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MCC News, Issue 50, June/July 2008

50th Issue!

Welcome to the 50th edition of the Merton Cycling Campaign newsletter! This is a milestone in the history of MCC**. The newsletter has covered news, stories, and photos about the issues which have affected cyclists and non-cyclists alike over the years. For many years, we have been, and still are, campaigning to improve the cycling facilities in Merton, via word-of-mouth, MCC monthly meetings, Merton Borough Council meetings, letters, the ‘e-group’, the website and, importantly, MCC News, the bi-monthly newsletter. The newsletter is sent to London Cycling Campaign* members, (via ‘London Cyclist’ magazine), and is also made available at locations such as bike shops, libraries, community centres and health centres.

The first edition of MCC News was published in December 1996, edited by John Millard. Since then, there have been four editors; the latest is me, Duncan Harper, (plus MCC News Assistant, Neil Guthrie). I have been editing the newsletter for five years now and pledge to carry on as long as I can. This is voluntary work, like the range of other MCC activities such as participation in meetings, letter writing, protests, the staffing of MCC stalls during National Bike Week (and at other times), and leading hundreds of kilometres of social rides. All of these activities are geared towards improve cycling in the borough, as well as throughout Greater London, bringing many benefits to those working and living in the capital.

However, there is still much to be done. We need your help to continue our efforts to influence the local transport agenda and campaign for a much improved cycling environment across the borough. For more details on how to join London Cycling Campaign and get involved with Merton Cycling Campaign at a local level, please read the grey box below.

Without MCC News, many of our objectives would not have been achieved.

For your pleasure and amusement, you can see the previous 49 editions of MCC News on our website; many happy and sad memories for all!

Log onto www.mertoncyclists.org.uk and enjoy!

* London Cycling Campaign (LCC) was founded in 1976.

** Merton Cycling Campaign, a local branch of LCC, was founded in 1990.

Duncan Harper and Neil Guthrie

Merton Bike Week 14th - 22nd June 2008

So what is Bike Week for? “Bike Week is all about getting people back in the saddle to re-discover the health, fun and freedom benefits of cycling,” said Richard Evans of Merton Cycling Campaign.

“68% of all trips in the UK are less than five miles! [2004 National Travel Survey, section 3]. Five miles on a bike in town takes around 30 minutes – if these journeys were done by bike, pollution would plummet, congestion would collapse, and we would have a fitter, healthier, and happier population in Merton. Why stew in a traffic jam when you can arrive at your destination refreshed and on time? Wherever you are travelling in Merton, you’ll invariably arrive faster on a two-wheeled congestion buster!” [refer to our commuter challenge results 1997-2005:]

He added: “Physical activity contributes directly to health and quality of life but making time for exercise can sometimes be difficult. Cycling to work or to school can be an excellent way of being physically active in a busy schedule, and regular cyclists enjoy fitness levels of people ten years younger.”

And best of all you don’t even have to own a bike! Many independent cycle dealers will hire bikes to people who want to try or re-start cycling during Bike Week. Check out the London Cycling Campaign’s bike hire page:

More than 1,000 events will be held during Bike Week throughout the UK promoting all kinds of cycling. For further information on Merton events, visit this page All UK Bike Week events are listed at www.bikeweek.org.uk - potential participants can search for events being held in their locality, by town/city name or postcode.

Hugh Mor