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!

Oswestry Town Meeting - How 20s Plenty for Oswestry

Over 50 already attending!

 'YOU'RE INVITED ... ALL WELCOME'

Come along, get involved, improve your community

World Day of Rememberance

Today is UN World Day of Remeberance

in honour of all those lives lost or injured on roads...

Picture sourced from http://www.roadpeace.org/

(c) S-C Peace

With so many lives being lost or broken on our roads and in particular those of cyclists with an overwhelming number in the past week it's time to take a stand. 

Respect all those effected, change the 'them & us' approach to 'we are all human & trying to get somewhere'. Help to raise awareness on our roads. We can sit and hope for attitudes to change or we can take action and do something about it. An important step is helping people realise the vulnerability of different types of road users. Education is very much needed as we all know. 

An improved justice system is definitely needed and here's where you can help; I am campaigning with #CTC for safer roads with their #roadjustice petition please sign 10,500+ and counting!  

http://www.roadjustice.org.uk/police-petition

For further information on WDR visit http://www.worlddayofremembrance.org/

20mph for Oswestry goes to Shropshire Council Enterprise & Growth Scrutiny Committee

Another milestone was reached today in the progress of the 

20mph petition for Oswestry...

Could go county wide!

Today's Enterprise & Growth Scrutiny Committee saw the petition for Oswestry 20mph receive a largely supportive audience and fair hearing was given. It seems attitudes within the committee are hopeful and those present urged that Oswestry Town Council submit their recent motion of support for 20mph through the new Road Safety Policy system before the end of September 2013.

Highways and Transport will be considering the petition and relevant data under the new Road Safety Policy, this will involve looking county wide across Shropshire for solutions to making our roads safer.

We are not there yet community members 

but hope certainly is.

'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.

20s Plenty for Oswestry exceeds target 1000 signatures

Peace Cycling is very proud to announce

Over 1000 signatures support 20mph for Oswestry 

Oswestry Town Council supports the scheme

Thank you to all those who have signed and even bigger thank you's to all the volunteers and local businesses working together to support this important road safety campaign. Signatures have now been presented to Shropshire Council.

You can send a letter to boost campaigns chance of success

If you would like to support the campaign further please email peacecycling@btinternet.com where you can request a template campaign letter to send to Keith Barrow, the head of Shropshire Council.

Peace Cycling & the local community working together to make 

"Safer roads for cyclists = Safer roads for ALL"

CTC Cycling Campaign for Justice Reform for Vulnerable Road Users

As an injured cyclist my experience has been documented to demonstrate how the legal system fails to deter bad driving. 

Every year 1000s of VRUs (Vulnerable Road Users) ie pedestrians, cyclist and motor cyclists are injured or killed on UK roads. I am one of 3 UK injured cyclists campaigning for Justice Reform with CTC the National Cycling Charity to improve the way the legal system handles VRUs to improve road safety and ensure justice. 

• RTCs with VRUs are often not thoroughly investigated by police/coroners, leading the CPS to throw out charges due to lack of evidence/coroner verdicts
• Drivers at fault are often given the choice of a driver awareness course or accepting a charge
• Charges of ‘careless’ rather than ‘dangerous’ driving are favoured by the CPS, leaving courts limited to issuing lenient sentences. Failing to; deter bad driving, enforce re-testing or raise driving standards
  
• VRUs are more often than not assumed to be the guilty party until proven otherwise
• There is no guidance or victim support for VRUs following an often life changing RTC

By improving the legal system for VRUs bad drivers will be prosecuted with appropriate punishment. The fear of prosecution and a long-term driving ban/damaging fine will motivate drivers to exercise greater caution.

Find out more and support Road Justice here;
www.roadjustice.org.uk

View my story here;
http://www.roadjustice.org.uk/node/465

20s Plenty Oswestry Update

20mph Petition Gains Local Backing...

A big thank you to all venues and individuals who are supporting the 20s Plenty campaign for Oswestry. The latest count of signatures is now reaching 870 with a few paper petitions still to collect in...This is well over the quota for scrutiny committee with Shropshire Council and just over 10% of the towns population so things are looking promising.

Peace Cycling having exceeded its original goal is now aiming for 1000 signatures ASAP.

Oswestry Town Council recently voted officially in favour of the proposed 20mph default speed limit and Oswestry Chamber of Commerce held an informal meeting also voting in it's favour.

If you live or work in Oswestry district the online e-petition has now closed and the majority of paper petitions are in, however if you wish to add your support to this road danger reduction campaign please send your details to be added;

Name. Address, Email, Telephone number to peacecycling@btinternet.com

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

20MPH E-PETITION

THE 20MPH E-PETITION IS NOW LIVE, PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW

I am pleased to say that paper petitions are filling up fast for 20mph speed limits in Oswestry. The campaign is even spreading further afield in Shropshire and other areas of the UK as interest grows, including Shrewsbury. To be eligible to sign you need to live or work in the area, if you can't get to one of the petition venues please sign the e-petition before 30th April 2013.

 '20mph speed limits in Oswestry' e-petition available to sign;

http://petitions.shropshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/system/viewPetition?petitionid=6538

please only sign the e-petition if you are not signing a paper petition to avoid duplication.

Sign a paper petition for Oswestry;

available at - Honeysuckle, Stuart Barkley Cycles & Radio Cafe.

Sign a paper petition for Shrewsbury;

available at - Stans Cycles.

Starting Your Own Campaign is Easy...

You can get a petition and poster to campaign in your area and a template letter sent to you via email that you can send to your local Councillor.Simply request via email; 

peacecycling@btinternet.com 

Helping to make our roads "Safer For Cyclists = Safer For All"

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"

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)