IT'S STILL A BUG'S LIFE...

So, last week I outlined how I wanted to change the world with BUGs, or if not the world the local community at least. It seemed outrageously ambitious, but within a week or two things have already moved on apace.


I had contacted the local council to see if I could lay my hands on a bunch of their city cycle route maps for our budding BUGs. Not only did the council actually send someone over in person to drop a stack off, on bike naturally, they have invited me to take part in a consultation on revised and new cycle routes in and around the city.


The council appear very serious in taking cycling forward in the city, and I have to say to be involved in the process, as a cyclist, it is very exciting indeed.


The consultation process is already in full swing, as part of the city's sustainable development plan, and the next step is to take part in a number of consultation rides along the proposed routes.


Can't wait!

A BUG'S LIFE

There are some exciting developments afoot at work as I attended the inaugral meeting of our new BUGs group earlier this week.

Nothing to do with the cult 1990s show of the same name, shown at teatime on BBC1 on Saturdays. Remember that? It starred, amongst other acting luminaries of the time, Craig McLachlan of Neighbours fame.

 

No, this is a BUG in the Bicycle User Group context and some innovative and potentially far-reaching ideas were discussed.

 

It will be exciting to be a part of the BUGs and I am intrigued to see where we take it and where it takes us.

Naturally we looked at implementing the usual BUGs activities including:

• Produce a regular newsletter.
• Set up a BUG website or intranet site.
• Organise a Doctor Bike event.
• Arrange regular lunchtime talks or presentations about cycling.
• Run a cyclists’ information service supplying free maps, leaflets and other advice.
• Organise an official ribbon cutting to mark the opening of new cycle facilities at our workplace. Invite the local media and win our organisation some valuable publicity.
• Operate a ‘bike buddy’ scheme. Novice cyclists are paired with a more experienced rider who will cycle to work with them.
• Produce a site map showing the location of cycle parking stands, showers, etc.
• Organise a cyclists’ breakfast during Bike Week.
• Provide volunteers who will help mend punctures and carry out emergency repairs for fellow members of staff.
• Conduct a quarterly ‘cycle census’ to count the number of bikes on-site and record any changes and progress.
• Get a local bike shop to set up a display of commuter bikes and equipment in the staff restaurant or a similar prominent place.

In addition to this we see our role as promoting the cause of the cyclist, and by cyclist I don't just mean the lycra-clad Sunday morning road-warriors (like me!), but also those who are new to cycling or only occassionally cycle but are looking to do more.

 

With this in mind I think it fair to assume we will, as a consequence, be campaigning for cyclists to be taken more seriously on the roads, to improve signage, to canvass local authorities for improved cycling facilities on the road and in the city and to ultimately fight for equality of rights with the motorists who use their cars to get to work.

Ambitious? Only time will tell...