Work underway on cycle superhighways

Shovels have hit the ground on London’s flagship north-south cycle superhighway – and the principal opponent of the east-west route has backed down. Canary Wharf Group had aired the prospect of seeking judicial review, but has now confirmed it will not challenge the scheme. 

Work will start on the east-west superhighway on April 27th. Both routes are expected to open next year.

Oxford footbridge to become bike-friendly

A better bike route will be opened up in South Oxford when Network Rail replaces a footbridge across the railway.

The bridge to South Hinksey is currently a steep structure where bikes have to be manhandled up the steps. Network Rail is building a new bridge as part of electrification works, but claimed that the cost to make it bike-friendly would be prohibitive.

Now, according to the Oxford Mail, local councils are teaming up to pay one-third of the £750,000 cost to fit ramps to the bridge. Network Rail will cover the rest.

The rebuilt bridge will make it easier to get between South Hinksey, on the ring road, and New Hinksey.

Re-educating drivers with a card

One Idaho cyclist got so annoyed at being upbraided by motorists that he designed a set of ‘bike law business cards’ telling it how it is. The cards point out that red-light jumping is allowed in Idaho, and that cyclists can ‘take the lane’ with impunity. You can buy them from Zazzle, or perhaps even create your own local equivalent…

Swindon’s first cycling café

The bike café boom has come to Swindon with the opening of @The Hub on Fleet Street. The new café also offers repairs and kids’ bike sales. Co-owner Kerry Richards told the Swindon Advertiser: “This is a place for everyone to hang out, be relaxed, comfortable, where you can watch the Tour De France if you want.” Full marks for the slogan, ‘Give it some beans’.

Upgrade planned for Worcestershire cycle route

Worcestershire’s main north-south cycle route will be upgraded and extended if a county council funding bid is approved.

The ‘Local Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund’ is a national pot intended for fixing potholes – but, unusually, Worcestershire County Council’s bid prioritises a bike route. National Cycle Network 45 runs north-south through the county calling at Worcester, Droitwich, Stourport and Bewdley. A connection to Upton-on-Severn is also planned.

According to the council:

“Our automatic cycle counters on the route indicate upwards of 200,000 cyclists using the route per annum. We anticipate that based on current usage, an improved road condition and the planned connection with Upton-on-Severn, the number of cyclists will increase.”

The Government will announce whether the bid has been successful later in March.