Cycling club’s mission to make lanes safe places (From Cotswold Journal)

Cycling club’s mission to make lanes safe places

10:00am Friday 15th February 2013 in News

A VALE cycling club has taken a big step forward in creating a safe place for people using local roads on foot, bike or horseback.

The Honeybourne Bicycle Users Group (H-BUG) and its founder, Steve Bullen, have been working hard to get Gloster Ades, Stoneford Lane and Back Lane in the village designated as ‘quiet lanes’.

They have now have the support of Worcestershire County Council’s highways department, Honeybourne Parish Council and Bretforton Parish Council, who have all agreed to fund the transition between them.

Mr Bullen said: “The next step is to have it costed out between the three councils.

Once that’s done and has been reviewed, posts will be put in the ground at different points along the lane.

“The posts will make people aware the road is a shared space. Already we are seeing a change in drivers’ behaviour because they are expecting to see people down there on foot or cycling.”

Quiet lanes have to be minor rural roads which are appropriate for shared use by cars and others. They need to have a low traffic flow, travelling at low speeds.

Alongside the plans to create safe spaces for recreational activities, the group has been taking part in cycling events with new ones starting this year.

Mr Bullen said: “Seventeen riders enjoyed Honeybourne Wheel Saturday in January and on New Year’s Day, 23 riders aged seven to 70 enjoyed a ride. What I want to do is make it normal behaviour to go on a bike and we are seeing more cyclists about in addition to our events already.”

H-BUG will be holding an event on Saturday, February 23, for people who would like to cycle 10 miles or more.

Each 10-mile loop will return to the start point so riders can choose to ride 10, 20, 30 or 40 miles.

Other upcoming events include a family cycle at 2pm this Saturday. For more information, e-mail steve@ stephenbullen.com