New paths "connect the dots" joining existing infrastructure

Last week the Bristol Cycling City team presented the plans they have been developing and which will be rolled out over the coming two years. The aim is to "double the number of regular cyclists in Greater Bristol by 2011."

Since winning the money for the project last summer the team have been looking at the cycling network but they have also been looking at other sorts of data. This includes information about how far people travel to work and for shopping in the different areas of the city.

Of particular interest were areas where people make large numbers of journeys of five kilometres or less (3.1 miles). These are relatively short journeys that people can easily make by bike in under fifteen minutes. If people switched to cycling for these shorter journeys then it will have a big impact on the overall traffic conditions, even if they still use other travel modes (e.g. car or bus) for longer journeys.

In terms of infrastructure there has been a large emphasis on connecting various bits of existing cycle path with others so that both longer and shorter journeys can be made without having to use the busiest roads. New paths and other facilities have been concentrated in areas where there are people most likely to switch to cycling (based on journey lengths).

Around the city centre there are to be a few new paths mainly around Castle Park, Temple Meads and Broadmead. The 20mph zones around the city centre will help to keep cars from using the back streets as rat runs and will make them safer for pedestrians, cyclists and residents. There are also road reviews on Whiteladies Road and the A38 to the north, the A4 and A37 to the south, and Fishponds Rd to the east, all to improve cycle access to the centre via the main arteries.

Hearts and Minds

But infrastructure is only part of the solution. The reason many people do no cycle is simply because they have misconceptions about it and feel too intimidated to try or simply don't know where to start.

Therefore roughly £5 million of the £22 million is going towards training, advice and support to get people using cycles for come of their journeys. These measures include:

Promotion of cycling in communities and residential areas

• Adult cycle training.
• Low-cost recycled bikes.
• Free cycle parking.
• Group / social bike rides and activities.

Promotion of cycling at workplaces

• Offering grants, incentives and promotions to businesses to increase levels of cycling.
• Match–funded grants to provide cycling facilities (cycle parking, showers etc).
• Cycle training.
• Loan bikes.
• Low-cost bike purchase schemes.

Promotion of cycling in communities, residential areas and at workplaces

• Advice to new / potential cyclists groups or one to one sessions.
• Information, maps, route guides and other resources.
• Promotional activities and events.
• Bike maintenance sessions.
• Help setting up and running a network of voluntary cycle advisors.

Grant funding for small community-based cycling projects

• Small grants available for cycling initiatives.
• Support for existing or new cycling projects.

By working with businesses, schools and community groups, these measures can reach more people more effectively. People without bikes don't tend to cycle much, so it is vital to help people find a bike that suits them, give them the confidence to use it and help them find routes that take them safely from A to B.

The cycling team know that these techniques work because they have been using them, on a smaller scale, for many years. Between 2004 and 2007 the number of cycle journeys in the greater Bristol area was increased by a quarter.

With the step change in funding and a widening of the measures, doubling of cycle journey numbers in two years is credible, although still challenging.

Not just an award - An Opportunity

Winning the Cycling City award and getting the £22 million in funding did not happen by accident. Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council worked together to beat Leicester and Manchester who were also bidding for the prize. Bristol won because the plans presented were deemed most credible and effective.

Since winning, those plans have been refined and adjusted and the team will continually adjust the plans over the two year period to build on things that are working well.

But the project will only succeed if people, like you, actually get on their bikes a few times a week. The project has resources and wants to work with businesses and communities.

Ask your employer, school, shop or leisure centre to contact the Cycling City team to find out which measures may be available.

You can find out more details by visiting this page of the Bristol City Council web site .

You can email the cycling city team at cycling.city@bristol.gov.uk if you have further questions or ideas or if you wish to register to receive newsletters and information updates.

If you have a bike you have not used for a while, why not take it to a cycle shop now to get it tuned up and ready for the spring. Once the weather gets nice, cycle shops will have long wait times for repairs and tune ups so now is an ideal time to get your bike ready so you can do your bit.