pothole summer 2007

Highway Code Cracked

Following intense lobbying by welcome.” March 2007: thousands of cyclists and a high- Rule 61: Cycle Facilities. Original These are marked by a white line bike week profile campaign by CTC the wording laid before Parliament in (which may be broken) along the Government has agreed to amend March 2007: carriageway (see Rule 140). Keep 16th 24th June the Highway Code to improve Use cycle routes and cycle facili- within the lane wherever possible. for more info go to cyclists’ safety and to encourage ties such as advanced stop lines, The DfT is now proposing: These drivers to take more care around cycle boxes and toucan crossings are marked by a white line (which www.bikeweek.org.uk vulnerable road users. whenever possible, as they can may be broken) along the car- In total over 40 rules in the High- make your journey safer. riageway. When using a cycle lane, way Code have been changed to The DfT is now proposing: Use keep within the lane when practi- The Great Manchester the benefit of cyclists and will cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cable. When leaving a cycle lane Cycling Campaign meets come into effect this summer. On cycle boxes and toucan crossings check before pulling out that it is hearing the news, CTC Director, unless at the time it is unsafe to safe to do so and signal your on the second Monday of Kevin Mayne, said: “The pro- do so. Use of these facilities is intention clearly to other road each month, 7.30pm at posed wording now makes it clear not compulsory and will depend users. Use of these facilities is not the Friends Meeting beyond all doubt that cyclists are on your experience and skills, but compulsory and will depend on House, Mount Street, not obliged to use cycle facilities they can make your journey safer. your experience and skills, but Manchester, Followed by where it would be unsafe to do so. Rule 63: Cycle Lanes. Original they can make your journey safer This is highly significant and very wording laid before Parliament in appropriate beverages at Wetherspoons (smoke- free) pub on Princess Street opposite Town Hall/Tourist Information Centre. Clean air and real ale at £1.38 a pint.

It’s not really news, but the chance to have this kind of bike bling on the front page couldn’t Love Your Bike – One Year On be missed. This little beauty was seen at the CCN do in Derby, Friends of the Earth marked the workplace. Only 2 in 10 cited bad more details on page 7 first anniversary of the launch of weather as the reason why they It is a collaboration between the Love Your Bike campaign on don't cycle. designer Paul Smith who it turns 30 March with 4 rides from Why I don’t cycle to work: out has always been a keen cyclist Chorlton, Withington, Traffic levels are too high: 51%, and Mercian cycles - sadly this Levenshulme and Prestwich No safe route for cycling to work: little track number will set you culminating at Albert Square. 100 46% back a mere £2,800 so this pic- cyclists were met by Cllr Neil No changing/showering facilities ture may be as close as you get to Swannick, Executive Member for at work: 29% one. the Environment charged with Too rainy/windy/cold: 20% making Manchester the “Greenest Not fit enough: 18% City in Britain”. Graeme Sherriff It's too far: 17%, of FoE presented Neil with No secure bike parking at work: Stepping Up a Gear, a report 8% summarising a year of LYB and Takes too long: 8% the findings of a survey of people who don't currently cycle to work. The message for Cllr Swannick Half of the respondents reckon and his counterparts throughout that there's too much traffic on Greater Manchester is clear: the roads, and a similar number cyclists need improved cycle lanes, don't cycle to work because of the safer junctions, quality bike park- lack of safe routes for cycling. ing, more consideration from Employers can do more to en- other road users, better integra- courage cycling, as 3 in 10 com- tion and access to public trans- plain about the lack of facilities port. www.loveyourbike.org for freshening up in the 1 Planes, Trains and Bikes……………

Vincent Walsh leaves a small carbon station. NR intends to develop footprint at Manchester Airport Eco-Stations pioneered in Lanca- shire offering bike hire and main- Armed with a free rail pass the tenance. On board, NR do not day began inauspiciously with the impose a blanket ban on bike cancellation of my Northern Rail carriage at rush hour but allow train from Mauldeth Road. My conductors discretion to carry a destination, Manchester Airport minimum of two bikes and a for the launch of the Cycling maximum of four at all times. Strategy – for Northern Rail. Class 321 electric trains offer two Twenty minutes later I was sprint- pairs of double spaces. The new ing through the interminable Pacer stock will provide flexible Terminal 2 to the Atlantic Suite, space. There are no advance my bike secure to a Sheffield reservations. The bike section will Stand outside the Cycle Centre. be clearly signed on the inside and outside of all trains. Rail staff are Northern Rail manages 471 sta- encouraged to cycle to work with tions in the north and the East the assistance of a low cost pur- Midlands and runs 20 per cent of chase scheme. Storage is available British railways under an 8-year for NR office workers based at franchise until 2013. They handle their York headquarters. 75 million passengers each year with numbers increasing by 20 per David Robinson recognised that cent in 2006. Part-owned by NR had inherited a mixed bag of Netherlands Railways where one rolling stock but urged covered third of passengers arrive at a bike racks and clear train signage. station by bike, NR’s interest in As CTC North West Councillor, cycling is not purely green but based in Chester, David reiterated driven by the bottom line. “Many the CTC call for a minimum of 4 trains are full at peak time and the places on existing stock and 6 on demand for car parking is not new stock. He noted that other sustainable. There are commercial TOCs are less cycle-friendly, opportunities to grow our busi- particularly “the wretched ness by encouraging more people Pendolino” beloved of Virgin. to cycle to our stations, ” declared Commercial Director, Jo North. Northern is keen to boost busi- ness through cycle tourism by Sustrans Director John Grimshaw promoting bike trails close to arrived breathless from surveying stations, signing links to the NCN, NCN Route 6 in Bury to con- selling packages of single ticket gratulate NR on their break- plus bike hire and strengthening through document. “The home to links with Community Rail Part- station journey is hugely impor- nerships such as the Penistone tant. I urge all Train Operating Line. Discounted rents will be Companies to stop investing in offered to social enterprises car parks and instead embrace the wishing to establish bike hire in Safe Routes to Stations pro- station premises. The Caldervale gramme.” Allegedly, the Chair of Line (Manchester Victoria – Chiltern Railways owns five Range Halifax – Bradford – Leeds) will Rovers and bans bikes at Bicester be a Cycle Route of Excellence. station fearing they will scratch Full of free buffet, my return rail parked cars. “In contrast, North- journey was smoother, accompa- ern stations can be beacons of nied by a couple on their last leg good practice, a foundation for home to Bolton with a tandem our Connect2 Lottery bid which which had carried them over the will be decided by public vote Andes. Room enough for all our later in the year,” said JG. bikes – but not their giant carbon footprint. P.S. A Tale of Two (non-North- Station Approach or obscure The NR strategy has several ern) Stations covered darkness on Fairfield elements. A Cycle Users Forum The 16-page Strategy document is Manchester Piccadilly and Shef- Street. Across the Pennines the meets three times a year at Hud- a good succinct read and available field are separated by only 40 Midland Mainline managed Shef- dersfield, Safe Routes to Stations from Head of Government and minutes but light years in terms field station provides plenty of will be signed, “Welcome to Community Strategies of their support for cycling park- covered platform parking. Outside Cyclists” maps will be issued from [email protected] ing. At Manchester, managed by a spectacular fountain-lined con- trial locations, storage will be a Network Rail not a Train Operat- course offers a traffic-free ride mixture of Sheffield stands, What are your cycling experiences ing Company, you can choose into the city centre. lockers, compounds and CCTV of Northern Rail? Email: between windswept exposure on depending on the size of the [email protected]

2 27 April 2007 be reminded of the law regarding John Wayne aka Richard Alderson Dear Stagecoach cycle lanes. In addition please At 14 40 hrs today the 15 bus reg confirm you will be arranging rides shotgun with Stagecoach 15 T 178 MVM passed dangerously additional eye tests for this driver. close to me twice on the B5214 Richard Alderson Crofts Bank Road in Urmston. I challenged the driver who did not 3 May 2007 deny passing very close, respond- “Dear Mr Alderson,“I regret that ing that I should be in the cycle you have cause to complain about lane. I tried to explain that there the actions of one of my drivers are many reasons why it is impos- and offer my apologies for the sible or dangerous for a cyclist to obvious concern caused. We will always use a cycle lane. This one trace the driver involved and he was blocked at many points along will be interviewed regarding this the road by parked cars (see matter. We will impress on him photo). At the speed I was travel- how vital it is to ensure that his ling (20 mph) it was appropriate driving is to the standard de- and legal for me to maintain a manded by Stagecoach at all times. road position to avoid weaving All our staff receive extensive 4 May 2007 9 May 2007 and discourage dangerous over- training and thankfully complaints “Chris“I am glad that you are “Dear Mr Alderson, “I am in taking. of this nature are very rare. As a taking this matter seriously. How- receipt of your recent e-mails It is inexcusable and disrespectful precautionary measure, I also ever I have a couple of concerns. regarding our driver training for your driver to risk injury to intend to arrange for a plain- You state that staff receive exten- programme. All of our drivers vulnerable road users in this way. clothes Company driving exam- sive training. Is this regular and have to complete an extensive The incident shows serious short- iner to monitor the driving stand- examinable with minimum stand- training programme when they comings in the driver’s compe- ards of the staff concerned in the ards? Are they routinely re-tested? commence employment with the tence and professionalism. Please near future.“Chris Icely“Depot In Manchester we can learn from Company. Training is a continu- assure me that all your drivers will Operations Manager.“ other areas. Warrington Cycle ous process throughout their Campaign has collaborated suc- employment. All have to com- cessfully with Warrington Bor- plete NVQ qualifications. Drivers ough Transport. Log onto are also continually assessed by www.warringtoncyclecampaign.co.uk mystery shoppers, these being to download the leaflet Bus Driv- Stagecoach officials travelling on ers and Cyclists in Harmony. This random services. If we have any would be an excellent addition to concerns then the driver will be your safety awareness training. assessed by a qualified examiner. Richard “We will take on board(sic) your comments regarding the Warrington Cycle Campaign. “Chris Icely “

Ian Shortman was relaxing briefly pair of lungs - and camp for two in some March sunshine at the weeks. “Every day is different. Is it a bird? Is it back of the Midland Hotel. There Last week I was treating people a plane? No, it’s a were still eight hours left of his blown over in the gales,” he said. twelve-hour shift as a paramedic Like other emergency vehicles Ian pedalling patrolling Manchester city centre. is permitted to jump red lights but paramedic………… During quiet periods Ian retreats his ear-splitting sirens will ensure into a corner of GMEX – prefer- no one dares to bar his way. able to McDonalds where his “Unlike a motorised ambulance presence alarms the cholesterol- drugs are not carried on the bike heavy customers. for security reasons.”

Ian rode ambulances for many Currently the only other Greater years before he was offered the Manchester town centre covered opportunity to train as a pedalling by a cycling paramedic is Bolton paramedic in York. “I cannot take where the initiative took time to my bike home but collect it at the be accepted. “My counterpart was start of each shift from the sta- dashing to a call through the tion close to Manchester Royal precinct when he was ordered to Infirmary. I work three days on, dismount by an over-zealous then another paramedic takes traffic warden. He ignored the over.” Appropriately Ian has warning and kept going.” occasionally sought urgent me- chanical assistance from Bicycle Being a registered nurse I was Doctor. hopeful of riding shotgun with Ian on one of his shifts. However In his four panniers Ian has his manager rejected my request, enough equipment to deliver a perhaps doubting my ability to baby, re-start a heart, oxygenate a keep up with him.

3 Car-Free, Care-Free but not Child-Free. Vincent Walsh wrote: Chris Jones wrote: drive...(sorry) that I hired a man and a van to Yesterday (30 April ) we were I have been sans car for about two Personally I think the ideal would move house from London to towed back from Staffordshire...... years now and find it good and be grouping together with four Greater Manchester in November Our 1992 Nissan Supreme is bad. Good because I feel healthy others and getting a car between which cost £270. Owning a tan- terminally ill, needs a new clutch/ and like I am doing the right you - one week each, split bills. dem has been useful for carrying body and is due to meet its Maker thing, but bad as it’s expensive to Just got to find four people in the occasional lightweight big (in Japan). Do not intend to hire cars (I know over the year it’s similar circumstances and not fall item. I just strap the item to the replace it. We both commute by cheaper but it’s just a shock as you out when the clutch goes... back of the frame and ride like I bike and clock up less than 5000 hand over the readies - budget Charlotte Bathurst wrote: was riding a solo bike. I travel by motoring miles per year - mainly £100 per weekend) I have not had I know of a few websites where train everywhere more than ten on holidays and trips to much joy with car clubs as they you can advertise for lifts needed miles and by bike for journeys less relatives. Would welcome advice seem just as expensive as car hire but have never used them in the than ten miles (the vast majority and personal experiences on car but more restrictive. Supermarket UK. I've recently moved to Van- of journeys). On my town bike I sharing and car clubs. The Future shops are few and far between couver and there is a really good have low rider front racks in is bright, the future is Car- which is again good but more website here called Craig's List addition to the rear pannier rack. where people are always looking This means four panniers carrying for and offering lifts. We've used it eight bags of shopping. With a few times and have never been supermarkets open all day/night it let down. We're at the stage where is easy to shop. Yes, it really is we really would like a car for very easy to live without a car - weekends as public transport is despite what car owners will tell horrendous anywhere outside of you. cities in British Columbia but we John Broderick wrote:“I've never are loathe to buy a car to leave it looked back from car non-owner- sat outside our house five days a ship since Enterprise rental week whilst we cycle to work. started their (permanent) weekend We've just started putting feelers specials - £12 per day for a smart out to see if there are any families new Corsa www.enterprise.co.uk who have a second car that is just I've also seen that WhizzGo have used during the week by a parent cars stationed in Manchester now, commuting to work, and then is although I've never used them. just sat unused outside the house Good for short periods but more at the weekend when all the family expensive for a weekend. Not sure use the first car. DfT have pub- how much either would cost for a lished a few papers: http:// longer holiday however.“Michael Free....????? expensive. I work long hours and www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/ wrote: Oli Lougheed wrote: can rarely get to proper shops. roads/planning/ Do either of them offer cars that The car club running in the city at Weekends - they are the kicker for promotingcarsharingandcarclu6188 run on biodiesel or are otherwise the moment is a superb service, me/us - no more camping in Alex Bailey wrote: (a bit) green??? One would hope not cheap for long weekends away Wales, trips to nice pubs... That “No experience of car sharing or that WhizzGo does but I can't see but great for occasional runs to said I have discovered Edale (I clubs but I’m sure others will it mentioned on their website. supermarkets, DIY. ride back, get train out) and we have. Though I have a drivers John Broderick wrote: www.whizzgo.co.uk For longer are making more of Manchester. I licence (of which I am proud) I I don't think either do especially, weekends away requiring a car I recommend hiring the small vans have never owned a car (of which but the small cars on offer are use Salford Van Hire- you can that Salford Van Hire rents rather I am proud).“I use a taxi when I pretty green - especially if they're usually haggle a price for a small than cars - they are less fussy than have something really heavy to substituting for an older, larger, estate that fits four people and others about minor scratches so I transport, though I could and poorly maintained vehicle. Driver four bikes at around £60 a week- don't pay the extra ££ insurance might get a bike trailer. I once behaviour also has substantial end “ waiver, diesel so fairly hired a car to visit relatives at influence on efficiency. Here's economical and fun to Christmas time (clocked up about some interesting work on the 1000 miles in a week). Other than benefits of reduced motorway

Pictures :A participants artwork for a bike flag to promote the Bike IT scheme and Cycle Derby’s marketing.

4 speeds by Aberdeen University Charlotte Bathurst wrote: Printed bus timetables and public holds have two, three or even four http:// One other which has literally just transport maps are available at cars – witness the number of environment.guardian.co.uk/ arrived in Vancouver is zipcar.com libraries and travel shops. front gardens that are being travel/story/ which is also in other cities in the GMPTE also offer a Journey tarmacced. 0,,1929658,00.html“On 2 May US as well as London. Much to Planner phone helpline 0870 608 A good source of information on Vincent Walsh wrote: our delight we could use a Van- 2 608 or a website: http:// the cost of motoring is an AA Thanks for all the advice about couver membership to hire cars in nw.aimwebsites.co.uk/ I logged website: living without four motorised any of these cities which is per- on, typing in my journey day/ http://www.theaa.com/ wheels parked permanently out- fect for us considering how far hour plus home and destination allaboutcars/advice/ side the front door. We are leaning our families our spread and the postcodes. I was provided bus advice_rcosts_petrol_table.jsp towards trialling WhizzGo for need to escape when visiting times, plus an allowance for walk- The annual running cost of most occasional daily runs and car hire them. Doesn't look like they are ing between the two stops. The cars (including depreciation) is a for hols. Neglected to mention in Manchester yet, but probably outward journey on buses 53 and minimum £2000 – before you add that the "we" includes two 3-year- worth keeping an eye on 219 in mid-afternoon was smooth fuel. We anticipate using the car old girls who are not yet addicted and as predicted in 50 minutes. 20 per cent of the time – there- to private motorised transport. So what happened next………? Therefore I would welcome any Enterprise offers a 72-hour week- Traditional Car Hire WhizzGo Car Club additional insights from car-free end Corsa deal for £42. Too good www.enterprise.co.uk www.whizzgo.co.uk families.“Polly Low wrote: to be true? Yes. They do give you No membership (returna £25 for Smart Card I'll be interested to hear how a lift from home to their garage in Joining Fee deposit of £100) (returnable deposit of £125) things work out with WhizzGo, Ancoats but when you arrive you Minimum period o since I'm thinking of signing up are invited to pay £10 extra per hire 24 hours Hour myself when I get back to the day or face an insurance excess of Basic 24 hour UK. I've had an excellent experi- £600. Despite an excellent no- charge £14 (special weekend offer)£33 (includes 60 miles fre ence using the car-sharing scheme claims record I coughed up – Fuel Add your own Included in overall charges here in Washington DC: the firm increasing the weekend cost to Mileage AllowanceNone 60 miles free per day here is zipcar.com (who've made it £72. (Fuel for 300 miles added Initial Access t over the Atlantic, but only as far £20). Vehicle Office hours 24 hour access as London). They have a massive Car Clubs are widespread in Normal Insurance number and range of cars (includ- North America. Here they are Excess £600 £250 ing hybrid 'Prius' models to keep growing. WhizzGo has centres in Breakdown Cover Roadside recovery Roadside recovery things more eco-friendly; people London, Leeds, Liverpool, York, Extra Driver £7 per day Single £15 payment carriers for times when the whole Southampton and Brighton. Their Company collect/deliver hirMake your own way to on-s family's on the move; trucks strap line is “the easy alternative Collecting vehicle home address collection point because Americans like driving to car ownership – a car when you trucks...) -- one thing the want one.” The return was problematic in the fore will contribute one fifth of WhizzGo site seems coy about is Comparisons are difficult because rush hour taking 80 minutes, the total and add our own fuel. exactly how many cars they've put the overall charges include fuel including a wait for 20 minutes The owner remains responsible at each of their locations. Hope whereas with traditional car hire beside Alan Turing Way. No for maintenance arrangements. the experiment turns out you add your own. With Pay as shelter, no rain (fortunately) the Clearly the lack of a car continu- well!“Alix Otten wrote: You Go an hourly rate of £4.95 girls amused themselves blowing ously on the doorstep stifles some All the best for your car free gives you 30 free miles per day, dandelion clocks. By car it would forms of spontaneity. We will future and just to add that I never sign up to a package of £25 per have been 20 minutes. The cost: need to sit down with our sharer had a car but we had good holi- month and get 60 miles per day two Day Savers totalling £7.40 to plan weekends away and holi- days. I used to take mine cycling for each hiring. The table is a (the children went free.). days but these problems are not in Derbyshire and Yorkshire crude attempt to summarise the As the email discussion suggested insurmountable. The car owner Dales, staying at youth hostels. features of each option. the best option is to come to an will benefit financially and we will Not at age 3 admittedly. If you Three days after our Enterprise informal agreement with a neigh- not be totally reliant on commer- find a good place like the seaside weekend the family travelled from bour or friend who does not need cial car hire and the vagaries of you don’t need to travel about that Rusholme to Ashton-under-Lyne. (one of their) cars every hour/day public transport. Yes, the future is much. of the year. Increasingly house- bright, not orange but green………………. Tomorrows Cyclists GMCC sent one of its younger In the morning, Bella Stewart of initiatives in Leicester including In the afternoon Helen Ross (under 50) members to attend the Cycle Derby reported on the BMX demonstrations in the Public Health Development Cycle Campaign Network spring progress of Derby as a Cycle forecourt of a local cinema ac- Manager from Derby Primary conference where the theme was Demonstration town, focussing companying screenings of the Care Trust delivered a presenta- getting young people onto their on teenagers cycling to school. film BMX Bandits. He also spoke tion on the health benefits of bikes. Alex Bayfield reports from Bike It Officer Dave Clasby about Leicester's work with pro- cycling and John Stubbs of Not- Derby continued with great passion in fessional photographers to build tingham University Geography the same vein. Next year’s plan is up an image archive showing department reminded us of the This twice-yearly gathering of UK to encourage more of Derby's 16- contemporary cycling. The morn- need to direct cycle campaigns cycle campaign groups serves as a 25 year olds onto their bikes with ing concluded with talks from towards car users. The confer- morale booster to keep them midnight rides, cycle dating and Bike IT co-ordinator Mike Madin ence closed with a short talk by campaigning for the next six lomography among their cam- and from Bicycology, a radical CTC's Roger Geffen stressing the months inspired by ideas sharing paign ideas. grass-roots campaign who last importance of challenging the and discussion. Andy Salkeld described cycling year “cycled from London to proposed new Highway Code. Lancaster.

5 Vincent Walsh gets into Bed with EBC – just another bike shop?

classes ABC 1 (posher people). ising existing relationships.”““Chris Trueblood Alex Bayfield was promoted from is also wary, “I attended the Mar- Leeds to run the new Manchester keting Cycling conference at operation. His daily commute is Bolton. EBC had a slick stand, the heroic - suburban Yeadon to medium is the massage with their Leeds Central and onwards to products. The revolution may not Piccadilly – his bike accompany- be motorised but there are con- ing him all the way. He sees little flicting agendas. Will their cham- of his new baby son and is con- pagne opening move cyclists into sidering relocating to Hudders- social or political action? ““““No, field. One of his staff cycles in no, no” was Doug Briggs re- from Walkden, another walks sponse to EBC’ s request to take downstairs from his Opal flat out an advert in Pothole. above the shop. Is all cycling good cycling - and The arrival of EBC in our midst always and everywhere to be has not been universally wel- encouraged? Even those spon- comed in the cycling fraternity. sored charity rides from Manches- chester - sadly no other teachers Unlike other local bike shops ter to Liverpool, London to Bonnie Prince Charlie reached followed his example. As Promo- EBC do not give discount to Brighton, Machu Picchu to Lima Derby the last time the Scots tions and Marketing Manager members of bike-minded organi- where motorists drive to the start invaded England in 1745. It looks Kate was at the Rusholme store, sations either local or national. and end point with bikes on their likely that the latest Celtic incur- overseeing the birth of the new Instead they offer a one-off single roof racks? Retailers assure me sion will sweep towards the capital EBC baby. She explained the co- 20 per cent discount on purchases that all this razzmatazz generates of the (currently) United King- operative nature of EBC, “The 66 made in the first two months of greater bike sales - but more dom. Last year it was Leeds, this staff are equal members. On the operation. Kate chooses to spend cycling? Evidence shows that the year Manchester, in the growing first anniversary of joining the her promotional budget on high percentage of all UK journeys empire of the Edinburgh Bicycle organisation, employees receive a profile events such as the Greater made by bike is falling - despite Co-operative, established in 1977. share in the business which enti- Manchester Youth Games and sheds, cellars and garages bursting EBC claims the biggest bike tles them to receive an equal slice summer camps in deprived parts with bikes. Some purchases are shops in all its five cities – the of the annual dividend.” For co- of the conurbation. made by parents. Our parks are others being Aberdeen and New- operative, do not read Marxist, full of children on bikes with castle plus its home base. “Pay reflects market rates and the “If we get too close to them, are stabilisers wearing helmets. How Why not Glasgow? “It would be need to recruit and retain staff.” we perhaps risking upsetting the meaningful/useful to our cause like the Pope opening a rosary Opening on the first day of spring bike shops that do give dis- are these children cycling across shop on Belfast’s Shankhill Road,” 21 March the Rusholme store had counts?” Ted Lawson warns. “An grass overseen by nervous par- explained a helpful Scot. 6000 visitors in three days, Edin- organisation doesn't get to EBC's ents? Will they grow up to cycle burgh needed a week to record size without being very commer- to school, to work?““How can the Kate Webster is a Bolton lass that many. EBC claim to occupy a cially minded. It can be useful to Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative from a strong biking background. niche in the market between have a big friend, but if we col- aid campaigners efforts to make Her retired father cycled to work Halfords and the traditional laborate with them, we have to the roads of Greater Manchester as a Head Teacher in North Man- corner bike shop targeting social make sure that we're not jeopard- more attractive for (new) cyclists?

Then I set off for Waterloo and the the Gare d'Austerlitz from which first leg of my trip to Barcelona and the sleeper to Barcelona was leaving the Brompton World Champion- at 8pm. Then I rode around the ship 2007. It had been a frustrating middle of Paris, along the Seine, morning. The Hayward Gallery was here and there, looking at the sights closed, as was the recommended and enjoying the bike lanes. They veggie restaurant. At least the South are continuous and largely ignored Bank had been in brilliant sunshine. by pedestrians, although when I did Boarding the train was not quite the ring my bell and say "Attention stress fest that it had been the velo", they did immediately get out Christmas before, when hundreds of my way and apologise. It helped of fog bound would-be flyers that I was in holiday mode and that descended on the Eurostar at the Paris was quite vernal that day. last minute and the train left 45 There are lots of cyclists in Paris. minutes late. I discovered to my They often ride horrid old delight that I was the man in seat boneshakers and wear really elegant Barca by Brompton It wasn't easy to find the race. The 61. (See below) There were two clothes. In my three-piece suit and website had a "map", but when you posh blokes in front of me who tie, the required get up for the clicked you got a row of numbers. were practising up their French in Brompton race, I felt like part of Google wasn't much help. I rang preparation for a daring raid on the scenery. Brompton and they gave me a Paris bars after the rugby match. The sleeper was quite comfy but number, which I texted. We got to Paris on time and I found overheated and I had a headache. I

6 being experienced, while those entirely different. Our customers clocks up 40 km each day com- newly recruited are learning on like something distinctive.” muting from his Royton home. the job. Refreshingly, we're not on Staff headhunted from Harry Hall commission so there's no hard are rumoured to be already disillu- There’s a pleasing irony that EBC sell. The workshop is particularly sioned. has set up shop in a former Jaguar good - we're willing to work on showroom. Can we look forward bikes bought elsewhere or fit While EBC boasts its lack of car in South Manchester to a Bicycle components provided by the parking Bike Doc is happy to Kilometre to match Curry Mile? customer. The favoured way of offer customers the chance to Rob Raikes hopes so, having expansion for EBC seems to be to park at the front door. Having counted six bike shops within a take over an existing local bike doubled shop size in 1994 Bike one-mile stretch of a Copenhagen shop. One of our senior manag- Doc has no plans for further street. ers told me that competitors' expansion nor to open on the incomes have risen in all previous traditional day of rest, “Sundays As Ms Webster ran to catch her EBC expansions. Those in Man- are made for cycling not selling” lift back to Scotland she promised chester that resisted EBC ad- was the chorus. Unlike EBC the an invitation to the posh Man- vances are obviously confident Docs do not offer mail/web order chester opening, “Cup cakes about the future.” but their website acts as a shop washed down with champagne, window attracting visiting custom- balloons for every bairn, meet Rod King has direct experience of At about the same time Tony Blair ers from all over the northwest. Jason Queally.” Where next for EBC, “I used them whilst doing was announcing to the Frinton Contrary to popular belief the Kate? Will EBC arrive in London the End to End in 1997 and Labour Club that ten years was doctors are not all Chorltonites. before the Olympics? “Let’s say certainly rate them as an excellent long enough in Downing Street Some cycle further than the EBC 2017”, she replied cautiously. shop. At the same time I am Robbie was leaning across the staff. Record holder is Rich who rather concerned at their market- counter at 68 Dickenson Road ing. Looking at their catalogue I declaring, “I will go on and note that of the 60 photos of on…….” Robbie is a founder people cycling, every one of them member of Bicycle Doctor, the is wearing a cycle helmet. Most workers co-operative established are young, fit and healthy. I am in the cellar of a Rusholme com- not sure that this is the right mune in 1981 by Rob Raikes. The approach to promoting "Cycling membership of the collective has for All". Whilst targeting those changed over the decades. Bike most likely to spend a fair amount Doctor’s monopoly as the only of money on a bike, it may be co-op in Manchester has now counter-productive to the devel- been ended by the arrival of EBC opment of cycling as a transport alternative for all.” Quizzed on the impact of their new big brash neighbour the Our mole at EBC gave a view doctors were circumspect, “Too from the shop floor, “Staff early to say, another bike shop is knowledge is mixed, with those not a bad thing. It may grow the brought in from other stores general business. Their style is

swallowed two paracetamol and breakfasted was not looking so the "race", all wearing jackets and whole bottle and slept like a plank, booked myself quickly onto the good, especially as I opted for the ties, some more exotically attired. proper coffee & croissant in the bar first sitting for dinner. I sat with an dining car breakfast, which though Some were obviously in earnest, before Paris. After more bicycle English couple and a Spaniard who fairly generous, was accompanied with shorts and cycling shoes. exploration, I got the train to Lon- spoke no English. We used up our by the sort of coffee the French call Others less so, nursing hangovers don, where I had time to go to Tate four and a half words of Spanish in "café noir"or "jus de chaussette". from the previous night's Modern and "do" the Karsten polite conventionalities and then (Sock juice) hospitalities. Someone said "go" Holler slides and the Gilbert & got on with our meal in English. Nobody seemed to know quite and we all went, off round the 1km George exhibition, before the train There was a white table cloth, lots where Barcelona Francia station or so circuit, then they said "stop" to Manchester. of knives and forks and glasses and was in relation to the rest of the and "that was a practise lap" and I certainly could have saved a lot of the food was not half bad. I hoped city, but when I got out onto the then we did it properly. My aim to money by flying and staying one that half a bottle of Rioja and a street, a lady pointed out the way to be the picture of elegant insouci- day, but I enjoyed the whole trip. I brandy on top of the beer I had the Rambla, which was not very far ance evaporated when there were felt as if I had actually travelled. I had before dinner would settle me away, especially on a bike. I dumped people to race. I went for it and had didn't have to worry about what the for the night. Unfortunately they my bag at the hostel and got direc- a good time. I didn't do particularly airport baggage handlers were didn't. It seems that the money has tions to the Avenida Diagonal at the well, but not that badly either. doing to my bike. I didn't have to gone on the TGV in France at the end of which the race was to take Afterwards the people I rode down spend any time at all in airports. I expense of track maintenance and place. On my way I ran into some with invited me to join them for a will do it again. the train wobbled through the Brompton riders, guessed they were drink and we spent a nice hour Train info from The Man in Seat 61 night, making it very difficult to racing too and rode down with chatting over beer, crisps and olives. www.seat61.com sleep. My cunning masterplan of them. I had the rest of Saturday and all of Rob Raikes arriving in Barca, refreshed and There were 170 or so participants in Sunday until the train back. I had a

7 Bike Shops offering discounts to GMCC members A1 Cycle Spares - 0161 998 2882 414-416 Palatine Road, Northenden A6 Cycle Warehouse, 0161 248 5400 752-762 Stockport Road, Longsight Altrincham Bike Shak 0161 929 9355 10 Oakfield Trading Estate, Oakfield Rd Bardsleys Cycles 0161 432 4936 482 Manchester Road, Stockport Bicycle Doctor MCR Dropouts Bike Polo Team Library). Everyone welcome to 0161 224 1303 “are a random group of cyclists come along to any practice! 68-70 Dickenson Road, Rusholme that like to ride around in Platt Photos show the training session www.bicycledoctor.co.uk Fields Park after a small football in March prior to Manchester Eddie McGrath Cycles, occasionally whacking it through Dropouts taking on Oxford on 14 0161 748 2733 the other teams goal and often April (result unknown). The 31 Station Road, Urmston, crashing into each other or just Bicycle Polo matches were part of Trafford falling over ourselves. We play at I bike Manchester an annual Hirts Cycles Platt Fields twice a week: Wednes- exhibition and festival to celebrate 0161 794 2000 days at 6pm and Saturdays at the bicycle in Manchester organ- 60-62 Chorley Road, Swinton, 2pm, in the pitch behind the ised by cyclists for cyclists. This Salford basketball courts. We also have an year was the first ever and took Ken Foster’s Cycle Logic open practice after Critical Mass place from Friday 30th March to 0161 881 7160 (CM meets at 6pm every last Friday 20th April 2007 374-6 Barlow Moor Road, Friday of the month at Central www.ibikemcr.org.uk Chorlton www.kenfosterscyclelogic.co.uk Manchester Cycle Exchange 0161 748 2532 1 Brook Terrace Barton Road Davy Hulme Bennetts 0161 969 1818 172-4 Northenden Road, Sale Moor NW Mountain Bike Centre ideal wear on a 0161 428 3311 summers evening 249 Stockport Road, Cheadle Skidmores Cycles too... 0161 624 5912 the gmcc gilet 37 Union Street, Oldham Withington Cycles The GMCC’s answer to someone range from small to extra large (I’m flurorescent orange fabric with 0161 445 3492 that wants to be seen for all the a 40” chest and the large fits reflective strips front back and sides 26 Burton Road, Withington right reasons - its own bespoke comfortbaly over a denim jacket). with a mesh rear panel beneath a designed, Manchester made gilet They can also be ordered by e- removable rear panel. It’ll keep you and is still available among others mailing your details to quite dry when raining and keep a Pothole is the newsletter of the from Will’s Wheels, Harry Halls, [email protected]. The gilet is bit of heat in on the way home at Greater Manchester Cycling and Bicycle Doctor of course. Sizes made out of breathable waterproof dusk over a T-shirt . Campaign. Although the views expressed herein are not local authority contacts necessarily those of the GMAuthority Contact Phone Email GMCC BOLTON Graham Langley 01204 336114 [email protected] BURY Chris Wilkinson 0161 253 5269 [email protected] MANCHESTER Lisa Houghton 0161 234 3562 [email protected] contacts: OLDHAM Paul Bruffell 0161 770 4360 [email protected] ROCHDALE Howard Gott 01706 922019 [email protected] The Editor via: SALFORD Darren Findley 0161 793 3849 [email protected] [email protected], STOCKPORT Don Naylor 0161 474 4593 [email protected] Hon Secretary via: TAMESIDE Chijioke Ebizie 0161 342 3906 [email protected] [email protected] or TRAFFORD Rose Featherby 0161 912 1462 [email protected] WIGAN Damian Garner 01942 404061 [email protected] telephone 0161-224-3843.

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