The early morning of Thursday 22 September 2011, Devon Car Free Day, saw many Barnstaple cyclists whizzing around town to take up the challenge to cycle to work. A team of instructors of Westcountry Cycle Training encountered not only many regular cyclists, but also curso diseño grafico numerous inspiring individuals.
Jeanet Bowden from Barnstaple hadn't been cycling for years, but chose Devon Car Free Day as the first day to be out on her new bicycle. It was also the very first time she took her dog out on a basket on the back of the bicycle. Also Zahida Aslan started riding only last week, because, "it is fun!"
Jon Lattimer from Bideford hardly ever cycles normally but for Car Free Day he was prepared to cycle back home from his Chivenor night shift. To be able to do this, he cycled out the night before in the dark via the Tarka Trail, a great experience!
Rob Veale found Devon Car Free Day a good excuse to take his son Charlie to Newport school by tandem bike. Orchard Vale and FremingtonSchools actively encouraged pupils to cycle or walk to school on this day and organised breakfasts at their schools. The FremingtonSchool children proudly posed on the playground with their bicycles and scooters before enjoying their breakfasts.
Back in Barnstaple, Sheryl Arnold working at PiltonCollege found Car Free Day not working out as she expected it to be. She has an electric bicycle and she ran out of electric charge, meaning she had to pedal all the way to work.
Mike Parker from Bike It promoted Devon Car Free Day all week in his shop and found the cyclist's breakfast at The Square to his liking "croissants, very tasty!" His mum Sally Parker also got up early to cycle to The Square. She stressed that although she cycles nearly daily herself, more needs to be done to get people on bikes.
Westcountry Cycle Training instructors carried out a survey amongst cyclists during rush hour and managed to flag down 155 cyclists. They found Barnstaple has a well established cycling community with people cycling of all ages. Of those being interviewed, 72% cycle on a regular basis and 88% find cycling a very positive experience. An encouraging 31% of respondents were female.
For many cyclists, good weather makes the difference between a good and a poor ride (32%). 17% of the riders stated to be completely in love with cycling, whilst 14 % stressed the importance of the Tarka Trail and its adjacent paths for their positive experiences. Other important reasons to cycle are both fitness and mental well-being. Also regularly mentioned was the social aspect of cycling and Devon's great scenery.
Of those who were more reserved about their cycling experience (12%), about a third said a lack of sufficient cycling facilities in their area was the main reason for their discomfort. The survey team also noticed a substantial number of cyclists using footpaths, probably due to a lack of confidence in their abilities as a road cyclist.
Westcountry Cycle Training and Devon County Council are keen to get more adult cyclists out and about and offer 2 hours of free cycling tuition to adults. "This time is very flexible and can be for individuals or small groups, rusty cyclists or complete beginners. Often we cycle someone's route to work with them and address issues along the way" says Dawn Connor of Westcountry Cycle Training. People interested can contact the instructor team via http://www.westcountrycycletraining.co.uk/.
What about going for a traffic-calmed cycling holiday with one of my "Cycling Dutchman" guidebooks?
Cycling in Amsterdam and The Netherlands - The very best routes in the cyclist's paradise makes you travel beyond Dutch cliches like clogs, windmills and the Amsterdam red light district, allowing you to truly explore the lowlands. The book features 1064 kms of routes and has special chapters explaining the unique Dutch cycling-minded traffic rules and its cycle route signage systems; 164 pages, colour, wiro bound, fits in standard handlebar bag, see also http://www.cyclinginholland.com.
Cycle paths and cycle lanes; the full story!
Sharing the road or segregated cycle paths? Well it is both!
Dutch style bike rides in the United Kingdom:
The London - Land's End Cycle Route Book is designed for those who LOVE cycling, but don't like traffic. The book takes you onto the most beautiful cycle routes of southern England, including the Camel Trail, Devon Coast to Coast Route, Bristol and Bath Railway path, Thames Valley route and many more! What makes the book unique is that the route is completely continuous, including detailed directions and local knowledge all the way. Get inspired; choose your favourite route sections or go for a full summer holiday adventure; 164 pages, colour, wiro bound, fits in standard handlebar bag, see http://www.london-landsendcycleroutebook.com.
Other popular Cycling Dutchman blog articles:
Other popular Cycling Dutchman blog articles:
Explaining Dutch cycling infrastructure:
Cycle paths and cycle lanes; the full story!
Sharing the road or segregated cycle paths? Well it is both!
