Chairmans’ Chat

National Bike Week was a great success in Norwich

thanks to the Campaign. Thousands saw our banner on City Hall, and our spot on Radio Norfolk also let people know about NBW and our events. Leaflets went out all over the city to libraries, bike shops and many other information points. Hundreds of people joined our rides throughout the week, and many people benefited from our free Dr Bike cycle safety checks at the Forum, County Hall, St John's First School fair and the UEA.

We were involved with the Century Bike Ride, with The

Lord Mayor Mick Banham starting the ride, and sitting

astride a penny-farthing provided by one of our

members. Our information stall in the Cathedral Close

had lots of enquiries.

The Bicycle Biriani gave us good publicity with our first

TV appearance, on Look East. A lovely sunny evening

ride was followed by a wonderful meal prepared by

members.

We saw the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress again when

they rode bikes for the first time for many years, and

joined us on the Snowball Pedaling Picnic. Many thanks

to all those members, too numerous to mention, who

made all this possible.

More recently 20 youngsters enjoyed the Cycling

Challenge week at the City of Norwich School, which

Richard Bearman organised, helped by many members,

with different rides and activities each day. So many

children rely on their bikes for getting around, if only they

kept this up into adult life!

Since journeys to work and study are the major cause of

congestion and pollution, any initiative to reduce car use

and increase cycling must be valuable. Our next meeting is at 7.30pm on 15th Sep at the Greenhouse when we will be focusing on these issues, and we have invited a speaker from Cambridge, who is involved in these initiatives.

We have also invited employers and members of Bike

User Groups from many workplaces, who have all been

able to improve facilities for cyclists. The article on the

Group at county hall is one example of this. It's an

opportunity for all members to hear how to set up bike

User Groups and how these groups have been able to

influence employers and other agencies, with benefits to

both staff and customers.

Consultation between employers and cyclists have been

important in ensuring that any equipment provided is

appropriate, like Sheffield stands instead of "wheel-

grabbers", as decision makers are often not cyclists

themselves. Lockers, showers and cycle storage have

been provided or improved. Providing better cycling

facilities fits well with many company policies as it

reduces the cost of providing workplace parking,

encourages staff to enjoy better health and probably all

companies are keen to present themselves as

environmentally sound.

Even keen cyclists may not be able cycle every day,

needing to take passengers or to have a car at work.

People cycling once a week can make a major

contribution to reducing traffic. Once someone cycles

part of the time, they are much more likely to increase

this as routes become more familiar and they realise the

benefits in time, convenience, health and reduced costs.

As a reader of this newsletter you will be well aware of

the issues, and probably well practised in talking to

others about the merits of cycling. Please bring your

ideas to the meeting and hear from other members and

local employers about initiatives which work. If you can

bring someone from your employment who has some

responsibilities for transport issues, so much the better.