Facilities -lack of

[Deb13b]

When I decided a couple of months ago I wanted to start cycling, I started taking notice of cycling facilities / infrastructure in my town. There isn't any.
So far, I've found a shared bike path going out of my estate. And that's it. Not even anywhere to lock a bike up to. And the local council don't do any adult cycling courses either. And I REALLY need one lol ! I never learned to drive, never wanted to, so I have absolutely no road sense !
What about you guys, not city dwellers, those that live in towns ? Any bike facilities ? Or is it just this one-horse sh*thole ?!

 

[snorri]

Sometimes it's a case of doing something for ourselves, writing letters, speaking to local council officials and councillors, but there is no quick cure to your predicament. Perhaps there is a local cycle campaign group you could join. The CTC has a campaigning section called Right to Ride (RtR), you can contact the local rep via the CTC website.

 

[byegad]

There is a Cycle Instructor based in Peterlee. AB something or other try Google, and another in Team Valley. I'd suggest investing in some formal training given you have never driven or had cycle training as a child. As to your town, if it's that quiet maybe special segregated facilities are not really needed for you to be safe once you have had that training.
Also get hold of the DCC cycling maps which show all of the ex railway paths you can cycle on, there are quite a few. PM me for more info I too live in Co' Durham.

 

[corshamjim]

I'm really lucky - here in Corsham the Town Council has done a lot to improve the cycling infrastructure lately, installing sheffield stands in various useful places, making a shared use cycle path across the recreation ground which I use every day on my commute to/from work and is still looking to do more in particular creating safe routes to/from the schools.

We now even have a cycle shop - in fact more of a bicycle maintenance project run by a group of volunteers and based at the Arts Centre.

 

[gaz]

Cycling facilities don't necessarily make you safe.

 

[markharry66]

No they dont but if you havent got a clue about road sense and now where to lock your bike up they are a good start. Try cycling on Small roads and min round abouts to build up your confidence thats what I did when I started.

 

[HLaB]

Cycling facilities don't necessarily make you safe.

+1 and as you know they can also guide the inexperienced road user to the wrong place.

The OP would be much better off with training.

 

[sabian92]

Don't worry, I passed my practical and theory test with flying colours and I've got shite road sense on a bike. I feel on edge all the time whereas in a car, I don't. It might just be a case of needing to get out more.

Get yourself a copy of the Highway Code too (it's bright yellow, about 3 quid in WH Smiths). There's a cycling section in there, albeit a smallish one.

 

[markharry66]

I was like you I started off slowly quiet roads then I forced myself to take rides into local towns etc sometimes I still get off at junctions more to do with getting wound up at looking at traffic lights I dont red light jump I just walked the bike across the crossing. Then worked my way up to larger towns eventually London, I am not great by a long shot but I enjoy myself and try and ride as safe as possible.

 

[Grendel]

We have very little here. Retail parks are really poor for cycling facilities as well.

 

[Arch]

Get yourself a copy of the Highway Code too (it's bright yellow, about 3 quid in WH Smiths). There's a cycling section in there, albeit a smallish one.

Better still, get Cyclecraft as well.

http://www.cyclecraft.co.uk/

A very thorough guide to cycle road craft, from the beginning. Read, and practice on quiet roads.

Cycle lanes and paths are of variable value - they can be useful, they can be rubbish. Having the knowledge to keep yourself safer is always valuable.

A lack of stands to lock to is a pain, although there are always lampposts and so on. That's a good thing to lobby the council about, because a stand or two could be fitted in near the shops with relatively little work - whereas cyclepaths and lanes are a big deal. And I bet if there were racks, they'd get used, so it would be clear there was a need, and that might prompt more facilities.