Author: Rachel M

Since what seems like the beginning of time ACF has been campaigning for better cycle parking at the railway station. In 2006 8 stands appeared at the front (now gone!). In 2008 a number appeared in the South College Street multi-storey car park.

We have always maintained stands should be close to the station, for a number of “security reasons” Scotrail will not put stands in the station. Elsewhere in the UK including such major stations as London Kings Cross (where they are on the platforms) it is possible – is Aberdeen Railway station really that much further up Al-Qaeda’s hit list than London?

The development of Union Square offered some hope -we got a small number outside the station but they are well short of capacity and always full. Now in 2012 it’s time for another update – after extensive lobbying by ACF more parking has appeared. You can find it on exit of the station that leads to the Trinity centre (past the British Transport Police offices and blue badge parking).

Naturally finding it is a challenge – there are no signs from the station, it’s tucked away in the darkest corner of the building well away from significant foot fall, but does appear to be covered by the station CCTV system. A passing ACF member asked two members of the station staff and neither were aware of it!So one small step forward but Aberdeen still lags well behind other stations. Scotrail are always happy to receive feedback on their service, you can do this online here

Flat Cycle Storage

Not much fun is it hauling your bike to the top floor or worrying about how secure it is in the stairwell? Even worse is that problems with cycle storage in flats can put people off bothering with a bike in the first place. There is no magic solution, but Spokes in Edinburgh has come up with a useful advice advice note [PDF]

A few years ago, ACF did campaign for the council to insist that developers of new flats provide good quality cycle storage. We are aware that this has been happening in some cases, but is it happening in all new developments? Do you live in a flat, old or new. What has your experience been? Please Let us know.

The ACF AGM will be in April 2012, as ever all positions are up for grabs, but we are particulary keen to find a new secretary as the current long serving occupant will be standing down for family reasons

As with any involvement with ACF the it’s is what you make of it, but “minimum” duties include producing the minutes of ACF meetings, maintaining the membership list and keeping the chair in order.

There’s the option to take on parts of the website as well. If you have ever though of getting more involved in ACF this could be your chance to make a difference for cyclists in Aberdeen.

Informal enquiries to the usual address or just drop in at the January meeting.

CWSS – What’s Happening?

For a city council continually saying what a bad funding deal it gets, what can be more welcome than a guaranteed pot of cash from the Scottish Government? We are talking about the CWSS (Cycling Walking and Safer Streets) budget again, a “ringfenced” budget provided to the city council for, yes you guessed it, cycling, walking and safer streets. In the financial year 2011/12 there is approx

January 2012 ACF Meeting

The Janaury 2012 ACF Meeting will be held on Tueday 31st January, one week later than is the “norm”. Agenda etc available form the minutes page closer to the date.

All are welcome, regulars and those who have never been before, all are welcome

Dave Lindsey (1939 – 2011)  an appreciation

Dave collapsed and died on his way back from a CTC cycle run on Saturday 19 November. Dave was a stalwart of the cycle forum, helping set it up in 2003 and being co-chair until 2009. He was also ACF treasurer until earlier this year. Alongside his active role in ACF, he was CTC’s Right to Ride campaigner for Aberdeen, a role he held for many years. Indeed for a long time before ACF established itself, Dave was a lone voice on behalf of cyclists in the city.We will remember the good humour he managed to maintain despite the ever present frustrations of cycle campaigning, together with his enthusiasm and dedication to cycling in all its forms. This dedication spurred him and Liz to spend many years volunteering in several primary schools, helping children achieve their cycling proficiency. Dave was always ready to attend meetings, to represent ACF and to volunteer ideas. He will be sorely missed.

Try Cycling on Saturday 17th December was to be lead by Dave – all are welcome to join us, beginners and experienced alike. Meet at Seaton Park [map] at 10:00hrs

Just turn up on the day, or for more information drop us a line on trycycling@aberdeencycleforum.org.uk

The 2012/13 Scottish Budget – Cycling Backwards

The words were good… The previous government had a CAPS (Cycling Action Plan for Scotland) with an ambitious target of 10% of
all journeys by bike by 2020. During last years elections the SNP manifesto had the phrase ?increase the proportion
of transport spending on ?active and sustainable travel

Unfortunately the action is in the other direction. An independent analysis by
Spokes has shown the the new government is to drastically CUT spending on active travel whilst increasing the total transport budget

Total transport spending rises from

Come to ACF’s 8th Birthday Party

Back in September 2003 ACF was formed, that means this month we are 8 years old. To clebrate come and join us for a drink and a buffet ahead of the main ACF meetingWhere: “The Old School House” off Belmont St [map]
When : 17:30 – 19:15 on Tuesday 27th September

All members are welcome, even if you are not a regular at the monthly meetings, drop in for 5 mins or all evening, it’s up to you. We have a reserved area for us so just look for “ACF” on the board, even better the Buffet’s free.

The Big Count

For several years ACF’s been collecting cycle count data in Aberdeen, we use this to lobby for better facilities, and to show money councillors spent on cycling is money well spent, now it seems Cycling Scotland have woken up to the idea – September 21st is going to be Scotland’s first national cycle to work count

Learn More about how to log your Employer’s Details at the Cycling Scotland Website

UPDATE 14 SEP 2011 – Yesterday the Environment Planning and Infrastructure Comittee of Aberdeen City Council met, a number of councillors had been contacted by ACF members and were aware of our concerns. The proposal by the roads engineers was rejected, they have been requested to re-design the scheme maintaining two-way flow. We will continue to monitor the situation, thanks to all who contacted their councillors.

UPDATE 7 SEP 2011 – ACC has had a meeting with the roads engineers who promised to investigate a cycle contraflow in the design, we never heard anything back from them! Now a proposal has gone to councillors (see here section 9.2) – yes you guessed it – with no changes! Apparently it’s “not possible” – ACF thinks this depends how hard your try, perhaps if the design started with the lane and was built round it (as per planning guidance) it might be possible, many other cities in the UK and Continental Europe manage it, how come Aberdeen can’t?

If you are impacted in any way please get in contact

Justice Mill Lane (JML) in the city centre [map] provides a way for cyclists to avoid the busier, traffic clogged, Union Street. Aberdeen City Council is now proposing to make this a one way street to include more room for taxi ranks and loading bays. based on the proposed plans, the effect of this on cyclists will be to:

• Make JML one way between Hardgate and Holburn St
• Prohibit entry from Holburn St
• Prohibit right turns onto Holburn St from JML

ACF believes the proposed changes are yet another example of the council ignoring the “transport hierarchy” of Pedestrians, Cyclists, Public Transport, Private Vehicles defined in the Scottish Government planning policy. We have objected, but the council is pressing ahead with the plans anyway. We need your help!

If you use JML or the surrounding area, and feel you will be impacted in any way, please get in contact info@aberdeencycleforum.org.uk, we will keep you up to date with developments and let you know when you have the opportunity to object