Sir Dave Brailsford (British Cycling and Team Sky coach) will be giving a public lecture as part of a series on the theme of "games" on Friday 5th February 2016 at 5.30pm – at the Darwin College as part of series of public lectures that may be of interest to cyclists.  

A brief biography of Sir Dave can be found here. The lecture will be delivered in Lady Mitchell Hall on Sidgwick Avenue. People need to arrive early if they want to be sure to get a seat in the auditorium where the lecture is being delivered, but others in the expected audience of up to 600 can watch the lecture over a video link from a nearby lecture theatre. There is an upper limit on the combined capacity of the live and overflow venues combined, so either way round you would need to get there in good time. This is part of a public lecture series, so it is open to people who are not members of the University of Cambridge. If you are keen to hear Sir Dave speak, just turn up in good time on the day.

The Greater Cambridgeshire City Deal have launched their consultation on five cross city cycling projects and would welcome your views.

The five projects are:
A   Arbury Road route;
B   Links to Cambridge North Railway Station and Science Park (Green End Rd and Nuffield Rd);
C   Ditton Lane and links to East Cambridge;
D   Hills Road and Addenbrookes Route; and
E   Fulbourn/Cherry Hinton eastern access.

These projects represent strategic links to radial and orbital cycle routes, especially those to employment and development sites. Each project will be integrated and developed with other projects such as The Chisholm Trail, Milton Road and Robin Hood junction improvements.

Cambridge is unique in having a very significant level of cycling. The challenge the city faces is to maintain and increase this already high level of cycling. To do this, The Greater Cambridge City Deal is focused on improving routes and addressing safety and parking issues.

Consultation closes on Monday 15th February 2016. More information including detailed drawings, cross sections and events can be found here 

While riding to work is both fun and great for your health, precautionary steps need to be taken to make each ride as safe as possible. It’s an inescapable fact that cycling injuries and even deaths can occur if you are not prepared. Here are some of my top tips:

• Obey traffic laws - rules 59 to 82 in the Highway Code applies to cyclists. Follow correct road procedure at road junctions and roundabouts. Keep to the left of the bike lane and overtake from the right. Use hand signals before turning or where appropriate.
• Wear a helmet on every ride - a cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations could prevent head injuries as it’s the most likely cause of cycling related deaths.
• Wear a reflective or bright clothing - so that you’ll always be visible in the dark.
• When riding at night - ensure that you have appropriate white front and red rear lights lit as well as reflective accessories.
• Stay alert - always check for uneven surfaces, pot holes, turning vehicles and opening car doors. This last point is particularly relevant when riding next to parked cars.
• Be comfortable - always wear appropriate clothing and footwear. A good tip for winter that I always remember is if you start your ride and you’re not cold, then you’re wearing too many layers.
• Be prepared - ensure you carry a mobile phone and a puncture repair kit if you run into any problems. Always maintain and service your bike regularly so it’s in perfect working order.
  

Thank you for all those people who came along to the TP+ consultation events on the Greater Cambridgeshire City Deal proposals for better bus, cycle and walking trips along Milton Road and Histon Road, Cambridge.

Initial consultation on these projects ends on Monday 15th February 2016. For more details and to have your say see here

There are still places available for rail season ticket holders to improve their cycling skills at a special subsidised rate. The 2 hour lesson delivered by Outspoken's qualified National Standard Instructor on a one to one basis costs just £10 (normal price £50) and can be delivered in Cambridge, St Neots or at your workplace.

More information on these trainings can be found here.

The Bikeman's mobile cycle workshop (called Crazy Spanners) can be found every Tuesday and Thursday's at the Cambridge Science Park Innovation Centre from 7.30am to 5.30pm. Crazy Spanners offers same day repairs, servicing and accessories. For more information on pricing on The Bikeman and Crazy Spanners' service see here

You can also find Crazy Spanners at Cowley Road every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 7.30am and 5.30pm.