via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
from Running Tracks UK http://ukrunningtracks.tumblr.com/post/163650154253
via IFTTT
source https://runningtrackcontractors.tumblr.com/post/163650318425
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
How do you bicycle to work and home again? Do you fight through the traffic? Or have you discovered a quiet way to the office, school, shops, pub, restaurants and back home again?
I returned to London in June after an absence of fourteen years to find that it had become a more vibrant version of itself. When I lived in London from 1998 to 2003 as an investment banker, I lived on Shaftesbury Avenue.
I left for Sydney when the Mayor Ken Livingston had just introduced congestion charges. Why did I leave? Love. I had met my now-husband at a party in Farringdon in August 2002.
In the midst of the heat wave last month, I stayed with a friend and her family in North London. Chris, a Sustrans Volunteer, and his girlfriend were kind enough to take me around London that first Saturday. Bicycling together along the Quietway from Finsbury Park to Clerkenwell, Hyde Park, Westminster and getting cut off by youngsters in flash cars on Pall Mall suddenly reminded me of Sydney. And that’s when I realised I could cycle in London.
At first, I mostly relied upon Google Maps to commute to my meetings in Central London. Having traveled along Liverpool Road while breathing in bus fumes, I eventually found my own way via Finsbury Park Road, along Drayton Park, to Barnsbury Road and Penton Street. Later I would use Margery Street to make my way further west to the centre.
After about five days, I had a quiet route mapped out with variations as necessary. Chris introduced me to Rox who works at Sustrans in London, and when she suggested taking me for a ride on Quietway 1 from Waterloo to Greenwich, I was game.
I felt nostalgic going past Smithfield Market after departing from the office on Cowcross Street. It was one of the first places where I had played tennis upon landing in London in 1998.
Making our way across the Blackfriars Bridge, I rode through the barricades installed just a few weeks prior.
Eventually, we made our way to Q1 which was noticeable because of the lack of traffic noise.
Rox explained to me that Q1 was chosen because it provided a direct and quiet alternative to a busy main road.
However, one of the first turns left onto Q1 from Blackfriars Road was not for the faint-of-heart.
At Waterloo, this left turn was in two stages. When the light turned green, cyclists needed to wait in the left turn box in the middle of the road.
It reminded me of the necessity for hook turns in Melbourne’s wide streets. My preference at this intersection would have been to continue on the green light to the far right hand corner of the intersection.
Waiting at the red light, with wheels now pointing in the direction of Q1, I would have been a little more comfortable. Kids and less experienced bicyclists would be too.
And after this, the way was indeed quiet. I enjoyed the cool air of today versus the 32C of yesterday and Rox and I chatted because it was possible to have a conversation while riding side-by-side on many parts of Q1.
She explained how Q1 was the first pilot of this new type of route, designed to encourage more people to cycle, more safely, more often. She pointed out parts of Q1 which had been heavily engineered and less so. And then we came upon the gates at The Borough on Trinity Square.
Residents here had been adamant about keeping the barriers in place to prevent motorcyclists from coming through, she explained. These barriers have been widened, but I could see that it was also an impediment for people with children on cargo bikes or in trailers. One way around it would be to mount the footpath but I have also heard of people’s frustration with this barrier via social media.
We continued and Rox explained the consultative process that Sustrans took to engage the community to create Q1. The positive and most successful means of installing bicycle and walking infrastructure for people is often developing a trial of new infrastructure, after a lengthy process of discussion which involves several alternatives from which people can choose.
I have heard of this approach being used successfully in San Francisco and many other US cities. It is difficult to appease everyone and to be truly inclusive.
However, a trial enables people to use infrastructure and see it in action.
Later along South Bermondsey, Rox pointed out a brand new covered cycleway at Ilderton Road with a rest stop and parking close to South Bermondsey train station.
We continued alongside Bolina Road on a completely separated cycleway that was newly constructed. This was an excellent way to avoid the heavy traffic on this road later during rush hour.
This area was heavily industrialized but on the fringe were flats and houses. No doubt this area would continue to transition with the popularity of brownfield development as popularized in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Steven Fleming, an expert on the built-environment and bicycle-oriented architecture, has written extensively about this type of development which often is without transport links.
The bicycle has been instrumental to the success of such areas around the world.
We passed through beautiful Folkstone Gardens where I saw Weeping Willow trees.
They were a reminder of my youth in Minnesota and the lushness of England.
Australia is a parched land and very few of these willows are native. They too have immigrated to foreign lands.
Approaching Greenwich via Tarves Way, I found the cars parked on the kerb to be anachronistic. Cars didn’t seem to fit with the architecture of the terrace houses lining the road.
Rox and I were both hungry after such a great ride to Greenwich and we stopped at a local market for a snack.
We took a quick photo of Canary Wharf where I spent most of my time in my late twenties working in investment banking.
It had been a struggle commuting to the office back then. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) was a long and slow commute from Bank. The Jubilee Line was under construction and constantly delayed when it commenced operations. The ferry from the Embankment was wonderful but one needed to be on time to catch it. There was no ability to run to it after it had left the dock. Why didn’t I cycle back then? Having come from the US, my excuse was that I didn’t know how I would react in a crisis traffic situation. How silly (and lazy) I was!
After a restorative snack, Rox and I rode back to Sustrans and I saw Q1 in action. Packs of bicyclists in mostly athletic wear went past us in the other direction.
I believe that the effect of a cycleway, such as a Quietway 1, serves to grow cycling in conjunction with the separated cycleways in London. People begin to realise its effectiveness by using it more often.
Drivers begin to realise that bicyclists are present and begin to alter their driving habits by avoiding it or driving more attentively. And children begin to see their parents use the bicycle as a form a transport which normalises its use.
No doubt the lessons learned from Q1 will be put to good use for the next series of Quietways in London and beyond.
My hope is for more people to use the Quietways dressed for their destinations. We saw 50/50 women to men on Q1 during peak hour. I saw two women in a dress or skirt. I look forward to seeing more next time.
In the meantime, happy riding on your own Quietways! I’ll be doing the same in Sydney.
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
The Benefits of Playing Hockey http://www.sportsandsafetysurfaces.co.uk/blog/health-and-fitness-levels/the-benefits-of-playing-hockey
Health Benefits of Playing Basketball http://www.sportsandsafetysurfaces.co.uk/blog/basketball/health-benefits-of-playing-basketball
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
Sustrans, in partnership with Transport for Quality of Life, Cavill Associates and University of the West of England, conducted a study of phase two of the Cycling Demonstration Town (CDT) and Cycling City and Towns (CCT) programmes. In every one of the 18 towns and cities involved in the programme levels of cycling increased.
The Cycling City and Towns programme was a DfT funded programme of investment in cycling in 12 towns and cities from 2008-2011. The CCT programme involved funding a mixture of initiatives such as improvements to cycle routes, training for children in schools and marketing and promotion work.
The Cycling Demonstration Towns follow-on programme was in six towns that had received investment in 2005-2008 and again in 2008-2011. All of the towns implemented a range of wider initiatives with the potential to increase cycling levels.
Newly released findings show that cycling trips increased across both programmes overall, and also individually in all 18 towns and cities, by different amounts. From automatic count data, there was an overall increase of 29% for the six CDTs in 5.5 years (range across towns: 6% - 59%); and an overall increase of 24% for the 12 CCTs over three years (range across towns: 9% - 62%).
The annual rate of growth for the CDT and CCT programmes overall (5.3% and 8.0% respectively) is comparable to rates of growth seen in international cities which have demonstrated sustained long-term commitment to cycling.
In all 18 towns and cities, the focus of the programme was on encouraging more cycling for short ‘everyday’ urban trips – that is, those trips which when made by car contribute disproportionately to congestion. Taken overall, the annual expenditure per head of population was £17 for five-and-a-half years in the CDTs and £14 for just under three years in the CCTs. Expenditure comprised both capital (about 80% and 70% for the CCT and CDT programmes respectively) and revenue (20-30%).
Towns with a range of characteristics and baseline levels of cycling were able to deliver increases in cycle trips
The similarity of the scale of effect in the CCT and CDT programmes gives us confidence that a similar effect might be expected if a comparable investment programme took place in similar areas – that is, we can say that the results of the programme appear to be replicable.
The results vary across the towns. The analysis has not identified a clear pattern of which factors determine the extent of impact, but obvious factors that differed between the towns included the nature and extent of delivery (including the capital and revenue split), the target groups, the profile and extent of support for the initiatives that were introduced, changes in political support at different stages of the programme, baseline levels of cycling and baseline levels of car dependence, amongst other factors.
The CDT / CCT programmes took place in a context which was not ideal. Improvements in the towns were limited by political expediency; there were problems with funding uncertainty in the final year and the programme was of short duration.
Changing behavioural patterns is a long-term, difficult task and we should be realistic about what is possible within short timeframes and in a policy context which is not always fully supportive.
Both the quality of cycling provision and the levels of cycling in the CDTs and CCTs remain modest in relation to that observed in much of continental Europe.
But, despite the challenges, the evidence is clear – increasing levels of cycling in UK cities is very much possible.
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
Sustrans is supporting plans to develop a Global Action Plan on Physical Activity and ensure we can all benefit from improved wellbeing, as well as enhanced social and mental health.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published plans for the development of a Global Action Plan on Physical Activity in May 2017, in the form of a ‘zero draft’.
It will “include the proposed vision, strategic objectives and set of actions and interventions for all relevant stakeholders, which when collectively implemented, will increase levels of physical activity and improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of all peoples”.
The draft will be made available by WHO for web consultation from mid-July, and after a series of consultations, the aim is to have a final draft by May 2018.
There are many examples of the public health benefits of walking and cycling, making a strong case for investment.
Fit for Life is a synthesis of academic research findings on the impact of walking and cycling infrastructure investment with findings from Sustrans’ own monitoring and evaluation. Research into a cohort of 84 UK-wide schemes provides strong evidence of a public health impact.
A recent academic study into the association between active commuting and the incidence of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality draws a very clear link between cycle commuting and significant health improvements. it concluded that initiatives to encourage and support active commuting could reduce the risk of death and the burden of important chronic conditions by 45%.
A new summary of research evidence from Public Health England, Spatial Planning for Health, provides an evidence resource for planning and designing healthier places. This includes an assessment of the strength of available evidence for a number of policy areas, including transport. In particular, it presents Sustrans’ Connect2 programme as a case study. Connect2 created new routes generating new walking and cycling trips in the longer term. The project also highlighted that to local people, the visibility of schemes seems to be an important mechanism for driving use.
A blog published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine explains the development of the Bangkok Declaration on Physical Activity for Global Health and Sustainable Development.
The International Society for Physical Activity and Health issued the Bangkok Declaration in November 2016.
The declaration highlights eight of the of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that physical activity can contribute to:
SDG 3: Good health and wellbeing
SDG 4: Quality education
SDG 5: Gender equity
SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities
SDG 13 Climate action
SDG 15: Life on land
SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
The greatest public health benefits are realised when inactive or only slightly active people increase their levels of activity, as there is limited benefit from active people becoming more active.
Because walking and cycling are easy to adopt – they require little equipment or preparation - and they can be built into everyday schedules. Walking and cycling activities are more straightforward to engage with by inactive and less active groups (relative to eg gym membership or sports participation), and the potential for the contribution that they can make to increasing levels of physical activity worldwide is very considerable.
The premise of the Bangkok Declaration is to help more people from more sectors engage in elevating physical activity as a local, national and global priority.
The Bangkok Declaration makes recommendations to the World Health Organisation (and to wider agencies and initiatives) that the authors hope will shape the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity.
These recommendations align well with the Sustrans agenda, and we are delighted to offer our support to the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity by becoming a signatory to the Bangkok declaration.
We see our local solutions as crucial to supporting the global challenges of physical inactivity.
We hope that our support will encourage others to engage with the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity, and to respond to the consultation via the International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH).
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
via Twitter https://twitter.com/ukrunningtracks
-There are various surfacing types that could be implemented for activity circuits for example , EPDM rubber flooring and needlepunch manuf...