Cycling UK offers free membership to NHS staff

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Cycling UK is offering free membership to NHS staff “in recognition of the significant contribution” that they “are making in keeping the UK safe” during the coronavirus pandemic.

Please pass the news on to anyone you know who could benefit

NHS workers who are riding bikes to get to work during the crisis will be eligible for three months’ free membership of the national cyclists’ charity, including being able to access uts third party insurance and legal advice.

The offer can be accessed through the charity’s website(link is external), and Cycling UK is urging cyclists to spread the word to people they know who work within the NHS so that as many people as possible can benefit from the initiative.

Cycling UK chief executive Paul Tuohy said: “Last night along with the rest of the nation, I cheered and clapped for our NHS heroes from my doorstep.

“These brave men and women are putting their lives on the line for us every time they go to work and deserve everyone’s support and respect.

“That’s why today, we’ve made Cycling UK membership available to every NHS worker who is cycling to work.

“Hopefully they will never need to use the insurance and legal advice that comes with it, but just as they’ve got our back in case the worst happens, Cycling UK wants to make sure everyone in the NHS who needs it is looked after too – it’s the least we can do.”

The sign-up page on the Cycling UK website(link is external) also has a dedicated advice page containing articles and videos that will be useful for any NHS staff taking up cycling for the first time.

Resources include cycle safety tips, a journey planner, and advice on basic maintenance and secure bike locking.

The charity has also set up a page on Just Giving(link is external) for donations to be made to help it keep NHS key workers moving as part of the fight against COVID-19.

Tuohy said: “Cycling UK couldn’t make this offer to the nation’s real heroes if it wasn’t for ongoing support of our 68,000 members,

“But by opening up our membership to those who need it most, it is likely to impact our finances.

“I’m appealing to our members and the wider cycling community who can afford it to make a small donation, so we can keep on helping those who need it the most.”

Cycling UK added that any NHS workers who already have membership will have it extended by three months when it expires.

Other organisations in the cycling community that are supporting NHS workers in getting to work include Brompton Bike Hire, which yesterday unveiled plans to make another 1,000 bikes available to hospital staff.

> Brompton Bike Hire in fund raising drive to make more bikes for NHS workers – here’s how you can help

British Cycling are launching a daily activity to keep kids moving during school shutdown (Covid 19 compliant)

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British Cycling has today (Wednesday 25 March) launched a daily activity calendar to keep kids moving and help them to develop new skills, as millions across Britain adjust to life out of school.

The first activity, taking place at 11:00 tomorrow (Thursday 26 March), is Fingers and Thumbs, and the full calendar of activities can be found below. The full suite of games and activities can be accessed at any time here and participants can use this page to get the most out of the activities.

Using British Cycling’s HSBC UK Ready Set Ride games and activities, the daily activities will be shared through our YouTube, Facebook and Twitter channels at 11:00 each day, until Friday 24 April. They are suitable for children from as young as 18 months to eight years old, and many can be done without a bike – making them perfect for indoor play.

Launched alongside the Youth Sport Trust as a tool to help parents introduce pedalling to playtime, HSBC UK Ready Set Ride is split into three stages (Prepare 2 Ride, Balance and Pedals) which provide families with all they need to support children to start cycling.

The initiative was first launched following research by YouGov which showed that a third (33%) of all children cannot ride a bike.

British Cycling Chief Executive, Julie Harrington, said:

“The coming weeks and months are clearly going to be a challenge for parents and kids alike, but through our daily activities I really hope that we can help families to have fun and stay active together.

“While it’s true that the fabric of our sport – from elite racing to kids coaching – faces a period of unprecedented difficulty, I’m absolutely determined to ensure that we use the tools we do have at our disposal to make a difference wherever we can.”

Ali Oliver, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, said: 

“It is vital that we all take personal responsibility during these unprecedented times and play our part in helping to mitigate the impact on children of losing organised sport and activity both inside and outside of school.

“At a home level, it’s a really important moment to help parents manage children with lots of energy. Get them active for 20 minutes every couple of hours. Make sure they get their 60 active minutes a day. Being active is going to reduce their chances of being unwell. It will help them with remote learning. It will improve their concentration and it will make them feel better. It will help make being in the home a more pleasant and positive experience for everybody in the family.”

Luke Harper, Head of British Cycling Partnership at HSBC UK, said:

“The HSBC UK Ready Set Ride activities are perfect for indoor playtime or in the garden, and you don’t even need a bike to get started.

“The initiative is free to use for all, and is a tried and tested way to get your kids up and running on two wheels.”

Calendar of activities:

Once again the full suite of games and activities can be accessed at any time here and participants can use this page to get the most out of the activities.

Thursday 26th March Fingers and Thumbs
Friday 27th March Steady as You Go
Monday 30th March Swipe and Swap
Tuesday 31st March Jump
Wednesday 1st April Step it Up
Thursday 2nd April Twist and Pass
Friday 3rd April Stamp and Slide
Monday 6th April Wibble Wobble
Tuesday 7th April Scoot, Stride and Glide
Wednesday 8th April Speed it Up, Slow it Down
Thursday 9th April Box the Lot
Friday 10th April Criss Cross
Monday 13th April Dot to Dot
Tuesday 14th April I Spy
Wednesday 15th April Limbo
Thursday 16th April Pedal and Glide
Friday 17th April Zig Zags
Monday 20th April Corner Explorer
Tuesday 21st April Pedal and Limbo
Wednesday 22nd April Foot Down
Thursday 23rd April Ups and Downs
Friday 24th April Wave and Go, Figure it Out

Warning that cycling could be banned if people don’t ride responsibly this weekend

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‘Make sure bikes continue to be seen to be part of the solution to this crisis’ – Chris Boardman

by ALEX BOWDEN SAT, MAR 28, 2020 10:39

British Cycling has warned that the ‘privilege’ of riding a bike could be removed if people fail to observe instructions on social distancing this weekend.

In an open letter(link is external) published on Friday night, British Cycling CEO Julie Harrington said it was “heartening” that the Government had so far protected people’s right to ride a bike, but warned that this must not be taken for granted.

Government advice on staying at home currently lists as an exception, “one form of exercise a day, for example, a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household.”

It goes on to say that, “even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 metres apart from anyone outside of your household.”

Despite this, some have undertaken group rides or arranged to meet friends midway through a ride. Others have used their daily ride to cover great distances, arguing that the guidelines don’t specify a time limit.

Daily exercise rules: current cycling dos and don’ts

Harrington said: “People on bikes were not the only culprits in last weekend’s mass dash to the outdoors but, despite strong guidance from ourselves and others, too many chose to ignore the Prime Minister’s instructions on social distancing, continuing to ride in groups and meet in cafes for a mid-ride chat.

“This isn’t just irresponsible, it is putting people’s lives at risk. A repeat of that this weekend risks further Government measures to take away the privilege of riding a bike for all of us and now more than ever, it is not one we can afford to lose.”

Greater Manchester’s cycling commissioner, Chris Boardman, urged people to, “make sure bikes continue to be a part of the solution to this crisis, and are seen to be part of the solution.”  

After highlighting key workers’ use of bikes for essential journeys, he said: “For the rest of us, [bikes] are a way to go and get supplies, take essential exercise and, crucially, give us a mental break each day, helping us ensure prolonged isolation is actually sustainable.

“But for bikes to remain a force for good and help us get through this, this is how it’s got to work: only ride alone or with people that you live with and stay at least two metres away from anybody that you meet. Do not, under any circumstances, ride in a group.

“As per government instructions, only go out once [to exercise] each day. And finally, be sensible. Only ride on routes that you know well and that are well within your ability.”

He advised people to, “obey these rules as if your life, and the lives of others, depend on it – because they do.”

Ripe’s Winged Wheel: Good News

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The CTC Winged Wheel plaque, which used to be on the old Lamb Inn at Ripe, has been restored and is now mounted on the wall at the front of the Ripe Village Stores. The above photo was taken by a lone cyclist who was passing through Ripe on Wednesday afternoon: Dave Sutton.

It’s almost two years ago when I took a picture of the derelict pub and posted an entry to the blog about the Winged Wheel. These cast-iron plaques, two feet in diameter, were issued by the CTC about 120 years ago to approved inns and hotels. The Lamb was clearly an approved inn so it’s seems apt that it should be transferred to the Village Stores opposite which has a superb cyclist friendly café inside. The plaque has been restored by members of the East Sussex CTC.

The café is, of course, closed during the Coronavirus outbreak but I’m sure that when the restrictions are lifted plenty of cyclists will be visiting the café as soon as it reopens. I know that the café proprietor is intending to have a ‘Winged Wheel’ event one Sunday at which local cycling clubs will be invited. We’ll certainly be there.

STATEMENT ABOUT CORONAVIRUS AND THE SUSPENSION OF CSH ACTIVITIES – updated 24/03/2020

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The committee has been closely monitoring advice regarding the coronavirus/COVID 19 situation. [click for more info]

Cycling UK  was updated on 23rd March 2020 

British Cycling was updated on 23rd March 2020

Cycling UK state:

This means it remains advisable for people to cycle for their health, fitness and well-being, but in line with our previous guidance, you should only do this alone or with members of your household unless any of them have reason to self-isolate.

Under no circumstance should you cycle or take part in any cycling activity in groups.

This is critical to stop the coronavirus disease spreading between households.

updated 24/03/2020 – Cycle Seahaven Secretary

Suspension of CSH activities

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The committee has been closely monitoring advice regarding the coronavirus/COVID 19 situation.

Cycling UK and British Cycling have today issued press releases suspending cycling activities initially until April 30. This includes recreational riding as well as events. 

Cycling UK state ‘As a result of this revised guidance, Cycling UK has taken the decision to ask all its member and affiliate groups not to run any group activities, including club runs or events.

This is in line with advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UCI, with the aim of ensuring the maximum protection of people across the world’.

It is therefore with regret that Cycle Seahaven is suspending all of its activities pending updated information to the contrary.

Please note that Cycling UK within the same press release also state ‘However, people should not avoid cycling altogether as it remains a great way to keep fit and active and is a good way to boost immunity.’

We leave you to make an informed decision on whether to ride or not. If you choose to do so we would recommend:

1. If riding with others you keep groups as small as possible and ride with at least 10-foot gaps between riders.

2. You avoid café’s, pubs in line with current government advice.

3. You ride less technically challenging routes to avoid the risk of crashing or injury that may place an unnecessary burden on the NHS.

The committee is exploring ways of utilising club resources to support those vulnerable members in our communities. Further updates to follow.

Look after yourselves and hopefully, normal service will be resumed in the not-too-distant future.

All the best,

The Cycle Seahaven Committee.

Statement about Coronavirus and advice for Cycling UK groups and volunteers

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Coronavirus is in the headlines everywhere at the moment but what does this mean for cycling? We take the health and well-being of our members, supporters, groups and volunteers very seriously so we’re currently following Government and NHS guidance very closely.
 
Cycle Seahaven takes a similar view to that of Cycling UK. The health and safety of our members and guests is a priority. We will follow current advice regarding club activities. Please keep an eye out on this website, CSH calender and social media for more information. 
 

Statement from Cycling UK

As the national cycling charity Cycling UK’s aim is to support the UK’s population to cycle. This stays true during this period of Covid-19 effecting the UK. Above all the safety and welfare of Cycling UK’s staff, volunteers, participants at our rides and events, beneficiaries of our cycling programmes and the general public is always our main priority. Therefore, Cycling UK is running activities following the latest Government advice and following best practice to minimise risk.

Cycling UK are constantly monitoring the situation and taking advice from Government, health sector and partners. 

Advice for Cycling UK groups and volunteers

Cycling is a fun and healthy activity that brings people together to share a love of the great outdoors, often accompanied by the pleasure of stopping for a quick coffee and cake and a pleasant catch-up. We have over a 1000 groups and they run a large array of events, rides and activities every year.

So what should we be doing in the light of the COVID-19 outbreak?

Current guidance is that, for now, most of us can carry on normally. However, there are certain precautions that must be taken to minimise the spread of the virus. For example, by:

  • catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue and throwing them away immediately
  • washing hands with soap and water regularly for at least 20 seconds (or using alcohol-based hand sanitiser if not available)
  • avoiding close contact with people who are unwell

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of Coronavirus are:

  • a cough
  • a high temperature
  • shortness of breath

If you have any of these symptoms please do not attend any Cycling UK ride, group or activity and follow the advice on the NHS website. 

Self-isolation

There’s a chance that you might be asked to self-isolate, which means staying at home and avoiding public places and Cycling UK led activities.

Further updates

We’ll continue to monitor the situation carefully and will update groups and areas via the website and Velocheer, our volunteer newsletter. If any further action is needed, such as the cancellation of rides and events, we will contact groups and event organisers directly.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Volunteering Team or the Groups Engagement Officer on 01483 238338 or via groups@cyclinguk.org.

This advice was last updated on Friday 13 March 2020.

Peacehaven Community School promotes cycling in the community

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A fantastic community initiative has been boosted by Peacehaven Community School and Sustrans – the charity that makes it easier for people to walk and cycle.

Peacehaven Community School have donated 25 mountain bikes to Sustrans for use at the Peacehaven Cycle Hub, a facility set up to encourage cycling in and around Peacehaven.

Josh Burns, a PE teacher at PCS realised that the school bike fleet presented a fantastic opportunity for children at the school to use and was keen to get as many pupils out on the bikes as possible. So, working with local Sustrans Officer Jamie Lloyd, the school agreed to donate the bikes for use by the community. Pupils from the school will be given membership cards to the Hub so that they can access the bikes at weekends and in the school holidays.  The bike fleet will be managed and maintained by Sustrans, and will be available to other bicycle user groups in the area. 

The Hub is located in the Big Park, Peacehaven, just a few minutes walk from the school and is easily accessible by pupils from the school and the wider community. The Hub is funded by East Sussex County Council to encourage active travel in the community.  It is available for any community group to use and serves to promote sustainable transport and healthy lifestyles.

East Sussex Cycle Training, one of the key partners in the hub, have provided Bikeability training for children at the school, as part of the partnership. 87 pupils received training in cycle skills to help boost confidence when cycling. One of the pupils from the school wrote a speech in which he praised the quality of the Bikeability lessons; “The teachers and instructors were amazing ensuring our safety. It was such a fun and interesting experience, we all enjoyed it so much. It was also very interesting learning about road safety, because it is important to know what to do on the road”

Jamie Lloyd said “This is a great opportunity to get these excellent mountain bikes into regular use by the local community. Peacehaven is an excellent place for cycling, with links to The Egrets Way and South Downs Way and I am delighted that local children can now access a good quality bike to explore the local area” he went on to say “these bikes are not only for local children, we will be offering community bike rides for all members of the local community from the middle of April and any member of the local community would be welcome to join us and these bikes will be available for them as well”

Josh Burns, the PE teacher from Peacehaven Community School who was instrumental in the delivery of the bike project said “It has been a pleasure liaising with Jamie from Sustrans. I am excited to see the impact these bikes will have for our students and their families in the local community.” Josh continued “As a school we value the opportunity we can provide for our students to live active and healthy lives. We also value the impact these opportunities create for our local community and always look to grow and develop our network and contributions within it. This is a big part of our ethos and values as a Community School.”

At the official handover of the bicycles, students from the school were joined by the Head teacher, Darren Warner-Swann and the Executive Head teacher – Liza Leung as well as representatives from Peacehaven Town Council, Sustrans Officers, Bikeability Instructors and representatives from Cycle Seahaven.

Guy Reynolds, Chairman of Cycle Seahaven, said this was a great initiative that could serve as a catalyst towards other community-based projects. This will give the Cycle Hub Stakeholders an opportunity to explore getting the local youth involved in projects such as Dr Bike (a free bike safety check service) or group rides into the South Downs National Park.

To Find out More about activities happening at The Peacehaven Cycle Hub contact Jamie Lloyd: jamie.lloyd@sustrans.org.uk

Twitter: @PeacehavenHub

Web: http://bigparksproject.org.uk/peacehaven-cycle-hub/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActiveTravelES/

Cycle Seahaven: https://cycleseahaven.org.uk/

Peacehaven Community School: http://www.phcs.org.uk/

Photo kindly provided by Peacehaven Community School with relevant consent to publish.

Reduce the risk of your bike getting stolen with a ‘Geo-fence’.

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Geozone – Are you protected?

I last wrote about criminals using Strava to identify high-value bikes and their storage locations in June 2018. Over the last few weeks, I’ve read numerous social media posts about high-value bikes thefts from garages in close proximity to Seaford. So, at the risk of being repetitive, I thought it might be worth reminding people how to create a geofence to combat the problem. This article is specifically Strava orientated but I’m sure most tracking apps have a similar feature. 

Creating a Privacy Zone

On the website, go to your Settings page by hovering over your profile picture in the top right and selecting “Settings”.

Click on the Privacy tab on the left side of the page.

Enter a location in the text field provided under “Hide your house/office on your activity maps”, select the size of the privacy radius, and click “Create Privacy Zone.”

https://support.strava.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000173384-Privacy-Zones

How it Works

The portion of your activity that starts or stops within your privacy zone will be hidden from other Strava athletes who view your activity. You will be able to see data inside your privacy zone, but other athletes will not.

  • If you stop in a privacy zone during the middle of an activity, this portion will not be hidden.
  • Your privacy zone will be automatically applied to all past and future activities.
  • GPS location-based lat/long coordinates can be used in place of a street address for cases where there is no street address.
  • Only one privacy zone can be applied to the start or end point for each activity. So if you have multiple, overlapping privacy zones, only one will be applied to each start or end point.
  • If a friend starts their activity from within your privacy zone, the portion that began in your zone will not be hidden on their activity.
  • You will not appear on any segment leaderboard that starts/stops within your Privacy Zone and you cannot hold or earn any KOMs/CRs on those segments. Removing a Privacy Zone will reinstate your segment matches and any associated KOMs/CRs.
  • Your Privacy Zone will be respected when you share on Facebook.

Manage Followers & Block Athletes

From your profile page, you can easily manage your current followers from the “Following” tab. When you block an athlete, it stops him/her from following you again, seeing certain Profile details, or accessing your activities. You will be removed from his/her list of followers and Activity Feed. Someone you’ve blocked will be able to see your activity entries in public areas like segment leaderboards, club feeds, and segment explore.

https://support.strava.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000173484