Author: Rachel M

Commuter Challenge 2006 Winner Announced

ACF’s second commuter challenge was a great success. Cycle commuters
managed to cover over 3,000 miles in the week with distances ranging between
1 mile and 19.5 miles. Many of the people entering were commuting by bike for the
first time

50% of Journeys were less than 5 miles, an ideal commute distance. At a time when congestion is a growing issue in Aberdeen, the results of the challenge clearly show how encouraging cycling can make a large difference to Aberdeen’s traffic issues

Many who indicated it was quicker to cycle to work than to take that car. One cyclist echoed the feelings of many when they said arrived at work “alive and ready to face the day”.

Of course no commute is perfect, things that could be improved included removal of potholes,
more cycle lanes on some routes and of course the weather. ACF will be using the detailed feedback over the coming months as we continue to work with the council and your councillors, although we even we can’t control the weather!

The randomly selected winner was Alison Hutcheson, who is shown receiving her prize of

Summer 2006 ACF Bulletin Published

The summer 2006 Edition of the ACF Bulletin has been published. You can download it using the links below. In this edition we look at Bike Week 2006 and the ACF Commuter Challenge, how to get pot holes fixed, Berryden Junction (again!), recent press coverage of cycle lanes and much much more…

If you you would like an email when the next edition is published why not register for updates with the ACF email service.

---

June 06 Low Res. (650Kb) for dial up users

June 06 High Res (2.2Mb) for broadband users

Click link to open in a new windor or “right click” and “save as” to download to your PC

---

If it is not already installed on your computer you may need the free Acrobat Reader software to read these files.

Submission to NESTRANS on Quality Cycle Corridors

ACF has responded to a request by Nestrans
the North East’s regional transport partnership on the development of “Quality Cycle Corridors” into the city.
Those who follow local news will recognise these as the corridors
recently featured in the Evening Express

You can read
the submission here. The submission is a PDF file, if it is not already installed on your computer you may need the free
Acrobat Reader
software to view them

ACF hopes to continue to work with Nestrans in the future on the development of the
North East’s new transport strategy

Would you like to receive email alerts when news stories are posted? then visit our email update page

Public Consultation – Berryden/Hutcheon Junction

ACF has responded to the City Council’s consultation on the revised options for the
redevelopment of Berryden/Hutcheon Junction you can
download the response here (PDF file)

Background on the rededevelopment options is available at the
City Council’s website

You may also be interested in earlier consultation responses

Oldmachar Academy Encourages Pupils to Cycle to School

Oldmachar Academy is making it easier for pupils to cycling to school
with the construction of a new secure cycle storage facility.
Funded by Aberdeen city council and a NESTRANS Sustainable Travel Grant
the “bike cage” was officially opened by the Lord Provost on Wednesday 10th May.

To mark the event the school staged a series of events including; BMX demonstrations and presentations
on the new Transition Extreme centre under construction at Aberdeen Beach. Several pupils participated in
a bike trail and repair workshop lead by the Local CTC Grampian “Wobly Wheelers” Group

Deputy head Shelagh Bain added that statistics show that 27% of boys
and 40% of girls in Scotland are not active enough to protect their health
now and in the future.

Children are walking and cycling to school less every year and at the
same time levels of childhood obesity, heart disease and diabetes are increasing.

A little exercise every day has enormous benefits – a healthier heart, stronger
muscles, increased stamina and mobility, far less risk of life-threatening
diseases and enhanced mental health and self-esteem. Cycling to school is a great
way to get the exercise they need – and it’s fun.”

Nationally studies have shown that the fear of cycle theft during school hours
prevents many pupils cycling, the construction of the new facility means there is now
one less excuse for not cycling to school.

<img src="include/ht/011_1.jpg" width="338" height="253" border="0"

The Lord Provost, Oldmachar Cyclists and the New Cage

Aberdeenshire Ranger Service
Guided Rides

Aberdeenshire Ranger service is running two guided rides in the coming weeks these are a great way to
explore the countryside and get ready for the excellent summer we are expecting this year.

Saturday 6th May 2-5pm : On Your Bike!

Wipe away the cobwebs and join us on a 16 mile circular cycle ride from Old Deer village to
Auchnagatt, via the Formartine and Buchan Way, then back via Aden Country Park. A great way to explore
the Buchan countryside! Appropriate clothing and a cycle helmet are essential

Meet at Old deer Village Hall. To book a place phone the Senior Ranger on 01771 622857

Saturday 10th June 2-4pm :Tour de Foggie

Join the rangers on this gentle 14 mile circular from Aberchirder
that will give excellent views over the River Deveron. Appropriate high visibility clothing and
cycle helmets are essential.
Meet at The Square, Aberchirder To book a place phone the Banff and Buchan Ranger on 01261 813299

Both events are aimed at the over 18?s, 16 and 17 year olds welcome if accompanied by an adult

Try Cycling is Back for 2006

After the success of last year “Try Cycling” is back for 2006. Beginning on 2nd April and running every Sunday until the 29th October rides start at 2pm from Duthie Park by the pond (off Riverside Drive).

Aimed at beginners, or those who haven?t been in the saddle for a while, trained cycle leaders from the
Cyclists? Touring Club and Aberdeen Cycle Forum will lead short rides (of upto 3 hours) at a slow pace.
If you need some practice or are seeking to regain road confidence this is the ideal way to keep fit, to gain a healthy heart and make cycling part of a healthy lifestyle

Just turn up on the day or for more information phone Gerard on 01224 734 799. It is necessary to phone in advance if children under 18 will be coming on the ride

If you want to publicise Try Cycling in you workplace or school there we have some posters and leaflets you can download and print out (these are PDF files if it is not already installed on your computer you may need the free Acrobat Reader software to view them

Would you like to receive email alerts when news stories are posted? then visit our email update page

Try Cycling Group Cross Brig o Balgownie in 2005

Roll out of New Cycle Parking

15th Feb 2006

The next wave of the rollout of cycle parking in the city centre has commenced. Aberdeen Cycle Forum has worked closely with the city council in selection of sites,

At the time of writing the stands had been fixed into place in Golden Square, Crown Street and North Silver. Work at the remaining sites (Union Street, Back Wynd, Shiprow, Crown Street, Thistle Street, North Silver Street, Golden Square, School Hill, Rosemount Viaduct, John Street, Huntly Street, The Green, Langstane Place and St Nicholas Square) is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.

In one location, Golden Square, an existing car parking space has been given over to cycle stands, 8 cycles can now be safely locked up with the loss of only one car parking spaces. Pictured are the new stands in Crown Street and North Silver Street

Would you like to receive email alerts when news stories are posted? then visit our email update page

ACF Bulletin Published

Did you know flashing LED lights can now be used legally, or that there is a proposed 20mph speed limit for Aberdeen city centre… No? – then you need to read the January issue of “ACF Bulletin”!

Covering a range of issues of interest to cyclists in and around Aberdeen and with lots of useful contact information it’s a must read.

Best of all it’s free – you can download a copy (PDF file) below. If you you would like an email when the next edition is published why not register for updates with the ACF email service.

---

Jan 06 Low Res. (200Kb) for dial up users

Jan 06 High Res (1.4Mb) for broadband users

Click link to open in a new windor or “right click” and “save as” to download to your PC

---

If it is not already installed on your computer you may need the free
Acrobat Reader software to read these files.

Grampian Police Launch “Bike Passport”

If you are unfortunate enough to have your cycle stolen giving the police a good description can greatly increase your chances of getting it back. A good way of doing this is to keep a written record of the bike’s details, so that, should the day come, you are not strugling to remember things like the make of tyres or the frame number.

To help you, Grampian Police have produced a “Bike Passport”, simply fill it in, keep it in a safe place and should the worst happen you will have all the details to hand. This is available electronically from ACF’s website simply click here (700kb file)

To read PDF files, if it is not already installed on your computer, you may need the latest version of the free
Acrobat Reader software