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[…]
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Reader’s letters – Walker Strategic Cycle Route
Date: 10 February 2013 To: ncjmedia Response to Cllrs Wood and Stokel-Walker, Walker ward Response to http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2013/02/04/campaigners-angry-at-loss-of-funds-for-cycle-scheme-72703-32741738/ The over-reaction by Walker Councillors could have very distressing repercussions for Newcastle and its reputation. We have to learn quickly and move on to a brighter and more enlightened future. It is a big shame that these Councillors failed to understand the concept of the Strategic Cycle Routes and what is proposed for Welbeck Road. What the Councillors also failed to see is that all our road space is very contested and that some prioritisation decisions have to be made. Walker Road is[…]
Read moreGosforth – Joint ward commitee meeting – have your say
Joint Parklands, East and West Gosforth ward committee to find out about the proposals for cycling in Gosforth. This is the event re-run, not to be confused with the previous event that council officers could not attend due to weather, We hope members can come along, give their support and help make Gosforth a better place for all. Contact Anne.Clark@newcastle.gov.uk (council cycling officer) or Victoria.Powell@newcastle.gov.uk (ward coordinator) for further information. We’ve requested to see the plans a while back, but disappointingly we have not received any to date (9 February 2013). Here’s a summary we’ve been given by Bill. The[…]
Read moreNews clippings – Campaigners angry at loss of funds for cycle scheme
Chronicle clipping (4 February 2013) Campaigners angry at loss of funds for cycle scheme http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/communities/byker/2013/02/04/campaigners-angry-at-loss-of-funds-for-cycle-scheme-72703-32741738/
Read moreWalker Welbeck Road – formal consulation response
From: Newcastle Cycling Campaign Date: 1 February 2013 Subject: “Welbeck Road Area – Proposed Cycle Lanes and Prohibition of Waiting”, ref GH/P44/951 To: traffic.notices@newcastle.gov.uk Cc: Cllrs Todd, Murison, CTC, Sustrans Dear all WELBECK ROAD Following our email dated 16 December 2012, we, as an organisation representing 715 members, re-iterate our SUPPORT for the proposals to improve cycling conditions – and indeed public realm in general – along the Welbeck corridor in Walker. All our points stated in this previous reply remain. We would like to stress that all features including the mandatory bicycle lanes are road safety improvements that will[…]
Read moreA white line in the quick sand
The promise of a safe cycling network for Newcastle faces a steep uphill journey, as recent anti-cycling activities in the East end have shown. The Newcastle Cycling Campaign warmly welcomed plans for Newcastle to embrace a cycling culture. The Cycle Manifesto 2011, the Cycle Plan 2012 and Tyne & Wear’s Local Transport Plan, all put increased bike use at the very heart of their transport policies and make it an integral necessity for future designs of our City. Strategic Cycle Routes are to be built in Newcastle and cycling is planned to increase tenfold by 2022. It therefore came as[…]
Read moreSkidding! Walker goes Biking
Leading on from our rather positive article “Walker goes biking” – it now seems that your help is urgently needed, as heavy opposition is mounting against new cycle lanes proposed for the strategic cycle route in Walker, Newcastle. Not only does the opposition fail to give clear reasons, we are also very concerned by its anti-cycling nature and tone. We were involved in the design of the Walker route and although the final plans could be better, they do have our support. Read the text against the cycle lane here: “We the undersigned, are totally opposed to the “mandatory with[…]
Read moreHave Your Say – Gosforth Transport and Cycle Route Improvements
Organised by Newcastle council, please come along and give a strong voice to cycling improvements. Every help appreciated! There will be’ table discussions’, and the the clearer we can get the message across how important safe space is for cycling (current and new cyclists) the better. The basic points screaming out to be made are – cycle lanes / paths give clarity of space – cycle lanes / paths afford safety – blocked cycle lanes / paths (parked cars) are useless – interrupted cycle lanes / paths (by silly design) are useless All we’d like to see is a space[…]
Read moreNews clippings – Making cycling safer for everyone
Chronicle clipping (19 December 2012) – page 18 Making cycling safer for everyone http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/communities/walker/2012/12/19/newcastle-cycling-routes-to-be-made-safer-72703-32462231/
Read moreWalker goes Biking
We’ve come another step closer to seeing some cycling infrastructure in Newcastle soon. In recent years Newcastle council had removed more cycling space than it created. Now the tide may be turning… not quite a biblical shift but good enough for a Christmas present we think. The Walker route saw its technical consultation. Read our reply – in summary the verdict is “well done, much more is needed”. We also composed a joint press release with the Forum which got a mention in the Chronicle. If it all goes swimmingly (as usual, no pun intended) and the design quality is[…]
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