An illustration from the new government guidance |
East Hill scheme may be good to go after new guidance issued |
Dear <<First Name>>
The government has published new guidance on bus stop bypasses – where bus stops are on an island and cyclists ride between the bus stop and the footway, usually on a clearly marked cycle path (illustration above).
Such bypasses avoid dangerous leap-frogging between bus drivers and cyclists and are seen all over London and Europe. They generally have a good safety record.
Here in Colchester, the release is likely to have an effect on the East Hill scheme and might be what the Essex transport boss (formerly councillor Tom Cunningham but now councillor Mark Platt) has been waiting for before deciding whether to go ahead.
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£10,000 funding for Greenway |
The Sunshine Coast Greenway, a route around Tendring and taking in east Colchester, has been awarded £10,000 of early-stage funding by Essex County Council, which will help pay for design/feasibility work.
A spokesman for the project said: "This puts us in a stronger position than we have been at any point so far." See https://sunshinecoastgreenway.org.uk for details or to get involved |
Planning councillors give a unanimous 'yes' to bike store |
The bike shelter in the front garden facing Maldon Road has been moved slightly since this photo was taken |
Just as we go to press, we hear that councillors have unanimously approved a retrospective plan for a bike shelter in Athelstan Road, Colchester.
The planning committee went against an officers' recommendation that planning permission be refused.
Neighbours had not objected and the 1.5m-high store has been moved back when compared with the photo above. The applicant wanted the store at the front of the home because it had better accessibility.
Cllr Kayleigh Rippingale stepped down from the committee to back the applicant in the "have your say" section of the meeting.
She stressed that she was backing residents who want to make more sustainable travel choices and cited a probable imminent change in government guidance. In response a council officer warned of the danger of an erosion of character if similar applications are approved.
Cllr Mark Goacher asked: "How is this shed more incongruous than sticking a Chelsea tractor in the driveway?"
Cllr Sam McLean proposed acceptance on the ground that the plan did not cause harm. Cllr Sam McCarthy said: "We don't think this is unsightly at all."
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Essex mayor will push transport up agenda, Cycling UK says |
The Cycle Advocacy Network Essex met Cycling UK to be briefed on local government reorganisation. Campaign members Stuart Johnson and Will Bramhill are members of CAN Essex.
The most likely scenario is that the mayor will have a strategic responsibility for developing a transport plan across the county. Their powers will include strategic routes (usually bus routes) and they can appoint an active travel commissioner (the role carried out by Chris Boardman in Manchester).
The single-tier councils (ours is likely to be Colchester, Braintree and Tendring combined) will be responsible for local roads, including potholes and lighting.
Duncan Dollimore of Cycling UK said: "Going by experience elsewhere there are likely to be short-term snags as the system beds in but the longer term is more positive."
Under the new set-up, funds will go directly to the mayor to be distributed. Duncan said: "This means that instead of, say, a county council blaming the government, Whitehall will be able to point back and say 'We have given you millions of pounds. What have you done with it?'. The upshot is that transport moves up the agenda.
"The advantage of having a mayor is that they are seen by the public to be personally accountable for transport decisions, They can’t pass the buck to other councils. This allows them to be bolder. In several places, we’ve seen active travel move up the agenda as a result."
In Essex, a county council election is likely to be held this year and a new "shadow council" elected in 2027. There will be no mayoral election until 2028. |
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This is your chance to help fund the campaign and make sure we go into 2026 on a firm financial footing. Thank you for all your help so far. |
Boxted bridge reopens to cyclists and walkers |
Jon Smith of Colchester Rovers |
Boxted bridge is open at last, giving commuters and leisure cyclists an alternative route into Suffolk from the lanes north of Colchester.
The news broke last week with hardworking councillors Darius Laws and Lewis Barber announcing it in a video on social media. The bridge had been shut for everyone for nearly 1,000 days.
Essex has to put in place a traffic regulation order to confirm the opening because it is limited to cars and walkers, with motor traffic excluded. This is expected to be a formality but please comment if the opening will change the amount you cycle and the routes you take.
Thanks to everyone who has kept up the pressure on this topic, especially Lucinda de Jasay and her sister who live at the adjacent mill.
Try the bridge todayThis route is a great "there and back" that takes in Boxted bridge. Remember to pass and look (through the Heras fencing) for any kingfishers! https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2096521 |
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Meanwhile at Olivers Orchard on National Cycle Route 1 south of the city, a hole has opened up in the bridge across Roman River. It has been reported to the Essex public rights of way team who are usually speedy in effecting repairs. |
Change these gates please! |
Campaign member Steve Mann has raised a valid point: open up the Northern Gateway route for cyclists!
Anyone using the cycleway that runs from Boxted Road to Severalls Lane will be aware that at night, and even on summer's evenings, this gate is swung closed to deter Travellers.
Steve has written to Colchester city council and council leader David King to ask for cyclists to be given easier entry. He says he uses the path for commuting between Boxted/Great Horkesley and Severalls Business Park or for leisure cycling to avoid Straight Road/Langham Road.
Steve said "What I'm proposing is a simple cycle "gate" or gap in the fence next to the two sets of yellow metal gates to allow easier pedestrian and cyclist access."
Colchester council told this newsletter: "“Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We are aware of the concerns raised. Officers are looking into the issues and will review the situation. We will provide an update once any appropriate next steps have been identified.” |
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On the back of Steve's efforts, the campaign has responded to a planning application for a barn at Runkin's Corner and asked for a future footpath conversion from Langham Lane to cross Severalls Lane, above.
Langham parish council has given us its support. don't hold your breath – this could take several years to come about. |
More cycle parking installed |
New bike racks have been installed at the Well Methodist Church, top, and Mile End dental clinic, above, in Nayland Road, Colchester. Thanks to Keith and Di at the church and Mansour at the dentists for securing these.
There is news, too, about cycle parking at the Sainsbury Local store at the junction of Drury Road, Butt Road and Layer Road. The shop removed the original racks about 18 months ago but is finally replacing them. The work is due to begin on February 5.
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Colchester Cycling Campaign uses Email Octopus to create this newsletter. If you would like to do the same for your organisation please use this link https://emailoctopus.com/?urli=XN4MS. The campaign and the new group each get a "new joiner" benefit of 15 USD (about £12). |
What would Alan Palmer say? |
Committee member Nat Catchpole has raised the issue of flooding on Alan Palmer Way, next to the railway behind the Range on Cowdray Avenue. Nat said: "Sections of this path were nigh-on impassable after recent rains. Plus if it freezes, the ice will be dreadful."
Nat has spoken to Essex and Colchester councils and understands that the path has yet to be adopted from the developer.
"We hope Persimmon will be made to put this right before the councils accept the path into their care," Nat said. "It is ironic that this section is named after late cycling campaigner Alan Palmer. He would be horrified to see the path like this."
Separately, Essex Highways is ploughing ahead with improvements to the cycleway along Brick Kiln Lane. We hope to bring you more news – and perhaps a video – in the March newsletter. |
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Further east, the tunnel under Colne Bank Avenue, which links Rotary Way with the north-side cycleway and the footway to North Station, has been out of action for repairs. We understand that the licence for the work expires on February 7 but may be renewed. |
Campaign has shopping list as plans for major housing schemes revealed |
Two big new homes schemes are in the offing and the campaign has commented on both. Plan 260056 is for 526 homes adjacent to Wyvern Farm, Stanway, to the west of Stane Park. We have asked for a contribution to cycle routes to take children to the Winstree Road schools, to include the beginnings of a cycleway on the B1408 London Road. We have also asked for a back route through the estate to connect with Stane Park itself. |
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The second scheme, above, has yet to reach planners but it is for 386 homes in the former offices off North Station Road and south of Causton Road. We are asking for :: LTN 1/20 compliant cycling infrastructure on all five arms of King’s Meadow :: a quiet route from the cycle parking in the development along the riverside and into King’s Meadow :: 20mph calming of Causton Road and Albert Road :: a facility in North Station Road to allow for safer turns :: a cycle route continuing through Victoria Quays to the back entrance of North School and a new bridge connecting it to Sheepen Road schools and college.
The sizes of both developments mean they will automatically be referred to the DfT's Active Travel England quango. |
New national road safety strategy is met by mixed response |
The government launched its new road safety strategy last month. Responses were mixed. The national cycling charity Cycling UK says the strategy needs to commit to giving drivers more education. It is asking you to email your MP using this link. Did you see the strategy reported on the news? What did you think? Here is a selection of views to help you make up your mind.
The aim should be zero deaths, not a 65 per cent reduction, says Living Streets |
Fit a cargo bike into your life |
No, you're not seeing double ... |
OK, so why has this bike got two chains? Watch the video to find out how it is helping to deliver healthcare in Africa.
The campaign's resident engineer Neil Allen says: "This is a very clever idea from an interesting company. Yet another project to go on my 'when I win the lottery" donation list'."
A mechanical expert from Colchester Bike Kitchen says: "It's really interesting to see the compromises they had to make to achieve shifting, and the work for good that engineers can do without marketing breathing down their neck." |
Report highways issues, including potholes, failed traffic signals and overgrowth to Essex Highways here: https://www.essexhighways.org/tell-usRemember to keep the record number of your complaint. If you record lots of issues it may be worth starting a personal spreadsheet giving details of location, reference number, dates and results. |
New European standard for cargo and carry bikes |
We had an enjoyable Bike Meet at the New Inn in Chapel Street South last month with 13 people in attendance.
We also had an exotic visitor in the form of Richard Armitage, from Manchester Bikes, which specialises in load-carrying bikes of all sorts. Richard joined us at the New Inn as the guest of Lee Pugh, who runs the Colchester eCargo Bike company.
Richard keeps on top of consultations, regulation and legislation relating to cycling and told us about the new EN 17860 European standard which establishes safety and performance requirements for cargo and carrier bikes.
He said that 17860 will give manufacturers clear guidelines for design, testing, and verification and ensure quality. It also supports the growth of e-cargo bikes as a sustainable solution.
Richard also flagged up the ne UK government pavement parking consultation a review and consultation on mobility scooters |
Next Bike Meet: Tuesday Feb 17 |
The next Bike Meet will be on Tuesday February 17. We'll let you know nearer the time if it is going to be in-person or a virtual event. |
National news you might have missed |
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October 1, 1944: cyclists who might have ridden out from Colchester line the roadside in the village of Ardleigh, which had its first bombing fatalities the day before. Five people died when a V-1 flying bomb landed on these two homes. A contributor called Halbion writes about it on the BBC People's War website: "Doodlebugs were unmanned planes full of explosives. We seemed to be on one the flightpaths probably from Holland and one night one came over, its engine cut out immediately overhead but it carried on for about another 1.5 miles and crashed destroying a pair of cottages and killing some people." |
Social media posts of the month |
Try a ride in good company |
Hey boss, sign the charter! |
Have you signed the Colchester Cycling Charter yet? If not, please do. If you work or volunteer, please ask your organisation to sign too. The more people on bikes, the fewer traffic jams will snarl up our city. |
Don't bin me... pass me on |
Feel free to pass on this newsletter via email and social media by using the link at the very top ... and encourage your friends to join the campaign so they receive their own copy every month. |
Chairman: Stuart JohnsonVice-secretary: Will BramhillTreasurer: Catherine Johnson Your committee: Alex Hooper, Chris Stevenson, Jean Quinn, Nathaniel Catchpole, Alan Spence, Kristin Bradley and Paul Byrne |
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