"One of the most important days of my life was when I learned to ride a bicycle" - Michael Palin, actor and Patron of Transport 2000

9 million bicycles all looking in vain for somewhere to park in High Town. Thanks to www.citycycling.co.uk for the image.

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Thu - May 8, 2008

Bike Week 2008 - 14 to 22 June

It's almost here. Running from 14-22 June, it's the biggest cycling event of the year with thousands of events allover the country. CycleHereford’s annual bike-fest around town invites individuals of all ages to 'Cycle Hereford'. Just bring yourselves and a roadworthy bike to the meeting points below and enjoy the freedom of the bicycle, good company and fresh air! All rides are FREE and led by experienced cyclists.

Sunday 15 June - ‘Breinton Springs Picnic Ride’ - 2.30pm start
Meet at West Door, Hereford Cathedral. A gentle ride to Breinton
Springs for a picnic by the river, using mostly minor roads with a chance to visit Breinton Church en-route, before returning to the Cathedral. This ride is suitable for children accompanied by an adult. Don’t forget to bring a picnic if you’d like to! We aim to leave Breinton at 4.20 to give us plenty of time to get back to the city. For details tel Mark on 01432 353275 or 07882410759

Tuesday 17 June -’Cross Town Rides’ - 6.30pm start
Meet in front of the Shirehall, St Peter’s Square. We will test the proposition that the bicycle is the best way to get around in Hereford. How many times can we cross Hereford in an hour (riding at a dignified pace and not jumping red lights)? For adults who would like to cycle more often. For details tel Paige on 01432 277857, co-ordinator@herefordshirefoe.org.uk

Wednesday 18 June - ‘CycleSeeing’ - 7pm start
Meet at Tourist Office, 1 King St, Hereford (by Cathedral). An evening’s jaunt around Hereford discovering unusual features and sites in the city. For details tel Martin 01432 353971, megilleland@hotmail.com

Friday 20 June - ‘Hereford City Trail’ - 7pm start
Start from The Volunteer Pub, Harold Street, St James. Not suitable for children. This leisure ride for fairly confident cyclists will take people around the city, via main and side roads but also exploring quiet attractive routes, taking in lovely views and key destinations en route; approx 1.5 hours. For details tel Mark 01432 840848 cycling@image.cix.co.uk

All events have been registered with National Bike Week and are fully insured for public liability through them.
www.bikeweek.org.uk

Download a poster of events from here. BikeWeek08rev1.pdfBikeWeek08rev1-compressed.pdf

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Wed - April 2, 2008

Wed - December 12, 2007

Sustrans Connect2 wins £50 million - Hereford wins new pedestrian and cycle bridge!

This just in from Herefordshire Council: "The result will be formally announced on the ITV news this evening though some of you may have seen it on the lunchtime news. I'd like to echo the words below from Sustrans Chief Executive, John Grimshaw MBE and thank everyone involved - we've had a tremendous amount of support for our project and it was very encouraging when the emails came in from all quarters offering support and urging people to vote.
 
A process that has been echoed nationally 79 times and even locally, the Wye and Severn rivers between them boast five Connect2 schemes in all: Diglis Lock, Worcester; The Severnside Gap in Shrewsbury; our own Hereford -Rotherwas bridge; Wye and Monnow crossings in Monmouth; and a further Wye crossing at Tintern.
 
More thanks still are due to the very many people and organisations who got behind Hereford's Connect2 scheme and helped get the message out and about too. The whole process has been a testament to the power of community working and we look forward to the project getting under way soon. Thanks again for all your efforts - you were all magnificent! PLEASE PASS IT ON! Together we have won £50 million.  (£350k for Hereford's scheme).
 
From John Grimshaw, Sustrans CEO: “This is a fantastic Christmas present! We are delighted that Sustrans’ Connect2 has proved itself the peoples’ favourite in the public vote and won the £50million from the Big Lottery Fund. We are immensely grateful to Herefordshire supporters and everyone who got behind Hereford’s Connect2 scheme  to bridge the gap between Rotherwas and Hereford  to make their votes count.
 
“As a massive public consultation exercise Connect2 has engendered a huge amount of goodwill from all sectors. It has confirmed our belief that people want to walk and cycle more when given the right surroundings.  But the hard work starts now and there will be a huge amount to be done to make sure we fulfil all our obligations to the Big Lottery Fund. Ultimately the real winners will be those thousands of people who will now be able to Connect2 their shops, schools, workplaces and each other every day!”
 
More details at www.bikeradar.com.

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Mon - December 10, 2007

Voting has now closed to decide the winner of the People's £50 Million Lottery Giveaway

Thank you if you have voted for Sustrans' Connect2 - we are very grateful for your support. The winner of the Competition will be announced on Wednesday 12 December, and we will update this website when that information is made public. Thanks again for supporting Hereford's bid as part of Sustrans Connect2.

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Mon - November 26, 2007

Voting lines now open for Connect 2!

If you want a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Wye to Rotherwas, Sustrans need you to vote for Connect2, one of 4 projects competing in the Big Lottery Fund's: The People's £50 Million Contest on ITV this December. Only one project will win the £50 million - help make it Connect2. Click on the logo above to go to the official site to register to vote by email and to find out how to vote by phone and text (yes, you can do all three, please).

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Thu - September 20, 2007

THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER - Connect2 Day - pledge support for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Wye

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Sat - June 16, 2007

Bike Week is here!

National Bike Week launches today and runs through until next Sunday, 24 June. We have a good selection of local events arranged as follows and for full details click on 'Read more'. We hope to see you on at least one event!
Sunday 17 June - 'Mark's 3K ride' - 10am-5pm. Kivernoll, Kilpeck and Kentchurch, with a possible run on to Skenfrith. A 40 or 50 mile round trip with a pub lunch. Start from Cathedral Close, Hereford.
Monday 18 June - 'Breinton Lanes' - 6pm start at old railway bridge over the River Wye on Great Western Way. Distance approx 6 miles along quiet country lanes.
Wednesday 20 June - 'All About Cycling' - Hereford High Town, 9am–4pm. Have all your cycling questions answered and try out the Smoothie bike! Free cycle maps and cycle surgery.
Wednesday 20 June – 'Biker’s Breakfast' Ledbury, 8–9am, under the Market Building. Free hot and cold refreshments available to all passing cyclists.
Thursday 21 June - Hereford Wheelers 'Come and Try It 10-mile Time Trial', 6pm onwards, contact Stuart Edinborough, tel 269700. £2 entry fee.
Thursday 21 June - 'City cycle paths and quiet routes' - 6pm start from Hereford Centre for Natural Health at Belmont, approx 1.5 hours, family friendly, all ages and abilities welcome including accompanied children.
Friday 22 June - ‘Connect2 Hereford' - 6pm start from The Volunteer, Harold Street, approx 2 hours. Come and hear about the Connect2 cycle route, part of the national SUSTRANS project, which aims to link both sides of the river.

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Fri - May 18, 2007

New Riders Wanted for Hereford Pedicabs

Herefords first green sustainable travel company is looking for a host of new people to ride their bikes/expanding fleet of bikes! Riders will have to be over 21 and will have to go through the process of becoming a Hackney Carriage Rider at their own expense. Of course it’s not just as simple as getting a taxi licence, riders will be keen cyclists, and aware of Hereford Pedicabs policies. They’re looking for engaging individuals who can happily cycle all day in the rain and still have a big smile on their face and have a good knowledge of both how to get about in Hereford and what’s going on!

Most importantly, riders will enjoy spending time with like minded people and relish the opportunity of being part of Herefords first green sustainable taxi service. At the moment there are Friday and Saturday night time (6pm-Midnight) and Saturday and Sunday day time shifts (10am-4pm). Riders pay a small lease for the bike, which covers maintenance and insurance, they then keep all the tips they make for themselves. As self employed individuals riders are responsible for declaring what they earn to the tax man. Think you’ve got what it takes to ride a Pedicab? Email Will – will@herefordpedicabs.com, tell him about yourself, what you can bring to Hereford Pedicabs and why you want to ride for them. Attach a recent C.V if you have one, if not tell him what you’ve been up to, what your plans are and what you do at the moment.

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Wed - May 16, 2007

Cycling friendly Cities show the way

With our new Tory Council already banging the drum for lots of road building it would perhaps be apposite for them to look at the latest video produced by cycling journalist Carlton Reid's media business www.quickrelease.tv.

'Cycle friendly Cities' is a 15 minute film about just that and needless to say, neither Hereford, nor indeed anywhere in the UK, is featured. Amsterdam and Copenhagen, with their established and still expanding cycling ethos do, as well as Bogaota in Columbia, where they have decided the car madness must stop. Here, 40% of cars are now excluded and once a year all cars are excluded. There is a low res version here on YouTube and a hi-res version on iTunes via www.quickrelease.tv; watch and wonder what could be. Also take a look at our article from last July - 'Copenhagen - City Of Cyclists'.

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Mon - May 14, 2007

Tue - May 8, 2007

Bike Week 2007 - local events announced

Cycle Hereford is please to promote its support for National Bike Week by way of a series of events as listed on the attached poster for download (280k) or click on 'Read more' for the text list. These may be altered or added to in the forthcoming weeks, so do drop in from time to time for the up to date programme.
BikeWeekFlyer07-RevA.pdf

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Battle continues for cyclist-friendly Highway Code

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. UPDATE: sign the online petition to the Prime Minister to listen to cyclists and not approve the revised highway code here http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/roads4bikes/

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Thu - May 3, 2007

Keeping Cycling on Track

In July, the Government will publish a White Paper laying out its vision for the future of the railways. It's a golden opportunity to influence the next 30 years of rail travel, so the CTC have joined forces with the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group (APPCG) to call on the Government to make it easier for passengers to take cycles with them on the train, or to park them safely at stations. Please add your voice to the campaign. There is a special feature on the CTC website http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4801

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Tue - May 1, 2007

Sustrans River Wye bridge scheme is through to the final selection stage

We are very pleased to announce that final list of Connect2 projects has just been published and the Hereford scheme is one of just 80 to be on the that list (from over 400 originally submitted) and which will be presented to the Big Lottery and taken forward to the live television vote during Winter 07/08. It is these projects that will be made reality should Connect2 be succesful in the vote. Sustrans have been delighted by the positive reaction to Connect2, the time and hard work invested and the impressive quality of the schemes. Also, the extremely strong reaction to Connect2 from the public. Sustrans have received thousands of pledges of support from individuals, communities and organisations and Hereford has been no exception to this - this is great news! For the full details, click on the logo.

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Sun - April 29, 2007

New cycling business launched in Hay on Wye

Drover Holidays have set up to offer cycling and walking tours of 2-15 nights duration, mainly in Mid Wales but also further afield for the longer distance routes like Lon Las Cymru. They also offer bike hire, with free delivery and collection within a 15 mile radius of Hay (Hereford itself probably just sneaks inside their range). They use hybrid adult bikes by Trek and also have kid's bikes, trailers and a tandem. They are signed up to the CTC Cycle Hire Code. There are plenty more details on their excellent and very smart website - www.droverholidays.co.uk and flyers which advertise the bike hire are out and about in Hereford's shops and info centres.

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Wed - April 18, 2007

Bishops Meadow cycle paths to close for 6 months

Council numpty's plumb new depths of doziness with the publication of diversion notices for Bishops Meadow bridleways today. Notices have been posted, both on site and in the Hereford Journal, telling us that entry points into the Bishops Meadow are to be closed for 6 months to allow the flood defence works to proceed. At the moment, the two entrance points off Hinton Road, the one off the Old Bridge and the one at the end of Wye Street are listed. The main route from the swimming baths to the Victoria Bridge is clear for now (although this will have to be closed at some point for a ramp to be built). What beggars belief is the suggested alternative routes. It takes a particularly inept sort of person to suggest that cyclists (and horses) coming from south of the Wye should proceed along Hinton Road, turn right onto the Asda roundabaout proceed along the 4 lane A49 and turn right again into St Martins Street!!!! As you may well know, Asda roundabout has no provision for cyclists because thats how the Council wanted it so this is an extremely dangerous suggestion. Of course there's no reason to take any notice of the suggestion but the mindset behind it needs to get on their collective bikes and try it for themselves. Needless to say, Cycle Hereford have not been consulted by the Council on this, or indeed anything to do with the flood defences (and we are continuing to negotiate for alterations as part of the Flood Defence Coalition). Update 30 April: work is due to start 8 May and contractors Atkins have now indicated that paths are to be kept open by means of 'level crossing gates' which will be closed when contractors need access but, by default will remain open. This is good news.

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Fri - April 13, 2007

Slow streets movement

Safer roads, slower traffic and less clutter are now possible as a result of the government’s new Manual for Streets, published in March by the Department for Transport and Communities and Local Government in partnership with CABE. This replaces the old Design Bulletin 32, which led to places dominated by the car at the expense of pedestrians. Download the manual here. Lets hope Councillors take the time to read it ...

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Wed - April 11, 2007

2007 Tour De Presteigne - Eco-Event and National Electric Bike Rally - Sunday 13 May

The small and usually rather sleepy Welsh border town of Presteigne will play host to the second national event for power assisted electric bikes, in conjunction with Presteigne’s Eco - Event during the weekend of 12 and 13 May. The Electric Bike part of the weekend will begin on Saturday night May 12 with an informal music night at The Legion, Presteigne featuring Jean Louis Cortes - the amazing French ‘Macadam Electric Powered Piano’ from Lille and straight from Glastonbury ‘Your Dad’. Entry £5 tickets on sale during the day or on the door. All day there will be displays of electric bikes by manufacturers and importers in tents on the Industrial Estate, with plenty of opportunity for the public to have a ride. In the morning there will be a short hill climb half a mile out of town, followed by a leisurely 12 mile ride around the picturesque small roads and bridle ways of the area. At 3pm there will be a discussion followed by a question and answer session with some of the movers and shakers in the industry. Then at 5.30pm the twenty lap, one hour, rally will begin around a new course that links the Business Park and the Industrial Estate.
The rally is aimed at amateur electric bike enthusiasts. Organiser Pete Mustill is urging anyone over 14 years old who owns an electric bike or especially anyone who has built one, to sign up straightaway for a chance to join the fun. The event will give the public a chance to see the bikes in action and it should get pretty exciting in the later stages as competitors batteries begin to run out of juice. The tortoises might well triumph over the hares! The pictures of last year’s event give you some idea of the range of enthusiastic competitors the event attracted. If you would like to know more, find out about accomodation, take part as a competitor or to exhibit your wares get in touch now with Pete Mustill 01544 267163 or email: broadsheep@aol.com. Click on 'Read more' for the full details.

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Wed - April 4, 2007

Hereford Pedicabs about to launch their free taxi service!

We reported a little while ago the exciting news that Hereford is to get a free, pedal powered, zero emission taxi service, keeping things simple and fun, honest and green. Hereford Pedicabs are now almost ready to start this valliant enterprise and are holding a launch party to which everyone is invited. This will be at The Courtyard, Hereford between 6pm and 8pm on Thursday April 12 and it'll be a relaxed occasion where you can meet Ben and Will, see the bikes, hear of their plans and generally support a great project! Their website will be online soon but you can follow the build up to the launch of this exciting venture on their blog here. Click on 'Read more' for the full details. Update: view a short movie clip here.

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Tue - April 3, 2007

Another Herefordshire ride featured in Cycling Plus magazine

The new edition of C+ (195, April) features a circular 17 mile National Byway Ledbury Loop route, starting from Ledbury. They've also added a 5 mile optional extension out to Much Marcle. Writer Nigel Housden describes Herefordshire as having 'some of the finest rolling scenery in England', which, of course, we already know.

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Sun - March 25, 2007

Return of the shopper!

Welcome news from Raleigh this week is that they've relaunched the 'Shopper'. This 20 inch wheeled utility bike was discontinued by Raleigh in the 1970's but many survive and they have since obtained cult status with the likes of Sheldon Brown hot rodding them into anything from fixies to full blown tourers. Some of the originals were folders but here they've sensibly stuck to a rigid steel frame and the ubiquitous Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub gear with 1.75 inch tyres for a little bit of comfort. Supplied with front basket and rear bag, they're available direct from Raleigh at £169.99 plus delivery or Mastercraft, Hereford or Revolutions, Ross or (probably) Halfords. Another fan site here.

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Tue - March 13, 2007

Save 17.5% when you buy a bike?

That’s what the nations cyclists are trying to do by getting the government to drop the VAT you pay when you buy a bike or any accessories. Not a bad idea eh? We all save money when we buy our gear and hopefully it will persuade more people to ditch the 4 wheels and get cycling a bit more. So how can you help? A petition has been set up, all you need to do is add your bit and pass it on; http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/NoVATonBikes
Can’t hurt can it; if over a million motorists can do it for road charging then so can we! Thanks to Wiggle for the tip off.

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Tue - March 6, 2007

Support builds for new cycle bridge over the River Wye

Local cycle trainer and SUSTRANS Ranger, Paula McGivern, is delighted at the wonderful news that the local NHS Primary Care Trust has posted its support on the Connect 2 site for the proposed cycle bridge over the River Wye at Rotherwas (see our article further down the page). "There are obviously some very enlightened healthcare professionals in Hereford, who recognise the enormous potential for acheiving public health targets, through walking and cycling referral schemes similar to those that take place on traffic free routes provided by SUSTRANS across Britain. We are also blessed with lots of club cyclists who are supporting this project, because many remember the joy when they first started cycling on roads that were relatively free of cars. Please keep the pledges of support coming into the Connect 2 site, your vote will be the one that makes the difference." Paula is a lone SUSTRANS ranger here in Hereford and although there is not much of the NCN here yet, she hopes the Connect 2 project will soon provide vital link locally and also to the remainder of the NCN.

"Being a Ranger is just another excuse to get out on my bike- not that I really need one! If you are not a member of club, Ranger Days are a great way to meet other cyclists,have fun and do something practical to help keep routes fit to ride." SUSTRANS will be 30years old this year and Paula is keen to get a Ranger Group off the ground so that Hereford can take part in the planned nationwide celebration - Party On The Path. Contact Paula via us at cyclehereford.com if you are interested.

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Sustrans launch bid for new cycle bridge over River Wye - we need your votes!

There are around 140 Sustrans Connect2 projects shortlisted across the UK - and Sustrans want your comments, opinions and feedback on the one that matters to us ie altering the river bridge currently carrying only sewerage pipes just east of Bartonsham to allow cyclists to cross the river and join existing and new cycle routes. The 140 shortlisted projects will be narrowed down to about 75 by May 2007 so your opinions count and your vote is vital.

Please click on the connect2 logo or the link in the right hand column for information and a map and then click on the 'Pledge your support' button to do just that. Please forward this on to anyone you think will be interested. Click on 'Read more' for background info on Connect 2. Please keep spreading the word to people to pleadge their support.

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