News:
Free 'Accompanied Rides'
20/9/22 - Gain confidence by meeting an experienced 'cycle buddy' who will ride with you to a destination of your choice. Cycle buddies have great knowledge of safer and quieter routes across the city to help you find a good way to get to work for instance. See more here.
Book here and complete the booking form 'survey'. Select Bristol and in the "how did you hear about the session" please say "Other - Bike Bristol". Sessions are funded by Bristol City Council.
East Bristol is getting a Liveable Neighbourhood
A Liveable Neighborhood is being created in East Bristol! This project seeks to create friendlier, safer, less polluted streets for residents, while promoting walking, scooting, cycling and wheeling, to have a healthier city. https://www.bikebristol.com/liveable-neighbourhoods
There's lots of workshops coming up to help design it. Liveable Neighborhoods are about creating safer, friendlier and less polluted neighborhood streets rather than rat runs. See upcoming workshops (on the link below) as part of the design phase, which invites the community to get involved. Read more at https://www.bikebristol.com/liveable-neighbourhoods
"Today sees the start of the co-develop phase of the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhoods pilot. https://eastbristolliveableneighbourhoods.commonplace.is/..."This involves working with the local community and stakeholders to decide how a range of potential measures can help achieve a better balance for how local streets are used for transport and people.”
The workshops are drop in and should take around 20 minutes to give your views. Please see below for the dates and times:
- St George Community Centre on Tuesday 13 September from 9.30am to 12.30pm - book now
- St George Community Centre on Saturday 17 September from 1pm to 4pm - book now
- Barton Hill Settlement on Friday 23 September from 12.30pm to 3pm - book now
- St George Community Centre on Tuesday 27 September from 2pm to 5pm - book now
- Barton Hill Settlement on Saturday 1 October from 9.30am to 12.30pm - book now
- St George Community Centre on Sunday 9 October from 1pm to 4pm - book now
- Barton Hill Settlement on Monday 10 October from 1.30pm to 4.30pm - book now
We are also holding two drop-in sessions at Barton Hill Urban Park. There's no need to book - just turn up!
- Barton Hill Urban Park on Tuesday 11 October between 12pm and 4pm
- Barton Hill Urban Park on Thursday 13 October between 12pm and 4pm
Big Ride - for safer cycling - 2nd Oct 12pm
Bristol Cycling Campaign are running the Bristol Big Ride 2nd Octover 12-2.
Big Ride for Safer Cycling scheduled for Sunday 2nd October with a later start time of 12noon. The objective to celebrate cycling, with a serious message about cycling safety. We hope that you will be able to join us at Brunswick Square on the new date/time. Wear bright colours, decorate your bike, make a placard, bring music, and enjoy yourself!Please do share the new with anyone you know who was planning to join us.
#bristollovescyclinghttps://www.facebook.com/events/779054606667865
Bristol to Bath Railway Path upgrade
Work continues on the Bristol to Bath Path (and it's looking great!). Latest update from Sustrans:
4th Aug
"***One Path BS5 project - construction works update ***
Today's surfacing works between Bruce Road and the existing closure at Clay Bottom have progressed well, and the section has now been reopened for use. The contractor has been able to do the planned surfacing works in this additional section in one day, so the temporary closure up to Bruce Road will not be reinstated in the morning.Surfacing works will move to within the existing closure at Clay Bottom from tomorrow. We'll keep you up to date with the works, closures and diversions: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/.../making-the-bristol-and.../
2nd Aug
"The surfacing work last week went well, and we'll soon be starting to lay coloured surfacing at junctions.During the day on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 August, there will be a temporary closure between Bruce Road and the current closure at Clay Bottom to allow for this.A signposted diversion will be added to the existing one to guide you around it. The contractor aims to reopen the temporary closure out of hours.The work at Clay Bottom continues and will remain closed throughout.We'll keep you updated as the works progress. For more information: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/.../making-the-bristol-and.../
AUGUST NEWSLETTER (9/8/22):
Free (Adult) Guided Rides
With funding from Bristol City Council & Travel West, Bike Bristol is running a series of free adult leisure rides which are at a gentle pace on quiet roads or paths (good for those building confidence). See more at: https://www.bikebristol.com/social-rides
- Saturday 13th August 12:45-14:45
- Sunday 14th August 11:15-13:15
- Sunday 28th August- 16:00 -18:00
- Tuesday 30th August 14:00-16:00
- Wednesday 31st August 17:30-19:30
Please get in touch if you'd like to attend. You can keep up to date with upcoming rides if you join the facebook group or join the WhatsApp group ('read only' to save notifications!)
Free Repairs (Dr Bike)
Bristol City/South Glos. Councils have a number of free pop up bike repair events (Dr Bike) where you can get a safety check or minor repairs done. See details here
- St George's Park Monday 15 August from 11am-3pm
- Barton Hill Urban Park on Tuesday 23 August from 11am-3pm
- Warmley Wheelers on Wednesday 7th September from 10:00-14:00. (Inc. police bike marking)
20% off some Squish childrens' bikes
We have certain sizes in stock that need shifting! Squish Green 20 inch and Squish 16 in red to name a few. Get in touch to find out more. There's also some very good deals on some mountain bikes and e-bikes e.g. Dawes discovery hybrid is £350 rather than £500. We can get hold of folding electric bikes for £799 down from £1200 too.
Bristol to Bath Path upgrades - latest update
"***One Path BS5 project - construction works update ***
Today's surfacing works between Bruce Road and the existing closure at Clay Bottom have progressed well, and the section has now been reopened for use. The contractor has been able to do the planned surfacing works in this additional section in one day, so the temporary closure up to Bruce Road will not be reinstated in the morning. Surfacing works will move to within the existing closure at Clay Bottom from tomorrow.
We'll keep you up to date with the works, closures and diversions: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/.../making-the-bristol-and.../
See more news: https://www.bikebristol.com/ne... continue through the summer
Get cycling this summer! Learn to Ride and Cycle Skills (on-the-road) lessons are filling up fast. See remaining slots at www.bikebristol.as.me
... the Sun!
Sam
Improvements to River Avon Trail
🌳The River Avon Trail🚴 is is finally going to see some important improvements to its weak link on the busy Conham Rd. "Suicide Corner" (as it's lovingly known!) is part of a short on road section on an otherwise safe family friendly quiet route to Chequers Pub and The Old Lock & Weir.
8/6/22
New Learn to Ride sessions announced
See upcoming dates at www.bikebristol.as.me
Council proposing to remove the cycle lanes along Whiteladies Rd.
The consultation closes on the 8th June. There is widespread concern that the plans will make cycling feel less safe on the route, which is heavily used, connecting residential areas, Clifton's busy shopping areas and the university.
The route is one of the LCWIP (Local Walking & Cycling Infrastructure Plan) and has been identified as an important corridor to sustainable travel.
The Cycling Campaign and cycling advocates are very worried about this proposal which seems to fly in the face of the need to provide safer cycling paths to achieve lower levels of driving.
The Bristol Cycling Campaign say "
To summarise our objections are:
- The consultation fails to recognise that removing the bike lanes will increase the danger to cyclists using the road, and does not propose any ways to reduce that risk.
- That the flood alleviation & pavement improvement can both be achieved without removing the cycle lanes.
- The “principle” of proposing to remove bike lanes having declared a climate emergency & net zero 2030 goal which requires more cycling not less.
We ask that this plan is rejected, and the designers go back to the drawing board. we say:
- Fully agree that the pavement by the trees is very uneven and needs to be made safe, this can be done by raising the level of the existing path above the tree roots & resurfacing.
- That the flood risk can be alleviated by upgrading the drains in the area to properly cope with extreme rainfall events and to maintain them regularly going forward.
- That the road is wide enough to retain the cycle lanes and that there is the potential to make them better protected and continuously connected along the road.
See the Cycling Campaign's response here:
https://www.bristolcycling.org...
May 2022
Speed limiters to be fitted to all new cars from 2022
Could this be the big change required to tackle speeding in Bristol? It seems drivers particularly struggle to stick to 20mph, which was supposed to make our residential streets much safer, except far too often it is ignored.
- From 6 July 2022, new cars will legally be required to be fitted with a speed limiter
- The EU led measure is likely to be adopted by the UK, with the new speed limiting rules taking affect, even after Brexit
- Drivers will be responsible for adhering to the speed limits but will receive audio and visual alarms if the speed limiter is broken.
"The technology, called Intelligent Speed Assistant (ISA) uses GPS data and/or traffic-sign-recognition cameras to determine the maximum speed allowed in an area. The system then limits the engine’s power and the vehicle’s speed to that limit."
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/c...
https://www.20splenty.org/what...
May 2022
The Cantii Way launched
A new 150 mile cycling route has been launched in Kent by Cycling UK - The Cantii Way!
The route uses as many traffic free paths and bridleways as possible and takes in the Kent Downs, coast, cliffs and beautiful villages. Perfect for touring and bikepacking.
Photo from Cycling UK https://www.cyclinguk.org/cant...
"Escape the tourist hotspots and seek out the back lanes, woodland trails and coastal cycle paths to join the dots between the many fascinating places that reveal the history and culture of the region.
When you need to refuel, the ‘Garden of England’ is also a haven for food and drink connoisseurs, with a wealth of local produce to sample, vineyards galore and the pointed white tops of hop-drying oast houses peeking through the trees.
As part of the European Regional Development Fund EXPERIENCE project, Cycling UK is working with the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to develop cycle hub locations across the county, with promoted routes which showcase the varied riding in the area. We’re supporting businesses to become accredited Cycle Friendly Places, so you know you’ll have great options for places to eat and stay."
Quoted from Cycling UK. Read more at https://www.cyclinguk.org/cant... May 2022
Maintenance course coming up on 19th June at St George Community Centre. See more here
27th May 2022
Sea Mills Repair Cafe has opened and is providing free bike safety checks and minor repairs to the community on 11th June and 9th July 10:00-12:00 at Sea Mills Methodist Church Hall. A 'Bike Doctor' will be on site provided by @Travelwest. The repair cafe will be a place residents can fix their bikes. The cafe is run with the support of Sea Mills and Coombe Dingle Together and Sea Mills and Coombe Dingle Climate Action Group
27th May 2022
Redcliffe Bridge to close for 10 weeks (and Bristol Bridge to re-open to all traffic)
Repairs will resume on Redcliffe Bascule Bridge, (the one between Queens Square and St Mary Redcliffe Church), in June 2022 with significant closures and diversions. Phase one will involve alternative footpath closures “with one side of the footpath available for pedestrians throughout this phase. “
Phase 2 will involve the closure of the whole bridge for 10 weeks “later in the summer” due to it needing to be in the upright position for repairs to the mechanism to take place.
Traffic, cyclists and pedestrians will be diverted to Bristol Bridge which will reopen to all traffic to accommodate the diversion (It is currently closed to private cars)
Phase three will involve further work requiring some lane closures but “Redcliffe Bascule Bridge will reopen to traffic and pedestrians.“ with work “expected to be completed early in 2023.
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/str...
See more on Bristol Council's website
"Why we’re repairing Redcliffe Bridge, why work stopped, and how long the repairs will take.
We’re restarting work to refurbish Redcliffe Bascule Bridge in June 2022.
It crosses the harbour from Redcliffe Way to Welsh Back (jpg, 4.3MB) (opens new window) . It’s expected to be completed early in 2023.
Why work stopped
Repairs were started in January 2021, but the contractor went into administration and ceased to trade.
We’re working with a new contractor to carry out the remaining works.
What the repairs will involve
The work will involve important structural, mechanical and electrical repairs to allow the bridge to open properly and let larger boats through.
It will also protect the structural integrity of the bridge, reducing the need for future repairs.
The work will be done in stages.
First stage of work
The first stage of works is due to start in June 2022.
During this stage of works there will be alternate pavement closures. One side of the pavement will always be open for pedestrians throughout this phase. The cycle lanes will remain open.
Second stage of works
The second stage of the works will start later in summer 2022.
This will include repairs to the machinery that opens and closes the bascule bridge.
The bridge will need to remain in the upright, open position while the work is carried out.
During this stage, the whole bridge will close to pedestrians and all traffic for about 10 weeks.
Throughout the second stage closure, people will be diverted across Bristol Bridge. This will temporarily allow access to all traffic while the repairs take place.
We’ll update this page with diversion routes nearer the time.
Further stages of works
Further stages of work will require some lane closures and temporary traffic signals, but Redcliffe Bascule Bridge will reopen to traffic and pedestrians."
26th May 2022
New £1.6m Chew Valley Trail opens for walking and cycling
A 2.7km trail has been opened allowing people to enjoy Chew Valley Lake on foot & bike! The route includes a new 840m pedestrian and cycle shared path.
Quoted from: West of England Comined Authaurity:
https://www.westofengland-ca.g...
" The project includes a new 840m off-road pedestrian and cycle shared use path running between Woodford Lodge and Walley Court Road. The path continues across the dam on a shared use walking and cycling route and then continues towards Bishop Sutton.
The project was funded by £1.1m from the West of England Combined Authority, a £507,000 grant from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and contributions from Bath & North East Somerset Council and Bristol Water, who own the reservoir.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “Nothing beats taking in the gorgeous views of Chew Valley Lake and the stunning countryside and wildlife surrounding it. There’s a reason it has long been a firm favourite for generations of local people. I’m so proud that a million-pound cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority I lead has helped fund this brand-new walking and cycling trail which I know so many people in our region are looking forward to using. I have no doubt this will ensure Chew Valley Lake remains a go-to spot in the West of England to roam and enjoy.”
The path was officially opened by Metro Mayor Dan Norris Bath & North East Somerset Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for Climate & Sustainable Travel, Councillor Sarah Warren, Bristol Water Chief Operating Officer Richard Price, and resident Bill Blyth who led a campaign to get a walking and cycling trail.
Bill Blyth said: “It is great to see the children at the opening event. It is important that they can use the Chew Valley Recreational Trail away from the road where they don’t have to worry about the traffic.”
Councillor Sarah Warren said: “This fantastic trail has been many years in the making and I’m delighted to see it open ahead of the summer for people to enjoy on foot or by bike. The new paths will mean many more people will be able to take in the stunning beauty of the Chew Valley Lake for generations to come. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make the project a reality.”
Mel Karam, Bristol Water CEO said: “Bristol Water is looking forward to welcoming more people to enjoy the beautiful Chew Valley Lake, thanks to the 2.7km trail that winds around the lake's northern section. The trail has the bonus of being near two places where you can stop off and refuel - The Woodford at Woodford Lodge and Salt and Malt at picnic area one. In addition to the trail, Bristol Water has also planted 40 trees and 454 metres of hedgerows were planted as part of the scheme to help house wildlife and provide a natural environment for visitors.”
https://www.westofengland-ca.g...