Types of shot

There are a number of different types of cycling photo. Here are some thoughts on some of the most common ones.

A static shot of your subject with bicycle (above image) This works pretty well if you have an interesting subject or an unusual bicycle otherwise it tends to look a little flat and predictable.

An action shot. Pick a fast shutter speed, e.g. 1/1000s, or the sports icon on your camera. Ask the subject to cycle past you from left to right at a medium speed. Assuming that your camera manages to focus in time then you should be able to freeze them in motion as they pass by heroically. Inevitably there will be quite a bit of cycling backwards and forwards until you get a photo that you are happy with but you'll have a much more interesting image.

Variations on this include:

• Have the subject cycle towards you - this is much harder as your camera will have to adjust the focus as they get closer to you. (Expect many more trips backwards and forwards!).

• Slow down the shutter speed a little until the cyclist is frozen in the photo but the spokes are a little blurred. This is a bit of a balancing act as at some point everything will blur and you'll need to increase the shutter speed again.

A panning shot. This is a variation on the action shot but has quite a distinct look. Pick a much slower shutter speed, e.g. 1/80 second. Pivot your body from the waist as your subject rides past and, as smoothly as you can, take the photo, continuing to move after the shutter has released. With (quite a lot of) practise you will end up with a streaked background and a crisp subject. I would suggest standing by a busy roundabout and practising on passing cars / bikes until you get the hang of this. You should definitely experiment with the shutter speed too: A slower shutter = more streaky background but less chance of getting the subject to be sharp. A faster shutter speed means that your subject is more likely to be sharp but you won't get the sense of motion. It’s a tricky balance.

A static portrait but with the bike in the background. Some of my favourite cycling portraits have involved filling the frame with the subject and having the bike somewhere in the background of the photo.

Composition

Other things to think about include:

The position of the subject in the frame. Photos of moving things look better with more space in front of the subject than behind. If your subject isn't moving then perhaps try positioning them off centre - this often looks more interesting than a centered subject.

The amount of background you want in the photo. There are two extreme choices here - you could stand very far away from your subject and zoom in until they fill the frame or you could stand quite close to them and use a wider zoom setting. Either way you will fill the frame with your cyclist but the difference in the photo will be the extent to which the background appears in the photo.

Left image: Longer focal length = larger background buildings

Right image: Shorter focal length = smaller buildings in the background

How blurred your want the background to be. This is not really a choice you have with a point and click camera (as everything is pretty much in focus) but with an SLR you can choose how blurred you want the background to be by choosing a specific aperture (smaller aperture = everything in focus, larger aperture = blurry background).

Light

More than anything the choice of light makes the biggest difference to the final image.  

Natural light. The light around sunrise is often beautiful and makes for great photos and so it's often worth setting an early alarm. Similarly, the light in the hour before sunset is often great. In contrast, photos taken at midday on a sunny day tend to be very contrasty/unflattering and so I tend to avoid this time of day if I can.  

Artificial light I typically blend some artificial light with natural light as I like the more contrasty look that this gives. It's a big subject and so I would suggest a visit to Strobist.com if you want to learn more about how to do this. Here's an example of the difference between a photo taken on a cloudy day with only natural light (left image) and one with some additional light added (right image).

Equipment

I think that the choice of camera probably matters less than you would think. I use a digital SLR because of the level of control it gives me but that's not to say that it isn't possible to make great photos with a point and shoot camera.

The main advantages of an SLR are:

1. the speed of use - there's no delay between pressing the button and taking the photo

2. focussing speed - my Canon 5d isn't the best at this but it will typically lock onto a passing bicycle. 3. Blurry backgrounds - larger sensors allow you to blur the background which makes for less distraction from your subject.

That said, SLRs are more expensive, a little more fiddly to use and typically heavier than a compact camera. If I'm going on a cycling holiday then I'll definitely leave my SLR at home and take a small camera with me.

Suggested inexpensive kit purchases:

A 50mm lens. If you have an SLR then it would make a lot of sense to buy an inexpensive 50mm lens. Canon, for example, make a 50mm 1.8 lens which retails for around £80. The '1.8' part of the title means than there's a very large opening in the back of the lens which allows for blurred backgrounds (as discussed above) and also lets you take photographs in much lower light levels. It's not the most sophisticated or robust of lenses but you can't really argue with the price. I would just check that the lens will work with you camera - I know that the autofocus on some Nikon lenses doesn't work with certain DSLRs.  

A 100cm "5 in 1" circular reflector. These are essentially large collapsible circular discs with reflective covers that let you bounce light onto your subject. The result is often a much more flattering portrait - skin imperfections are filled magically and the quality of the light is greatly improved (see courier photo). ln addition to bouncing light, they come with a black cover (to absorb light for more shadow) and can be used without a cover as a transparent diffuser to soften harsh sunlight. Prices vary with quality but you are looking at between £10 and £40.

Hopefully there are a few ideas here for you to try. Let me know in the comments if you have other suggestions or if you have any questions.

www.steverutherford.co.uk info@steverutherford.co.uk

Become a supporter of London Cycling Campaign - to help make London a more liveable city for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Do you remember your first bike and how you learnt to cycle?

I do indeed! It was actually a hand-me-down from my big sister! She used to have a red and yellow Raleigh Burner BMX, which our older brother lovingly restored for me to have as my own. He was also the person who taught me how to cycle… on that very bike. Wednesdays after school he’d take me for rides around the neighbourhood… it’s a memory I hold fondly to this day.

What was your first memory / impression of cycling in London?

Admittedly, when I first started riding around London I wasn’t going very far: cycling with friends around the neighbourhood or riding to the shops and back. I was very carefree. It wasn’t until I got older and wiser to cycling around London that it started to make an impression on me… I became much more aware of the traffic around the city, which made me slightly nervous to ride.

Has that impression changed now and if so, how?

I still have my moments of nerves when riding around the city, but I love being on my bike in London. I’m much more aware and conscious of traffic on the roads and take care when I ride. I only got back on the saddle three years ago (after a ten year absence from riding) and I’m glad I’m cycling again.

What’s the best thing that has happened to you from cycling?

That’s a hard question as so many fantastic things have happened to me since I got back on a bike! The sense of freedom I feel when cycling has changed my life, along with the people I’ve met and the wonderful experiences I’ve had via my blog. I honestly can’t pinpoint it to one single thing, which says a lot about what cycling has done for me!

What style and colour bikes do you have?

I have four bikes: a black Pashley Princess Classic (a big traditional Dutch style sit-up-and-beg), a cream Pashley Clubman Urban (a retro fixie), a red and chrome Raleigh Twenty (1970’s shopper bike) and a black and chrome Colourbolt Ratty Black (a Ladies Frame in Ratty Black).

Do your bicycles have names?

The Pashley Princess is called Frankie & the Raleigh Twenty is ‘Southsea Sally’… I’ve nicknamed the Clubman ‘The Dandy’ & I only got the Colourbolt a few weeks ago but I have a name in mind… 

Tell me what your 3 great things about cycling in London are.

1. Discovering ‘new’ parts of London I wasn’t aware of

2. Meeting likeminded cyclists

3. Awesome cycling-friendly coffee shops dotted around the city

If you could change one thing about cycling in London, what would it be?

Well, my best riding experience ever was in Berlin… dedicated lanes as wide as car lanes. If we could adopt an infrastructure like that in London, it would be amazing.

How do you rate the cycle routes and paths around where you live and work?

I live right on the CS3 cycle highway – I was thrilled when this was completed, as the cycle route into the city from was I live wasn’t great at all. I felt more confident on my bike taking this route (although there are some major works going on in Canning Town at the moment which are disrupting it a bit). I’ve yet to start cycling to work as I changed jobs a few months ago (now working in SW London) but will be soon – from my place to Waterloo & cutting out the Jubilee Line (yay!) hopping on a SWT to Earslfield and riding the rest of the way. There are no dedicated cycle lanes from Earsfield Station to the office, but the route is possible & I’m looking forward to it.

How accessible do you think it is for people to start cycling?

There are many avenues for people out there to start cycling – from the CycleScheme (if you’re employer is a member of the programme) and community led cycling projects / cycling training to get people riding… but it’s about that information being wildly known and available. Checking with your local council about such initiatives is certainly a place to start.

Do you have any advice / words of wisdom for people thinking about taking up cycling?

It’s never too late to take up cycling and I say go for it! Definitely do some research into getting a bike suited to your needs, and check for local projects in your area that might be able to help (cycling training etc). Go at your own pace that is comfortable for you. Be safe, be happy and enjoy the freedom of a bike!

Illustration by Ste Johnson

Are you blogging about cycling in the city or would like to write articles for London Cycling Campaign, please send an email to info@lcc.org.uk

Become a supporter of London Cycling Campaign - to help make London a more liveable city for both cyclists and pedestrians.

The London Cycling Campaign is recruiting four new members of staff – two full-time and two part-time – in order to replace a number who are leaving, and one who's going on maternity leave.

Chief Executive Ashok Sinha said:

"Campaigns, messaging and fundraising are crucial areas for us in the run-up to the 2014 local elections when we want to make the same kind of citywide noise that we did during our 2012 Go Dutch mayoral election campaign.

"Now's a thrilling time to be involved in London cycling, and we hope to attract candidates of the highest calibre to work in our friendly and professional team."

Activism Co-ordinator
A key role is that of our Activism Co-ordinator, who'll be in charge of engaging, motivating and equipping our volunteer base to take the fullest role in our 2014 local election campaign.

The candidate will need to be an experienced campaigner, problem-solver, a real people person, and passionate about effecting change in London.
Find out more

Marketing and Income Generation Manager
We're looking for a talented individual who'll cover for our current Marketing Manager while she's on maternity leave. This dynamic and talented individual will be an excellent manager and full of ideas on how to strengthen our marketing and fundraising strategies.
Find out more

In the run-up to the 2014 campaign, we're recruiting two part-time members of staff who'll be tasked with strengthening our messages and bringing in campaign funding. 

Marketing and PR Officer (PT)
Combining the ability to cultivate exposure in the media and to pitch LCC membership, services and products through the creation of slick materials and sharp copy – whether online or in print – as well as support the creation of effective mass campaign collateral.
Find out more 

Corporate Partnerships and Appeals Officer (PT)
A clear-thinking fundraising all-rounder who has the acumen to scope opportunities for corporate sponsorships as well as the nouse to act as an account manager for partnerships. You'll also take charge of our appeals and regular giving plans.
Find out more

The London Cycling Campaign has condemned the rumours in the Evening Standard and The Times that the cycling budget might be cut after the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) on 26 June. 

We're calling for Mayor Boris Johnson to protect his £913 million package of investment in cycling, which he outlined in his Vision for Cycling published earlier this year.

The bulk of the measure proposed in the Vision document, which we have strongly welcomed, require additional funding from central government.

Campaigns Officer Charlie Lloyd said, "How the money is allocated is a matter for the Mayor, and we'll be lobbying hard to make sure he protects his promises to improve conditions for cycling. 

"All the cycling projects he's proposed have very high return on the investment compared with some of the road schemes that are also under considering - cycling facilities are great value for money.

"Furthermore, motor car use is in decline over London and has been for a decade: more and more people are choosing the bicycle and funding for London transport must reflect that." 

As well as installing 27 of its secure residential 'Bikehangars' in the London Borough of Lambeth, cycle parking pioneers Cyclehoop now has five more local councils ready to follow suit - Camden, Hackney, Haringey, Lewisham and Southwark - with another 30 bikehangars being installed in coming weeks.

Bikehangars are installed on the public highway, and each one can store six bicycles in half the space used to park a single car.

The storage units look similar to fietshangar designs seen in many Dutch towns and cities (see the photo from Rotterdam below), but the British versions come with an ingenious web-management portal, making it easy for local councils to allocate the spaces.

Cyclehoop managing director Anthony Lau said, "Our Bikehangers are installed fully managed, which means local residents can search for a space near them using our online rental portal, while councils love the fact that they don't have to worry about managing them.

"For just £42 per year, plus a key deposit, individuals receive 24-hour access to secure cycle storage near their home."

Many residents in London cite lack of space in their home and insecure on-street parking as reasons for not owning a bicycle.

Chris Woods, a Lambeth resident said, “I've been using the Bikehangar daily, and love it. Strangers stop me in the street to ask how they might get a place too. I'm sure we could manage another six hangars in our square alone.”

Jude, a 30-something editor, cycles almost everywhere in London. She blogs about living and cycling in the capital and the name Cycling in Heels was the perfect fit (ahem!). Jude doesn't often cycle in heels, avoiding the possibly of her shoes slipping off in the middle of the road.

Do you remember your first bike and how you learnt to cycle?
Everyone remembers their first time…but I have absolutely no recollection of it whatsoever. Read Jude's answer in a previous blog post.

What was your first memory / impression of cycling in London?
I first started cycling in London in early 2002. A friend was cycling to work at the time, and she convinced me I should give it a go. I remember going to Halfords in Brixton (where I was living at the time) just to have a look at bikes – only to come out of the shop having bought one. It was, I think, a green Apollo women’s bike and it cost about £100. At the time I thought it was a lot of money to spend on a bike, whereas now I realise how cheap it was. The first time I took it for a ride was pretty terrifying. At one point, I was riding in the bus lane along Brixton Road and a bus beeped at me from behind. I thought he was beeping at me because I wasn’t allowed in the bus lane, so I got off my bike and phoned my friend to ask her. In reality I imagine he was beeping because I was probably going really slowly.

Has that impression changed now and if so, how?
I’m no longer scared of buses! In fact, I’m not really scared at all. Cycling in London does take confidence, and that comes through experience. For a long time I didn’t like turning right, particularly across wide roads, so I would plan long convoluted routes to avoid it. I also didn’t like going round roundabouts, and would steer clear of those too. Then one day I found myself at one completely by accident, and figured I just had to get over my fear. I did the same with right turns, too.

What’s the best thing that has happened to you from cycling?
Hmm…probably that all this cycling keeps me fit and in shape.

What style and colour bike(s) do you have?
I only have one bike, though if I had more space I’d have more. Mine is a brown 2006 Specialized Crossroads Elite. Amazingly I’ve had it for six years and it hasn’t been nicked. Yet.

Does your bicycle have a name?
My trusty steed.

Tell us what your three great things about cycling in London are... 
The freedom of not being limited by tube routes or train timetables; I save on travel costs; and it’s a great way of finding my way around and getting to know different areas of the city

If you could change one thing about cycling in London, what would it be?
Better infrastructure/more segregated cycle paths

How do you rate the cycle routes where you live and work?
The ones that are there are great – but they’re pretty limited.

How accessible do you think it is for people to start cycling?
It’s getting better. Particularly round where I live (in Stoke Newington) increasing numbers of people are cycling and I think that can encourage other people to take it up too. But more needs to be done. There’s still a very widespread view that cycling is too dangerous. Unless there’s a significant investment in infrastructure, then safety is probably going to continue to be a big barrier to cycling.

Do you have any advice/words of wisdom for people thinking about taking up cycling?
It’s not as dangerous as you may think it is! It will probably feel pretty scary at first, but once you get used to it, it will get better. Start out by riding at the weekends, on quiet roads, before tackling the main roads or rush hour. Cycle training can also help you to have confidence.

Jude blogs about cycling and living in the city at www.cyclingwithheels.wordpress.com

Are you blogging about cycling in the city or would like to write articles for London Cycling Campaign, please send an email to info@lcc.org.uk

Become a supporter of London Cycling Campaign - to help make London a more liveable city for both cyclists and pedestrians.

22 year old Ellie Carey was killed on Tower Bridge Road in December 2011 when she was hit by a lorry turning left into Abbey st.

The Coroner's inquest heard how she probably did not realise that the lorry was about to turn left sharply across her path. She was killed instantly.

There are some strong lessons that we can learn from the evidence given to Deputy Coroner for South London, Lorna Tagliavini. The sequence of events was captured by CCTV on a London Transport bus which was close behind. 

Using the bus video recordings the police Collision Investigator Andrew Smith worked out the exact position of the lorry and Ellie's bicycle second by second.

The bus driver, Helen Henry, told how she saw Ellie behind the lorry and then going forward as the lights changed to green. As the lorry began its left turn Ellie "tried to wave to get the driver's attention".  The driver didn't see her even though the police evidence suggested that Ellie could have been seen in one or both of the driver's mirrors in the seven seconds leading up to the crash.

Hazardous Road layout

The court heard that the junction is a very tight corner where Tower Bridge road is narrow and Abbey street even narrower. To make the turn the 10 metre long lorry had to move as far to the right as possible, leaving a gap of 2 and a half metres on the left. At the last minute the driver would have had to turn very sharply to get around the corner without running onto the pavement.

Since Ellie's death the junction has been re-designed by Transport for London, it had previously been identified as a high risk crossing by local residents. Left turns have now been banned, an ASL cyclists' safety area has been installed and the the lanes straightened for northbound traffic.

Lessons for cyclists

It is quite likely that Ellie was wearing earphones and was listening to Radio 4 Women's Hour at the time of the crash. Her phone was found beside her on the road, turned on and still tuned into the BBC. While the sound of the radio may not have been a factor, the act of listening might have divided her attention leading to less awareness of the risk of the turning lorry.

As she approached the lorry it was indicating a left turn but it was at least 2 and a half metres from the left curb. Most cyclists don't realise that such a wide gap, a full lorry's width, does not mean it is safe. Wide gaps to the left of lorry at a junction should be seen as a warning that the lorry is about to turn left.

As the lights changed both Ellie and the lorry accelerated forward. It is likely that the lorry moved forward for 12 or 13 metres before beginning to turn, that is more than the full length of the lorry. It then began to turn across Ellie's path as she went forward. Ellie started from a position near the back of the lorry going at about the same speed. As the lorry changed direction it would have lost all forward speed. For Ellie it would be like a large gate swinging shut across her path.

 The evidence showed that there was simply not enough time for Ellie to get out of the way, it was already too late.

Lessons for drivers

Unusually the driver of the lorry, David Johnson (31) was not in court for the inquest. Tragically he had died of cancer in 2012. The police Senior Investigating Offcer gave evidence that she recommended a charge of 'causing death by dangerous driving' and that she believed that the Crown Prosecution Service would have charged the driver if he had not been terminally ill.

The court heard that the driver's personal mobile phone had received 3 text messages in the four or five minutes before the crash. The police were unable to discover if Mr Johnson had read the messages. When he was arrested his phone was taken but the password he gave did not work. At a later interview he was unable to remember the password for the phone.

Kevin O'Sullivan of Levenes Solicitors, representing Ellie's family, suggested that when the lorry stopped at Abbey street would have been the first opportunity for Mr Johnson to check his phone and read the texts.  We will never know if that was the case.

PC Smith reconstructed what the driver might have been able to see in his nearside mirrors. The lorry was less than two years old and was in excellent conditions. Ellie would have been visible in the main mirror for four seconds before the lights changed. As she moved up the side of the lorry she might have gone out of view of this mirror for a fraction of a second but she would have been visible in the wide angle mirror for all of the time.

Verdict

No one was able to explain why Ellie was not seen by the driver despite being visible in the mirrors.

The coroners finding was that the cause of death was 'Road Traffic Collision'.  This verdict is a new option available to coroners instead of 'Accidental Death' which in the past tended to give an impression that nothing could be done to avoid such collisions or to reduce the risks for cyclists from large lorries.

The London Cycling Campaign has welcomed plans to remove the one-way system around Aldgate tube station, but we’re calling for much greater protection for cyclists throughout the scheme.

There’s strong concern over how the City’s plans will force cyclists to negotiate heavy motor traffic at pinch points created by police control points on St Botolph Street and Aldgate High Street.

There is space to build a high-quality segregated cycle route on St Botolph Street, linking Aldgate, Middlesex Street, and a route to London Wall. 

Transport for London’s plans for Whitechapel High Street to the east of the current one-way system do very little to protect cyclists from the very high levels of motor traffic on the inner ring road (see the Streetview above).

This location is where Cycle Superhighway 2 stops before entering the City of London.

This junction forms part of the Mayor’s Better Junctions Programme, set up in 2011 after the high-profile deaths of cyclists at Bow roundabout and other London locations.

While we welcome the removal of the Aldgate one-way system, we’re deeply concerned that unless other one-way systems between Tower Bridge and Aldgate are also removed then a safe and inviting solution for cycling is difficult or impossible to find. 

At present, removing the other one-way systems is not being addressed by the Better Junctions Programme.

This is despite council statistics showing huge increases in people cycling to work in Westminster in recent years.

Haymarket and Lower Regent Street are two one-way streets with high volumes of fast taxis, buses, coaches, cars and lorries are intimidating for even the most experienced cyclists, creating a barrier of fear for any new or inexperienced cyclists trying to cross the West End.

The primary improvement in the current plans (see them on the Westminster Council website) is to give more space for pedestrians, because very often the pavements are not wide enough and pedestrians spill into the road.

We welcome allocation of more space to people on foot, but the solution proposed does nothing to address the dangers and fears of cyclists, nor to tackle the speed and volume of motor traffic. 

Cycling there now is very intimidating

Travelling south, downhill, on Haymarket traffic frequently cuts from side to side while also accelerating to get through the traffic lights at the junction with Pall Mall.

On Lower Regent Street, which runs parallel, the volume of traffic often blocks the road, with taxis and buses jostling for gaps heading for the narrow junction at Piccadilly Circus

Here, with the current road layout there is often barely space for cycling at all.

Coming from Shaftesbury Avenue, there’s no safe route for cyclists through to Piccadilly or St James’s.

Currently, most cyclists who dare cross this area find the safest way to do so is by illegally following the narrow bus contraflow route.

New proposals don’t address cycling dangers

Recently, we and other campaigners met with Westminster Council officials and walked through the streets.

We stressed the need for safe and inviting Dutch-style routes through this area. 

The proposed plans provide only minor improvements for cycling, with fewer traffic lanes and extra ASLs.

The entry into Cockspur Street towards Trafalgar Square will be wider, but there will be no better protection at the junction leaving Haymarket, where most motor traffic has to turn left across the cycle route.

Our proposals include the following:

• A two-way protected cycle track on the East side of Lower Regent Street and Waterloo Place (shown in blue on map), including reopening the Piccadilly end of Glasshouse Street to cycling in both directions (green pin on map)
• Two-way cycling along all of Jermyn Street, with a safe crossing of Lower Regent Street (shown in red on map)
• Two-way cycling in Wardour Street and Whitcomb Street (shown in green on map)
• A cycle crossing from Charles II Street across Waterloo Place/Lower Regent Street (yellow marker)
• Safe cycle access to the bus lane from Shaftesbury Avenue to Piccadilly (shown in purple on the map)

View London Cycling Campaign Westminster proposals in a larger map

Despite the best of intentions, London Cycling Campaign PR Manager and Editor of Coven Magazine, Juliet Elliott struggles to find time for training. Has she left it too late to prepare for London Revolution?

I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge, even when I know I’m not good at things, it doesn’t put me off one bit. Is it strange that I’ll enter a race even when I know I’ll come near the bottom of the pile, that I’ll do things I’m hopeless at without caring a jot? It is odd that I just thrive on challenges, rather than accomplishments?

Who knows the reason, but whatever it is, I found myself saying yes when London Cycling Campaign asked if I’d like to ride the London Revolution, a 180 mile, two day cycling event. I said yes, even though the most I’d ever ridden was 50 miles, I said yes, even though I don’t have a road bike. And I said yes even though I wasn’t entirely sure I could do it.

That was two months ago, when full of spark and vigor about the ride ahead, I eagerly downloaded the training plan, positive that this time I would actually train for the ride. For no one can ride 100 miles in one day without training, can they?

The first week of training went swimmingly, I easily fitted in the required training, enjoying slow, long, easy rides at the weekend, and intense bursts of interval training during the week. I thoroughly enjoyed making time for training, as I love riding my bike, whatever the circumstances. I even squeezed in a spinning class! But then life got in the way; I had way too much work to do, a magazine to produce, articles to write. (I also had to go climbing, surfing, ride my BMX, play with the cats etc, but that’s another matter).

So here we are, a week from the ride, and I haven’t done the training. How will I cope with riding 100 miles in one day, sleeping in a tent and then cracking on with a further 80 miles, including a trip up the infamous Box Hill?

Follow Juliet's adventures on her website, facebook page or twitter @_julietelliott

Try out London Cycling Campaign’s latest challenge – quickest time for changing a bike tyre.

Round 1 was at SPIN London (where our stand won best in show!). Over 70 people competed to be on the leader board but only 11 can be – round 2 is at the Nocturne on Saturday 8th June.

The game

It’s simple, deflate the tyre, remover the inner tube, put in a fresh inner tube, inflate to 90psi and hold the wheel up. Making sure the metal ring and valve cap are on. You can only use the tools provided and all referee decisions are final. You can try as many times as the referee allows. Fresh tyres will be used for round 2 (Continental Ultra Sport tyres on Shimano wheels, if you want to know)

Fastest time wins the red Genesis Flyer pictured. Second and Third prize too. Don’t worry if you don’t have the strong thumbs and nimble thing fingers of a tyre changing master. There are random prizes for entering, prizes for flare and determination and mini-competitions for up to four people. Comedown and show us what you’re made of. 

Time to beat is Peter K’s, of the London Bicycle Workshop, 1 minute 26 seconds.

Thanks to Genesis bike and Shimano for sponsoring the competition and supplying the prize and equipment.

Will the defenders come back to stay on the leader board? Will newcomers rise to the challenge and beat the times on the board? Come down to see London Cycling Campaign at the Nocturne to try your hand……..

Another reason to come to the Nocturne is LCC’s inaugural Urban Cycle Cross race – open to all non-professionals.

Marketing Manager Lucy Cooper said, "We can't reveal yet whether racers will have to swerve around car doors or jump over the dreaded 'cyclist dismount' signs, but we guarantee the race will be tough and fun at the same time.

"Think Wacky Races, IG London Nocturne-style. Whether you're a Penelope Pitstop or a Dick Dastardly, if you're over 16, have a bicycle of any kind, and you're up for a fun challenge, our Urban Cycle Cross race is open to you."

"And remember ours is the least expensive race on the day to enter (only £15), and every entrant receives a goody bag, with a cash pot of £125 on offer."

The London Nocturne at Smithfield Market will also see the final leg of our Tyre Change Time Trial (see below), where you can win a Genesis Flyer single speed bike worth £600.

Mixed men and women over-16s race: a tarmac race over 10 laps which involves carrying bikes over barriers, detours and man-made 'urban' obstacles. Enter today

LCC tyre change time trial

If you're not racing, try your hand at winning a Genesisi Flyer at our Tyre Change Time Trial, where individuals race to change an inner tube.

The person at the top of our leader board will win this magnificent bicycle from Genesis that combines style and functionality in a great package.

After a brillant first showing at SPIN London with an amazing red Genesis Flyer to be won. See you there.

For some people, a charity cycling event may be their only cycle ride each year so it is essential to prepare for the event well in advance if you are to get the most out of it and ensure the day remains enjoyable.

The key is preparation, not just of yourself but of your bike, your fundraising, your safety and of those who plan to ride with you. This guide will help you to prepare for every aspect of the ride, which in turn will hopefully lead you to want to do it again next year and perhaps cycle on a regular basis.

We’ll look at each of the following aspects of preparation but if there’s something specific you want to look at, just click on that heading to jump ahead to that section.

The Bikes.org.uk website has a wide range of articles that can help you in your preparations, some of which are included in the full version of this guide.

Fitness Training

Whilst most charity events are designed for the casual cyclist, there is no substitute for good preparation. Yes, you can just turn up on the day and get on with it but a little bit of preparation is important to ensure all goes well and you get the most out of the event. Fitness training doesn’t have to be something you dread, it can be as fun as the day itself.

For those who haven’t been on a bike for a while, simply getting the bike out of the garage and going out for a few short rides is a good start. Why not make it more fun by getting the whole family to go with you and include a mid-ride picnic? as fun as the day itself.

The key to fitness training is to stretch the muscles, build stamina and get used to riding a bike again. Cycling is a great way to burn calories and lose weight so there are some added benefits too.

Preparing the Bike

There is a slight assumption here that you actually have a bike. If you don’t then we’d encourage you to read our beginners guide to buying a new bike and what to look for when buying a second-hand bike.

If you’re bicycle hasn’t been out of the garage or shed for a while, it’s important to check a few things before going for a ride. If it’s been there for too long, we’d strongly urge you to ask your local bike shop to give your bike a basic service. It won’t cost a lot, or take too long and will be worth every penny.

photo: Richmond.gov.uk

Food & Drink

An essential part of your preparation should be what you eat and drink. We’re not trying to turn you into elite athletes here, just trying to ensure you eat well in preparation for the day itself. What you eat, and drink, will play an important part of how you perform and feel out on the road.

Breakfast remains the most important meal of the day, particularly if you are going to be spending most of it on your bike. One thing to remember while you are riding is that you should not leave it too long between eating, because this can leave you hungry and might encourage you to go on a food binge after a session, which is not always helpful.

Snacking regularly while you are cycling can help to alleviate hunger pangs and allow you to stick to a reasonable size post-ride meal in the evening, so that you are not messing with your insulin levels or going through peaks and troughs throughout the day.

It is uber important that you drink plenty of water, however, don’t take too much at any one time as this will make you bloated and uncomfortable. Instead, take small sips on a regular basis. I drink at least one litre of water about half an hour before my ride and take around one litre for every hour of cycling. The rule of thumb here is that if you become thirsty, it’s too late as you’ll have started to dehydrate by them so keep topping up.

Most charity bike rides have feeding stations, or rest stops, which often have water available. However, it is important that you take at least one bottle of water per person with you.

Clothing & Footwear

We’re not talking about Tour de France style wardrobes here, simply the right clothes to ensure you stay comfortable. In this context, comfortable means staying cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s not. In other words, wearing the right clothing for a) cycling, and b) for the weather conditions.

Photo: Cycle Clothing – Wirral Bikeathon style!

Bike Gear, Accessories & Tools

Oh Lordy, where do we start? There are hundreds of items we could suggest but we’ll try to limit ourselves to the essentials. Bike gear is generally there to help, this might be help to carry things (panniers), help to see in dim-light (lights), help to repair things (punctures) or a whole host of other things.

The most important tool however is probably your mobile phone, so make sure the battery is full before you set off and carry it in a plastic bag in case it rains. Remember that on a charity bike ride you’re never on your own, there are plenty of other riders, most of whom will stop to help, and also marshals and stewards are on-hand to offer assistance too.

Safety

The number one item is not a helmet, it is actually, awareness.

Carelessness or not paying attention to other cyclists, road conditions or other road vehicles are the shortest ways to an early finish to your cycle ride. Our basic advice is simply to be aware of your surroundings, watch what others are doing and try to anticipate their next action.

Sponsorship & Publicity

So now you’re ready for the big day but don’t forget that this is a charity event and collecting sponsorship is an integral part. Here are some top tips on collecting sponsorship money for your charity cycle ride;

• Sometimes, collecting sponsorship money can be harder than taking part in the event itself! To prevent this, try getting people to give you cheques ahead of the event or perhaps post-dated to a date shortly after the event (but no more than six months).

• Always carry a pen and sponsorship form with you.

• Don’t be shy in asking, we are a very generous nation and people are often willing to give money to good causes.

• Give sponsorship forms to friends, family, workplaces and get them out raising sponsor money on your behalf.

• On most sponsorship forms there is a ‘Gift Aid’ option, this allows charities to claim an additional 25% on top of the original pledge.

• Ask your employers to match your sponsorship pound for pound, that way you raise twice the amount and your employers can get some publicity – get them to get in touch with the press on your behalf.

• Invest some money in a prize and hold a raffle at work and put the proceeds towards your sponsorship amount.

• If you are self-employed, your clients might respond to a humorous letter asking them to support you.

• Other people might want to help or might know someone who could – always ask around.

• Write to local companies asking for their support – address letters to the Chairman or Managing Director. Again, try to make it humorous, it will stand out more.

• Contact your local press. People who know you or know of you may get in touch and support you.

• Do you belong to any clubs or groups? Have a chat with some of your fellow members and see what ideas you can come up with together.

Route Familiarisation

Charity bike rides are fun but as we’ve said before, a small amount of preparation will help to make the day go even better. Some rides are simple routes around a park, flat land with no inclines and just a few miles long. Others are much longer, sometimes over 100 miles and over several hill climbs. Whichever ride you’ve chosen, you should familiarise yourself with the route.

Finally, on a practical note, consider how you are going to get-to and home-from the ride. It may not be as straight forward as you think.

On The Day

So, at last, the big day has arrived. Excited? You bet you are!

Sleep: First things first, make sure you get to bed reasonably early the night before so you wake refreshed and eager to get started. Don’t be a hermit but you may want to minimise your alcohol intake the evening before the ride as riding with a hangover or slightly dehydrated aren’t much fun.

Breakfast: Get up in plenty of time to have a decent breakfast (see the above section on food & drink) and try to drink at least one litre of water 30-40 minutes before setting off.

Bike: A quick check over your bike to ensure it’s as ready as you and you’re off – no. Take your time to check the things we listed above, especially checking your tyre pressures.

Weather: A quick check outside to check the weather will help you to determine what clothing to wear and what to pack.

Clothing: Clothes should be freshly laundered and shoes should be clean. Depending on the weather, you’ll either be wearing your jacket or packing it in your panniers (remember, no backpacks). Once you’re dressed and ready to go, grab your gloves and helmet.

Bike Gear: The minimum gear you’ll need to take is a pump, puncture repair kit, first-aid kit and a multi-tool. Other items are optional but don’t overdo it as you’ll be the one carrying them around all day. If you take your phone, remember to put it in a plastic bag in case it rains.

Food & Drink: A few suitable snacks are advisable, high energy bars, fruit, gels and of course plenty of water. One litre of water weighs 1kg so bear that in mind.

All that is left for me to say is good luck and I hope you enjoy the day! Please feel free to leave a comment below if you’ve enjoyed the article or have any suggestions, as I’m sure we could have missed something!

The above is an extract of the guide from Bikes.org.uk. The full guide is also as a PDF download.

Let us know what charity cycling rides and events you're involved in and we could feature it here on the London Cycling Campaign blog. Please send an email to info@lcc.org.uk or connect with us via Facebook and Twitter. 

Become a supporter of London Cycling Campaign - to help make London a more liveable city for cyclists and pedestrians.

ITV's face of the Tour de France Ned Boulting (above-right, or in this animated GIF via road.cc) presented last night's London Cycling Awards.

Transport for London's Safer Lorries procurement programme - only using the best-trained drivers and best-equipped lorries - was honoured as the Best London Cycling Initiative in the London Cycling Awards.

Its programme was praised as an essential step towards reducing the number of cyclists killed by lorries each year, and was recognised for helping to promote a "culture of safety" among haulage contractors in the capital.

The Best Borough Cycling Project award was shared by the London Borough of Camden and the City of London for their area-wide programmes of reverting one-way streets to two-way for cycling.

Both programmes were praised for making tens of thousands of local bike journeys more convenient and direct, and for promoting a model that could be rolled out by other boroughs quickly and at low cost.

The full list of awards-winners is below....

London Cycling Awards 2013 winners

Best London Cycling Initiative
Transport for London 'Safer Lorries' procurement programme

Best Borough Cycling Initiative (joint award)
London Borough of Camden and City Of London, two-way cycling on one-way streets

Best Community Cycling Project
London Bike Kitchen (pictured above)

Best Schools Cycling Initiative
Hackney Bike Around The Borough

Best Workplace Cycling Initiative
Heathrow Cycle Hub

Best Cycling Champion
Sir Bradley Wiggins 

Best Bike Brand
Rapha

Best Product
Brompton folding bicycle

Best Cycling Communication
road.cc website

Best Retailer
Cycle Surgery

Read details of the public vote winners and nominees here, and details of our panel award-winners and those who were highly commended here.

Successful winners from across the cycling world 

Hackney's Bike Around the Borough picked up the Best Schools Initiative award, while London Bike Kitchen won the Best Community Project, and Heathrow Cycling Hub won Best Workplace Initiative.

Sir Bradley Wiggins was voted London's Best Cycling Champion in the London Cycling Awards, with clothing brand Rapha, Brompton Bicycles, cycling website road.cc, and the Cycle Surgery chain of shops also picking up public vote awards.

At the awards ceremony, hosted by ITV’s voice of cycling Ned Boulting, was held at St Martin-in-the-Fields and saw industry bigwigs, politicians, civil servants and broadsheet journalists mix with mechanics, volunteers, bloggers and schoolchildren at an evening of celebration and recognition for the best in London Cycling.

The event was the culmination of an amazing year for cycling, and over 10,000 votes were cast in the awards by a public eager to applaud their cycling heroes.

London Cycling Campaign chief executive Ashok Sinha said:

“The awards come at a fantastic time for cycling, and we’re thrilled so many people voted in our new-look London Cycling Awards, and congratulate our winners as well as everyone who was nominated.”

“This has been an amazing year for cycling - more and more Londoners are enjoying cycling for their everyday journeys and it’s clear that cycling has really captured the imagination of the public.”

“This has also been a fantastic year for us, after we gained support from over 40,000 people for our Love London, Go Dutch campaign, which culminated in the 10,000-strong Big Ride.

"As a result, all the mayoral candidates signed up to our Love London, go Dutch vision, and we've seen much of what we asked for writ large in the Mayor’s new Vision For Cycling.

"We've also helped thousands of people cycle through our grass-roots projects, run in partnership with local community groups and businesses.”

Winners receive their London Cycling Awards

Best London Cycling Initiative TfL Safer Lorries procurement programme

Best Borough Cycling Project London Borough of Camden/City of London

Best Schools Cycling Initiative Hackney Bike Around the Borough

Best Workplace Cycling Initiative Heathrow Cycling Hub

Best Community Cycling Project London Bike Kitchen 

Best Bike Brand Rapha

Best Cycling Communication road.cc

Best Cycling Product Brompton folding bicycle

Best Retailer Cycle Surgery

Standing out from an already innovative crowd, LCC’s very popular stall took first prize for Best Stand at Spin London, the urban bike show. Cycling enthusiasts jostled with clubbers as they headed for the Spin London venue in the trend setting  Truman’s Brewery in Brick Lane. Music throbbed in both the surroundings clubs and alternative bike show – even passers by celebrated.

At the award-winning LCC stand staff and volunteers coordinated the heavily contested ‘Tyre Change Time Trial.’ Professional mechanics scored some of the fastest times recording of speeds of than less that one and a half minutes. First prize in the contest was a gleaming red Genesis Flyer single speed.

The show gathered together the best London frame builders, bike makers and fashion designers. Retro fashion influenced bikes and parts as well as bags and clothing. Even the security bolts were cutting edge design.

I love the freedom you get from cycle touring. It is one of my favourite things in the world. I started Wine Rides because I wanted to show more people what a fantastic and liberating way it is to spend your free time. There is nothing like climbing a hill and finding a majestic view at the top that you have earned, then flying down the other side just a little too fast. But cycling is only one half of Wine Rides. The other essential element is local food and wine. That is why we are really proud to be partnering with the British producers of world class wines.

I am passionate about cycling, and I truly believe that if cycling is to become a mainstream form of transport then those of us who love the bike have to start showing what bikes can do that cars can’t.

I cycle in London and am incredibly heartened by the changes I've seen over the years. When I started cycling in in the capital, it was just men, most of which were bike enthusiasts, who were taking to the roads. Now there are days when I am the only man waiting in the peloton at the lights. I am pleased that has changed for good and can’t wait to see more people discovering the bike.

This progress is fantastic. My perspective is that we (cyclists) have become a politically active group and that has made a massive difference. I believe that if cycling is going to continue to gain equality with other forms of transport then cyclists also need to become an economically active group.

One of the main benefits of cycling is that it is an extremely cheap form of transport and long may that continue. That is the reason I started cycling and it is the major reason why the bike remains my primary mode of transport. But I think it's also important cycling is seen as a high value way to travel.

One reason why town planners prefer the car to the bike is the boot. For retailers, cyclists simply cannot carry as much product as someone who arrives in a car. So while cyclists may be able to write as many letters as car drivers, or cast as many votes in marginal seats, at the moment they’re perceived as having less spending power and therefore being less valuable.

At Wine Rides we see things differently; we don’t think value is just about how much you spend. As a result we are doing something differently. We sell a two night / three day trip staying at two vineyards in Sussex. We meet you at Tunbridge Wells train station; take your bags to the vineyard, supply the food and set up the tents where you will camp overnight. The following day you cycle to the next vineyard where we will have set up a new campsite, leaving you to cycle, relax and enjoy the British countryside tasting a selection of local wines and produce.

But what value do we offer the Vineyards?

The Vineyards want to work with us because we are giving them an opportunity to gain a long-term, on-going relationship with customers. We are trading luggage capacity for loyalty.

In contrast to a car, you see things differently on two wheels. From the direct feel of the road surface to the breeze in your hair, cycling gives an unparalleled sense of appreciation and connection with the surrounding landscape. This in turn can form the basis of a greater understanding of the wine and a meaningful relationship with the vineyard owners.

My hope is that both people who cycle and businesses will recognise this value and the opportunities that we can provide. The bike enables connections between people to be made that a car, an enclosed metal box travelling at 60mph, can never achieve. The core philosophy of Wine Rides is for people to enjoy wine in the same surroundings that it was created in with likeminded company.

My dream is that more companies will see this value, think more about people on bikes and consider potential ways to make our lives easier and more fulfilling.

Wine Rides is only starting because I had an idea, rang up every Vineyard south of London and told them, “I have an idea, I think it’s good and I think people will like it”.

I want more cyclists to say the words “wouldn’t it be great if …..” then go out and speak to people, non-cyclist and see if they agree. If you really care about your rights as a cyclist, then we need to grow our ranks. We have to find new ways of making cycling appealing to people with other interests. I have chosen wine. My enterprise is looking to turn people who like wine into people who like wine and cycling. I would love to hear what other interests you think will marry well with cycling. If you have ever said the words “wouldn’t it be great if ….” Then I implore you, please pick up the phone and speak to someone who might be able to help you make that happen. But these things won’t happen unless we ask for them.

If you would like to see how our little experiment in cycling commerce goes then please like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WineRides?fref=ts.

Or if you want to help me make Wine Rides a success then please e-mail info@winerides.co.uk and register your interest in taking part in the pilot weekend on the 25th May.

Let us know what cycling related ventures and projects you're involved in and we could feature it here on the London Cycling Campaign blog. Please send an email to info@lcc.org.uk

Become a supporter of London Cycling Campaign - to help make London a more liveable city for cyclists and pedestrians.

Everyone remembers their first time…but I have absolutely no recollection of it whatsoever.

I mean, it must have happened. I can ride a bike now, and clearly I wasn’t born with this ability. Somewhere in the gap between not knowing and knowing, between non-cyclist and cyclist, there must have been stabilisers, falls, grazed knees, tears and cries of ‘Daddy, don’t let go of me!’ or words to that effect. I know there must have been, yet I can’t remember any of it.

In fact, when I think about riding a bike as a kid, the only memories I can summon are from when I was about nine years old – long after I learned how to ride one.

Photo: A tricycle doesn’t count as a first bike, does it? Me, aged about three, with my sister.

Just off the street I grew up on there’s a footpath known as the gennel (or ‘alleyway’, for those not from Sheffield). It starts just down the street, passes round the back of my parents’ house and comes out around the corner. Other people might see it simply as a shortcut to get from A to B. Back then, for my sister and I, and the other kids on our street, it was a racecourse.

Two of us would race at a time, each heading off in opposite directions on our bikes. The winner was, obviously, the one who got back to the start first. But, in reality, we often knew who had won well before that – it all depended on where you were on the course when you passed the other racer. But at a certain point, you both knew you’d have a race to the finish line.

There was one girl we used to play with, Melissa, who was a poor loser – which was a bit of a problem, seeing as she usually lost. Instead of accepting defeat, she would pretend to have fallen off her bike. When a few minutes had passed after whoever she’d been racing had got back, we’d have to go off in search of her, and would invariably find her on the floor, crying, with her bike next to her. As kids, I don’t recall we had much sympathy for her. Although, looking back, I wonder if we were a little cruel. But then again, no-one can fall off that often – can they?

Being a loser – poor or otherwise – wasn’t so much of a problem for me because I don’t think I lost very often, thanks to my rather fabulous bike. My dad had built it for me, using the frame of an old second-hand bike which he fixed up. I don’t remember exactly what it looked like, only that it was spray-painted metallic blue. I think it was pretty plain – no frills or tassels or baskets. But what it lacked in accoutrements, it made up for in speed.

Melissa had a big brother called Daniel, who was older than the rest of us and didn’t usually join in our games. He may even have started secondary school at this point and probably considered himself far too grown up for such child’s play. I don’t know. But I do remember that he was very interested in my bike. He even had a nickname for it – the ‘mean machine’. I think he used to ask to borrow it, and he may have joined in some of our races on it. I remember feeling quite proud that this older boy was interested in my bike – and, by association, me.

I don’t know what happened to the ‘mean machine’, except that I grew out of it, in the same way that I grew out of bike races and playing out. I don’t think I owned a bike at all while I was a teenager. In fact, I don’t think I had another bike until I was living in Mississippi…but that’s a whole other story.

Jude blogs about cycling and living in the city at www.cyclingwithheels.wordpress.com

Do you remember your first bike? How did you learn and what adventures did you and your bike have?

Are you blogging about cycling in the city or would like to write articles for London Cycling Campaign, please send an email to info@lcc.org.uk

Become a supporter of London Cycling Campaign - to help make London a more liveable city for cyclists and pedestrians.

Dutch-style roundabouts that separate cyclists from motor traffic could be installed in London as soon as 2014, according to Transport for London and the Mayor's Cycling Commissioner Andrew Gilligan (BBC video report).

The news was welcomed by LCC's campaigns officer Charlie Lloyd:

"Our 2012 Love London, Go Dutch campaign is bearing fruit: anyone who's cycled through a Dutch roundabout with a segregated cycle track knows these designs offer comfort and safety for cycling far in excess of British roundabout designs, which often require skill and nerve to negotiate on a bicycle when there's fast-moving motor traffic.

"These Dutch designs also increase efficiency of the roundabout because bicycles use much less space than cars, which should mean less congestion and less conflict for motorists, as well as the safety benefits for those who cycle."

In 2012, we campaigned against a flawed shared-use proposal for Lambeth Bridge roundabout, suggesting precisely this type of Dutch roundabout instead.

Transport for London withdrew its proposal, and has promised to revisit the design, hopefully with one of the first Dutch roundabouts in London.

We also criticised the measures proposed by Transport for London for Waterloo roundabout, which we said failed to provide a safe and inviting envrionment where anyone could cycle.

The Transport Research Laboratory has set up a life-sized trial of the Dutch design at its facility in Berkshire (see photo above), with a view to rolling out the design in key locations in London next year.

The roundabouts - which are commonplace in Dutch cities, towns and rural areas (see the video) - ensure cyclists don't have to share roadspace with motor vehicles within the junction.

Where replacing roundabouts with conventional junctions isn’t a sensible option, Dutch-style roundabouts offer major safety advances over traditional British ones.

Dutch planners realise most collisions happen at junctions so they design roundabouts to slow down motor traffic and give priority to cyclists and pedestrian: the result is fewer crashes and fewer injuries.

The design makes sure bicycles and motor traffic cross perpendicular to each other, so motorists should always have a clear view of anyone potentially crossing their path.

Cyclists and pedestrians have priority at crossing points, where motorists are obliged to give way.

A major cause of serious injury and death to cyclists in London is when vehicles turn left across cyclists at junctions.

The design principles also recognise that starting and stopping on a bicycle is much more labour-intensive than maintaining cycling speed, so gives priority to the cyclist.

Transport for London is also testing cyclist-specific traffic lights, also common in the Netherlands, which would allow cyclists and motorists to pass through junctions in different phases, removing conflicts that are one of the most common cause of collisions.

London Cycling Commissioner Andrew Gilligan told the BBC said:

"We've got a cycling budget of £913m over 10 years and it includes £100m to refit junctions. I'm really looking forward to seeing this [roundabout] on the road. I think it's going to be fantastic for cyclists."

According to reports on the BikeBiz website, the Coalition Government is on the point of creating a new £1 billion 'Office for Active Travel' (OAT) to promote cycling and walking policy across ministries.

The OAT is likely to receive cross-party support, and the £1 billion could be spent rapidly on pedestrian and cycling projects, many of which have already been planned by local authorities but lack funding.

LCC chief executive Ashok Sinha said:

"We'd welcome a cross-departmental government body that had substantial spending capacity and power to direct ministries towards policies that benefit cycling and walking. 

"As called for in the crpss-party 'Get Britain Cycling' Parliamentary report, any such body should have clearly framed short-term and long-term targets to increase cycling use and safety, and the Prime Minister should appoint a government cycling champion, preferably at Cabinet-level, to make sure these targets are reached."

Prime Minister David Cameron, visiting cycling manufacturer Hope's high-tech factory in Lancashire, said:

“There is a huge clamour for cycling - it’s a growth industry - and I will be looking with an enthusiastic eye to see what we can do.”

“With more backing of the industry from the Government, I can see it [cycling] quadrupling in the county.”

The rumours around the creation of an OAT come soon after a petition calling on the PM to adopt the recommendations of the All-Party Parliamentary Cycling Group's Get Britain Cycling report gained over 40,000 signatures in just a week (sign the petition). 

Various names are being discussed as potential cycling 'czars', the public figures pushing for better cycling policy.

Olympic gold medalist Chris Boardman and former head of Cycling England Philip Darnton are rumoured to be in the frame.

In November 2012, the Government's advisory body on public health, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), called on central and local authorities to do much more to promote walking and cycling to combat increasing health problems caused by inactive lifestyles. 

LCC volunteers were involved in producing the NICE guidance, which is aimed at schools, workplaces, local councils, highways authorities, town planners, public transport operators, private developers, and NHS managers.

It's believed the OAT could be announced during the summer's Comprehensive Spending Review.

Combining bikes, art and computer drawing. Sarah Hammond tells us the story behind ArtSpokes and how it all started with working with the  London Cycling Campaign following a Community Cycling Fund for London grant to get more children cycling.

Like many people, I remember with affection my first bike bought when I was eight years old for five pounds in Portsmouth. Disentangled from a heap of bikes piled to the ceiling, with battered metal mudguards carefully painted red, it gave me freedom, independence and speed.

It was my first taste of the power of bikes.

Enthused by a desire to spread the word across generations and share the pleasures and benefits of cycling, I applied for a grant from the Community Cycling Fund for London in 2011. You can find out more about what we did here.

Inspired by the success of the CCFL Bike Project, I set up ArtSpokes nine months later as a social enterprise. Now, one year on, ArtSpokes’ star project, BEST BIKERS, is being rolled out – it’s aim, to encourage sustainable and healthy living through workshops for primary schools bringing together bikes, art and computer drawing.

In the spirit of the London Cycling Campaign, children taking part in ArtSpokes’ BEST BIKERS workshops learn how to run their own campaign to promote active travel and a healthy life style amongst their peers, teachers and parents by championing cycling. They learn design, digital drawing, teamwork, language skills, public speaking and community engagement. It’s a great way for the children boost their confidence and leadership skills whilst having lots of fun.

With the BEST BIKERS workshop, I wanted to offer a project which has real value for schools, children and the environment on lots of levels. The project has been honed by teachers, children, volunteers and friends and has had lots of input from our School Travel Advisor. We think we’ve got an effective mix now. Feedback from schools and children is very positive.

One teacher said, ‘We have found the ArtSpokes project an extremely worthwhile experience. Sarah’s enthusiasm for the project has made it a very successful process for all the children involved. The Artspokes project has been a gateway to help our children become more aware of bike safety and the importance of health in the community.’ Read more here.

So, if you’re looking for ways to get more pupils cycling to your school, at the same time as meeting your Curriculum targets and the Healthy and Sustainable School criteria, then ArtSpokes can help. We have lots of ideas and can also put you in touch with useful organisations.

Best Bikers workshops can run alongside Bikeability Cycle Training and Cycle Safety and can range from encouraging getting more bums on bikes to helping reduce CO2 emissions around schools. Useful dates for your diary are Walk to School Week (20-24 May 2013), Bike to School Week (10-14 June 2013) and Bike Week (15-23 June 2013).

ArtSpokes, with Waitrose, will be refunding 50% of the cost of a Best Biker workshop to two lucky Tower Hamlets schools. Find out more here.

We want everyone to say YES to the power of bikes and give children today the opportunity to experience the same pleasures and discovery we so fondly remember.

If you’d like to find out more about having a Best Bikers workshop in your school take a look at our Best Bikers flyer and contact Sarah at admin@artspokes.com 

Below are some useful links for schools and parents:

Schools accredited through TfL's STAR scheme may be eligible for CCFL funding so it’s well worth while getting in contact with the LCC Cycling Projects team to check your eligibility. There are quite a few inspiring examples.

Bikeability Cycle Training is cycle proficiency training. There are three levels. To help children stay safe, it’s really important your children have training. You can find lesson plans for teachers to support children learning to ride a bike.

Transport for London has a toolkit for schools including case studies on School Travel Plans. Schools can also sign up for the Star Accreditation scheme.

Sustrans has lots of information about encouraging cycling in schools. It also has a useful page on Bike to School Week.

Your local borough council will have information on their web site. Our borough, Tower Hamlets, has general information here. If you’d like to know more contact John Rymell, School Travel Advisor, 020 7364 6918 or email john.rymell@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Hackney Council has a good page on cycle training for schools. Contact 020 8356 6594 or email cycletraining@hackney.gov.uk

Apple is currently running free computer workshops for Primary and Secondary teachers and children. Registration is open till 31st May.