August 2013 – Newcastle Cycling Campaign

Davva reports from Budapest

30th August 2013 NewCycling Uncategorized

Budapest : cool bike culture This story is part of our youReport series. This grand old European city of Budapest is ranking 13th in the Copenghagenize Index of bicycle-friendly cities. It deserves that for its strong advocacy (yes, Copenhagenize hand out points for that) and its bike culture. Bike modal share figures are hard to come by. In 2010 it has been suggested Budapest had breached the 5% mark (twice than the bike share in Newcastle). What does the casual observer think? Davva reports. Earlier this month I was lucky enough to do some voluntary work in Budapest. Although I[…]

News clippings – Cyclists call for more help from Newcastle City Council

28th August 2013 NewCycling Press

Chronicle (28 August 2013) Cyclists call for more help from Newcastle City Council http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/local-news/cyclists-call-more-help-newcastle-5795382

News clippings – Shock Headcam Footage Reveals Road Dangers For Region’s Cyclists

24th August 2013 NewCycling Press

Sky Tyne and Wear (24 August 2013) You can also read the article on Sky Tyne and Wear website here

Carole reports from Estepona

23rd August 2013 NewCycling Uncategorized

Estepona : blue sea and blue tracks This story is part of our youReport series. While Spain is in recession as other European countries, I was impressed to see their investment in transport infrastructure catering for cyclists. Estepona is a hidden gem within the Costa del Sol in Southern Spain and is often a mecca for cycle professionals taking advantage of nearby mountain ranges and training for competitions such as the Tour de France. Estepona is also the best place I have ever seen for everyday cyclists. The town has excellent cycleways along the main roads in addition to the[…]

News clippings – Cycling Weekly

22nd August 2013 NewCycling Press

Cycling Weekly (22 August 2013) CYCLING IN MY CITY – Newcastle In 2012 Newcastle adopted a 10-year cycle policy which every Newcastle councillors signed, for 20 per cent of short journeys to be by bike by 2020 and seven strategic cycle routes into the city to be created, complete with a delivery programme. Without Newcycling pestering the politicians, this would not have come about. Getting the £5.7m DfT funding announced last week is great. It’s yet another excuse for inaction (not time, no money, no space) that now falls by the wayside! The council didn’t manage to action these ‘little’[…]

Open letter to Cllr Nick Forbes

19th August 2013 Katja Uncategorized

Dear Cllr Nick Forbes Many thanks for speaking up for cycling safety and bike infrastructural improvements on bbc and itv. You may recall, that we wrote to you in May 2011 and you participated at the City Chief Cycle Challenge that year. Last year’s challenge took place along the so-called Great North Cycleway or NCN725, with Cllr Henri Murison and Harvey Emms in attendance. The NCN725 concept is something we have been struggling with for a while and you appear to as well when asked by the itv news reporter. And rightly so. The route in its current design has[…]

Fundraise for the Newcastle Cycling Campaign

18th August 2013 Claire Uncategorized

This is an update from the Treasurer as we’re approaching the half year mark and an appeal for donating/fundraising. The Campaign running costs are approximately £1,000 a year; our main expenses relate to the members’ meetings, promotional materials, accommodation, resources (books, DVDs), website running costs, fees for festivals. We’re very grateful for the support of our corporate members , bringing about £200 income to support our activities. Earlier this year, we set up an online donation facility with local giving ; this enables us to attract gift aid. So far we have received £200 in donations and gift aid and[…]

Our position on Welbeck Road

18th August 2013 Katja Uncategorized

We do not think the council decision (letter attached) addresses the original problems and it indeed even invents new concerns. There appear to be two aspects the Newcastle City Council tries to explain and solve but fails to provide backup or supporting data for these. We remain convinced there is sufficient space for cycle lanes; and it is a much safer option to provide these given the speed, volume and composition of motorised traffic than the alternative: not do anything at all – totally regardless of whether this stretch is earmarked as a Strategic Cycle Route or not. Please feel[…]

Julie reports from Barcelona

17th August 2013 NewCycling Uncategorized

Barcelona : pleasing pedal This story is part of our youReport series. Copenhagenize puts Barcelona in 13. place of bike-friendly cities. Even just getting onto the prestigious list is an honour. Yet Barcelona used to be 3rd – competition is strong! From Copenhagenize we hear “Barcelona is an enjoyable city to cycle in”. So. Campaign member Julie had a look. Here’s her account: As soon as we came back from our hols I downloaded my cycling pictures for you. Yes, Barcelona did seem to have some good ideas for their cyclists! Most excitingly we saw parking zones clearly marked between[…]

Cinema Politica presents “You will never bike alone”

13th August 2013 Katja Uncategorized

Cinema Politica is an international organisation and Newcastle is part of this movement, their website is here. It aims to inspire topical dialogue and debate, on issues which sometimes receive little recognition here in the Newcastle or the UK. The documentary and fiction films we show are politically activated, where the filmmakers and investigators have often gone to great lengths in order to challenge and document social and environmental issues across the world. Be it the fight against oppressive regimes, environmental devastation by faceless corporations or peoples neglected by society, these films will open your eyes. The film on offer[…]