Road Safety and British Cycling

BBC Poll sparks interview on BBC Radio Shropshire LIVE with Jim Hawkins...

A recent Poll of 3000 people carried out by the BBC suggests

"Roads are 'too dangerous' for cyclists"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-28093374 

Today I was invited to share my story with BBC Radio Shropshire 

on the Jim Hawkins show.

I became physically and psychologically injured whilst cycling on the road in a serious RTC August 2012 at the sole fault of the motorist. My life was stopped it was turned upside down. I am about to spend my 3rd and possibly 4th stay in hospital. Here's an insight into what happened...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIbJeD5756o 


LISTEN AGAIN HERE 1st - 8th July 2014: from 2.17 http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0215l7f 

This completely avoidable RTC sensitized me to road safety. I am not against cycling, I am not anti motorist, I am trying to make positive change towards safer roads and an enhanced environment. which generated my research into helping to improve our roads this research led me to 2 important campaigns;

• '20s Plenty Where People Live' http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/

Campaigning for 20mph to become the default speed limit on residential and urban streets. The '20s Plenty for Oswestry' group campaign is supported by; Residents, Commuters, Business Owners, Oswestry Town Council, Local West Mercia Police and the Police Crime Commissioner Bill Longmore...furthermore the Leader of Shropshire County Council happily goes on record saying;

"I openly support 20mph for Oswestry" Keith Barrow 01.07.14

• CTC 'Road Justice' http://www.roadjustice.org.uk

Campaigning with a 3 pronged approach to improving the safety of our roads. A 'Sentencing and Courts' debate was held at Bedford Row, London June 2014 with specialist attendees; Simeon Maskrey QC, Martin Porter QC, Chris Brace, Joseph Giret, Sally Cunningham, Katy Waterman, Liz Evans, Kaya Burgess and Paul Kitson along with RTC victims, road safety campaigners, MPs and the press. You can see sound bites from the event here;
https://www.youtube.com/user/CTConline

Road Justice aims to ensure that when an RTC occurs; 

• Police Investigations 
• Prosecution Levels 
• Sentencing and Courts 

Are set at an appropriate level.

An overhaul of Sentencing for driving offenses is long overdue and is currently being looked into for revision at all levels.

What can you do to help?

It's time for change on our roads. Spare a few minutes to click on the CTC 'Road Justice' links below and be a part of positive change.

• Sign the Police Petition http://roadjustice.org.uk/police-petition (12500+) already have 
• Report bad driving http://roadjustice.org.uk/report 
• Email the Justice Minister to support appropriate sentencing http://www.ctc.org.uk/news/ctcs-sentencing-debate-sparks-call-email-justice-minister

You can also support '20s Plenty for Oswestry' by emailing the 4 Local Shropshire Councillors;
keith.barrow@shropshire.gov.uk
martin.bennett@shropshire.gov.uk
peter.cherrington@shropshire.gov.uk
vince.hunt@shropshire.gov.uk
(copy and paste each address into your email)


There are a growing number of campaigns and initiatives to improve road safety and the community;

• Government Cycle to Work Initiative
• NICE & Sustainable Transport initiatives to increase active travel 
• Sustrans #saferstreets
• The Times #cyclesafe manifesto  
• Brake National #GO20

... and many many more

Acting now really could make change & save lives!

'NOT LOOKING CHANGES LIVES'...

22.08.12 @ 17.45

                     

1 year ago today a driver who admitted she 'didn't look' struck me down by my back wheel and ran over both my legs with front and back wheels, spitting me out she continued for some distance down the road (12mtr/40ft) finally stopping after dragging my bike along wedged underneath the car gauging a line in the tarmac. I remained conscious throughout, many don't realise the disabling effects of this...

My life remains far from normal and my future career as a Yoga Teacher and Registered Exercise Professional is as yet still unknown...the driver received less than £200 in fines, 9 points on her license and was charged with 'careless!' driving...I

- had emergency surgery & spent 2 weeks in hospital
- had 10 casts over 3 weeks for multiple soft tissue injuries
- still attend hospital at the very least 5 times a week
- have RSD & severe PTSD
- after having an awful solicitor now have an amazing one
- finally have a case manager and a rehabilitation plan
- have pain every single day, occasional highs and incredible lows

BUT I haven't taken it lying down...I've tried to make changes

1. campaigning for 20mph www.20splentyforus.org.uk (goes under council scrutiny Sept. '13)
2. campainging for Road Justice with CTC, read and watch my story here : http://www.roadjustice.org.uk/category/story-types/sentencing-and-courts
3. I've met with West Mercia Police to improve road policing : http://www.roadjustice.org.uk/police-petition
4. I've raised awareness for countless road safety campaigns too and will continue to do so... 


#APPCG RECOMMENDATIONS TO #GETBRITAINCYCLING ARE UNDER DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 2ND SEPTEMBER JUST A FEW CLICKS TO EMAIL A TEMPLATE LETTER TO YOUR MP TO APPEAL FOR THEM TO ATTEND


http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/campaigning/article/cam20130718-Get-your-MP-to-debate-cycling-0

Thank you to all who support these campaigns, please share them, raise awareness, lets be safer out there on our roads, 'not looking' really changes lives.

A 10mph speed reduction means injuries are 60% less serious

“20’s Plenty for Us” road danger reduction campaign

E-PETITION LINK; 
http://petitions.shropshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/system/viewPetition?petitionid=6538

please remember to activate the automated confirmation email

PAPER PETITIONS AVAILABLE;

OSWESTRY - Honeysuckle, Stuart Barkley Bikes, Radio Cafe, Hobo Florists,

Gobowen Orthopaedic Hospital - Physiotherapy Department, Zion Fitness, Bodytech Gym,
Walford & North Shropshire College, Oswestry Leisure Centre, Furniture Exchange Scheme,

Get Fizzical Get Fit, Aroma Coffee Shop, Gooseberry, Upstairs Downstairs, Milano's Coffee Shop,

Applewoods, Covent Garden Fruit & Veg, Slim Gym Fitness, Walls Eating House, Willow Gallery,

Fitness To Improve, Vel-Os, Station Pharmacy, The Venue, Derwen College,

Coach House Wynnstay, The Gates, Lawrences Newsagents, 

Woodside School, Hobo, Travelodge, Bookabooks, Honey Pots, N Llyod Opticians, 

Sophies Choice Delicatessen, Marches School, Morda School, Woodside School 

& many, many more 

SHREWSBURY - Stans Cycles, Dave Mellor Cycles, Mid-Shropshire Wheelers,

Shrewsbury Sports Village

 

Benefits of a default 20mph speed limit

•   1/3^rd of the country is already signed up for 20mph

•   8 million people already live in places committed to 20mph

•   20mph means fewer crashes

•   on average 20mph creates 20% fewer casualties

•   traffic flows smoothly & at a constant speed

•   smooth traffic is more efficient & cuts congestion

•   Bristol found walking & cycling increased by 20% & for every

  £1 spent implementing 20mph £24 was saved in health costs

•   exercise lowers obesity, heart disease and stress

•   20mph saves 12% of fuel reducing costs & emissions

•   travel times are only effected by 2 minutes of less

•   noise pollution is reduced by 40%

•   light touch policing can enforce 20mph limits

“It’s hard to find anyone living in a 20mph street who wants it back at 30mph”

for further information visit www.20splentyforus.org.uk

ROAD SAFETY DRIVING TEST E-PETITION

Over 9,000 have already signed this e-petition for cycle awareness in driving tests

• The driving theory test currently only has 'optional' cycling awareness questions

• The practical driving test currently has 'no' specific focus on cyclists

British Cycling supports the motoring organisations call for harder tests including making cycle awareness a core part of driver training with emphasis on how much space a cyclist needs and how to overtake a cyclist safely.

You can make this change happen with a few clicks and help stop people being needlessly killed or injured on our roads... 

 http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/44059

Petition open to sign until 08/01/2014

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.

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

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.