The Times newspaper cycle campaign

Just a quick post to let those who don't already know about The Times Newspaper cycle campaign. After one of their own journalists was hit a few months ago (she is still in a coma).

To get a major broadsheet behind a campaign offers a major opportunity (rather than us Bloggers writing articles only really read by the already converted cyclist) offers an incredible opportunity. Politicians will take notice. For Londoners it is doubly important as we have mayoral elections taking place, so the candidates will be forced to move cycling at it's safety further up the agenda.

If you have not done so already, I strongly advise you to sign up to the campaign and also use the link on the same page to write a quick note to your local M.P. to get them to support it (it is all easy to do and they automatically address the email for you).

The main article is HERE about why they are starting this campaign


The Link to join the campaign is HERE - Please take 20 seconds to add your voice!


The Times has launched a public campaign and 8-point manifesto calling for cities to be made fit for cyclists:

1. Trucks entering a city centre should be required by law to fit sensors, audible truck-turning alarms, extra mirrors and safety bars to stop cyclists being thrown under the wheels.
2. The 500 most dangerous road junctions must be identified, redesigned or fitted with priority traffic lights for cyclists and Trixi mirrors that allow lorry drivers to see cyclists on their near-side.
3. A national audit of cycling to find out how many people cycle in Britain and how cyclists are killed or injured should be held to underpin effective cycle safety.
4. Two per cent of the Highways Agency budget should be earmarked for next generation cycle routes, providing £100 million a year towards world-class cycling infrastructure. Each year cities should be graded on the quality of cycling provision.
5. The training of cyclists and drivers must improve and cycle safety should become a core part of the driving test.
6. 20mph should become the default speed limit in residential areas where there are no cycle lanes.
7. Businesses should be invited to sponsor cycleways and cycling super-highways, mirroring the Barclays-backed bicycle hire scheme in London.
8. Every city, even those without an elected mayor, should appoint a cycling commissioner to push home reforms.