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Why Cycle?

Cambridge has the slowest traffic speed in the UK at just 13.7mph (https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge-news/cambridge-is-the-slowest-city-12879961), with urban UK traffic averaging just 7mph.

 

A typical cycling speed is around 15mph for an average person but can be average 25mph. 

 

It is often overlooked, but cycling is often quicker (door-to-door) and more convenient for many trips as well as being cheaper and better for our planet. Electric bikes have a much longer ranges and are quicker, so now almost everyone can benefit from cycling more journeys. 

There are many more good cycle paths in Cambridge now and with free cycle parking, free Park & Ride as well as Cambridge North station and the new Chisholm Trail, there are many more opportunities to enjoy the freedom to cycle to local destinations.

 

The Wilbrahams are only 7 miles from the centre of Cambridge and the 2 stations - around 30mins cycle ride. However, we still do not have a good cycle route to connect to our neighbouring villages and the rest of the cycle network. Many of us are unable to drive and with a limited bus service, cycling is a cheap, healthy and convenient transport option. Electric bikes make journeys easier and go further than before, with trailers and fold-up bikes giving more options for carrying luggage or using trains.

Please complete this survey and show your support for creating safe cycle routes for us all to benefit from.

 

There are now many types of bike available that allow cycling to be more accessible and practical. Here are some common questions:

 

What advantages are there in cycling?

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  • less stress (no sitting in traffic queues)

  • can be faster travel time door-to-door

  • cheaper than driving, no fuel, tax, car maintenance to pay

  • no parking charges

  • easy to park

    • no searching of car parking spaces

  • often more direct routes available to cycles than cars

  • better for the environment

    • no carbon dioxide or oxides or nitrogen emissions

    • no particulate emissions

    • no noisy engines

    • a sustainable transport

  • more predictable journey times

    • no traffic snarl-ups

  • healthier

    • get a free work-out with your journey

 

Taking young children to school or the shop?

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  • try a tag-a-long or trailer bike. These can be pull-along bars/ tail-gators which allows a child's bike to either be pulled along by an adult or the front wheel replaced to form an articulated tandem with the adult's bike.

  • bike trailer - a covered trailer for children to be pulled

  • bike child seats - clip to adult's bike frame

 

Carrying luggage or shopping?

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  • a rear rack can support saddle bags or larger panniers

  • trailers can be good for heavier and larger items

  • cargo bikes are another option

 

Need to save money on a bike?

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A bit far to travel?

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  • as you cycle more, your fitness improves and you go faster and further - you will find it will get easier! 

  • Investigate an electric bike which can save some effort and assist

  • If you need to drive most of the route, consider a bike carrier or fold up bike, park at the Park & Ride and cycle the last bit where the traffic is the worst

 

Travelling by train?

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  • the predictability of your journey time by cycle can save time and stress on getting to your train on time. Drivers can get caught in congestion or find it difficult finding a car parking space. It is also expensive parking!

  • a fold-up bike can be used on a train and use the other end too

  • free cycle parking is available at all stations

 

Need help making your bike roadworthy?

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  • There are many cycle shops and independent repairers who can help.

 

Not very fit and short on time?

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  • Why not combine your regular exercise or workout with your commute - and save money and time in the process!

 

Surface not good for cycling?

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  • Fatter bike tyres make a big difference

  • Dirt tracks are easier with a hybrid bike or mountain bike

 

Worried about punctures?

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  • Some tyres are kevlar lined and are very difficult to puncture

 

Want to go faster?

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Most of the resistance is wheel rolling resistance and wind resistance

  • Slimmer, smoother tyres that are higher pressure help you go faster. they can have less grip so less good in the wet, mud or uneven surfaces

  • Road bikes with dropped handle bars help reduce drag

  • Lighter bikes help with acceleration

  • A well oiled chain and wheel hubs keep resistance low

  • Recumbent bikes where the cyclist in more horizontal reduces drag

 

Unsure on the best route to take?

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Would like to help promote cycling and get resources?

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Future cycle paths?

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What type of bike should I get?

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  • a standard all-round bike: cheaper and good for most cycling

  • hybrid: more robust for more uneven surfaces such as trails as well as good on tarmac

  • mountain bike: slower on tarmac but better on uneven and muddy surfaces

  • road bike - lighter and faster, good for better surfaces

  • fold-up: flexible for putting in a car boot, taking on the train, small storage requirements, can be carried

  • electric: longer range, assistance provides extra help

  • tandem: a bicycle made for two. Useful

  • recumbent: lower wind resistance so can go quicker

  • cargo: for carrying larger loads, small children

 

What equipment is there?

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  • racks: available for most bikes on rear and sometimes front. They are needed for saddle bags and panniers

  • panniers: bags designed to easily and securely clip to racks. Waterproof and can carry larger/ heavier loads

  • helmet: essential for safety

  • jacket: ideally high visibility, reflective, waterproof and breathable

  • lights: get bright front and rear lights. The higher the Lumens, the brighter. Consider the spread of the light for night time cycling

  • locks: get a high quality lock for better security

  • trailer: for small children or loads to be pulled

  • tag-a-long bikes: essentially a child's bike with the front wheel, forks and headset replaced by a connecting bar to the adult's bike used to pull it. A description: (https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/campaigns-guide/guide-tag-longs-trailer-bikes)

  • trailer bikes: have an independent front wheel and cheaper option than a tandem. For more confident children (aged 4+)

  • bike seat: for small children. Clip on the frame

  • car bike carrier: can be rear loading or roof mounted. Good for transporting a bike. Can be quicklytravels or taking a part way. Can carry multiple bikes

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