Hampshire County Council are rewriting their Local Transport Policy for the climate crisis.
Obviously, they'll do something for cycling, to reflect the Government’s "Gear Change for Cycling”.
But we think they need to do more than that :
Film night selections
Select any name to show details of that person's favourite film and an accompanying trailer or clip. Note that clicking a new name doesn’t stop a previous video from running - it just hides it. So let videos run all the way through, or use pause before showing the next one.
No name selected
Robert Sebley
Keith Wileman
Andy Henderson
Nigel Melton
Mike Lynch
Joy and Wilf Forrow
Ian Hewitt
Phil Beed
Keith Wileman (2)
Joy and Wilf Forrow (2)
Photo competition 2021
And the winners are:
Wait for it...
You have three main ways to view the entries. Start by clicking one of the buttons below. After a while, the presentation will appear in a new tab (so you can come back here easily if you want). You can review all the entries starting from the first set, or you can use the links in the presentation to review sets individually.
Use Google (recommended)
Click the Google link below. The presentation will appear within your browser window.
Note that when moving to a new image there might be a delay while the next slide is retrieved. Please be patient - if you click, tap or press a second time you will end up skipping a slide.
Most PC browsers will display the presentation full screen if you press F11. Alternatively you might find a full screen option in your browser's settings. You can review the entries in a browser window, but they will be slightly lower quality so you might be better trying one of the 'Microsoft' methods if you can't find a full screen option.
To go from image to image:
- With a PC, click the image; or
- With a phone or tablet, tap the right hand side of the image; or
- Use the right arrow key.
To return to a previous image:
- With a PC, move your cursor to the bottom left of the image to see a small window that includes an icon that you can click to go to the previous image; or
- With a phone or tablet, tap the right hand side of the image; or
- Use the left arrow key.
To go to a specific set:
- If you are not showing the set list, skip through images until you see a "Click to go back to set list" link. Click/tap it to show the set list
- Click any set listed to go directly to it
If you have a Microsoft Account
Click the Microsoft link below. When the presentation appears, click the "Start Slideshow" link, to present the entries full screen. Note that you will get the option to create a free Microsoft Account if you do not already have one.
Note that you might see a long delay while reviewing entries. It seems that - at some point - PowerPoint decides that it needs to download the entire file (46Mb). If this happens to you, please be patient and click/tap OK if you see a 'not responding' message.
You might see a black bar at the top of the page that means you can't see all of each image. Right click the screen (or tap and hold) to see a small menu appear. Click/tap away from the menu and the bar will disappear.
To go from image to image:
- Click the image; or
- Tap the image; or
- Use the right arrow key.
To return to a previous image:
- Right click the image or tap and hold to see a menu appear; click/tap 'Previous'; or
- Use the left arrow key.
To go to a specific set:
- If you are not showing the set list, skip through images until you see a "Click to go back to set list" link. Click/tap it to show the set list
- Click any set listed to go directly to it
If you have a copy of PowerPoint (or compatible) installed
Click the Microsoft link below. When the presentation appears, click "Download" to save a copy of the PowerPoint file so you can open it on your device.
The notes in the previous section apply when showing the presentation locally.
If you have any problems, let me know, I might be able to help.
Havant Thicket Reservoir - planning applications
Portsmouth Water has submitted its planning applications to Havant Borough Council and East Hampshire District Council. See here and here for the reservoir applications and here for the pipeline application.
Click here to see glossy overviews of the plan prepared by Portsmouth Water. It's clearly a major undertaking with the potential to deliver considerable benefits to the area.
I recently recce'd the area's 'circular' bike route for a possible U3A ride and found it an unpleasant experience, so I was looking forward to some good news.
Unfortunately, as this outline plan shows there's no circular bike route in the plan. I couldn't find the document that describes the cycle path and crest path surfaces (let me know if you spot it - there are a lot of documents) but I fear there will not be a suitable circular route for any wheeled users. That's at least one major missed opportunity.
You can submit comments via the links above. Please submit them directly - the more people that respond in their own words, the better. You have until 4th December for HBC, and 14th December for EHDC.
If you encounter COVID-19 symptoms after riding with us
There's general, Government guidance on the COVID-19/Coronavirus symptoms and what to do if you suffer them here.
Those guidelines also describe what to do if you think you might have been exposed to someone with possible or confirmed COVID-19 symptoms.
If you think you might have contracted COVID-19 and you recently rode with us, please:
- If you think emergency action is unnecessary, please book a (free) test as soon as possible
- Let Andy Henderson or the ride leader(s) or a committee member know the nature of your concern so we can let members who rode with you know
- Let someone close to you know phone numbers for getting in touch with us in case you definitely contract the virus but are unable to advise us yourself
If you get a positive test result, please let Andy Henderson or the ride leader(s) or a committee member know immediately. Please phone, don't rely on email (although there's no problem using it as a back up or you can't find anyone in). Andy's phone number is 023 9246 0480. You can get other phone numbers from the member look-up service.
Bear in mind that most of your fellow riders - and people they live with - are more likely to suffer extreme reactions to the virus than the rest of the population. Please give them the best chance to avoid the worst effects of the infection by ensuring they know of a possible exposure.
If you have concerns about our COVID-19 precautions or suggestions for improving them, please let Phil Beed, our Welfare Officer, or a member of the committee know.
Gear change for cycling and walking!
Well the government has blown me away with the latest announcements on cycling! The Gear Change for cycling and walking is not so much a Gear Changer - more of a Game Changer. It's far and away the most radical leap forward in my lifetime.
And it has the full political backing of Boris Johnson, who has form on cycling from his time as London Mayor, and has realised that his near-death Covid-19 experience was made far worse by his weight and lack of exercise.
Here are just some of the highlights (and there are a lot) :
- Gear Change: The master document here. Recommended reading!
- A new Highway Code, including a hierarchy of users, cycle priority at junctions, safe passing distances.
- Radical new Design Standards (LTN 1/20), which will be expected to be used by Local Authorities and developers, regardless of public funding or not, and no public money on schemes which don't comply.
- Shared paths to be banned, except where there is absolutely no other solution.
- Active Travel England as enforcement 'with teeth', headed by a new Cycling and Walking Commissioner.
- Health, environment and community benefits to be given full weight when judging schemes.
- Long-term cycling & walking programme with significant budget, like the roads programme and budget.
- All new local and strategic A road schemes will provide for cycling.
- All new housing and business developments to prioritise sustainable travel.
- Local authorities to get more traffic control powers, including fines.
- Less rat-running and more low-traffic neighbourhoods.
- More School Streets to protect children.
- Hard, smooth, level all-weather surfaces as standard.
- Action on bike theft, more bike parking.
- Bike training for every child and adult that wants it.
- E-Bike support programme, including loans and subsidies.
- Higher safety standards for lorries.
- Improve and extend the National Cycle Network.
- Mini-Hollands to be funded for 12 local authorities.
- Create at least one zero-emission city.
The best write-up I've seen on it so far has been from the legendary Carlton Reid here.
When will the Havant area see any of the benefits? Well even under the accelerated timescales being proposed, it might take months or years to put in new cycle paths, which won't be easy. But we'll see £50 fix your bike vouchers as soon as their website stops crashing, and training for kids and adults fairly soon.
Game Changer is the only way to describe it.
Limited resumption of group rides
Following announcements by the UK Government and Cycling UK this week, we are resuming a limited form of group ride we call 'Pop-up rides'.
What are Pop-up rides?
Rides of up to a maximum of 6 people, including the leader, any day of the week. Click here to find out more about the background to Pop-up rides and how they will work. If you are a ride leader, click here to find out how you can register and manage Pop-up rides.
They are open to all and as time goes on I hope there will be a good variety of rides available. Leaders may want to start with limiting the ride to 3 or 4 people until we all get used to this idea.
Why start up rides again?
Despite the absence of all of our usual rides for almost 12 weeks now, many of us have been able to enjoy cycling and keep fit by riding alone, with household members and lately with one other. However there are people in the club and those interested in cycling (e.g. who signed up to the Cathedral Challenge) who are not able/willing to ride alone. They are desperate to ride but don’t have a cycling buddy and want people to ride with. It is arguably safer to ride in 2's or 3's than on their own, particularly if they are less confident. It is to give all an opportunity to ride with others we have decided to start these rides.
Is it legal?
Yes – the government changed the rules from 1 June and rides of up to 6 people are allowed. However we must stick to the social distancing and hygiene guidelines at all times.
Is it safe?
The bottom line is that you have to decide for yourself as leader or rider what risk you are prepared to take, particularly if you are in a vulnerable category. The virus is still with us and the risks are real. However, in my view, our role as a local cycling club is to facilitate rides and not to try to second guess the advice we’ve been given. If you’re happy to give it a try, do go ahead and enjoy but don’t feel obliged to lead and/or join rides.
Can only leaders set up a ride?
Like all our rides you have to be a leader registered with Cycling UK to lead a ride (and therefore set up a pop-up ride). However if you’re not a leader and want to find one or more people to ride with, members’ contact details can be found on the website if you’re logged in. Alternatively, Andy will help if you contact him.
Joy Forrow
President, Portsmouth CTC
Ride leader guidance for adding and updating rides
This note describes how you and other ride leaders can set up and manage rides, including how to use the new web services we have created.
We have tried to make the web services as straightforward as possible. If you get into difficulties using them, please get in touch with Andy Henderson and he will do what he can to help. Andy will also be interested to hear any improvement suggestions you have.
Please click any of the following for more information...
Do I have to be a ride leader?
Yes. To be covered by Cycling UK guidance insurance, rides must be led by a leader registered with Cycling UK.
Can I limit the number of riders?
Yes. You decide how many people you want to ride with, it's up to you how big your rides are.
Do I have to set a limit?
No. You can specify a ride has no limit on numbers. For example:
- A relatively small ride that will not be overcome by numbers
- Rides that are prepared for larger numbers by ensuring they have enough leaders to split the ride into sensible numbers
- An event that, by it's nature, is unlimited such as a club night.
Do I have to require booking?
No. In the past all our rides were 'turn up if you feel like it'. If you're confident enough to return to that approach for a ride, you can specify there's no limit on riders and that booking is not required.
Is it first-come, first-served?
Not necessarily. We want our rides to be as open as possible, so if you get more requests than you can deal with, selecting people in the order they ask to join should be the default method. There are however, some good reasons why you might use a different approach:
- Someone might be unsuitable for your ride, or you might find it difficult to invite someone you don't know on a demanding ride.
- You might prioritise certain types of people (best stated explicitly in your ride description). For example, you might prioritise:
- PCTC members
- Non-members
- New riders
- Given the limited size of our rides, you might put someone who recently joined a previous ride to the back of the queue.
- We've put people on notice that if they fail to turn up for a ride, they might find it difficult to join another one
If at all possible, however, we want to avoid creating exclusive cliques keeping the inclusive spirit of Portsmouth CTC rides.
How should I respond to requests?
It depends a little on the type of ride and your policy for prioritising requests. If you think it will take a while to send out invites for your ride, consider acknowledging requests as you receive them so the sender knows they got through.
In any case, please let requesters know whether they are invited or not (putting people you do not invite onto a waiting list) as soon as you can.
What if my ride is oversubscribed?
Check with the web site to see if there's a similar ride that might be undersubscribed that might be able to accept additional riders.
In any case, please let everyone who asks to join your ride know whether they are invited, or not.
What if my ride is undersubscribed?
Check with the web site to see if there's a similar ride that might be over-subscribed or a candidate for a merged ride.
Any day or time?
Yes. We do, however, ask that you to give riders at least one clear day's notice (preferably more) to give people time to see your ride and respond.
There's no harm in announcing you're flexible about the start date and time. You will be required to enter one for your ride but if there's a consensus for moving the ride to a different day or time, you can update it making sure everyone you invite knows.
Any start point?
Yes.
What if someone tries to join uninvited?
You have the right to say no.
Please let Andy Henderson know of any abuses.
How do I record ride statistics?
We keep statistics on our rides for reporting to the AGM and Cycling UK each year. You can update statistics via the 'Add/update statistics for this ride' link on your ride page.
You can get to the ride page via the web site calendar.
You can also enter statistics via menu options: Admin / Statistics / Record rider statistics.
Alternatively let Andy Henderson know that all the booked riders attended, or any differences, and he'll update the stats for you.
How do we award points?
Points are awarded as follows...
- Ride leaders get double points for the part(s) of the ride they lead.
- Ride to elevenses 1 point
- Ride from elevenses to lunch (with the ride continuing after) 1 point
- Pub ride 1 point
- Riders who abandon get their point for the part of the ride they were on at the time.
- There is only one leader for a ride (usually the person who set the ride up on the web site) unless the ride is split.
So a half-day ride will typically earn riders 1 point; a full day ride 2 points. Leaders will typically earn 2 and 4 points respectively.
How do I add a ride
Log in to the web site and go to the Add/update a ride page. You can find it under the 'Member services' menu when you are logged-in to the site. You will see a page like this:
You need to enter just six pieces of information:
- The date of your ride. Click the day in the calendar. You can use the month drop-down or the arrow button at the top right to choose a different month. When you select a date it appears in full next to 'Selected date'.
- The start time for your ride. The drop down allows you to select from 8am to 8:30pm in 15 minute intervals.
- The ride type: either 'pop-up ride', or one of the other types of ride we organise. Note that pop-up rides for Wednesdays and Saturdays are converted automatically to Wednesday/Saturday rides.
- The maximum number of riders (including you) that you will allow on the ride.
- A brief title for your ride.
- A description for your ride. We suggest content for this box in the form. There is no practical limit to the size of your description.
Optionally, you can also provide:
- A grade for your ride. We provide a link to more details about our grading scheme - the page opens in a separate tab or window, you won't lose your place in the form.
- Venues for: the start; elevenses; lunch (or pub for evening pub rides) and tea - you will see a pop-up window that allows you to search venues in our database).
- A GPX file of your route - you will see a pop-up window allowing you to select a GPX file from our database or upload a new one).
When you are happy with your ride, add it by clicking 'Add your ride'.
If there is a problem with your ride, you will see an error message. Otherwise you will see a list of your forthcoming rides that should include the ride you just added (see 'How do I change my ride later' below).
How do I add bookings to my ride
It will help riders if you update your ride with bookings made so that members can check they are booked onto your ride before they join.
To record one or more bookings, log in to the site and go to your ride page (you will see an option to view it if you go to the Add/update a ride page. As the ride leader, you will see a 'Bookings for this ride' section that looks like this:
Select the maximum number of riders (including you) in the first box. The change is made immediately, there is no need to click a separate update button.
To add a booking select a rider's name in the 'Add a booking' box. The list includes all current PCTC members plus non-members that have ridden with us recently. If the rider doesn't appear in the list select 'A new rider not in list below'. Then click 'Add this person'. Again, the change is made immediately.
If you select a person marked as non-PCTC or the 'New rider' option bear in mind you should ask them to complete a ride entry form if they are not a Cycling UK member.
As you update the bookings, the 'Current bookings section' changes to show the current list. You will see a 'Delete' button next to each entry. Click it to remove that entry from the list.
Note that rider names will appear only to members who log in to the site.
How do I change my ride later
Having entered at least one ride, you will see a list like the one below when you go to the Add/update a ride page.
Click 'View' next to any ride to see how your ride appears on the site and add/update any bookings you have. Click 'Update' to see the WordPress page that allows you to change any aspect of your ride.
There's more detail on how to use the WordPress page here.
How to notify riders of changes
On your ride page, below the list of booked riders, you'll find an 'Email booked PCTC riders' button. Click that to send an email to all PCTC members booked on your ride. If you have booked some non-members, you'll need to email them separately as we do not hold their details on the system.
How do I postpone or cancel a ride?
There is a service to allow you to do that. To cancel a ride, you just need to provide an updated title and, optionally, an updated description. To postpone a ride, you also provide a new date and/or time for your ride.
The service looks after other necessary changes - such as removing your ride from the statistics system - for you.
To get to the service either:
- Click/tap the 'Cancel or postpone this ride' link on your ride page
- Click/tap the 'Cancel/postpone' button shown next to your ride in the 'Add/update a ride' page (see 'How do I change my ride later' above).
Rides and events cancelled for the time being
Given the recommendations and actions taken to address the covid-19 pandemic I believe we now have no choice but to suspend rides and group meetings until further notice.
Cycling is still an excellent activity that is good for you. You could try one of the many routes on our website here, search for them here, or you could discover new routes of your own.
If you wish to contact other members remember that you can do this though the website. We would like to offer more advice on small informal rides but are unsure whether/how to do this. If anyone has any ideas/thoughts please let me know.
You can find informed Government advice here:
- Advice on social distancing (updated 12 May 2020)
- General guidance
Please keep safe and hope to see you all back on the bike soon.
Joy Forrow
President, Portsmouth CTC
Update: Since publishing the above, we have received this advice from Cycling UK which is consistent with our position.
Help with route plotting and GPS
At the ride leader workshop in August we talked about running a further workshop to help ride leaders and members build confidence and independence in using GPS for planning routes and riding.
I believe that we have a lot of expertise within the Club that we could share but the workshop model may not be appropriate as there are many different systems and everyone will be at a different starting level. In order to take this forward could you e-mail me and tell me if you are interested, and what you would like help with. For example:
- how to plot a route
- finding and downloading routes – general
- as ride leader, adding GPS to website
- as ride leader, editing your ride on the website
- advice on choosing a GPS
- practical issues with using GPS
- common GPS problems
- other
We will need to know what system you are using. For example: Garmin or Phone.
For those who are already fluent with one or more systems, are you able/willing to help others and, again, on which devices, phones etc?
Once we know what help people want we can work out the best way to take this forward.
Thank you.
Joy Forrow