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News

Watford Spokes Cycling Group

Date posted: Wednesday, 19th August, 2009

TBCC has been invited to join the Watford Spokes Cycling Group at the White Hart in Whelpley Hill for lunch at 12.30 on 10th October. Stay tuned for confirmation of whether the ride will start from Berkhamsted Station at 12 or from Tring at 11.30.

Cycle tagging

Date posted: Thursday, 11th June, 2009

TBCC Secretary, John Boielle writes: Tonight (Thursday, 11th June), British Transport Police (plus a couple of local Herts PCSOs) were at Tring Station offering and fitting electronic tags to bikes at no cost. The tags they fitted were "immobitags".

Sergeant Peter Goodchild of BTP was there and told me they had previously been to Leighton Buzzard Station where they fitted seventy tags. It is likely they could have fitted as many at Tring (since around a hundred cyclists have recently been fighting for spaces in the two sheds) except that the Tube strike had reduced numbers to about eighty, and it was clear that because of this many would be returning later than the 7.30pm finishing time for this tagging session.

Sgt Goodchild told me the next station at which they would offer tags would be Northampton, followed by Berkhamsted.

The tags are useful since several stolen bikes have been recovered which could not be returned to owners since they were not tagged or otherwise identified.

I believe BTP are working with London Midland to provide these tags for cycles, and I think both of them should be applauded for offering them free when the retail cost seems to be £14.

When we get dates for these sessions we will post them here on the News page.

TfL website updated

Date posted: Thursday, 4th June, 2009

The Transport for London cycling website has been updated. It can help you get the most out of cycling in London - how to get started, cycle training, finding out about fun rides on your doorstep, helpful route planning, maps and advice.

To visit the cycling website, please click here.

To sign up to the TfL Workplace Cycle Challenge and get as many staff as possible to cycle to work, click here.

Review of 2008 presented at the AGM

Date posted: Tuesday, 26th May, 2009

• March: AGM in which Tim Vaughan becomes Chairman
• April: Cycle Rides from Tring and Berkhamsted, meeting at Ivinghoe for tea
• May: David Calder takes over the website
• May: Display at St Peters Church, Tring (Anne Nobbs, John Boielle)
• May: Discount for members revived at Mountain Mania
• June: EGM in which TCC and BCG merge to form TBCC
• June: Herts Cycle Forum (John Boielle)
• June: Cycling Treasure Hunt in Tring during Bike Week (Anne Nobbs and John Boielle)
• June: Summer Solstice Ride in Berkhamsted during Bike Week (Danny Bonnett)
• July: "Tring Days Out" booklet published containing pull-out "Cycling Itinerary" prepared by TBCC (Chris Gray)
• July: Presentation to Dacorum Environmental Forum (DEF) urging publication of Dacorum Cycling Strategy (Tim Vaughan)
• July: New revamped website launched (David Calder)
• July: Taylor Woodrow agrees £100K for cycle path in Northfield Road
• July: Launch of Ashridge Cycle Routes Leaflet (John Harrison assisted with routes)
• August: Sports Taster Day at Tring School (Roger Manley, John Boielle)
• September: Cream Tea Ride in Tring
• September: Display at St Peters Church, Tring during "Historic Churches Bike Ride" (Anne and Malcolm Nobbs, John Boielle)
• September: Bike Fest in Berkhamsted (Tim Vaughan, Emma Norrington, Danny Bonnett)
• October: Speech to DEF about a survey of cyclists' needs, funding for cycle maps, and the future role of TBCC in Dacorum (Tim Vaughan)
• November: Displays at "Ecofairs" in Tring and Berkhamsted (Emma Norrington)
• December: Survey of Cyclists' needs
• January: Xmas lunch in Aldbury and cycle rides to it from Tring and Berkhamsted
• January: Discounts for members become available at Motorists Centre, Tring, and VAH, Berkhamsted

Safety in numbers

Date posted: Sunday, 10th May, 2009

CTC has launched a campaign calling on the Government to double the levels of cycling and acknowledge the Safety in Numbers effect of increased cycling. New research from CTC suggests that the risk of injury while cycling is lower in places with high levels of cycling.

CTC urges everybody to contact their MPs asking them to sign an Early Day Motion which has been tabled in support of CTC's Safety in Numbers campaign. You can do this online using the form provided on the CTC web site.

Off road junkies

Date posted: Monday, 4th May, 2009

This bank holiday weekend you may have decided to avoid the traffic and instead enjoy the local countryside by bike. Perhaps a trip down the canal or through the woodlands of Ashridge has given you a taste for off-roading and now you want to do something a bit more exciting? You're not alone and two groups have recently contacted us asking for links on the Links page.

Aston Hill is one of the premier DH, 4X and XC riding locations in the South East. An 'Arrive and Ride' all day pass costs £5. They are open 9.00am - 5.00pm weekends and bank holidays so why not go there today?

MTBberkhamsted have been mountain biking for nearly 10 years in and around the great countryside of Berkhamsted. If you would like to join them they meet at Ellesmere Road (top of New Street) at 9.00am Sundays and 7.30pm Wednesdays followed by a couple of beers - all levels welcome.

Reduced speed limits

Date posted: Saturday, 2nd May, 2009

The Government has very recently come out in support of campaigns for reduced speed limits on country roads and residential areas (DfT: Road Safety Consultation). This would mean limits on country roads being lowered to 50mph, and to 20mph in residential areas and by schools. There have been long-running campaigns backing the ideas for both - Slower Speeds Initiative and 20's Plenty.

Some councils around the country have imposed these limits but with Government backing they are now likely to become more common. The Spokes Group in Watford has started a new campaign for a major extension of the 20mph limits. In Berkhamsted the High Street is already a designated 20mph zone. In 2008 Tim Vaughan wrote to the Town Council on this and was told they had a longer term plan to consider extending the zone - that may now be brought forward. We will be taking this up with them again.

For cyclists obviously these initiatives are to be welcomed as they make it safer and more pleasant to ride on the roads. If anyone has views on this please get in touch and let us know.

Easy Road Rides

Date posted: Sunday, 26th April, 2009

Helen Bojarski of Hemel Hempstead Cycling Club is organising a regular road ride starting from Berkhamsted. The friendly, social, sporting ride will follow a fixed route each month (Distance: 25-30 miles, approximately two hours). Suitable for all, especially women, the rides are aimed at less competitive types who want a good ride and like to cruise at a comfortable speed.

The rides will take place on Saturdays starting 9th May, 2009, at 10.00am departing from the War Memorial Car Park (top of New Road by Berkhamsted Castle).

For more details see Helen's post on the HHCC forum.

Berkhamsted Annual Town Meeting

Date posted: Saturday, 18th April, 2009

Berkhamsted Town Council are having their Annual Town Meeting on Thursday, 30th April, 2009, at 7.30pm at the Town Hall. Their guest speaker is Gerard Burgess, Partnerships Manager, London Midland Trains.

Cycling as a solution

Date posted: Wednesday, 8th April, 2009

CTC, Cyclenation and the GMCC present the Cycling as a solution conference on Saturday, 30th May, 10.00am to 5.00pm in Manchester.

The event will feature key speakers and workshops on how increasing cycling levels can help local communities and councils respond positively to key challenges such as: climate change; cycling and the economy; style/well-being; beating traffic congestion; and achieving a more healthy lifestyle.

A wide range of workshops will help provide both new and experienced cycle campaigners with the skills to get more done locally and nationally. There will be sessions on: fundraising, cycling policy, getting more out of the media, making the business case for cycling, working with the local community and how to get local business on board.

The fee for the conference is £20, which includes delegate pack, refreshments and lunch.

Volunteers Needed for The Tour Series

Date posted: Monday, 6th April, 2009

This summer the UK's top professional cycling teams will battle it out gladiatorial-style in The Tour Series, a 10 round town and city centre series around the UK.

The Tour Series is a revolutionary new concept in cycle racing which brings unique and exciting team racing to the streets of the UK. Unlike any other UK cycling series The Tour Series is not based on individual athletic performance, but instead on team performance.

Starting on the 21st May, in Milton Keynes, 10 teams of five highly-tuned professional cyclists will engage in combat against each other to become the overall champions of The Tour Series. Each night the teams will aim to place their top three riders in the highest positions at the end of one hour of intense, fast-paced and attacking racing around a 1-1.5km city centre circuit - delivering all of the thrills and spills of this high-speed sport.

The Tour Series are looking for volunteers who they rely upon to make this event a success and an evening to remember. The only thing you need to volunteer is basic common sense: your role as a marshal will involve making sure that spectators stay clear of the road, managing crossing points, and acting as an information point for spectators.

To get involved in The Tour Series, please email info@thetour.co.uk listing your name, email address, mobile number and the venue(s) you are interested in. Registration closes on the 1st May 2009.

Map of cycling casualties

Date posted: Wednesday, 1st April, 2009

The Times has published a map showing Department for Transport data of all the road accidents in 2007 involving cyclists where injuries were reported to the police. To see the map click here.

Cyclenation News

Date posted: Tuesday, 31st March 2009

Cyclenation is a federation for cycling groups of which TBCC is a member. We have a small mention in the March 2009 edition of Cyclenation News in the Groups Round-up section.

Easter Holiday Activities

Date posted: Thursday, 27th March 2009

Looking for something to do with the kids over the Easter holidays? Summit MTB Club, based in Wycombe, is a Go Ride club catering for young riders aged 6-16. They offer monthly coaching sessions and run a summer race series for riders aged over 10.

They will be holding an Easter Egg Hunt on the 11th April. For more details about their exciting courses, and how to join, click here.

Go Ride (Central Region) have published their activity programme for the Easter holiday. They offer MTB courses for children of all abilities aged nine to sixteen.

Womens Mountain Bike Courses

Date posted: Thursday, 27th March 2009

Get Mountain Biking run Womens Mountain Bike Skills Courses and Womens Bike Maintenance Courses, so if you fancy learning to mountain bike or learning how to repair your bike without the guys around why not book yourself a Get Mountain Biking Women Specific Course.

Introductory courses run throughout the summer. For more details click here.

Bicycle security marking

Date posted: Tuesday, 3rd March 2009

Hertfordshire Constabulary have a mobile Police Office that tours Western Hertfordshire on a four weekly rota. The Police Office offers many services including security marking of bicycles and other posessions.

To see the timetable click here.

Tring Days Out

Date posted: Monday, 15th December 2008

The Tring Together community partnership has recently published a guide to help you make the most of a day out in Tring.

Tring Days Out is a 48-page booklet, wonderfully designed and featuring many stunning photographs of Tring and surrounding countryside. The booklet aims to help you get the most out of living in or visiting Tring. Various chapters explore the wealth of leisure options in the area and suggest a number of routes to explore them. Six of the chapters are supported by special itineraries, which are contained on individual sheets inside the back cover wallet.

To order your copy of the brochure send a self-addressed C5 envelope (no stamp required), along with a cheque or postal order made out to Tring Together to the value of £3.50, to:

Tring Together
10 High Street,
Tring,
Herts
HP23 5AH

Cycling survey

Date posted: Wednesday, 5th November 2008

TBCC has produced a questionnaire to help us identify the most important needs and concerns for cyclists in Dacorum. We will use the replies we receive to help prioritise the issues on which we will campaign in 2009.

The survey is available here.

Bicycle thefts

Date posted: Tuesday, 28th October 2008

TBCC recently contacted PC Amanda Gibbs of the Tring Safer Neighborhood Team to ask about the number of bicycle thefts in Tring.

She informed us that since August this year there have been three cycles stolen from back gardens or sheds, two insecure bikes stolen from the school/sports centre complex, one insecure bicycle stolen from outside Tesco and finally one secured bike stolen from Station Road.

For more information about bicycle security, have a look at Hertfordshire Contabulary's cycling security pages on their web site.

Cycling Champion appointed

Date posted: Monday, 30th June 2008

Hertfordshire have followed a suggestion from Cycling England and appointed a "Cycling Champion". He is Herts County Councillor Roy Clements (Conservative), a councillor since 2001 for the Three Rivers district. Roy attended the recent St Albans Cycling Campaign AGM and the Herts Cycle Forum. He is also a member of the Highways Transport Panel.

Cllr Roy Clements
119 Oaklands Avenue,
Oxhey Hall,
Watford,
Herts
WD19 4TN

• Tel: 01923 223142 (home)
• Email: roy.clements@hertscc.gov.uk

He has asked Herts County Councillor John Metcalf (Labour), to assist him. John has been a councillor since 1980 for Borehamwood North (Hertsmere). Also on the Highways Transport Panel, he is a keen and regular utilitarian cyclist. John is always at the Herts Cycling Forum.

Cllr John Metcalf
53 Cunningham Road,
St Albans,
Hertfordshire
AL1 5BX

• Tel: 07850 577534 (home)
• Email: john.metcalf@hertscc.gov.uk

Discount at Mountain Mania Revived

Date posted: Saturday, 29th March 2008

Mountain Mania in Miswell Lane, Tring, have agreed to reintroduce a 10% discount to Tring Cycling Campaign members. This discount applies to parts and accessories, but not to complete bikes and special offers. To obtain this useful concession membership cards must be produced.

The shop has a new manager but is still owned by Balfa, a Canadian manufacturer of high end mountain bikes. However the Tring shop stock a wide range of equipment and road bikes including Trek so are able to meet all cyclists needs.

Review of 2007 presented at the AGM

Date posted: Thursday, 6th March 2008

• March: Website perfected (Robert Valkass)
• March: Tring School bike shed opened
• April: Cycle Safely Training Event in Tring Market Place (Sue Rowe)
• June: Family Cycle ride during Bike Week to Reservoirs
• June: Herts Cycle Forum (John Boielle)
• July: Bike Ride to Cholesbury (Tim Vaughan)
• July: Cycle Parking installed in Wilstone and Long Marston
• July: Re-sweeping of loose chippings on Twist and Oddy Hill (Robert Hill)
• July: Survey of routes for Ashridge Cycling Strategy (John Harrison)
• August: Display at Long Marston Show (Brian Bostock, Anne Nobbs, John Harrison)
• August: Response to revised draft of Dacorum Cycling Strategy
• September: Family Cream Tea ride to Meads Farm Shop
• September: Historic Churches Ride and display (Anne and Malcolm Nobbs)
• September: Berkhamsted Bike Fest (Danny Bonnett, Sue Rowe, Tim Vaughan)
• November: Speed Cushions moved in Grove Road (Bill Reay)
• November: Response to DfT consultation on "Cycling Infrastructure Design" (Phil Cummings)
• November: Bike Ride to Hawridge (Tim Vaughan)
• November: Herts Cycle Forum (John Boielle)
• December: New bike racks at Pendley
• December: Meeting with BWB to discuss cycling on tow paths (John Boielle, John Harrison)
• December: Christmas lunch ride (Roger Manley)

500% Increase in Government Cash for Cycling

Date posted: Friday, 25th January 2008

On Monday (20 Jan.) Transport Secretary, Ruth Kelly announced that the Government will give Cycling England £140 million. The cash will be allocated over the next three years, £20m in 2008/9 and £60m in the following two years, and used primarily to give half a million more 10-year-olds across England cycle training. CTC’s Director Kevin Mayne welcomed the news as they have been calling for a serious increase in investment in cycling ever since the National Cycling Strategy was announced 12 years ago.

This new funding is very close to the £70m annual budget which Cycling England had called for in its business plan “bike for the future 11”. For information on this programme visit www.cyclingengland.org.uk.

British Waterways Code for Cyclists

Date posted: Monday, 10th December 2007

An item of particular interest to towpath cyclists.

BWB have updated their good behaviour code for cyclists. They no longer say there should be no riding at night, but to take care and recommend lights.

This is the full code:

• Look after your waterways
  • avoid cycling where your tyres would damage the path or verges (eg when they are wet or soft)
• Consider others
  • give way to others on the towpath and warn them of your approach
  • dismount under low or blind bridges or where the path is narrow
  • never race one another
  • we recommend you obtain third party liability insurance and equip your bike with a bell or equivalent
• Take care
  • access paths can be steep and slippery. Join or leave the towpath with care
  • take special care if cycling at night. Use front and rear lights
  • thorny hedge trimmings can cause a puncture. We recommend plastic-reinforced tyres

DfT Cycling Policy

Date posted: Monday, 1st December 2007

In June the DfT issued a new document of interest to individual cyclists and cycling groups. Titled Cycling Policy:an overview it contains information on the Government's cycling aims, defines responsibilities, training objectives and FAQ sections.

The full document can be seen on www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/cycling/.

New Highway Code Now In Force

Date posted: Monday, 1st October 2007

The Government has just published an updated version of the Highway Code.

Following a sustained and high-profile campaign by CTC, over 40 rules have been changed to the benefit of cyclists.

The new version makes clear that cyclists have every right to cycle on the road.

Rules 61 and 63 state that cycle lanes and cycle facilities, are "not compulsory" and the decision to use them "will depend on your experience and skills".

For details see www.direct.gov.uk/highwaycode/.

Dacorum Cycling Strategy

Date posted: Monday, 10th September 2007

A new updated draft strategy document has been sent to TCC by Dacorum Borough Council.

They have not asked us for detailed comments, just our general thoughts as to "is it on the right lines".

The new document includes most of the recommendations made last year by the Dacorum Cycling Forum and detailed in our newssheet number 60. There is however very little insight into when improvements will happen and how they will be funded.

John Boielle will reply on behalf of TCC.

If anybody would like to see this document, which has not yet been posted on Dacorum's website, please contact John who will be happy to pass it on.

New Data Reaffirms Increased Cycle Use In 2006

Date posted: Monday, 3rd September 2007

The Government's newly-released National Travel Survey (NTS) for 2006 shows a significant increase in cycle trips in 2006 compared with 2005 - up from an average of 14 to 16 trips per person per year , and from 36 to 39 miles per person per year. This data, drawn from travel surveys, tallies with other data based on vehicle counts. This showed that the amount of cycling had increased from 4.4 billion-km in 2005 to 4.6 bn-km in 2006. It remains to be seen whether this is a positive trend emerging, or simply a result of last years' good weather - that will be apparent when the figures for 2007 come out in a year's time!

New Ministers and Shadows

Date posted: Thursday, 5th July 2007

As a result of Gordon Brown's ministerial reshuffle there is an almost completely new team at the Department for Transport. Ruth Kelly takes over as Transport Secretary, supported by junior Minister Rosie Winterton (whose roles include "walking, cycling and sustainable transport" as well as "local roads and traffic") and Under-Secretary Jim Fitzpatrick (whose portfolio includes road safety). Tom Harris stays as an Under-Secretary, still responsible for rail but no longer for cycling - instead he takes on strategic roads and the Highways Agency.

The two opposition parties have also conducted reshuffles. Theresa Villiers becomes Shadow Transport Secretary for the Conservatives, and Susan Kramer takes on this role for the LibDems. John Leech stays on as junior LibDem shadow minister - he has recently spoken up for cycling and specifically for a 20mph default speed limit for most urban streets.

Battle Continues For Cyclist-friendly Highway Code

Date posted: Monday, 14th May 2007

The following item is from the latest CTC newsletter and is of interest to all cyclists who wish to make a choice as to whether they travel on the road or on a nearby cycle route.

A revised draft of the Highway Code has not properly addressed the concerns of 11,000 cyclists who last year joined a CTC campaign to have the Code re-worded.

The original draft of the Highway Code included a seemingly innocuous addition, which told cyclists to 'use cycle facilities...where provided'. Following the campaigning efforts of 11,000 cyclists, the revised wording, issued on 28th March, reads: Use cycle routes and cycle facilities... wherever possible, as they can make your journey safer.

According to CTC, the new wording does not address its original concern that insurance companies will use the wording of the new Code as an excuse to reduce the amount of compensation they pay if a motorist hits a cyclist that has chosen to use a road rather than a nearby cycle facility.

CTC Campaigns & Policy Manager, Roger Geffen, said: "We are working hard behind the scenes and very much hope that the Government will see sense and amend the wording to say "use cycle facilities where they help with your journey" - thus leaving the decision at the cyclist's discretion. If it does not, we will seek to persuade the Lords to vote it out, or may ultimately initiate a Judicial Review against it."

CTC would like to hear about incidents where a cyclist has been injured while using a cycle facility, or has suffered verbal or physical abuse, or hassle from the police, as a result of using the road rather than a nearby cycle facility. Please email adam.coffman@ctc.org.uk

For updates, visit www.ctc.org.uk/campaigns

West Herts Area Transport Plan

Date posted: Monday, 26th March 2007

This new Transport Plan just issued by HCC provides a framework setting out the direction for transportation improvements over the next 15-20 years. It covers Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and Tring and is based largely on meeting LTP (Local Transport Plan) objectives and targets. In discussion with local urban Authorities improvements will be identified and then prioritised. This information along with supporting background information will be recorded in local Urban Transport Plans produced to a new format developed by HCC without local consultation. These Urban Plans will be reviewed every 5 years. It is notable that rural authorities have had these ideas imposed on them and are excluded from future consultation.

Details of the current Tring Transport Plan (not to the new format) are given. There are no proposals to improve cycle infrastructure. This Plan will not be reviewed and updated into the new Urban format until 2011/12.

The final Heading in the West Herts. Area Transport Plan is Finance. This section outlines how identified schemes may be funded, namely from the LTP, developers contributions (Section 106 agreements), and local Authorities own budgets. No details on the amounts of money available are given.

The Plan can be seen in full on the HCC website www.hertsdirect.org or you can borrow the TCC copy that is held by our Secretary John Boielle. (01442 822575)

Notes on TCC's 12th AGM held on 28th February 2007 in the Baptist Church Hall, Tring

Date posted: Friday, 16th March 2007

Minutes of the 11th AGM and statements of the accounts were available for attendees.

In opening the meeting the chairman referred to the absence of two people, Bridget Brown and the guest speaker, Emma Norrington of Groundwork. Bridget, a founder member of TCC, died suddenly and unexpectedly in September. She was an influential force within the campaign and is much missed. Emma Norrington could not attend for personal reasons and despite last minute efforts it was not possible to find an alternative speaker.

In his review the chairman drew attention to the newssheets as a source of information on the year's activities. However four items were singled out for mention, namely:

• The Tring cycling map that it is hoped will be included in the Dacorum Cycling Strategy.
• Relaunch of the website. This is thanks to the work of Robert Valkass one of our members who has an understanding of how this technology works.
• The new cycle racks at the station.
• The cycle rides that had been organised.

As always, maintaining contact with local authorities had been important. TCC had commented in detail on:

• HCC's updated Cycling Strategy. This document has now been approved in principle by the Council and should be formally issued within days.
• DBC's long awaited Cycling Strategy. It consisted mainly of statements urging other people to take action. TCC asked for more positive action and commitment. It is reported that the final document will be issued to councillors for formal approval soon.

Tring Town Council has recently approved the Tring Urban Transport Plan. This plan, prepared by HCC, is one of 21 urban plans that take a five-year view. All together these plans make up the West Herts Local Transport Plan. The Tring plan does not propose any improvement to cycle infrastructure and because it takes a five-year view it will not be reviewed until 2011/12.

Against this background it was suggested that there was an opportunity for TCC to change direction and focus on getting more people cycling using the present infrastructure. A first move is the training event on April 29th in the Tring Market Place. (For details see Events and Rides page).

In reply to questions it was confirmed that TCC had during the year maintained contact with the CTC, Sustrans, Countryside Management Services and similar cycling related organisations.

The Treasurer drew attention to the accounts that showed the financial position of the Campaign to be sound. Funds would be available during the year to produce a more professional and attractive membership leaflet and consideration will be given to the production of a cycleability map for the Tring area. For this joint sponsorship would be sought.

As the current acting chair was not prepared to continue in this role and there was no nomination to fill the vacancy TCC is now without a chair. John Harrison will continue as treasurer, Brian Bostock as Membership Secretary and John Boielle as Secretary. The chair thanked John for his continued dedication and input without which the Campaign would not be able to function in its present form.

Full minutes of the meeting will be issued in due course. If you would like a copy please let John Boielle know.

New Scheme for Reporting Defects

Date posted: Friday, 9th March 2007

Potholes and hazards are a constant problem but reporting them to the appropriate authority is not always easy. However new schemes recently introduced can help in this process.

The CTC now have two online services that will automatically inform the relavent local authority of any problem that is reported. On-road potholes and defects can be reported at www.fillthathole.org.uk and obstructions on rights of way can be sorted at www.clearthattrail.org.uk. Both systems work in a similar fashion; you complete a form giving as much information as possible about the problem, locate it on a map, send it off and the local authority responsible for fixing it will automatically be notified. Each authority has it's own criteria for judging whether a pothole or hazard is serious or not so the CTC will monitor reports to check on how they are dealt with and be looking for examples of best practice. If a report is not actioned it will be investigated to establish the reason why not. For future reference details of these schemes will be added to our Defects website page.

Update: Unfortunately, we have been informed that www.clearthattrail.org.uk is no longer maintained. However, www.fillthathole.org.uk goes from strength to strength.

Cycling & the Local Transport Plan

Date posted: Date posted: Friday, 2nd March 2007

The Local Transport Plan for the year 2006/07 was reviewed at a recent meeting of HCC's Highways Transport Panel. The good news is that for this year nearly £900,000 has been allocated for cycling and 11 projects identified. The bad news is that none of the projects are in Dacorum. So no change there then. Anticipated expenditure on cycling schemes in year 2007/08 is £730,000.

The situation is unlikely to improve as long as Dacorum do not have a cycling strategy that clearly identifies the work required in the Borough. The necessary document has been at the draft stage for some considerable time and Dacorum have now stated that a "final document should be ready during the early part of 2006 to commence the formal adoption process by the Council". Publication of this document has already taken a long time so we are not holding our breath.

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