Here is the list of rides for the summer. As we have run into problems a couple of times getting a pub lunch recently, (booking ahead only, and a pub being closed) it's advisable to bring something to eat, though we usually do go for a drink at lunchtime. It's not easy to book ahead as the numbers vary so much. Meet by the Abbey 10.15-10.30 unless a different time is given.

31st May: West Harptree. 30 miles. Paul 07941 282054.

14th June: Grittleton and garden visit. 30 miles. Hazel 01225 469199. Meet 9.45-10.00.

New barriers have been built at the southern end of Victoria Bridge. Cyclists have to almost stop to get through the barriers and it is difficult to get through with a trailer.

The purpose appear to be to prevent motorbikes from crossing the bridge but instead has created a bottleneck for cyclists and pedestrians to pass through. This will cause unnecessary confrontation on perhaps the best shared facility in Bath.

There are fears that cyclists passing slowly through the barriers will be an easier target for muggers, especially at night.

2/2/09

see chron article

At the meeting on 17th November, Rhodri Samuel gave a presentation on the Council's Public Realm and Movement Strategy which is due to go out to consultation soon. He has provided copies of two key documents which you can access here:

• Public Realm and Movement Strategy for Bath City Centre - consultation draft October 2008
• Futue for Bath Vision - presentation to Better Bath Forum

Work is likely to begin early next year on a new cycle and footpath through old railway tunnels to the south of Bath.

Bath and North East Somerset Council has signalled its formal agreement to help with the funding of the Two Tunnels Project, which will link the city with Midford.

The decision by transport cabinet member Cllr Charles Gerrish ends the uncertainty for supporters of the project, which has secured £1 million of lottery funding.

See full story in Chronicle

I have long been puzzled by the poor signing of the traffic-free Victoria Bridge route across the river - you need binoculars to see the current signs towards the bridge if you are at the Brougham Hayes traffic lights.

I met before Christmas with Stefan Chiffers from the Banes Bath Package scheme. We talked about the planning for a part of the Bath Package and the opportunities for cycling on the new route which will allow cycling from the end of the off-road Bristol-Bath NCN4 route towards the city centre - the attached file shows the route that Banes are currently consulting on. The route will then continue through the Western Riverside development towards Pines Way.

The Bath Transportation Package is a £54 million scheme to improve public transport and pedestrian access for all residents and visitors in the City of Bath and the surrounding area.

The Bath Package aims to provide a modern, integrated and easy-to-use public transport systems which seeks to:

• Create a high quality transport system
• Reduce traffic congestion
• Improve accessibility
• Improve road safety
• Improve the quality of life

Cllr Gitte Dawson has forwarded the link to the Capital Transport Programme that will be approved tomorrow (Fri 30 Mar) if there are no objections.

BCC is campaigning to make sure as much as possible is planned in to encourage cycling both within the development and on external routes - eg to the city centre

Plan of site showing main pedestrian and cycle routes

Link to council website

Link to developers' website