Leeds Bicycle Users Group

News

Click here to access the 'News and Reviews' section of the Bicycle Users' Group links page. Or go there via 'Links' above.

Local Cycling News

Leeds Cycling Action Group (LCAG) presented a Deputation to Leeds City Council on 16th November 2011. The statement to all 99 Councillors, which was delivered by LCAG member and Leeds BUG Joint Chair Lizzie Reather, called for better consideration for cycling in Council policies.
Green Gown Award for UTravelActive - The University of Leeds received a 'highly commended' award at the 2011 Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) award ceremony - November 2011.
'Join the Chaingang' - Promotional article in 'The Reporter' staff newsletter, December 2010. Select issue 554; p7.
'Bike Hub Promotes Pedal Power' - 'The Reporter' staff newsletter, February 2010.
'Ageing Gracefully with Novel Joints' - A cycling skeleton was put through its paces at the 'Pioneers 09' event in London, demonstrating pioneering research taking place at the Leeds Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (iMBE). 'The Reporter' staff newsletter, March 2009.
'Putting the Brakes on Bike Thieves' - Technology being developed at the University of Leeds will put the brakes on bicycle thieves, and may also be useful in flagging suspicious events in public places, say researchers at Leeds University, December 2007. Read also article in the Yorkshire Post, 21st Dec 2007.
'Study Tips the Scales in Favour of Exercise' - Findings of a BBSRC-funded study: article from 'The Reporter' staff newsletter, October 2007.
'Green is the Word' - Determination to tackle climate change: article from 'The Reporter' staff newsletter, June 2007.
'Leeds Cuts its Carbon Habit' - Information about the Carbon Management Programme: article from 'The Reporter' staff newsletter, October 2006.

National Cycling News

August 2011 - "Cycling industry gives economy £3bn boost" - See the BBC News website.

July 2010 - The new Barclays Superhighway Scheme is launched in London. Click here for further details. See also an item and video on the BBC News website.

Early 2010 - A new Dutch-style 'CyclePoint' is to be constructed at Leeds Railway Station. Click here to view the official brochure from Northern Rail. View items in the cycling press: road.cc; and bikebiz.com

October 2009 - A project for a network of 17 cycle routes linking urban areas in Leeds, would encourage more people to get on their bikes. View the website of road.cc. Read agenda item 9 of the Leeds City Council Executive Board meeting, 14th October 2009.

November 2008 - Transport for London (TFL) announce a new London cycle-hire scheme, planned to start in 2010. Read more.

October 2008 - The Transport Select Committee publish their report 'Ending the Scandal of Complacency: Road Safety Beyond 2010'. Cyclists and cycling organisations have welcomed the report since it recommends widepsread 20mph limits, promotes sustainable travel, considers how cycle training can contribute to the training of novice drivers, and much more. Read more (CTC news release). Click here to access the report itself.

September 2008 - Leeds introduces the UK's first large-scale campus bike hire scheme based on the 'Velocampus' in Nantes, France. As part of the UTravelActive project receiving money from multiple sources, students will be offered hire bikes at low cost. Read more.

June 2008 - The Governnment announce funding of £100m to promote cycling in twelve English towns and cities, including York. The new "demonstration areas" will be added to the six already existing in Aylsbury, Brighton, Darlington, Derby, Exeter and Lancaster. The twelve new areas are Blackpool, Bristol, Cambridge, Chester, Colchester, Leighton Buzzard, Shrewsbury, Southend, Southport, Stoke, Woking and York. Read more. The news release from the Department for Transport (DfT) is located here.

May 2008 - Sustrans, the UK's leading sustainable transport charity, launch 'DIY Streets'. This scheme is to help people re-design their own streets, making them safer and more attractive. Eleven communities are being piloted. Read more.

May 2008 - The Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC) inform the Transport Select Committee's Inquiry on Road Safety, that the Government must set out a new vision for safe community streets to enable people to cycle, and feel comfortable letting their children cycle to school. Together with other organisations, the CTC support the introduction of many more 20mph speed limits in urban areas, and reform of traffic laws. Read more.

January 2008 - The Government launch a 'Healthy Living' Strategy. A £372m strategy targeted at reducing obesity in England, has been launched by the Government. The strategy includes encouraging more people to cycle, and creating 'Healthy Towns'. Read more.

December 2007 - Sustrans, the UK's leading sustainable transport charity, secure £50m of lottery funding as voted for by the public, for their 'Connect2' project. This will be invested in walking and cycling facilities nationwide. Read more. See also leader in 'The Guardian' dated 14th December 2007: 'In Praise of....the National Cycle Network'

September 2007 - Investment in cycling could save £520m, according to 'Cycling England', a Government-backed cycling group. Read more.

June 2007 - Important amendments to the Highway Code - The CTC and other lobbyists have campaigned successfully to secure over 40 rule changes in the draft Highway Code. Read more.

October 2006 - Cyclists will help tackle climate change - The government have recently awarded the CTC £300,000 to help raise awareness of climate change amongst cyclists. Read more.

June 2006 - Casualties - The Government are urged to act over the latest casualty figures. Read about this and other stories on the website of the Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC).