Stibasa - now far more rides

For the first time in years I've added a new page to www.stibasa.org.uk. It is to contain links to websites listing rides of which some are within reach of Barking, but that are not listed by date on stibasa (which will be because they are too numerous/frequent, or I haven't got around to it, or I didn't know). The link is near the top of the rides/events page (not in the menu, sorry).

At the moment, there are only two links, but I will try to add more - and you can help by submitting them to me.

To qualify, either a ride listed must pass near to Barking, or it must pass a point easy to get to from Barking (ie basically on a train line).

As always, if you plan to go on a ride, share the news, so that others can tag along. Make sure you meet the organising group's requirements - and it's probably best to contact the organiser, rather than just showing up.

No more posties on bikes?

http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=5391

CTC is running a campaign against the decision by Royal Mail to withdraw postal deliveries by bicycle.

Follow the link above to read more and see how you can support the campaign.

Right to ride to school

"All children should have the right to cycle to school.

There are many excellent programmes designed to promote cycling to children – such as Bikeability and CTC’s Bike Club.

But there remains a persistent problem - many children are unable to cycle to school because:

* they don’t know how
* their parents would rather drive them
* they don’t have anywhere to keep their bike
* their school actively discourages this mode of transportation

It is especially frustrating when children who have received Bikeability cycle training and whose parents are supportive of cycling are unable to cycle because their schools forbid them from bringing their bikes onto school grounds … or just forbid them outright.

In response to these concerns, CTC will be releasing a campaigning kit for families who want their children to be able to cycle to school despite opposition from head teachers and/or governors. "

Veloroutes

http://veloroutes.org/bikemaps/?route=38512

This digital mapping site was tipped in August/September 2009's 'Cycle', CTC's magazine. It's built on the ubiquitous Google maps and looks not unlike bikely, that I think I've mentioned here before. The writer of the letter says it's "American based but covers the UK too". There are too many of these route recording sites, but that doesn't mean this one isn't good.

The specific route I've linked to starts in Creekmouth, Barking, but appears to cross the river there - where there is no means to do so. It then zig zags all over the shop.

CTC benchmarking case studies

See http://www.ctc.org.uk/Default.aspx?TabID=4501#B&D for a set of short case studies about some things B&D council is doing to promote cycling in the borough.

You can fix it

From CTC's newsletter:

"With the end of summer fast approaching, bike maintenance becomes more of an issue. But If fiddling and fettling with oily parts is not your favourite way of spending the dark evenings, you will be surprised to hear that a new report cites mending a bicycle as one of the main ways of improving mental wellbeing. For more information, see http://www.foresight.gov.uk/OurWork/ActiveProjects/Mental%20Capital/Welcome.asp. We want your best roadside and trailside bike repair tips for an article in the next issue of Cycle. Send your suggestions to technical@ctc.org.uk. Remember: the emphasis is on things that go wrong – and can be fixed – when you’re out riding, not home workshop stuff

Surveys from CTC

The Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC) has two surveys on the go. One is a member survey, with a prize draw of £200. The other is a road hazards survey with a prize draw of £100 (voucher) - an update of the 1984 survey on the same subject.