Hardrock93
Guru
Just received this email from the co-ordinator of GCNS. Great timing for me as I get back into cycling and also might be of interest to anyone in the area:
To all friends of cycling in the Stirling area Exciting times lie ahead if you are a cyclist or have an interest in cycling in the Stirling area.Some readers of this email will already have played in a part in helping this project get off the ground and Going Carbon Neutral Stirling (GCNS) is grateful for your generous assistance and expertise.
Now, however, thanks to funding from the Climate Challenge Fund, GCNS can forge ahead with its plans to provide a strong platform, a unified voice and create a better environment for Stirling's Cycling Family, whether you are a Bike Club racer, a two-wheel commuter to work, someone who cycles to school or the local shops, or one of the happy band who cycles just for fun and a bit of healthy exercise.
If you fit into any (or maybe none!) of these categories, we invite you to become involved. Here's a flavour of what we want you to help us achieve ...
Stirling's Cycling Family
GCNS wants to increase the number of cyclists on our streets but, first of all, we need an accurate picture of how many cyclists there are right now in the Stirling area.
So we are compiling a database of people who cycle in Stirling. The initial target is to gather 500 names and contact details and we are using every modern communication method, including texting, Facebook and email.
We're spreading our message on billboards, buses and bus shelters - look out for our colourful messages as you are pedalling around the Stirling area in the next few weeks and please text CYCLESTIRLING to 82055. You will soon be able to sign up on our website too.
Cargo bikes
GCNS has acquired 15 cargo bikes, a common sight in Europe and used to transport children and/or groceries. Some of the GCNS team have had a go and they're great fun!
And they'll be available from mid-May for a month's free trial to individuals and communities. Anyone interesting in trialling the bikes should contact GCNS on 01786 468765 or email gcns@ksbscotland.org.uk. We're hoping these cargo bikes will prove a real talking point on our streets.
Cycle Connections - Safe Routes A to B
A series of events is being planned to celebrate the new, upgraded cycle paths that connect routes across Stirling and to publicise these safer cycling routes in our communities.
First date in the diary is as soon as Friday, May 6, at 6.30pm when there will be an easy-paced, mass cycle ride from Waverley Crescent in Riverside to the university and back. Prior to the start, trained mechanics will be available to give your bike a free check-up and carry out any quick repairs.
On Saturday, June 18, there will be another cycling cavalcade from Bridge of Allan to Cambusbarron. Other dates are August 20 (again in the Riverside area) and October 2 (linked to the inaugural Broomridge Food Festival). Watch this space for more details.
Car free days
GCNS wants to create car-free street events along agreed routes in Stirling. These events will be similar to Glasgow's Sky Ride or Cyclovia <http://www.streetfilms.org/ciclovia/> (only smaller).
It's hoped that these events will stimulate discussion and change perceptions so that Stirling is seen as a city that will close its streets to encourage walking and cycling - and allow a safe space for people to practise these skills. More information on this soon.
Training's the key
Cycle training has been identified as a key requirement to increase the numbers of cyclists in Stirling. Secondary and primary school children are an obvious target but many adults would be attracted back to cycling if they were given the chance to develop their road safety awareness and cycling skills.
One issue to date has been getting enough volunteer help to support primary school training. This project aims to encourage secondary school-aged children to train to become cycle training assistants for primary schools and we working in partnership with Active Stirling to deliver training to secondary school children.
Awareness of other road users
Cycling numbers will go up if safety and the perception of safety increases. Mutual respect and understanding among all road users - whether they are lorry or car drivers, motorbike riders, cyclists or even pedestrians - must be increased.
GCNS will also work with the NHS, the police and Stirling Council and will speak to Stirling driving schools. Issues and information gathered will help inform a Cycle Awareness Campaign in the autumn which will use the right messages with the right groups to maximise behaviour change.
Not only will the campaign aim to make roads safer for all road users, but it will also try to dispel the widely-held current perception that roads can't be made safe for cyclists and pedestrians.
Why is GCNS promoting cycling anyway?
Here's just one reason. One of the biggest contributors to a person's carbon footprint in the UK is driving a car. If you cycled to work instead of driving once a week, you could trim a quarter of a tonne of CO2e off your carbon footprint (based on a round-trip commute of 15 miles).
And if you cycled for two days out of five? Then persuaded a workmate to cycle with you? The carbon savings start to multiply - and you arrive at and come home from work in a healthier and happier frame of mind!
Contact
If you wish to join Stirling's Cycle Family, would like more details, give us information about what you are doing, or wish to participate in any way in this project, email gcns@ksbscotland.org.uk , text CYCLESTIRLING to 82055 or phone 01786 477175. Links are currently under construction on Facebook and our website at http://www.goingcarb...tirling.org.uk/
If you wish to unsubscribe from receiving emails from CycleStirling, email alan.rennie@ksbscotland.org.uk with your request.
To all friends of cycling in the Stirling area Exciting times lie ahead if you are a cyclist or have an interest in cycling in the Stirling area.Some readers of this email will already have played in a part in helping this project get off the ground and Going Carbon Neutral Stirling (GCNS) is grateful for your generous assistance and expertise.
Now, however, thanks to funding from the Climate Challenge Fund, GCNS can forge ahead with its plans to provide a strong platform, a unified voice and create a better environment for Stirling's Cycling Family, whether you are a Bike Club racer, a two-wheel commuter to work, someone who cycles to school or the local shops, or one of the happy band who cycles just for fun and a bit of healthy exercise.
If you fit into any (or maybe none!) of these categories, we invite you to become involved. Here's a flavour of what we want you to help us achieve ...
Stirling's Cycling Family
GCNS wants to increase the number of cyclists on our streets but, first of all, we need an accurate picture of how many cyclists there are right now in the Stirling area.
So we are compiling a database of people who cycle in Stirling. The initial target is to gather 500 names and contact details and we are using every modern communication method, including texting, Facebook and email.
We're spreading our message on billboards, buses and bus shelters - look out for our colourful messages as you are pedalling around the Stirling area in the next few weeks and please text CYCLESTIRLING to 82055. You will soon be able to sign up on our website too.
Cargo bikes
GCNS has acquired 15 cargo bikes, a common sight in Europe and used to transport children and/or groceries. Some of the GCNS team have had a go and they're great fun!
And they'll be available from mid-May for a month's free trial to individuals and communities. Anyone interesting in trialling the bikes should contact GCNS on 01786 468765 or email gcns@ksbscotland.org.uk. We're hoping these cargo bikes will prove a real talking point on our streets.
Cycle Connections - Safe Routes A to B
A series of events is being planned to celebrate the new, upgraded cycle paths that connect routes across Stirling and to publicise these safer cycling routes in our communities.
First date in the diary is as soon as Friday, May 6, at 6.30pm when there will be an easy-paced, mass cycle ride from Waverley Crescent in Riverside to the university and back. Prior to the start, trained mechanics will be available to give your bike a free check-up and carry out any quick repairs.
On Saturday, June 18, there will be another cycling cavalcade from Bridge of Allan to Cambusbarron. Other dates are August 20 (again in the Riverside area) and October 2 (linked to the inaugural Broomridge Food Festival). Watch this space for more details.
Car free days
GCNS wants to create car-free street events along agreed routes in Stirling. These events will be similar to Glasgow's Sky Ride or Cyclovia <http://www.streetfilms.org/ciclovia/> (only smaller).
It's hoped that these events will stimulate discussion and change perceptions so that Stirling is seen as a city that will close its streets to encourage walking and cycling - and allow a safe space for people to practise these skills. More information on this soon.
Training's the key
Cycle training has been identified as a key requirement to increase the numbers of cyclists in Stirling. Secondary and primary school children are an obvious target but many adults would be attracted back to cycling if they were given the chance to develop their road safety awareness and cycling skills.
One issue to date has been getting enough volunteer help to support primary school training. This project aims to encourage secondary school-aged children to train to become cycle training assistants for primary schools and we working in partnership with Active Stirling to deliver training to secondary school children.
Awareness of other road users
Cycling numbers will go up if safety and the perception of safety increases. Mutual respect and understanding among all road users - whether they are lorry or car drivers, motorbike riders, cyclists or even pedestrians - must be increased.
GCNS will also work with the NHS, the police and Stirling Council and will speak to Stirling driving schools. Issues and information gathered will help inform a Cycle Awareness Campaign in the autumn which will use the right messages with the right groups to maximise behaviour change.
Not only will the campaign aim to make roads safer for all road users, but it will also try to dispel the widely-held current perception that roads can't be made safe for cyclists and pedestrians.
Why is GCNS promoting cycling anyway?
Here's just one reason. One of the biggest contributors to a person's carbon footprint in the UK is driving a car. If you cycled to work instead of driving once a week, you could trim a quarter of a tonne of CO2e off your carbon footprint (based on a round-trip commute of 15 miles).
And if you cycled for two days out of five? Then persuaded a workmate to cycle with you? The carbon savings start to multiply - and you arrive at and come home from work in a healthier and happier frame of mind!
Contact
If you wish to join Stirling's Cycle Family, would like more details, give us information about what you are doing, or wish to participate in any way in this project, email gcns@ksbscotland.org.uk , text CYCLESTIRLING to 82055 or phone 01786 477175. Links are currently under construction on Facebook and our website at http://www.goingcarb...tirling.org.uk/
If you wish to unsubscribe from receiving emails from CycleStirling, email alan.rennie@ksbscotland.org.uk with your request.
Alan Rennie
Carbon Reduction Community Facilitator
Going Carbon Neutral Stirling
Keep Scotland Beautiful
Wallace House
17-21 Maxwell Place
STIRLING
FK8 1JU
Switchboard
01786 471333
Direct Dial
01786 468764
Mobile
07970 191083
E Mail
Web
