Bournemouth Borough Council has recently completed a new cycle route connecting Wessex fields (near Bournemouth General Hospital) to Lansdowne. It follows a number of traffic free and traffic calmed routes through Littledown and Kings Park as well as linking to the Woodland Walk route leading to the coast. Please take a look at the route map here, a more detailed map will be released soon.
Not one but two completely free GPS satnav cycle route planner iPhone and android apps have been recently released. The Cycle Streets and Bike Hub run on the same route planning software, so which ever you choice the routes will be the same and both give you the option to find quieter route options. However there are differences in the wider functionality.
The Bike Hut app is best built for those wishing to use it as a handlebar mounted satnav, giving you a 2D or 3D map which orientates to the direction of travel with a real time ETA based on your current speed. It also gives you a map of local bike shops as well as cycling events and news updates.
The Cycle Streets app gives a great stage by stage itinerary and is best for those want to view route details in advance, complete with hill data for your journey. In our opinion this app is best for those who don’t want to mount their phone to use the satnav feature (although it is available).
The Bournemouth Cycling Centre - the first outdoor velodrome to be built in the UK since 1962 - is on course to open in June 2011 at Slades farm next to the Talbot Campus.
The 250m Olympic size track, jointly funded by British Cycling and Bournemouth Borough Council, is the brainchild of Alan McRae. McRae is planning a weekly summer track league, open meetings, training sessions and is hoping to attract riders from a wide area. Equipment will be available for hire. Cyclo-Cross racing is also planned on the surrounding parkland.
For more information visit their website.
BU has run a pilot series of bike doctoring events over the autumn term; these have been extremely popular and have received great feedback. BU is working to formalise this service and to arrange a regular drop in service.
BU is going to run a free lunchtime bike maintenance course. These will be split into two sessions. The first will cover tyre, brake and cable adjustments. The second session will look at gear adjustments and wheel alignment.
Each week the RIDE team invites you to join the FREE accompanied road and off-road rides in the stunning Purbeck hills. There are no fees to pay and no need to book, all they ask is that you come prepared and be self sufficient and the only rule is … no helmet no ride!
If you have any questions contact RIDE here.
Every year BU supports national bike week. 2010’s celebration of cycling BU cyclists were treated to free coffee and pastries, a visit from the bike doctor, information on cycling from BU Bike Users Group and a social cycle to Swanage with delicious fish and chips.
If you have any suggestions for 2011 or want to organise future a cycling related events, or would like to know more about cycling at BU just email BUBUG@bournemouth.ac.uk.
Cycling at night without lights is dangerous and can lead to the cyclist being involved in accidents as they simply cannot be seen by other road users. It could also lead to a fixed penalty fine from the Police.
The University’s Bike User Group (BUBUG) is offering subsidised bike lights for sale in the Students’ Union shops on both campuses, thanks to funding from the Travel Plan.
These high quality bike lights can be purchased for just £14 for a front light (normal recommended retail price £24.99) and £5.50 for a rear light (normal RRP £10.99).
For more information about BUBUG, or to join the group and get a free high-visibility waistcoat, please contact Martin Handford, BUBUG chair, on 61644 or by emailing BUBUG@bournemouth.ac.uk.
Bournemouth University Bike User Group (BUBUG) has launched a campaign, supported by Dorset Police, to highlight the importance of bike security both on campus and in the wider area.
The University is constantly increasing security for bike users and providing a range of facilities for your bike, including caged compounds, Sheffield stands and enhanced CCTV.
However individuals must take responsibility for ensuring bikes are locked up securely. Over 1500 bike were reported stolen in 2010 in Bournemouth & Poole and an untold number of thefts went unreported. Therefore it is vital that you secure your bike properly! Many cheap locks can be picked or cut with the simplest of tools in seconds. Cable locks should be avoided as they are so easy to cut through.
In a bid to tackle this issue, BUBUG can now offer a number of heavily subsidised Gold standard bike locks (worth £65) in the Student Union shops on both campuses for just £26. If you wish to purchase a different bike lock the most secure are always D locks, and beware those with circular keys as these are easy to pick.
The "Sold Secure" accreditation scheme assesses how secure a lock is. Gold standard are the hardest to break, whilst Silver standard locks cannot be broken in three minutes, even using a range of tools.
But why not take advantage of this offer today and make sure your bike is really secure!
