CycleClips 14 November 2014
Text only version:
In this week's edition: Free Lezyne lights with CTC Gift Membership; Starry bike lane; Bicycle the movie; Bikes in battle; Cycle campaigning in Leicester and Porstmouth; The rocketman rides into history; Strava strife; Cycling Delivery Plan feedback; Communications Manager vacancy
Contents Summary:
Did you get wet on your way to work this morning? The drying room at CTC is now working over-time due to a deluge. One cyclist recently showed how it's possible to still enjoy a ride, even in the most appalling conditions imaginable. There's more inspiration for winter riding in the next issue of 'Cycle' magazine, out soon.
Julie Rand, CTC Information Team
In addition to supporting our campaigning work CTC members enjoy a range of benefits including Third Party insurance; 'Cycle' magazine 6 times a year; and discounts with retailers such as Cotswold Outdoor. Why not give Gift CTC membership to a friend or family.
Free Lezyne lights with Gift Membership from CTC
If you’re a CTC member, you’ll already know what you get out of your membership, whether it’s: looking forward to ‘Cycle’; the camaraderie of cycling with friends; adding your voice to our campaigns; the retail discounts; or enjoying the peace of mind from Third Party insurance. So why not treat someone else to a CTC Gift Membership and spread some joy. And, as Christmas is the time for giving, we’ll throw in a set of Lezyne USB rechargeable lights worth £29.99 for free! If you’re not a CTC member, why not add a CTC Christmas Gift Membership to your own present list? Call our friendly Membership Team now on 0844 736 8451.
More top stories
Starry starry bike
With darker evenings, good lights for cycling are essential but in the Netherlands, they’re going one step further with the world’s first glow-in-the-dark bike path. Embedded with hundreds of solar-powered LEDs, the path’s swirling patterns are inspired by the ‘Starry Night’ painting of Vincent Van Gogh, who lived in the area.
Thinking about the bicycle
Jean-Paul Sartre said: “Handing over a bank note is enough to make a bicycle belong to me, but my entire life is needed to realise this possession." New film ‘Bicycle’ is a 90-minute documentary that tells the story of the machine and its place in the British psyche via archive footage, animation, music and interviews. It’s now on a limited cinema release and available on DVD for £12.99.
Bikes in battle
Bicycles have also been used on the battlefield. But it was not just British riders who joined in the war effort: cyclists were also recruited to the Canadian forces, as they were “thought to make good soldiers because they were considered to have above average intelligence and were teetotal too.” The BBC’s War at Home shows how, every year, CTC honours cyclists killed in wars.
Up Pompey!
With Lego being used to show how reallocating space in US cities can help relieve congestion, campaign groups in this country are using more traditional methods to convince planners of the need to design in cycling. In Leicester, cyclists have been lobbying to retain a cycle lane, while ‘A City to Share’ by Portsmouth Cycle Forum has been very well-received by local politicians.
It's a bike, Jim - but not as we know it?
He may not have landed on a comet but Frenchman François Gissy was going nearly fast enough to take off last week. His ‘cycle’ attained a new world record speed of 207mph at Circuit Paul Ricard – and he even outraced a Ferrari F430. That’s one way to avoid being stuck in traffic! But, with no pedalling involved, can his rocket-powered machine really be called a bicycle?
Be quick on the Draw
You have just over a week to return your ticket stubs for this year’s CTC Grand Draw. In addition to being in with a chance of winning a range of fantastic prizes, including £3,000 in cash, a Surly Cross Check bike, a Genesis Tour de Fer tourer plus many more, you will also be helping to support CTC’s vital campaigning and inclusive cycling work.
Derisory or delivery? CTC's response to the Government's plan for cycling
CTC has responded to the Department for Transport's consultation on its draft Cycling Delivery Plan, calling for greater ambition and a commitment to at least £10 per head per year. Published mere minutes before a Parliamentary debate on the future of cycling, the draft plan was labelled the 'Cycling Derisory Plan' by CTC. Consultation on it has been extended until 27 November.
Communicate with us
Would you like to contribute to CycleClips? CTC is looking for a full-time Communications Manager who will also lead the strategic direction and management of CTC’s communications portfolio in order to raise the profile of the charity. The role is based in Guildford and the closing date for applications is Monday 8 December. The interviews will be held on Thursday 17 December.
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