling revolutionCycle-rail continues to be an industry success story. This year 38 million rail journeys included a bike – a staggering 66% increase since 2009/10.
Operators and Network Rail are delivering cycle improvements across their networks, ensuring that high-quality infrastructure is in place to support the anticipated increase in cycle-rail journeys.
The annual National Cycle-Rail Awards showcase initiatives, partnerships and improvements taking place across the country which are boosting the facilities and opportunities for people to combine cycling with their rail travel. This year’s winners, from 10 strongly contested categories, were announced at a ceremony in London last week.
Best customer service: South West Trains – Looking after Ride LondonSouth West Trains showed their commitment to customer service by looking after passengers during the annual Prudential Ride London event, a two-day festival of cycling. With tens of thousands of spectators and cyclists coming into the city and Surrey, extra capacity on trains was needed and information had to be provided on key sites to view the race and how to get there by bike. South West Trains was proactive and well organised, keeping customers informed at all stages of their journey, with the result being “a delightful event”.
Partnership Working and Local Government Schemes: Arriva Trains Wales – Improvements to Cycle Provision at Chester Railway StationThis is a great example of working in partnership to significantly improve cycle provision and security at a Grade 2-listed station. Arriva Trains Wales’s overarching aim was to encourage the use of cycles to access Chester Railway Station by increasing cycle parking, and reducing cycle crime in the process. The operator worked closely with Network Rail after they were jointly awarded funding to carry out the improvement scheme. This involved creating new designated and covered cycle storage areas and replacing existing hoop storage with two tier racks. Capacity was doubled.
Innovation: Citymapper – Journey Planning AppCitymapper is a smartphone app which helps people to navigate around complex cities, making best use of all the transportation options available to them. The aim was to use the cycle hire infrastructure to suggest routes which are quicker than alternatives planned using other modes such as bus, rail or metro only. The app was described by one of the award judges as: “A highly impressive and popular journey planning solution that truly integrates rail with cycling, and other modes. A game- changing innovation.”
Cycle Champion: Jonny Wiseman – East Midlands Trains Jonny Wiseman was told to “sort bikes” at East Midlands Trains. That is exactly what he’s done. He has been credited with revolutionising the company’s attitude and response to cycle-rail and for having carried out work that will deliver benefits to users for years to come. For example, Wiseman has overseen the delivery of two outstanding cycle hubs at Sheffield and Leicester, which required him to overcome some complex issues with a range of stakeholders.
Door to Door Journeys including Station Travel Plans: Northern Rail – An integrated approach to cycling in Greater ManchesterNorthern Rail won the ‘Door to Door Journeys’ Award for its work with Transport for Greater Manchester to develop a fully integrated cycling scheme across the region. The scheme provides safe and secure storage for bikes at multiple locations, all linked by a single registration card, helping to provide customers with an easy-to-use cycle storage scheme.
Cycle Security: British Transport Police – Operation Lock-ItOperation Lock-It is an innovative project which channels funds seized from criminals into cycle security for rail users. Launched in 2014 by British Transport Police, it has been rolled out across south east England by officers from Cambridge to Bournemouth. It has already had a significant impact in reducing cycle crime.
Station of the Year: Southern – Brighton Southern won ‘Station of the Year’ for Brighton where it has introduced a new cycle hub with outstanding facilities for cyclists as well as the wider community. Just over a year ago Brighton station only had 250 cycle spaces. Most of the cycle parking was exposed to the elements and in some areas of the station it was filled to capacity. The introduction of a new cycle hub has transformed a derelict area of Network Rail land to create a super-hub containing an additional 500 cycle spaces, with a range of facilities. These include a cycle repair and maintenance workshop, a coffee shop, new keep fit facilities offering classes such as yoga and spinning, a rentable office space, a roof terrace area and showers/changing rooms. Judges said it was “the standard that all operators should be aiming for” and that “every hub should aspire to this”.
Operator of the Year: Merseyrail Merseyrail has delivered a range of great cycle improvements. The secure cycle storage network and Bike&Go bike hire scheme play an integral part in the customers’ journey and provide a seamless door-to-door experience. Bike&Go has more than 1,500 subscribers and hires on average 150- 250 bikes each month. The ‘secure cycle facilities’ initiative started in 2010 at a handful of stations. There are now over 2,000 secure cycle spaces. These compounds will soon all stations on Merseyrail’s network.
London Cycle Parking: London Borough of Waltham Forest – Mini Holland Programme This Transport for London-funded scheme aims to encourage people to cycle more safely and more often by providing better environments and facilities for everyone. The programme specifically targets people who make short car journeys in outer London which could have otherwise been easily cycled. A key element of this strategy is linking commuter areas within the borough, via safe cycle routes, to high quality cycle parking facilities at railway stations.
December 2015
Appeal for funds for Wye Valley Cycle Path
With renewed focus for the provision of a multi-use path along the route of the old Chepstow to Tintern railway line there has been a further request for donations to fund professional services required to progress the reports and planning application required to make this plan a reality.
Two active campaigners, Nik and Jen, took up the baton with this:
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ ... d-use-path
If each person with a registered interest was to donate the equivalent of the cost of a cup of tea and slice of cake then there would be enough money to submit a new application for the path. The path has got to be worth the cost of a cyclist's pick-me-up hasn't it?
October 2015
August 2015 . An iconic Victorian-era bridge must stay open to maintain a “key” coastal path, an official has warned.
Gwynedd Council is considering shutting Barmouth Bridge to pedestrians to save an annual cost of nearly £31,000.
Last month it was announced the bridge could face closure to walkers as the authority look to make £9 million of cuts.
The council has to give Network Rail £30,800 a year to keep the bridge open for pedestrians.
The railway bridge, which is on the Wales Coastal Path, has been in use for 150 years since opening in 1867.
It’s a very small cost saving but it would have a large impact on the local economy in terms of tourism,” said Glyn Evans, Sustrans Cymru’s area manager.
“The last figures I saw showed that the Mawddach Trail attracts 90,000 users a year. If you stop those people getting to Barmouth, that will have a big effect on the economy of Barmouth.”
“The National Cycle Network brings money into rural areas and closing that facility would be a huge loss.
“We would have to look at re-routing the NCN. The detour from one side (of the estuary) to the other is probably around 18 miles.”
Former YHA hostel becomes a premium wedding venue Tyn Dwr Hall, just outside Llangollen , was built for ironmaster John Dickin in the 1800s and has been used as a youth hostel and educational venue. YHA closed it as a hostel, and sold it to The University of Central Lancashire in 2008, who in turn put it up for sale in 2014 in a bid to cut costs, sparking concerns about its future.Knights Construction boss Matt Jones bought it for around £1m last October and has set about the job of turning it into a luxury venue. The bridal suites are being tiled and the downstairs rooms are being decorated as we speak.”There will be accommodation for 45 people and wedding parties will be able to take over the whole site for the big day.During the week the site will also host conferences with activities still on site from its previous use as an outdoor activity centre.There will be a total of 25 jobs created.
April 2016
Mildenhall Cycling Rally announcement
Mildenhall Cycling Club has announced that their much-acclaimed Mildenhall Cycling Rally will undergo a major change this year.
Due to circumstances beyond their control, they have not been able to secure a suitable venue in time for this year's event. Instead, to ensure the continuity of the event, they will be holding a one-day event using the facilities at West Row Village Hall.
The Mildenhall Cycling & Fun Day will take place on Sunday 28th August 2016, returning to the three-day format in 2017. The new venue in West Row is just over two miles from the old site, when using the bridleway that Suffolk County Council tarmacked last year, making it a very safe route in to Mildenhall.
On revealing this news, the Club’s Chairman Mark Burchett said, “This is clearly a blow to everyone involved, but I can honestly say that everything that could be done was done in the search for a suitable venue.
We’ve had a limited amount of time to agree the format of this year’s event and very much hope our regulars will continue to support the event.” he added.
Events that are already confirmed making up the programme are grass-track racing, the Audax touring events, all-day Cycle Jumble, Ladies Led-Ride, Children’s Sports, Face Painter, Charity Stalls and come-and-try Cycle Polo sessions, with more to be confirmed. Refreshments and snacks will be served in the Village Hall.
Headlining the grass-track racing will be the British Cycling National 400m Championships, which is expected to attract the country’s top grass riders, including the current holder of the title, Andrew Leveton (VC St Raphael). The track programme will also include the final round of British Cycling’s Endurance league.
The Audax events will be organised by C.T.C. (Cyclists Touring Club) Suffolk who will be offering 50, 100, 160 and 200km rides. For those that want something more relaxing, Mildenhall Cycling Club will have their range of touring routes, offering a variety of scenery over varying distances
The club have been impressed with the trustees of the Village Hall in their discussions about the use of their facilities, which has made the transition to a new venue, much easier.
"By holding a one-day event this year will allow us to fully test the facilities and working with the trustees, iron out any issues in plenty of time for next year's event which will revert back to its traditional three-days over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Our aim is to come back bigger & better in 2017” explained Mr Burchett.
The Club are in discussions with the traders about attending the one-day event this year. For those that had requested details of this year’s event and in particular the camping, have already been contacted as they will be guaranteed to receive the details for the 2017 event when they are available.
More details will be available about the Mildenhall Cycling & Fun Day on www.mildenhallrally.org.uk
January 2016
London Quietways
The first Quietways are opening in 2016. Aimed at attracting new cyclists they are a network of well-signed cycle routes that use quieter streets and run through parks and along waterways. They’ll link to other cycling infrastructure in the capital and help overcome barriers to cycling by providing an alternative to riding on busy roads. By reprioritising and redesigning existing infrastructure, and sharing information about the new routes, the Quietways give many more people the opportunity to make their everyday journeys by bike.The Quietways are more than just cycle routes. They also provide the opportunity to make streets and neighbourhoods safer and more pleasant for everyone by reducing the speed and dominance of motor traffic, improving air quality and investing in the urban realm.
Where do Quietways go?
The first seven routes span London and include:
Q1 - Waterloo to Greenwich (Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich
Q2 - St Pancras to Walthamstow (Camden, Islington, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Lee Valley Regional Park)
Q3 - Regents Park to Gladstone Park (Dollis Hill) (Westminster, Brent, Camden)
Q4 - Clapham Common to Wimbledon (Lambeth, Wandsworth, Merton)
Q5 - Waterloo to Croydon (via Clapham Common) (Lambeth, Wandsworth, Croydon)
Q6 - Aldgate to Hainault (first phase Victoria Park to Barkingside) (Tower Hamlets, Newham, Redbridge, Hackney, and the London Legacy Development Corporation)
Q7 - Elephant & Castle to Crystal Palace (Southwark, Lambeth).
Design standards for Quietways
The Quietways are designed to TfL's London Cycling Design Standards. As sponsor, TfL review all designs from ourselves or boroughs against these standards. Interventions are focused on improving key locations that are barriers to cycling, such as intimidating junctions and other smaller measures that help the routes to flow.
Where traffic speeds and volumes require it there will be segregation. At other times other methods, including filter permeability, will be used to reduce the speed and volume of traffic in residential areas.
More information on Sustrans website
January 2016
Derby Arena (aka Derby Velodrome) was the venue for the launch of Derbyshire County Council's Derbyshire Cycling Plan, published by the The Derbyshire Cycling Plan Strategic Group, although this event is organised by the Marketing Officer of Derbyshire Sport. Lots of fine words no doubt (I wasn't able to attend due to another for more important commitment, a free dinner), but unsure how much action will result. See Derwent Valley Cycleway's website for another commendable project (http://derwentvalleycycleway.org.uk/), who were also attending this event. The biggest problem is deciding what cycling is. A sport, transport, or a "tourist activity". Then how to bring these parts together, and what exactly to do next.
December 2015
Awards highlight cycle-rail successes
The winners of the 2015 National Cycle-Rail Awards show how the industry is working together to contribute to the country’s cycling revolutionCycle-rail continues to be an industry success story. This year 38 million rail journeys included a bike – a staggering 66% increase since 2009/10.
Operators and Network Rail are delivering cycle improvements across their networks, ensuring that high-quality infrastructure is in place to support the anticipated increase in cycle-rail journeys.
The annual National Cycle-Rail Awards showcase initiatives, partnerships and improvements taking place across the country which are boosting the facilities and opportunities for people to combine cycling with their rail travel. This year’s winners, from 10 strongly contested categories, were announced at a ceremony in London last week.
Best customer service: South West Trains – Looking after Ride LondonSouth West Trains showed their commitment to customer service by looking after passengers during the annual Prudential Ride London event, a two-day festival of cycling. With tens of thousands of spectators and cyclists coming into the city and Surrey, extra capacity on trains was needed and information had to be provided on key sites to view the race and how to get there by bike. South West Trains was proactive and well organised, keeping customers informed at all stages of their journey, with the result being “a delightful event”.
Partnership Working and Local Government Schemes: Arriva Trains Wales – Improvements to Cycle Provision at Chester Railway StationThis is a great example of working in partnership to significantly improve cycle provision and security at a Grade 2-listed station. Arriva Trains Wales’s overarching aim was to encourage the use of cycles to access Chester Railway Station by increasing cycle parking, and reducing cycle crime in the process. The operator worked closely with Network Rail after they were jointly awarded funding to carry out the improvement scheme. This involved creating new designated and covered cycle storage areas and replacing existing hoop storage with two tier racks. Capacity was doubled.
Innovation: Citymapper – Journey Planning AppCitymapper is a smartphone app which helps people to navigate around complex cities, making best use of all the transportation options available to them. The aim was to use the cycle hire infrastructure to suggest routes which are quicker than alternatives planned using other modes such as bus, rail or metro only. The app was described by one of the award judges as: “A highly impressive and popular journey planning solution that truly integrates rail with cycling, and other modes. A game- changing innovation.”
Cycle Champion: Jonny Wiseman – East Midlands Trains Jonny Wiseman was told to “sort bikes” at East Midlands Trains. That is exactly what he’s done. He has been credited with revolutionising the company’s attitude and response to cycle-rail and for having carried out work that will deliver benefits to users for years to come. For example, Wiseman has overseen the delivery of two outstanding cycle hubs at Sheffield and Leicester, which required him to overcome some complex issues with a range of stakeholders.
Door to Door Journeys including Station Travel Plans: Northern Rail – An integrated approach to cycling in Greater ManchesterNorthern Rail won the ‘Door to Door Journeys’ Award for its work with Transport for Greater Manchester to develop a fully integrated cycling scheme across the region. The scheme provides safe and secure storage for bikes at multiple locations, all linked by a single registration card, helping to provide customers with an easy-to-use cycle storage scheme.
Cycle Security: British Transport Police – Operation Lock-ItOperation Lock-It is an innovative project which channels funds seized from criminals into cycle security for rail users. Launched in 2014 by British Transport Police, it has been rolled out across south east England by officers from Cambridge to Bournemouth. It has already had a significant impact in reducing cycle crime.
Station of the Year: Southern – Brighton Southern won ‘Station of the Year’ for Brighton where it has introduced a new cycle hub with outstanding facilities for cyclists as well as the wider community. Just over a year ago Brighton station only had 250 cycle spaces. Most of the cycle parking was exposed to the elements and in some areas of the station it was filled to capacity. The introduction of a new cycle hub has transformed a derelict area of Network Rail land to create a super-hub containing an additional 500 cycle spaces, with a range of facilities. These include a cycle repair and maintenance workshop, a coffee shop, new keep fit facilities offering classes such as yoga and spinning, a rentable office space, a roof terrace area and showers/changing rooms. Judges said it was “the standard that all operators should be aiming for” and that “every hub should aspire to this”.
Operator of the Year: Merseyrail Merseyrail has delivered a range of great cycle improvements. The secure cycle storage network and Bike&Go bike hire scheme play an integral part in the customers’ journey and provide a seamless door-to-door experience. Bike&Go has more than 1,500 subscribers and hires on average 150- 250 bikes each month. The ‘secure cycle facilities’ initiative started in 2010 at a handful of stations. There are now over 2,000 secure cycle spaces. These compounds will soon all stations on Merseyrail’s network.
London Cycle Parking: London Borough of Waltham Forest – Mini Holland Programme This Transport for London-funded scheme aims to encourage people to cycle more safely and more often by providing better environments and facilities for everyone. The programme specifically targets people who make short car journeys in outer London which could have otherwise been easily cycled. A key element of this strategy is linking commuter areas within the borough, via safe cycle routes, to high quality cycle parking facilities at railway stations.
December 2015
Appeal for funds for Wye Valley Cycle Path
With renewed focus for the provision of a multi-use path along the route of the old Chepstow to Tintern railway line there has been a further request for donations to fund professional services required to progress the reports and planning application required to make this plan a reality.
Two active campaigners, Nik and Jen, took up the baton with this:
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ ... d-use-path
If each person with a registered interest was to donate the equivalent of the cost of a cup of tea and slice of cake then there would be enough money to submit a new application for the path. The path has got to be worth the cost of a cyclist's pick-me-up hasn't it?
October 2015
- A host of YHA properties in England and Wales will benefit from investment worth over £1/4M to make them more cycle-friendly.With a number of YHA hostels located in prime areas for road, cross country and mountain biking, the Association is investing £269,500 in 25 of its branches across England and Wales, consisting of more than £100,000 from its own funds, the remainder being local and National Park authority grants. The YHA hostels which will benefit from the money are:
- The Monsal Trail in the Peak District has been voted as the UK’s favourite National Cycle Network route under 30 miles, in a poll hosted by charity Sustrans, as part of it's celebrations to mark 20 years since the Network was developed. The Monsal Trail is a stunning traffic free cycle route in the heart of the Peak District National Park. At 8.5 miles long it is perfect for all ages and has lots to see including wildlife, geology, industrial and particularly rail heritage, as it was formerly the Manchester-Derby railway line, until Dr Beeching cut it from the network in 1967. The route had stiff competition from other Sustrans routes, including the Bath Two Tunnels route and the Camel Trail in Cornwall.
August 2015 . An iconic Victorian-era bridge must stay open to maintain a “key” coastal path, an official has warned.
Gwynedd Council is considering shutting Barmouth Bridge to pedestrians to save an annual cost of nearly £31,000.
Last month it was announced the bridge could face closure to walkers as the authority look to make £9 million of cuts.
The council has to give Network Rail £30,800 a year to keep the bridge open for pedestrians.
The railway bridge, which is on the Wales Coastal Path, has been in use for 150 years since opening in 1867.
It’s a very small cost saving but it would have a large impact on the local economy in terms of tourism,” said Glyn Evans, Sustrans Cymru’s area manager.
“The last figures I saw showed that the Mawddach Trail attracts 90,000 users a year. If you stop those people getting to Barmouth, that will have a big effect on the economy of Barmouth.”
“The National Cycle Network brings money into rural areas and closing that facility would be a huge loss.
“We would have to look at re-routing the NCN. The detour from one side (of the estuary) to the other is probably around 18 miles.”