> Until bikes are given this level of priority in the UK the acceptance of
the bike as an alternative form of transport will never occur. In the UK
> cycling is a sports activity, hence Sustrans.

Not quite true.

Sustrans promotes cycling as a sustainable means of transport, full stop.
While the National Cycle Network may be a visible and newsworthy focus of
attention, that is not the whole focus of the organisation's work.

So they have a 'Safe Routes to Stations' project and a 'Safe Routes to
Schools' project.

Other initiatives include:

Active Travel

The way we travel has a big impact on our health. Sustrans' Active Travel
project has been at the forefront of work promoting cycling and walking as
effective ways to improve health, addressing issues such as heart disease
and obesity. Other Active Travel initiatives include encouraging the
development of travel plans in the NHS, and tackling accessibility and
social exclusion issues.

Liveable Neighbourhoods

Our Liveable Neighbourhoods project puts pedestrians on a more equal footing
with cars, transforming streets into social spaces where people can enjoy
their environment. The project combines techniques rooted in urban design,
community involvement and sustainable transport planning.

Safe Routes to Schools

Sustrans continues to combine practical and educational measures to give
children more travel options and help them develop good travel habits for
the future. Our Safe Routes to Schools programme enables hundreds of
thousands of children to walk or cycle to school, promoting their health and
fitness. Our aim is to create a Safe Route to School for every child in the
UK.

TravelSmart

TravelSmart offers help and information to people looking to change how they
travel. Since 2001, the project has used an innovative 'Individualised
Marketing' technique to increase walking, cycling and the use of public
transport. TravelSmart is already helping thousands of people in the UK.

Research and Monitoring

To win support for our work, it's vital that we clearly demonstrate the
benefits of cycling and walking, and the effectiveness of our many projects.
Our Research and Monitoring Unit is at the forefront of work in this highly
specialist area.

Art and the Travelling Landscape

Sustrans' extensive public art programme complements cycling and walking
routes with permanent sculptures and artworks, making journeys more fun and
rewarding. The programme is being developed by Sustrans across the UK in
partnership with local authorities and others, creating opportunities for
artists to work along extensive sections of the National Cycle Network.

International

To find the best ways to tackle the problems associated with increased road
traffic, Sustrans collaborates with leading European cities and worldwide
organisations. By forging and maintaining these links, we promote
information sharing and concerted action on transport policy.

Volunteer Programme

Sustrans runs an award winning Volunteer Ranger programme. Volunteers make a
difference to their communities, looking after local cycling and walking
routes and enjoying the outdoors. If you're interested in volunteering, have
a look at the dedicated section on this site.

Craig Steeland
Sustrans Member
Sustrans Volunteer Ranger


-----Original Message-----
From: cyclomania@yahoogroups.com [mailto:cyclomania@yahoogroups.com]On
Behalf Of polykendra@...
Sent: 06 November 2005 13:01
To: cyclomania@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [cyclomania] Chester Station


I've just returned from Groningen in N. Holland. "What's that huge hole in
front of the station, is it for a new underground car park?" I asked the
taxi driver. "No, its for a bike park." He replied.

Until bikes are given this level of priority in the UK the acceptance of the
bike as an alternative form of transport will never occur. In the UK cycling
is a sports activity, hence Sustrans.