BBC RADIO 2 OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE AWARENESS

Potential opportunity to raise awareness of cyclists injuries...

Bizarrely listener's have been contacting the Ken Bruce show on BBC Radio 2 describing the agony of treading on upturned plugs in bare feet...if you happen to know of anything more painful then you can take this opportunity to email - ken.bruce@bbc.co.uk

Oh well now let me see, I'm pretty sure getting run over whilst cycling home is a bit more painful so I have taken this opportunity to email Ken. This is your chance to do the same, any opportunity to raise awareness is worth taking even if it is from a sideline approach.

Send your emails to;

ken.bruce@bbc.co.uk

Make the voice of the 'Injured Cyclist' heard! 

BBC THE WAR ON BRITAINS ROADS

After highlighting inadequacies within the recent BBC's "The War on Britain's Roads" documentary and suggesting ideas for a much more informative programme promoting road safety etc. I have received a somewhat generic letter, but hey at least it's been logged and I am sure that I was not alone in writing in regarding 'The War on Britain's Roads'.

RESPONSE FROM BBC 

 

"Thanks for contacting us regarding BBC One's 'The War on Britain's Roads'.

I understand that you felt the programme showed bias against cyclists.

Please be assured that BBC staff are well aware of our commitment to impartial journalism, but I appreciate that on this occasion you felt this balance was not adequately struck.

Furthermore, please note that the programme's Executive Producer, Samantha Anstiss, has written the following blog reflecting on the production of the programme and sequences of footage used within it:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/blogaboutthebbc/posts/A-range-of-opinions-and-perspectives-in-The-War-on-Britains-Roads

As we are guided by audience feedback, I’ve registered your comments regarding this issue to our audience log. This is a daily report of audience feedback made available throughout the BBC, including to programme producers, as well as members of senior management.

The audience logs help to shape future decisions regarding BBC programming and output.

Thanks again for taking the time to contact us.

Kind Regards

Tanya McKee

BBC Complaints"

CAMPAIGN FOR A MORE BENEFICIAL PROGRAMME TO BE AIRED ON ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD USER AWARENESS;

I don't think the blog created by the BBC really excuses how the BBC failed to highlight that the so called "Alley Cat" footage was indeed footage of a 'one off' illegal race nor did they highlight this point within the programme, along with other missed opportunities to raise awareness such as - "If a cyclist can reach out and touch a car - then the car is actually too close";



If you would like to offer feedback regarding "The War on Britain's Roads" and campaign for a better programme to be produced highlighting how our roads can become safer, raising awareness of all roads users rights and dispelling myths about road tax etc then please follow this link;

www.bbc.co.uk/complaints

TO MAKE A CHANGE IN YOUR COMMUNITIES AND CREATE SAFER ROADS TAKE A LOOK AT THE 'RAISING AWARENESS PAGE' OF THIS BLOG FOR INSPIRATION

http://peacecycling.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/raising-awareness.html

RAISING AWARENESS

As the number of cyclist fatalities sadly reaches 119 we must take action. We don't want anymore cyclists ending up as a statistic, let's spread the word and promote safety on our communities roads.

Image courtesy of http://www.zeitgeistimages.co.uk/

There's plenty you can do to support existing campaigns improving safety in your area and you can make a great start here;

• Campaign for 20mph in your area - 20's plenty
  http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/
  
• Add dangerous locations here - The Times Cycle Safe Campaign
  http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/contact/
  
• Take things higher - Correspond your support for The Times Cycle Safe Manifesto by contacting your your Local MP and Council Leader with this information.
  http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/article3367277.ece

GET BRITAIN CYCLING CAMPAIGN POSTER

You only have until 5th December 2012

Take this opportunity to have your say

Do your bit to improve our roads

For further information visit the "Get Britain Cycling" section of this blog & send your email ASAP 

PEACE CYCLING SPORTS A NEW LOGO

As support for the campaigns I am promoting grows I thought it was time to create an identity, which as my campaigning develops will become a recognisable symbol of the ultimate aim for Peace on our roads;

"Safer Roads for Cyclists = Safer Roads for All"

CYCLING EMBASSY of GREAT BRITAIN

 

"All the more power, then, to Peace Cycling
and her campaign to get Britain cycling despite her own nasty accident" 

http://www.cycling-embassy.org.uk/blog/2012/11/18/great-big-spoiled-ballot-bike-blog-roundup

Peace Cycling being mentioned on the Cycling Embassy of Great Britain makes me feel proud do be doing my bit for road safety.

You can do your bit too, support the "Get Britain Cycling" campaign, just go to the "Get Britain Cycling" section for more information and get your email sent to Adam Coffman (coffmana@parliament.uk) before 5th December. 

Spare 5 minutes, have your say and make a positive difference today!

SUPPORT SUSTRANS 20MPH PLEDGE

This literally takes seconds and Sustrans need 10,000 signatures to support their pledge to implement 20mph speed limits

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/freerangekids/free-range-kids-pledge-form

Sustrans pledge to call on local and national governments to:

• introduce 20 miles per hour speed limits in residential areas.
• invest in walking and cycling routes, particularly around schools.

NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY WEEK

It's National Road Safety week 19th - 25th November. What are you doing to help make our roads a safer place to be? Stuck for ideas but want to get involved? Here's 3 really good ideas;

1. Request your local MP to sign the Early Day Motion 679 "Get Britain Cycling" the only catch is only 'Back Bench MPs' can sign it however even if your MP isn't a 'Back Bench MP' you are still raising awareness of public demand which is great. Follow this link to fill out the form

http://engagement.ctc.org.uk/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1689&ea.campaign.id=17335&ea.tracking.id=a0f1a528

2.Write to your local Councillor/MP/MEP via this link to request 20mph where you live;
http://www.writetothem.com/ complete the simple form and activate the confirmation email

3. Email Adam Coffman coffmana@parliament.uk before 5th December 2012 to support the "Get Britain Cycling" campaign  relaying the many benefits of cycling and The Times Cycle Safe campaign Manifesto;

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/article3367277.ece

Too hard too choose? Why not do all 3 and feel really good about yourself...

Happy cycling and thanks for taking a step to making our roads safer for everyone.

PRIME ROAD CYCLING POSITION

It's a fairly common fact amongst regular road cyclists that the prime position to be on the road is 1 meter from the lanes edge ie the middle of the lane.

It is proven to be the safest for visibility although it's often not popular with motorists who are keen to overtake you.

It takes confidence to cycle in the middle of the lane and you can become subject to sounding horns, revving engines, verbal abuse and an array of hand gestures, but rest assured you really should be there for the safety of all road users with optimum visibility.

Image courtesy of British Cycling.

For further information on Prime Road Cycling Position visit;

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/cycletraining/article/ct20110110-cycletraining-Bitesize-Bikeability--Part-4--On-Road-Positioning-0

BBC RADIO SHROPSHIRE LISTEN AGAIN

If you missed the live broadcast with my cycling feature on Monday 12.11.12 you can 'listen again'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00zwhnd/Eric_Smith_and_Clare_Ashford_12_11_2012/

Clips of what I have to say are scattered between 7.00 - 9.00am. This will only be available for a short time (7 days) on Listen Again.

Once you've listened don't forget to go to the "Get Britain Cycling" post and get your email on it's way to;

Adam Coffman (coffmana@parliament.uk) before 5th December

Make our roads a shared space "Safer Roads for Cyclists = Safer Roads for All"

EARLY DAY MOTION JUSTICE REVIEW CAMPAIGN

CAMPAIGNING WHILST RECOVERING AT HOME WITH 1 OF ALMOST A DOZEN CASTS

CYCLIST IN BATTLE FOR NEW LAWS...

MAKING THE NEWS - BBC RADIO & IN PRINT

ADVERTIZER NEWSPAPER 17.12.13 Injured cyclist still fighting for a 20mph speed limit


SHROPSHIRE STAR NEWSPAPER 31.10.13

http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2013/09/27/plans-for-20mph-speed-limit-in-oswestry-put-on-hold/

ADVERTIZER NEWSPAPER 28.05.13 Cyclist's speed limit fight gathering pace...A campaign to make Oswestry a 20mph zone...

SHROPSHIRE STAR NEWSPAPER 14.04.13
http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/transport-news/2013/04/04/councillors-call-for-20mph-speed-restrictions-on-all-oswestry-roads/ 

ADVERTIZER NEWSPAPER 09.04.13 http://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/news/121531/council-backs-town-centre-speed-cut.aspx

CHRONICLE NEWSPAPER 04.04.13

SHROPSHIRE STAR NEWSPAPER 04.04.13

http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/transport-news/2013/04/04/councillors-call-for-20mph-speed-restrictions-on-all-oswestry-roads/ 

OSWESTRY TOWN COUNCIL 04.04.13
http://www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk/news/article/article/town-centre-20mph.html 

OSWESTRY 21 COMMUNITY VOICES 04.04.13
http://www.oswestry21.com/?features=town-council-backs-20mph-limit-for-town-centre 

ADVERTIZER NEWSPAPER 26.03.13

CHRONICLE NEWSPAPER 26.02.13 
http://www.oswestrychronicle.com/2013/01/25/cyclists-in-campaign-for-20mph-town-zone/

SHROPSHIRE STAR NEWSPAPER 26.02.13
http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/transport-news/2013/01/31/call-for-20mph-limit-over-whole-of-oswestry/

CHRONICLE NESWPAPER 22.02.13 (Shrewsbury)
http://www.shrewsburychronicle.com/2013/02/22/councillors-back-plan-for-20mph-speed-limit/ 

CHRONICLE NEWSPAPER 14.02.13

SHROPSHIRE STAR NEWSPAPER 12.02.13
http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/transport-news/2013/02/12/two-hundred-back-20mph-petition-in-oswestry/

CHRONICLE NEWSPAPER 07.02.13 

ADVERTIZER NEWSPAPER 05.02.13
http://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/news/119602/injured-cyclist-says-justice-system-is-too-lenient.aspx

SHROPSHIRE STAR NEWSPAPER 31.01.13

SHROPSHIRE STAR NEWSPAPER 30.01.13

CHRONICLE NEWSPAPER 31.01.13

CHRONICLE NEWSPAPER 24.01.13
http://www.oswestrychronicle.com/2013/01/25/cyclists-in-campaign-for-20mph-town-zone/ 

BBC RADIO SHROPSHIRE 12.01.2013
Live - Discussing cycle safety, raising awareness and safety on our roads 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p012jxyd
(listen again available for a limited time only) 

BBC RADIO SHROPSHIRE 12.11.12
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00zwhnd
(listen again available for a limited time only)

CHRONICLE NEWSPAPER 18.10.13

SHROPSHIRE STAR NEWSPAPER 16.10.13
http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2012/10/16/injured-shropshire-cyclist-in-calls-for-improved-safety/
I am proud to have been a part of campaigning for the Early Day Motion 'Justice Review' alongside British Cycling, encouraging people via social and local media to write to their local MP asking them to sign the Early Day Motion.

ADVERTIZER NEWSPAPER 25.09.12

ADVERTIZER NEWSPAPER 29.08.12
http://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/news/115748/cyclist-injured-in-rush-hour-incident.aspx
Subsequently I spent 2 weeks in hospital following emergency surgery and it was from my hospital bed that I started campaigning for "Safer Roads for Cyclists = Safer Roads for All"

ITV GRANADA
News Live: Peace Cycling Blog, Cycling RTC and campaigning Novmber 2012 (no link available)

BBC RADIO 2
Jeremy Vine Show Live: Cycling RTC feature August 2012 (no link available)

BBC RADIO SHROPSHIRE

I am stepping up my campaign to make "safer roads for cyclists = safer roads for all" you can support me...

TUNE IN TO BBC RADIO SHROPSHIRE Monday 12.11.12  I will be ON AIR 7:08 & 8.08 am.......There will also be further talks on cycling...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radioshropshire 

I will be talking about my personal experience whilst still recovering from a cycling RTC this year & campaigning to make roads #cyclesafe #saferroadsforcyclists #saferroadsforall

To support this campaign further get involved by scrolling to the "Get Britain Cycling" Call For Evidence Inquiry and 'doing your bit'

Thank you & cycle safe out there 

GET BRITAIN CYCLING CAMPAIGN

Ask yourself 3 questions;

1. Have you ever moaned about how dangerous our roads have become?
2. Have you ever felt in danger cycling on our roads?
3. Have you always wanted to make a difference but didn't know how?

Well this is your chance to get involved. Read the document available via the link below and email Adam Coffman (coffmana@parliament.uk) before 5th December with your information. Then be proud of yourself for being a part of making "Safer Roads for Cyclists = Safer Roads for All"

Cyclist Inquiry Call for Evidence - Your chance to make a difference

Not sure what to do? Email me; peacecycling@btinternet.com

Thank you for taking a step towards making our roads safer...

You don't want yourself or anyone you know to end up like me with these as your main form of transport!

LOCAL MP CORRESPONDENCE

Even from the moment I hit the tarmac I knew I didn't want this unfortunate incident to be for nothing. As soon as I was able I started campaigning;

"Safer Roads for Cyclists = Safer Roads for All" 

 

Even from my hospital bed during my more lucid moments I found this campaigning almost therapeutic as a side effect of being useful it helped focus my mind forwards away from the terrible  trauma my body and mind had been subjected to.

I have already successfully campaigned to raise awareness and encourage participation in the British Cycling Campaign to 'Get Involved' with the Early Day Motion (EDM407) Justice review. This EDM saw a greater public interest than has been known before and Parliament agreed to meet with British Cycling to discuss matters further despite previous requests not being accepted. This was a great step forward and I am proud to have played my part in getting friends, family and distant acquaintances to contact their local MPs UK wide.

Further more my local MP replied to my letter for the Justice Review EDM407 stating that I would be getting a response from the Secretary of State for Health in light of my RTC...watch this space, I remain hopeful that I have made a strong impact.

ABOUT ME

"My Aim is To Encourage & Protect Cyclists"
'Safer Roads for Cyclists = Safer Roads for All'

"I have been a cyclist for over 20 years and a driver for over 15 years. I have never caused an accident, but sadly in the space of 13 months I was unfortunate to firstly be on the receiving end of a truck whilst driving and secondly by a car whilst cycling home"

Both accidents were totally unexpected, on both occasions I was hit from behind and they were both traumatic but the cycling incident was by far the worst experience I have had to suffer. As a cyclist you are far more vulnerable out there on two wheels rather than being encased in a heavy chunk of metal and plastic. 

I was hospitalised for 2 weeks as a result of the cycling RTC and have yet to recover from the injuries I sustained almost 12 weeks on and I am still unable to walk. That said I was born to fight and fight I will in the shape of campaigning, my mission is to help create peace on our roads, my belief is that "Safer Roads for Cyclists = Safer Roads for All"