A long read, but an idea that's been rattling around in my head for a long time. Idealistic certainly but wondered if any CCer's had thoughts on if or how all, or bits of it could be an idea for a council or investment person would consider?
An environment that encompasses a cafe, workshop, cycle hire, local delivery service, training and storage. Designed to promote cycling as a whole, and as a form of transport generally. Promoting the fact that the use of cycles is not limited to leisure pursuits only. It would hopefully cause a gradual sea change in the local and wider population that see cycles and cycling as a perfectly acceptable way of getting around the local area, shopping, commuting to work and leisure pursuits.
This would in the long term, make the (insert town) and the surrounding area less polluted with motor traffic and provide a sizable traffic free zone in the town with the added bonus of improving the health and well being of the population. It would also provide employment opportunities, both full time and part time, for the local population. The following possibilities could be started all at once which is on the grand scale, but also introduced over a period of time.
It is envisaged that funding would come from a number of sources. The local Authority could potentially free up the space required and initially charge a peppercorn rent until the business was established. The other activities could possibly be either a number of separate entities in their own right or formed as a co-operative of like minded individuals working together. Cycling organisations like Cycling UK, Sustrans and British Cycling could lend support to make fundraising an easier prospect. Local businesses would be approached that would benefit from the idea. Wealthy individuals who have an interest in new and exciting ideas may be a good source of funding as well.
The potential is far and wide ranging for making a more sustainable community generally, firmly putting Banbury and its environs firmly on the map as a cycle friendly place to live and work alongside Cambridge, York and Oxford in terms of cycle use versus polluting means. Employment opportunities are wide and varied. The long term effect on health and wellbeing are enormous on its own and far outweigh any initial cost. The whole enterprise would still have expansion opportunities with branded products as the company/charity/co-operative became more established. These would be sourced from an environmental source and use local crafts people and companies where ever possible.
Cafe:
Providing hot and cold drinks, breakfast, lunches and early evening meals both in house and take away. Seating area inside and out. Accessible for all and using as much local produce for the cafe as possible.
Cycle workshop:
Providing repairs large and small, advice and running accredited repair courses to those interested in learning the mechanics of cycle repair. Sales of spares and recycled cycles for those on a low income or disadvantaged in other ways.
Delivery Service:
With a small fleet of different cargo cycles and a relationship with local businesses it would be possible to deliver anything from small packages and letters to van loads of items, food, electrical items including things like washing machines and fridges and furniture in and around the local area. This would be achieved with specialised electrically assisted cargo cycles that are able carry small and surprisingly large loads.
Wheels for All:
Providing storage and space to have regular Wheels for All sessions catering to those with disabilities.
Camping Area:
Open area with around space for twenty tents, amenities for cycling and walking tourists.
Cycle Training and bike hire:
Training in-house and in local schools for children and adults alike. A wide range of cycles to hire by the day or longer for families and individuals alike.
Shop:
Small shop area selling Sustrans/Cycling UK products, cycle friendly maps of the area and tourist information and local sites.
Local Tours:
Guided local tours of the area.
Environmental Taxi Service.
An environment that encompasses a cafe, workshop, cycle hire, local delivery service, training and storage. Designed to promote cycling as a whole, and as a form of transport generally. Promoting the fact that the use of cycles is not limited to leisure pursuits only. It would hopefully cause a gradual sea change in the local and wider population that see cycles and cycling as a perfectly acceptable way of getting around the local area, shopping, commuting to work and leisure pursuits.
This would in the long term, make the (insert town) and the surrounding area less polluted with motor traffic and provide a sizable traffic free zone in the town with the added bonus of improving the health and well being of the population. It would also provide employment opportunities, both full time and part time, for the local population. The following possibilities could be started all at once which is on the grand scale, but also introduced over a period of time.
It is envisaged that funding would come from a number of sources. The local Authority could potentially free up the space required and initially charge a peppercorn rent until the business was established. The other activities could possibly be either a number of separate entities in their own right or formed as a co-operative of like minded individuals working together. Cycling organisations like Cycling UK, Sustrans and British Cycling could lend support to make fundraising an easier prospect. Local businesses would be approached that would benefit from the idea. Wealthy individuals who have an interest in new and exciting ideas may be a good source of funding as well.
The potential is far and wide ranging for making a more sustainable community generally, firmly putting Banbury and its environs firmly on the map as a cycle friendly place to live and work alongside Cambridge, York and Oxford in terms of cycle use versus polluting means. Employment opportunities are wide and varied. The long term effect on health and wellbeing are enormous on its own and far outweigh any initial cost. The whole enterprise would still have expansion opportunities with branded products as the company/charity/co-operative became more established. These would be sourced from an environmental source and use local crafts people and companies where ever possible.
Cafe:
Providing hot and cold drinks, breakfast, lunches and early evening meals both in house and take away. Seating area inside and out. Accessible for all and using as much local produce for the cafe as possible.
Cycle workshop:
Providing repairs large and small, advice and running accredited repair courses to those interested in learning the mechanics of cycle repair. Sales of spares and recycled cycles for those on a low income or disadvantaged in other ways.
Delivery Service:
With a small fleet of different cargo cycles and a relationship with local businesses it would be possible to deliver anything from small packages and letters to van loads of items, food, electrical items including things like washing machines and fridges and furniture in and around the local area. This would be achieved with specialised electrically assisted cargo cycles that are able carry small and surprisingly large loads.
Wheels for All:
Providing storage and space to have regular Wheels for All sessions catering to those with disabilities.
Camping Area:
Open area with around space for twenty tents, amenities for cycling and walking tourists.
Cycle Training and bike hire:
Training in-house and in local schools for children and adults alike. A wide range of cycles to hire by the day or longer for families and individuals alike.
Shop:
Small shop area selling Sustrans/Cycling UK products, cycle friendly maps of the area and tourist information and local sites.
Local Tours:
Guided local tours of the area.
Environmental Taxi Service.
