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Cycling
Cycling,
whether it’s a day-to-day activity, or an occasional adventure, is
a great way to help keep people of all ages healthy. There is
strong evidence that the benefits of cycling outweigh any
risks.
Cycling is something that is really so simple. All that is
needed is a roadworthy bike and some basic safety gear and then
just takes a little bit of practice. Cycling can be slotted into
everyday life, enabling people to benefit their health without
having to set aside time for exercise.
Cycle routes in Medway
Medway has more than 70 miles (110km) of on-road, off-road
and green cycle routes, including National Cycle Routes 1
and 17 and Regional Route 18 - The Heron Trail.
Medway also has a network of 18 cycle counters at strategic
locations, which monitor number of cyclists using the cycle routes.
During the summer months, more than 50,000 cycle
movements a month are recorded on Medway's cycle routes.
Cycle Journey Planner
Trying to work out the best way to go from A to B by bicycle?
Medway Council is the first council in Kent to have all of its
cycle routes mapped for the Cycle Journey Planner, a
website supported by the Department for Transport.
All of Medway's urban routes are now available, and routes can
be planned using the most direct, quietest on most recreational
routes at
Medway Cycle Planner. It provides detailed turn-by-turn
directions and a map of the route. A GPX file can also be
downloaded which can be used in a GPS device.
Bikeability (Cycle Proficiency)
Bikeability is the Cycle Proficiency Test
for the 21st century, designed to give the next generation the
skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today's roads. There
are three Bikeability levels and Medway Council currently offers
levels one and two:
- Level one (basic skills) resources and
assessment are available to all primary schools and are recommended
for pupils aged seven to 11 years.
- Level two courses (basic on road training) are
available for groups of pupils aged 10 years and older in all
schools and are provided free of charge. These courses can also be
carried out during the school holidays and for other children's
organisations (for example Brownies and Cubs).
All courses are accredited to meet the requirements of the
National Standard to give participants the skills to keep them and
other road users safe.
Medway Council is the first local authority in the whole of Kent
to adopt this initiative successfully. For more details on the
standards, visit Bikeability: Cycling
proficiency for the 21st century.
The Bikeability training is being funded by a grant from the
Department for
Transport (DfT), and training is being delivered to National
Standards as stipulated by the DfT.
Bike 4 Life
Making a Change4Life doesn’t need to be difficult. With a little
help, it can be really rewarding and fun. Getting on our bikes more
often can help us on the way to making the small changes that can
bring short and long term benefits to your health, the environment
and purse. To find out more about the benefits of cycling and other
suggestions for small, easy, steps, go to the Bike4life
website.
Active Medway Cycling Groups
If you have not been out on your bike for a few years, or just
want to get a more confident on your bike Medway Council and NHS
Medway have joined forces to offer free, guided cycle sessions for
adults. These are led by a British Cycling trained ride leader and
are open to all regardless of cycling ability. You are required to
bring a roadworthy bike, and basic safety equipment such as a
helmet.
To find out more or to book a session, telephone 01634
333720 or email cycling@medway.gov.uk
You can also download an Active Medway Cycling Group
poster (pdf 2,303KB) with more information.
Cycling initiatives in Medway
Medway Council has published a Cycling initiatives in
Medway booklet (pdf 1,801KB). This gives details of the many
cycling initiatives that have already been developed, and schemes
that are proposed. Within Medway's third Local Transport Plan
(LTP3) there are a number of overarching priorities in which
cycling plays a key role, particularly:
- supporting a healthier natural environment by contributing to
tackling climate change and improving air quality;
- supporting a safer, healthier and more secure community in
Medway by promoting active lifestyles and by reducing the risk of
death, injury or ill health or being a victim of crime.
The LTP will contribute to better health and improved local air
quality by encouraging walking and cycling and by improving access
to key services.
Medway's Strategy for cycling
Medway Council, in partnership with local travel interest
groups, has adopted a strategy to encourage walking and cycling and
to assist people with restricted mobility.
The strategy anticipates that a combination of encouragement and
promotion, better land use planning and the implementation of
engineering and complementary measures can reverse the decline in
walking and cycling in urban areas. These measures will also
significantly improve conditions for people with mobility
difficulties.
Schemes will aim to:
- remove barriers to walking and cycling and improve safety for
pedestrians;
- improve accessibility for people with mobility
difficulties;
- improve accessibility, safety and security for cyclists.
Download Medway Council current Cycling Action Plan
(pdf 1,100KB). This was published in 2006 in the LTP2 plan period.
A new cycling plan is being produced, and will be published by the
end of 2011.
To use this file, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do
not have this on your computer, please visit our advice page.
West Kent Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC)
The CTC
organises about 15 rides each week in various parts of West Kent,
including Medway.
These are listed on the calendar on its website.
For more details, phone West Kent CTC leader Geoff Hunt on
01634 719504 or email mahunt@breathemail.net
Sustrans
Sustrans is the UK’s leading sustainable transport
charity, whose vision is a world in which people choose to travel
in ways that benefit their health and the environment. Sustrans
volunteer rangers help look after and promote the National Cycle
Network (NCN) across the UK and are organised into local
groups.
Sustrans Volunteer Rangers - Medway group
Sustrans has a partnership with Medway Council and the local
volunteer group works with the council to help maintain the NCN and
other local routes by carrying out regular checks and reporting
back to the council with any major issues or suggestions.
Typical volunteer ranger tasks can include cutting back
vegetation, clearing litter and checking signing, as well as
organising local rides and attending events on Sustrans'
behalf.
Find out more about Sustrans Volunteer Rangers
or email volunteers-london@sustrans.org.uk.
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