Cycling is a great way to get around. It’s good for our health, good for the environment and often a more enjoyable way to travel. But not everyone who wants to cycle does. St Albans Cycle Campaign is working to change that. As well as encouraging people to get on their bikes, the group works with local councils to improve cycling infrastructure across the district. They will be back at the next Harpenden Sustainability Market on the 20th of September to chat to you about their work and answer your cycling questions. They also recently spoke at Our Planet Our Future film screening of Together We Cycle.
Rona Wightman was at the market representing the campaign, which raises cycling issues with both Hertfordshire County Council and St Albans District Council. She says that maintenance of cycle paths is improving, ‘for example, on the cycle path between St Albans and Harpenden, they’ve trimmed the verges, leaving plenty of long grass for wildlife while ensuring there is enough space for cyclists and pedestrians.’ Maintenance issues can make a real difference to safety – if not cleared, mulch on the paths can freeze in winter, creating dangerous conditions for cyclists.
Get on your bike!
There are so many benefits to cycling: independence, improved health and fitness, saving money and, of course, helping the environment. People who commute by bike instead of car also tend to take fewer sick days, so savvy employers encourage their employees to get on their bike.
Cycling and walking are also more predictable than driving. Active travel journeys generally take the same amount of time each day, whereas a car journey might take 15 minutes one morning and 35 the next depending on traffic.
But there are barriers to active travel, including the increasing size of vehicles and a small minority of aggressive drivers. While most drivers are considerate, negative experiences with a few road users can discourage people from cycling. The campaign is working to challenge ‘motornormativity’ – the assumption that cars are the default – and make all road users considerate of those they share the space with.
Another aspect of cycling that can put some people off is carrying heavy shopping, but that can be easily solved. Rona says, ‘There are all sorts of options, including cargo bikes, front baskets, nice big panniers – mine can fit in about £30 of shopping. Or simply buy little, often, instead of going on one big shopping trip once a week or month.’ This benefits retailers too – while car parking fee increases worry some retailers, it’s been shown time and again that customers who walk and cycle tend to benefit their bottom line more, as they make more frequent visits.
What about security?
Security is another concern for many people considering cycling. But you can easily reduce the risk by using, a big, secure lock. Having more than one lock can help too, plus knowing how to lock your bike properly by ensuring that the frame and wheels are all secure.’
Businesses can help by providing secure cycle parking. A solid Sheffield stand is ideal, or at least a stand that is firmly secured to the ground. It’s also important that cycle parking is visible from entrances rather than hidden away at the back of a building.
The same principle applies to housing developments. Residents are more likely to use cycle storage if it is convenient, visible and easy to access. Rona notes that some new housing developments are still being built without adequate cycling facilities, with cycle storage located some distance from homes, making it less practical for residents. This is something local people can raise with the district council when responding to any development planning applications or consultations.
Helping you make the most of cycling
The campaign provides information about cycling, including cycle shops, repairs and cycling groups. If you lack cycling confidence, Bikeability offers courses for both adults and children. It’s a great way to build confidence in your cycling technique and road skills.
Joining a cycling group can also help. Local groups such as OTT Mountain Bike offer opportunities to ride with others, while women-only groups, including Breeze, provide supportive environments for new cyclists. As well as building confidence and meeting people, these groups can help you discover new routes in and around St Albans district.
20mph zones: better for cyclists and drivers alike
One change the campaign supports is the introduction of 20mph speed limits on residential streets.
Opposition to 20mph zones is often based on concerns about journey times. However, on short stretches of road, the difference between travelling at 20mph and 30mph is often minimal, particularly when compared with the time spent waiting at traffic lights or junctions.
Rona points to Edinburgh, which has had citywide 20mph limits for many years. There are benefits for drivers too – driving can be less tiring, it is easier to assess what is happening ahead and drivers are often more willing to let each other out at junctions. Over time, many drivers realise that the lower speed limits have little impact on overall journey times.
Improved traffic safety
There is also a road safety consultation open until 22 June. Residents can let Hertfordshire County Council know how roads can be made safer for cyclists by supporting the draft Road Safety Strategy. The draft places a strong emphasis on active travel safety and recognises that feeling unsafe can be a significant barrier to cycling.
We’re accustomed to thinking of cars as the default mode of transport, a concept known as motornormativity. However, this excludes many people, including children, those on lower incomes and older people who may not drive. St Albans Cycle Campaign wants people to realise that we all have a choice. Cars are extremely useful for many journeys, but they don’t always have to be the default option.
Join us at the next Sustainability Market on Sunday the 20th of September to discover local eco and food stalls that promote a more sustainable lifestyle. Visit our markets page for the full schedule of dates.