Deal Cycle September

Deal Town Council's has a series of rides and cycling events for 'Cycle September' 

Full details at https://www.deal.gov.uk/Deal-TC/cycle_friendly_deal_project-13564.aspx

RouteOne Cycle Cafe - Free Cycle repair talk 24th January 2pm

Puncture Repair on Road and Race Situation and Wheel Care Talk
at RouteOne Cycle Cafe 70 Beach Street Deal 24 January at 14:00

Gary Holmes who is a British Cycling Level 2 Road, TT & Track Coach, and his son George, International race technician and CYTEC Qualified Cycle Mechanic, are hosting the first of what we hope will be many RouteOne Cycling Clinics on a variety of topics, based at RouteOne Cycle Cafe, Beach Street, Deal on Sunday 24th January at 14:00.

First off will be the subject most requested by fellow cyclists, how to fix that puncture, change the inner tube quickly and how to avoid punctures in the first place. We will be looking at what equipment you should carry with you to fix the problem, race scenario problems with some practical demonstrations.

We are limited to around 20 places inside the cafe, and you will need to bring your bike or a wheel as this will be a workshop where you will get your hands dirty! Places on a first come first served basis by looking at our Facebook Page and leaving your name.

There is no charge for this Clinic, but the Cafe will be open so you can buy refreshments throughout the 2 hour duration.

Chris Boardman Challenge: Deal traffic and cycling meeting Weds 8th July Golf Rd Centre

Local people can bring their traffic issues to an open meeting in Golf Rd centre next Wednesday to share with neighbours, councillors.and local amenity societies.
CHRIS BOARDMAN, legendary professional rider and now British Cycling’s policy advisor, used the AA’s Magazine to set an “urban challenge”. 

He says that, if people want their town to be a better place to live, they need to take steps to make where they live “more people friendly”. A few e-mails to newly-elected MPs and councillors can have a “profound effect” on local transport priorities  he claims. Making walking and cycling attractive will make a town where people are  “fitter, healthier and happier and shops and restaurants thrive”, says Boardman.

The meeting is expected to look at making Deal High St and seafront better for pedestrians, congestion around local schools and the effects of traffic speeds and heavy vehicles in our historic town centres of Deal and Sandwich - also the Mercury-backed campaign to discourage drivers from texting while they drive.
More details at the local cycle forum website, http://doverdistrictcycleforum.weebly.com/
- with the opportunity for you to identify the issues places that should be high on the politicians’ priorities over the next 4 years.

The meeting  to discuss Chris Boardman's URBAN CHALLENGE will be chaired by local Transport campaigner IAN KILLBERY of the Spokes cycling group and Trains4Deal.

It is at 7pm on Wed 8th July 2015 in Golf Road Community Centre

See Cycle Forum website for more information and to respond:  http://doverdistrictcycleforum.weebly.com/

best wishes

Ian

Ian Killbery earlystart@me.com

Dover District Cycle Forum

Cycle Path: Albert Rd - Make your voice heard

Dover & Deal Cycling Forum: For years we've been pressing for a decent off-road cycle path as an alternative way between Deal Town Centre, Sholden and Fowlmead - one that families would feel is safe to cycle.

Now developers have put forward a plan - and they're asking for your comments at an EXHIBITION in Deal Town Hall:

WED next, 4th MARCH 2015
Pop in any time between 3pm and 7.30pm
- and make sure that they are made aware that this is important to lots of local cyclists.


See the Cycle Forum website for more details and a map:
http://doverdistrictcycleforum.weebly.com/

How can we make Deal so that more people will want to walk and ride bikes around town?

That was the subject of thursday evening meeting of Dover & District Cycle Forum with speaker American Mark Weatherley.

Mark and his family are from the Mid-west city of Boulder Colorado,  give a fresh perspective on our Town.

 They rented a house in Deal as a base to explore Britain during a sabbatical that ends in December. "The high speed train and the quaint narrow streets near the station made it an ideal base for us, since we decided not to have a car for our stay," said Mark a high school geography teacher.

A lively discussion followed on how we could make cycling safer and public transport more effective locally.

http://doverdistrictcycleforum.weebly.com/.

New 'Skylark' Cycle Route from Dover to Deal Launched

A new 'safer' cycle route - The 'Skylark' - between Dover to Deal was launched on Saturday at a mass gathering of local cyclists at the Lantern Pub in Martin

The new route came as Dover & District Cycling Forum's response to the tragic loss of local cyclist Daniel Squire on the A258 last year.

New signage marks the route which runs parallel to the busy A258 on quiet county lanes (Guston - Martin - Coldblow.  It offers a good inland alternative to the coastal National Cycle Route 1.

You can pick the route up at the bottom of Telegraph Hill

There is also a new map for cyclists with this route and the other main routes for Folkestone, Canterbury and Thanet.

There was a good turnout of local cyclists; many from Deal Tri and Spokes

Full details at the Dover Cycling Forum Website 

Next mission for the Forum is get better mapping and signage onto the many cycle routes at key places like the port and rail stations at Dover and Deal.

The Old Lantern Pub at Martin looks like it will become a stopping point for cyclists on the new route with a friendly welcome and wide range of food and err  beer .... worth a visit if you are exploring the route http://www.theoldlanterninn.co.uk/

New Dover to Deal Cycle route opens 12th July

You and your bike are invited to the launch of the brand new Skylark Cycle Trail between Dover and Deal.

This welcome improvement was prompted by the sad death of local cyclist Daniel Squire. It has been funded by KCC from the local Highways budget of the county councillor for Dover North, Steve Manion - who earns our wholehearted thanks in making this happen.
More details at: http://doverdistrictcycleforum.weebly.com

The new route is well-signed using quiet country lanes and avoids the hazards of the busy A258. It offers a good inland alternative to the coastal National Cycle Route 1 .

The launch is on Saturday 12th July 2014
at 11.30 for a photo-call at 12noon with local press and media
at The Old Lantern Inn, The Street, Martin, near Dover CT15 5JL

Meeting in the front garden, inside if wet. Pub will open by 11.30am, possibly earlier!

Hope to see you there - please reply if you can come.

After the photo, you can join a nice down-hill ride to Deal - enjoying the views and the sound of the skylarks over the cornfields (or ride on to somewhere more adventurous).

best wishes,

Ian Ian Killbery earlystart@me.com
Chair, Dover District Cycle Forum http://doverdistrictcycleforum.weebly.com/
representing everyone interested in cycling in Dover District
affiliated to SPOKES East Kent Cycle Campaign

Dover Cycling forum safer route for A258

Following discussions at the recent Dover Forum, we have mapped out the alternative safer route discussed, avoiding the A258. This would be a signed and promoted route.

It would run via quiet country lanes, starts at Route 16 at Guston, going via East Langdon and Martin (near Martin Mill station) past Ringwould (where the accident occurred) to Walmer, joining the existing off-road path at Telegraph Rd near Walmer station.

It is suggested that signs at key points along the A258 itself attempt to direct any cyclists on the main road towards the safer alternative.

See it on Google Maps at http://doverdistrictcycleforum.weebly.com/new-cycle-route.html

Any comments and suggestions for improvement would be very welcome - there is a "comments" form on the web page.

The Dover Forum will approach County members along the route for support, access to Highways engineers and funding - also the Squires family to see whether they would wish to be associated with the proposal.


best wishes,


Ian

Ian Killbery earlystart@me.com

Chair, Dover District Cycle Forum http://doverdistrictcycleforum.weebly.com/

representing everyone interested in cycling in Dover District

affiliated to SPOKES East Kent Cycle Campaign http://www.spokeseastkent.org.uk

DOVER DISTRICT CYCLE FORUM MEETING 24th Oct

DOVER DISTRICT CYCLE FORUM MEETING

The 4th Forum meeting of 2013 will be at 7.30pm on Thursday 24th October 2013.

At the previous meeting on 6th June, we greed that it would be useful to have a discussion on the theme of:

"Developing Cycle Tourism in Dover District"

The recent tragic death of a cyclist at Ringwould adds urgency to this, highlighting the issue of cycling safety in our District and what progress has been made on the Dover District Strategy 2008 and the development of safer cycling routes.

There will also be reports on next week's Spokes meeting with Kent Police Commissioner, Ann Barnes; and on what the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) can do to help people access the countryside on bikes.

Meeting is at 11 Western Rd Deal CT14 6RX

It would be helpful if you could reply to indicate whether you are likely to come to the meeting, so if necessary we can arrange to move to a bigger venue,

Ian Killbery earlystart@me.com

Chair, Dover District Cycle Forum http://doverdistrictcycleforum.weebly.com/

representing everyone interested in cycling in Dover District

affiliated to SPOKES East Kent Cycle Campaign http://www.spokeseastkent.org.uk

Doctor Bike and Spokes at Deal Motor Show this Saturday

 "Doctor Bike" will revive your old bike with a free health check to get it ready for summer cycling - if you bring it to the Deal Classic Car and Motor Show on Walmer Green this Saturday.

The mobile mechanic is coming to the Spokes East Kent Cycling Campaign tent to run a free drop-in service for all bikes brought in on the day.

After a long winter in the shed, it may be time to treat your bike to a check up and Dr. Bike is here to carry out any minor maintenance where needed completely free, including oil and air, and show you how to look after your bike at home with some helpful hints and tips."Getting bikes in good condition is a great way to get people cycling for leisure or commuting," says Spokes chairman STEVE FAWKE. "Deal is one of the best towns in Kent for cycling, we'll also be giving out free maps to help you find a safe route to the shops or scenic routes into the local coast and countryside. It's amazing how many bikes sit in people’s shed that just need a quick tune-up to get them roadworthy again - ready for some fresh air and healthy exercise."

Spokes also supports the "20s Plenty" campaign to make 20mph the standard speed limit on residential streets where people live. Callers at the stand can sign the local petition pressing councillors for an area-wide 20 limit across Deal and Walmer, which campaigner ALAN GLEAVE says will encourage more people of all ages to feel safe enough to take to their bikes. For details or to sign online see 20splentyfor deal.org.uk

Bring your family's bikes to the tent tomorrow - and tell your friends!

Ian Killbery earlystart@me.com
Chair, Dover District Cycle Forum http://doverdistrictcycleforum.weebly.com/
representing everyone interested in cycling in Dover District
affiliated to SPOKES East Kent Cycle Campaign http://www.spokeseastkent.org.uk

Dover & District Cycling Forum meeting this Thurs 14th

This is a reminder of the date fixed at the AGM: the Forum will meet at 11 Western Rd on Thursday 14th March 7.30pm - 9pm.

The main items on the agenda will be:

- follow-up to the successful '20s Plenty' public meeting held at Deal Town Hall on Wed 27th February, with Rod King

(the '20s Plenty for Deal' organising group are also invited to this meeting)

- resident's complaint that there is not enough cycle parking in Deal

see http://www.spokeseastkent.org.uk/maps/cycle-parking-heat-map/?zoom=17&lat=51.22354&lon=1.39954&layers=B0T

- progress on cycling facilities across the district

Please send me a note if there's anything else you'd like on the agenda,


best wishes,


Ian
Ian Killbery earlystart@me.com
Chair, Dover District Cycle Forum http://doverdistrictcycleforum.weebly.com/
representing everyone interested in cycling in Dover District
affiliated to SPOKES East Kent Cycle Campaign http://www.spokeseastkent.org.uk
Tel: 01304-362569

Dover and district Cycle Forum - 1st Meeting of 2013

Thursday 31st January 2013,

7.30 - 9.00pm

at Tom Rowland's house, North St, Deal 

This will be our AGM - Agnda to follow,

best wishes,

Ian

Ian Killbery earlystart@me.com

Chair, Dover District Cycle Forum http://doverdistrictcycleforum.weebly.com/

representing everyone interested in cycling in Dover District

affiliated to SPOKES East Kent Cycle Campaign http://www.spokeseastkent.org.uk

Next Dover Cycle Forum - 17th October

Dover & Deal Cycle Forum
Due to a clash with other meetings, the next local CYCLE FORUM meeting will now be on Wed 17th OCTOBER instead of the previous Wed. - again at 7.30pm - 9pm at Tom Rowland's house (Alfred Square).

The agenda will follow. We'll hope to discuss:
- reports of maintenance issues affecting cyclists (please bring your photos of issues we should take up)
- bikes on trains: flashback to the Olympics, what we said in the Southeastern consultation, and a new grading scheme for cycle facilities at stations
- updates on the Dover District Cycle Strategy,
20sPlenty Campaign and what happened at Dover's Joint Transport Board
Seafront Improvement Project
- Deal Town Team: improving Deal town centre for cyclists - can this help revive the High St?

Ian Killbery earlystart@me.com
Tel: 01304-362569

Dover Cycling Forum - Progress

(1) DANGEROUS A2

Following our discussion at the last Dover District Cycle Forum, Charlie Elphicke MP has responded to Steve Fawke's letter by taking up the case (see letter attached).

He agrees about the dangers of signs that direct cyclists to ride along the A2, which is almost a motorway - and supports action to signpost alternative routes on quieter roads or off-road, especially for foreign cycle-tourists arriving at Dover Docks.

(2) TOLLS FOR CYCLISTS AT SANDWICH BAY?

You will be relieved to hear that threats of a £1 toll for cyclists using NCR1 to go between Sandwich and Deal have been narrowly averted.

This is a private road belonging to the residents of Sandwich Bay estate. Like many of our cros-country cycle routes, it is permissive only - 17 years ago Sustrans negotiated a voluntary agreement with the landowners for cyclists to use their road free where non-resident car drivers have to pay £7 a time to pass the gate.

One member of the Spokes committee described it like this:

"Antagonism is generated between drivers, who live on the estate, and groups of cyclists who do not wish to give way to each other and cyclists on a "high" being kept waiting at the barrier. In both situations cyclists have given way to verbal abuse."

Following complaints from residents and toll-gate keepers, a move to impose a toll on cyclists was averted for the time being, as this would inconvenience many ordinary cyclists and familes who ride along the road without trouble. The alternative of riding along the main road is obviously not attractive.

Please spread the word and do all you can to encourage others to ride courteously (especially when in large groups) so we don't lose this route,

Ian

Ian Killbery earlystart@me.com

Chair, Dover District Cycle Forum

representing everyone interested in cycling in Dover District

affiliated to SPOKES East Kent Cycle Campaign http://www.spokeseastkent.org.uk

Dover & District Cycle Forum - 3rd July

Hope to see you at the next Cycle Forum meeting, on Tuesday 3rd July 7.30-9pm, which is open to anyone interested in cycling in the Dover District.

The venue, as before is  North St Deal at Cavendish House, North St, Deal CT14 6NA (Tom Rowland's house) in the corner of Alfred Square (Thanks again Tom).

MINUTES of the last meeting will follow, and the AGENDA will include:

- a discussion of what practical steps we can propose to encourage local people to cycle to the shops as part of our support for the Deal Mary Portas bid to revive the High St.

- progress on the seafront and NCR1

Ian Killbery earlystart@me.com

Chair, Dover District Cycle Forum

representing everyone interested in cycling in Dover District

affiliated to SPOKES East Kent Cycle Campaign http://www.spokeseastkent.org.uk

Dover Cycle Forum peddle to France...

Fancy a day trip to France by Cycle ?
 Interesting Forum meeting tonight - including discussion of possible rides.

Here is the date of the day ride to France we talked about:

The ride is on Sat 21st April, meeting 8.00 at Eastern Docks to catch 0925 (?) ferry from Dover
Trip details (not much online yet)

Spokes has contacted the Mayor of Ardres and is hoping to have a guided tour in English of the "souterrains du Bastion Royal". Final details will be on the website, or phone Steve Fawke (01227 830336).

http://www.spokeseastkent.org.uk/events.php

Ferry travel details (and special offer, £8 day return - it's a Saturday) see:

http://www.spokeseastkent.org.uk/downloads/ardres-2012-04-21.pdf

Unfortunately the Deal/Sandwich to Dover railway is running rail replacement buses that day.

best wishes,
Ian

Ian Killbery earlystart@me.com
Chair, Dover District Cycle Forum
representing everyone interested in cycling in Dover District
affiliated to SPOKES East Kent Cycle Campaign http://www.spokeseastkent.org.uk

Tel: 01304-362569

An Cycling opportunity not to be missed

Flagship national cycle route
Just by Deal Pier, Sustrans’ flagship National Cycle Route 1, joins the main highway after miles of scenic cycling largely on off-road shared paths north from Dover, over the North Downs and along the beach. Sadly this is not the most attractive part of NCR1. Within a few hundred yards, the road narrows suddenly behind the Royal Hotel, before carrying on towards the golf courses and Sandwich.

Bad crash record
This pinch-point has a bad crash record, with 1 serious injury in 2009 and a death in 2010. An elderly
pedestrian was crushed against the Hotel wall when two cars collided - but this was not recorded as
fatality by Highways because he died several months later, having never left hospital.

Signs
Kent Highway Services has now agreed to paint‘SLOW’ road markings, a welcome step forward. Major sea defence works But in a few months, there’s an opportunity to consider making this whole seafront area both safer and more welcoming to cyclists and all its users.

The Environment Agency is just consulting on £10m of major sea defence works, including wave walls on the open prom. Dover District Cycle Forum, backed by Spokes, would like to see this include:

Visitor facilities
(1) add seats, cycle stands and a shelter to encourage cyclist tourists to stop and enjoy the seafront, its
cafes, bars and restaurants and the nearby shops;

Better toilets
(2) Add new high-quality public toilets for visitors on the seafront, to replace the poor quality facilities on King Street;

“Cafe culture”
(3) Re-align the Beach Street highway to permit outdoor seating on the pavements in font of cafes
and businesses facing the seafront (on the same lines as the paved area by the Kings Head, Port Arms
and Dunkerleys), with effective traffic calming (such as a 20mph “pavementless street”) to permit
safer pedestrian access between the seafront and the High Street - and preserving drop-off facilities for coaches;

Take cyclists off the road
(4) take NCR1 off-road onto the promenade from the Pier to just before the Royal Hotel,
which many cyclists do now to avoid traffic; Re-locate carpark, transform the space

(5) Move the Royal Hotel car park to the north of the Hotel, enabling the promenade area to be re-planning as an attractive multi-use space, for uses such as Contental markets, performances, outdoor eating areas associated with nearby cafes and restaurants.


Tackle accident blackspot
(6) restrict vehicles to one lane through the narrow pinch-point, ideally with traffic lights - making it
safer for cyclists and all users - a quaint part of the seafront scene rather than a hazardous blackspot. 

One-off opportunity
These enhancements could be achieved much more cheaply if planned while bulldozers are on-site and the whole area is being dug up for the sea defence works. If the interested parties agree a common plan, a timely bid for external funding such as the Coastal Communities Fund could turn the sea defence works into something much better - with powerful potential to help Deal’s regeneration, enhancing the High Street as well as the seafront.

Ian Killbery
http://tinyurl.com/cycleforum
Dover & Deal Cycle Forum

Next Dover & Deal Cycle Forum 2nd April

AGENDA:

1. Notes of the last meeting on 10th January 2012 (previously circulated - thanks to Tom Rowland)

2. AGM: Election of Chairman, Secretary(-ies), any other Committee posts

3. Events and rides for spring /summer (exchange of views and dates)

4. Deal seafront and NCR1 - news and responses re Environment Agency sea defence works from Royal hotel to Deal Pier (see attached handout)

5. Cycle routes to Sholden and Fowlmead - news re Albert Rd-Church Lane Sholden link; Deal Chamber of Trade's Mary Portas bid

6. Ongoing campaign for town-wide 20 mph speed limits

See this link for poster idea from Sevenoaks.

http://www.sevenoaks-cycleforum.org.uk/20isplenty.pdf

7. "The end of foot passenger and cyclist facilities on the Channel Ferries?"

-developments since last meeting (correspondence with MEP)

8. Melbourne Ave Dover - new cycle route from Whitfield to Dover town centre consultation

http://consultations.kent.gov.uk/consult.ti/Melbourneavepublicfootpath/consultationHome

9. Date of next meeting Tue 3rd July.

Meeting ends at 9pm

 

The venue, as before is  (Tom Rowland's house) in the corner of Alfred Square (Thanks again Tom).. please email for details

---

Ian Killbery earlystart@me.com

Chair, Dover District Cycle Forum

Human Powered Vehicle Champs at Fowlmead

Fowlmead Country Park will be hosting the very exciting "2012 - Human-Powered Vehicle World Championship" 8-9-10 June". 

 

The 2012 WHPVA World Championships will be held in England at Fowlmead country park in Deal, Kent on the 8th, 9th and 10th of June 2012. 

This is an event where people from all over Europe and possibly further afield will race some of the world's most efficient and advanced pedal cycles in existance.  We have only a very minimal rule-set for basic safety but none of the restrictive and arbitrary rules so often imposed by most cycling organisations which stifle innovation.  Here amateur cyclists will be achiving speeds in excess of 40mph on the flat riding machines at the cutting edge of bicycle technology.

The event is open to anyone, there is no pre-qualification needed and you can ride pretty much any pedal cycle you wish, bicycle, tricycle, quad, foot powered, hand powered, race a unicycle if you really want.  There will be several races over the 3 day period ranging from a 100 meter flying start sprint to a 2 hour mass start circuit race.  Points will be allocated to the racers for each race and the rider with the most points at the end will be declared world champion!
 

I understand this has recently been held in Italy and the cycling participants are looking forward to a "nice, smooth, fast, swoopy race track", great local B+Bs and super East Kent ale and breakfasts (not in that order!) 

 

Full details at http://www.wc2012.bhpc.org.uk/

 

Thank you Sarah for the report

Dover & Deal Cycle Forum - 10th Jan 7:30pm

AGENDA:

1. Notes of the last meeting on 13th October 2011

2.Cycling news

- Update on Dour Greenway project

- proposed SPOKES discount scheme with local cycle shops, etc.

- new bike stands at local hospitals in East Kent University Hospital Trust

- Sky Ride Local - call for people to train as ride leaders (1 day training Jan/Feb)

- news from local clubs and SPOKES

3. Planning approval of Sholden housing developments - the developers' final Travel Plan (including proposed cycle paths) and implications for local cycling and sustainable transport. Possibilities for new cycle routes and 20 limits?

The Deal Transportation Study (Consultation meeting 5th October 2011) also looks at potential transport developments likely to be funded by the developers. (see https://www.dover.gov.uk/pdf/A%20Final%20Exhibition%20Boards.pdf ) It recommends Scenarios 2 or 3, which include specific mention of cyclists and pedestrians: "Upgrades to current network and introduction of small set of new routes

4. Ongoing campaign for town-wide 20 mph speed limits

(report of actions so far, and next steps)

5. "The end of foot passenger and cyclist facilities on the Channel Ferries?"

-developments since last meeting

6. Dates and places for the other THREE meetings for 2012, including AGM.(we had agreed to hold 4 meetings each year)

7. Meeting ends at 9pm

10th Jan 2012 - 7:30pm - at  1, North St Deal at Cavendish House, 1 North St, Deal CT14 6NA  in the corner of Alfred Square 

---

Ian Killbery earlystart@me.com

Chair, Dover District Cycle Forum
11 Western Road, DEAL, Kent CT14 6RX

Tel: 01304-362569