Getting cycling

To make it easier for the (relative) newcomer to cycling in Malvern to find useful information on this site, here are a few pointers.

• There isn’t much in the way of cycle paths or lanes in the area, but for what there is (and some possibilities), see Routes. We do slightly better on cycle parking/racks, but this can be tucked away – see the Resources page.
• For cycle shops – buying kit, repairs etc – MalvernTrail has a full list.
• Members of the Malvern Hills Freecycle Cafe (online discussion list) can often provide useful advice, even practical help, on such things as finding a cheap bike or getting an old one back on the road.
• Check the Helpful Links on the More page for useful sites on starting out, the legalities, getting a bike, maintenance tips. and much more.
• Local cycling groups, for those who want to get into this as a sport or for leisure, are on MalvernTrail along with info on organised cycle rides. Plus a page on sorting out a ride for yourself.
• More support may be available from the Transition Cycling Group (new Oct 09).

First version of this Sep 09 – no doubt it will develop over time.

Image via Wikipedia

Studying how people move around cities

Research of how people move around cities, in particular walking and cycling, is travelling from its base in Lancaster to study an area of Worcester. See  moving around cities blog

Action on Science Park cycle route

Click on image to see much larger version

The Science Park cycle route, funded from science park expansion money, is gradually getting there. The image to the left shows the revised plans.

Some more details are on the Worcs County Council website. Note that the on-road sections of Science Park cycle route will be marked with on-road cycle symbols, strategically placed to miss parked cars (!), while the walk/cycle route marked in red to Great Malvern station includes widening of the footpath alongside Qinetiq to allow for shared use.

Comments welcome, but it seems this will be done by financial year end (31st March) anyway. One of teh short off-road sections, at Edith Berry Court, has already been done, linking two bits of estate road for cycle use so avoiding the busy Pickersleigh Road.

Transition Cycling Group

The Transition Towns initiative for the area, Transition Malvern Hills, has taken the first steps towards a ‘working group’ on cycling. This covers much of the same ground as Cycle Malvern, but as part of a wider organisation tackling the issues around climate change and oil dependency. See the Transition Cycle Group web page.

News on cycle developments at last

One of the reasons that this website has had no new items for ages is that there hasn’t been any news of the cycle facilities which had been floating around spring 2008. This month, there’s news!

Diglis Bridge, Worcester

Taken from Worcester County Council page: “15th September 2009: Planning Permission has been granted for the Diglis bridge and construction will begin in November 2009. The bridge is due for completion by summer 2010.”

Cyclists from Malvern still have to deal with getting through Powick to get there, but could be a useful way into the city.

Cycle path extension from Townsend Way

Part of the North Site (Malvern Vale) spin-offs, initial information has appeared on upgrading of paths from the side of Morrisons and across Worcester Road. Formal consultation to follow.

The Very Slow Bicycle Movement

Yes, nothing much happening here at the moment. But things could change soon – do get in touch if you are interested in cycling as a means of getting around the Malvern area, to go to work, to school, the shops, or whatever.

If you’re interested in leisure rides, see MalvernTrail, which also has some basic details on sports cycling groups locally.

Folders to the fore

The Folding Society, for those interested in folding cycles, organises  ‘Origami Rides’ around the Midlands. Local cyclists might like to note that July 12th sees their ride start from Great Malvern rail station, 10.30am. Then on September 13th they set off from Ledbury. Rides are relatively short – about 25 miles?

Check the Origami web page for more details.

Its cycle time

I shouldn’t really knock the Bike Week post off top spot before the Sunday ride has happened (wind, rain and Acorns half marathon permitting), but I want to post this before I lose it.

From The Copenhagen Bike Culture Blog:

“As with all good, timely ideas, the [Slow Food] concept has really taken off. Inevitably, the concept of Slow has spawned other offshoots.. …
“So why not start a bicycle-friendly version of the movement?
The Slow Bike Movement – no, make that the Slow BICYCLE movement – the very word ‘bike’ is a speeded up version of the original.”

It’s about taking time to appreciate the world.

The logo reminds me of ‘Is the Bicycle a revolution or part of the natural cycle’ for some reason – see Resources page (I hope).

Slow Bike Movement logo

Fruity and fun rides for Bike Week

Our two Bike Week cycle rides are now listed on the official Bike Week website.

• Sunday 22nd June, morning South east, about 15 miles total.
• Tuesday 17th June, evening North, about 15 miles (extra on request).

Today, on checking the route for the Sunday ride (approx 15 miles with a stop at Clive’s Fruit Farm for coffee and cake), the road south from Hanley Swan is covered in loose chippings, with large drifts in places. This could be rather dangerous, causing bike riders to skid or get hit by a stone if motorists don’t behave sensibly. With more resurfacing due to take place in the area, the route may change slightly to avoid this as much as possible.

I’m also thinking of putting on a beginners ride to Hanley Swan for a picnic on the first Saturday (14th June). Food should also be available from the pub and village shop. Less than 5 miles there and a good rest before the return. Will depend on it being a nice day, but anyone interested? A late morning start, so you can do your Saturday shop/laundry/DIY etc beforehand!

Do note that these are leisurely social rides, not races. Please make sure your bicycle is in good condition – check the brakes work at least!

You can leave a private (or public) comment here.

UPDATE – The Saturday 14th ride is confirmed – meet 11.30am at Prospect View Health Centre. Children to be accompanied by an adult please.

Don’t forget your waterways cycle permit

Cycling along canal towpaths can be an attractive option, but the casual cyclist probably won’t realise that generally (apart from in London) you are meant to have a cycle permit. This used to be a pain to get, but can now simply be downloaded from the official Waterscape website.

The Cycle-iseWM e-list has just reported that there has “apparently been a spate of cyclists using the canal towpath through Bournville being given spot fines of £50 for not having a Waterways Permit”. So if you use the canals around Worcester, not a bad idea to get sorted.

UPDATE: On second thoughts, as Worcester’s canal paths are mainly part of the National Cycle Network (Route 45) I guess this doesn’t apply. I can’t find any info about the Worc and Brum Canal on the Waterscape website – anyone know for sure?