Newsletter. Sefton s Winter. On the Move to Improve. Walking & Cycling. Walking & Cycling... Free, Friendly and Accessible JAN MAR 2011

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1 Sefton s Winter Walking & Cycling Newsletter Walking & Cycling... Free, Friendly and Accessible ISSUE EIGHTEEN JAN MAR 2011 On the Move to Improve

2 Welcome to the eighteenth edition of Sefton s Walking and Cycling Newsletter. This newsletter is produced in partnership with Sefton Council, NHS Sefton and the CTC. 2 Travel and transport are central to our way of life. But many aspects of transportation have big environmental, social and economic impacts. There are many groups in our community doing great things to promote walking and cycling as a healthy activity. Their projects include Health walks, Teens on Bikes, Bike rides for the over 50Õ s, WomenÕ s rides, Bike Maintenance sessions and many more. There are lots of good walking and cycling activities happening here in Sefton so read on to find out more. Happy A Year very New w to you all! A very Ha e a ry Happy Y ear to yo u a New Year to you all! On 19th November, a Christmas Party was held at SouthportÕ s Scarisbrick Hotel, in order to thank all of the Walking and Cycling volunteers who give up their time throughout the year providing hours of unpaid community support to the Walking and Cycling programme. The event was held to celebrate the contribution made by the volunteers and it was pleasing to see so many of them from all over Sefton enjoying themselves. The night started off with a fun quiz in which the walkers (who didnõ t appreciate being called ramblers by the quizmaster) competed with the cyclists to win a prize donated by the Hotel. With no outright winner, a tie break was required and this was quite challenging. The quizmaster read out four series of letters which were all anagrams of the word Ô weatherõ. Teams had to come up with a well known phrase or saying and there were some interesting answers including Ô a change in the weatherõ and Ô a different spell of weatherõ. The intellectual(!) part was soon followed by a buffet and then the night was danced away. Around midnight, the party ended and the volunteers made their way to the waiting coach for the journey home, Juliet Jardine and Stephanie Boote said:- Ò The Christmas parties give us the opportunity to say thank you for all the volunteersõ hard workó. Ò It also gives the volunteers the opportunity to enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation and to enjoy themselves in the company of other volunteers.ó Ò One group of volunteers travelled all the way from Manchester but they really enjoyed the evening and that made the journey worthwhileó. The CTC and Sefton Council would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers for all their hard work this year. Juliet Calling all Walk Leaders - is there anyone out there? We need leaders who are available to lead at least 20 walks throughout the first year. If you or any of your family or friends are interested, please contact Stephanie Boote on Stephanie Not One, Not Two but Three Walks for Walk4life Day Walk 4Life day was held on the 26th September There are plenty of good walking and cycling activities happening across the country with the aim of getting people inspired so that they keep on walking after the big day. ITVÕ s Walk4Life Day involved a series of nationwide events encouraging people everywhere to put their best foot forward on organised walks. The events were open to everyone from experienced ramblers to newcomers. Walk England, Natural England, Living Streets, Sustrans, the Ramblers, the British Heart Foundation and many other organisations all worked with ITV to organise 10 walks across England and Wales. ITVÕ s Walk4life Day is part of ITVÕ s support for the Department of HealthÕ s Change4Life campaign, a nationwide movement with the aim of helping us all to eat well, move more and live longer. Change4Life brings together local, commercial and governmental partners to help people all over the country to understand the long-term health risks of a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. ItÕ s the small and simple changes which can make a big difference. Walking is a great way to improve the general health of the whole family. ItÕ s a feel-good exercise thatõ s kind to the environmenté and itõ s completely free. In Sefton there were three walks to choose from - the Crosby Promenade Golden Mile, Ince Blundell Circular and Formby Squirrel Reserve Trail. Over 60 people took part across the three walks and although it was quite windy on the Promenade at Crosby, the sun shone throughout. Everybody who took part received a certificate and a pedometer so hopefully they will all continue to walk regularly. REMINDER NEW YEARÕ S DAY WALK Meet: 2:00pm Freshfield Train Station Car Park. If you would like more information please contact Stephanie on or walking@sefton.gov.uk

3 Walking News Walkers Light the Way in Formby Pinewoods The last evening walk in October 2010 was a Ô Torch WalkÕ in Formby and 25 people braved the darkness of Formby Pinewoods. The group walked through Larkhill Lane Woods towards the beach whilst the light was fading. The group looked out to sea and could see many sparkling lights in the distance. As the group made its way back through the pinewoods the torches shone brightly as it was now pitch black and there was no-one else around. It was a walk with a difference! Independent Walk Pack The improved Independent Walk Pack has been available for about 3 months. There are 24 different walk routes to try out across Sefton at your leisure. Each route details distance, timing, steps, calories and includes photographs and written directions to help you complete the walk. Walking is the nearest thing to perfect exercise, using over 200 muscles in the body. We want to encourage everyone to walk more, not only for the health benefits of which there are many but also to discover different areas of Sefton. The pack is suitable for all ages and abilities and will help to introduce regular walks into your everyday life. All 24 routes are presented in an A5 folder and are laminated to protect them from the elements. The current minimum level of physical activity recommended for adults is 30 minutes of moderate level activity on 5 or more days of each week. This is sometimes summarised as 5 x 30. There has been a lot of interest in the Pack but they are still available. If you would like a copy of the Independent Walk Pack sent to you, please contact or walking@sefton.gov.uk Be a Volunteer this Year The Active Walks Programme is always looking for volunteers to lead health walks throughout the borough, to support existing ones or to create new ones. The programme has two walks in particular that really need support and would require a weekly commitment all year round although other walks would also benefit from new leaders. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer walk leader or you know of a family member or friend who may be interested, then please contact the Active Walks Co-ordinator on All the walks are detailed in the newsletter so you could join up with a group and experience an organised walk before deciding if volunteering is for you. The walk programme will provide full training in the form of an accredited one-day course. Tesco in Litherland supports Active Walks Active Walks will be working with Tesco in Litherland to promote the walking groups in the area and recruit volunteers to lead walks. The Community Champion at Tesco, Samantha Lupton, said, Ò weõ re looking forward to working with SeftonÕ s Health Walk Programme. We can help promote the walks throughout the local community and hopefully get people involved in some way. Active Walks will have a week in March when their volunteers based at the store will talk to shoppers about the programme and try to get them interested in taking part. It would be great if we could establish a short health walk from the store as we have great access from there to the canal. We have also discussed the possibility of the staff at the store taking part in a Ô Pedometer ChallengeÕ. They will be encouraged to increase the number of steps they take each day, so watch this spaceó. The Walks Co-ordinator s Coastal Challenge On Wednesday 16th March you are invited to take part in the Sefton Coast Challenge. The challenge will cover 20 miles along the coast starting in Waterloo and finishing in Crossens and it will be spilt over three legs on three consecutive Wednesdays. The first leg from Waterloo to Formby (6.4miles) is on the 16th March. The second leg from Formby to Birkdale (8.6 miles) is on the 23rd March and the third leg from Birkdale to Crossens (5 miles) is on Wednesday 30th March. All participants who sign up for the challenge will receive an Ô Active WalksÕ pedometer that will record the number of steps taken and the distance walked. There is no need to book prior to the walk and it is free to join in so please come along. First Leg - Meet Waterloo Train Station 10:00am (the train from Southport leaves at 09:28am and arrives at Waterloo Train Station at 09:55am) Second Leg - Meet Formby Train Station 09:50am (the train from Southport leaves at 09:28am and arrives at Formby Train Station at 09:42am) Third Leg - Meet at Birkdale Train Station 10:10am (the train from Southport leaves at 09:58 and arrives at Birkdale Train Station at 10:02am) 3

4 Walking Diary 30mins - 1 hour gentle pace 1 hour - 2 hours medium pace Mondays Crosby Walks Maghull Walks Monday 17th Jan: Village Diner 1 hour hours medium/brisk pace All the walks are free to join and no booking is required. Just turn up at the walk of your choice, meet our experienced walk leaders, enjoy the walk and the company. The walks are open to all age groups and there are walks that are suitable for users of wheelchairs and mobility vehicles. The walk programme includes weekend and evening walks along with weekday walks. Walk Leaders: Brian, Sheila, and John Monday 7th February: Hayloft Monday 21st February: Sefton Meadows Meet: 10:00am at Maghull Health Centre (inside main entrance) All the walks last 1-1 hours and follow a variety of routes in the Maghull, Lydiate and Melling area. The group walks across fields, along the canal, through community woodland and visits a pit stop for refreshments. Ainsdale Walks Walk Leaders: Alasdair, Paul, Tony and Emma Monday 7th March: Bootle Arms Monday 21st March: Village Diner Meet: 11:00am at the Sands Hotel (car park). This is a short walk lasting for a maximum of 1 hour. The group passes through the dunes and finishes with a chat and coffee in the Sands afterwards. If you wish to join the group, please wear sensible footwear suitable for walking through the dunes. Monday 17th January Monday 24th January Monday 31st January Tuesdays Bootle Walks Walk Leaders: Maggie, John, Sue and Lynne The walks vary in length depending on location and last for 1-1 hours. The leaders introduce new walk routes to the group each quarter including Little Crosby and Sefton Park in Liverpool. Monday 10th January: Burbo Bank Loop Monday 24th January: Canal Walk Waterloo to The Strand (Travel Pass/fare needed) Monday 7th February Monday 14th February Monday 21st February Monday 28th February Walk Leaders: Margaret, Helen, Delia, Pat, Val and Francis Monday 7th February: Little Crosby (Travel Pass/fare needed) Monday 21st February: Crosby Parks to include Moorside/Coronation/ Rimrose perimeter path Monday 7th March Monday 14th March Monday 21st March Monday 28th March Meet 10:30am at Crosby Library (Crosby Road North) inside the main entrance. Monday 7th March: South Liverpool St MichaelÕ s/sefton Park/Lark Lane (Travel Pass/fare needed plus optional snack or lunch money) Monday 21st March: Marine Gardens SPRING - Monday 4 April: Formby (Travel Pass/fare needed) Meet: Park Lane/Watts Lane bus stop, Bailey Drive bus stop, Bootle New Strand Train Station or Sir Thomas Street (Liverpool) depending on the location of the walk. (See details below). 4 The group covers distances of between 2 and 4 miles each week depending on location and enjoys a variety of routes across Sefton and beyond. Tuesday 18th January: Sefton Meadows Meet: 09:30am Park / Watts Lane or 10:00am Marian Square Tuesday 25th January: Virgins Lane Meet: 09:30am Park/Watts Lane or 10:00am Cooksons Bridge Tuesday 1st February: Chester Meet: 09:30am Park / Watts Lane or 09:50am Bootle Strand Train Station Tuesday 8th February: Anchors Away Meet: 09:30am Park/Watts Lane Tuesday 15th February: West Kirby Meet: 09:30am Park/Watts Lane or 09:50am Bootle Strand Train Station, Liverpool Line Tuesday 22nd February: Liverpool Docks Meet: 09:30am Park/Watts Lane or 10:00am Hugh Baird, Stanley Road Tuesday 1st March: Bootle Historical Meet: 09:30am Park/Watts Lane or 10:00am Bootle Library, Stanley Road Tuesday 8th March: Five Lamps Meet: 09:30am Park/Watts Lane Tuesday 15th March: The Board Walk Meet: 09:30am Park/Watts Lane or 09:50am Bootle Strand Train Station, Southport Line Tuesday 22nd March: Albert Dock Meet: 09:30am Park/Watts Lane or 10:30am Paradise St Bus Station Tuesday 29th March: Botanic Gardens Meet: 09:30am Park/Watts Lane or 09:50am Bootle Strand Train Station, Southport Line

5 Tuesdays Formby Pinewoods As all the walks use the pinewoods and coastal footpaths there will be sandy paths and gentle inclines throughout the routes. Tuesday 18th January Tuesday 25th January Waterloo Walks Walk Leaders: Kath, Anne and Peter Tuesday 1st February Tuesday 8th February Tuesday 15th February Tuesday 22nd February Walk Leaders: Alex and Ged Meet: 10:30am, in front of Pinewoods Pub on Wicks Green (off Harington Road). Tuesday 1st March Tuesday 8th March Tuesday 15th March Tuesday 22nd March Tuesday 29th March Meet 10:30am inside Sefton Carers Centre on South Road. These walks cover distances of between 2-4 miles at a gentle pace and offer glorious views across the Mersey Estuary and beyond. Tuesday 4th January: Rimrose Valley Tuesday 1st February: Hightown Tuesday 1st March: Formby Loop Coastal Path Tuesday 18th January: Crosby Promenade Tuesday 15th February: Marine Gardens Tuesday 15th March: Ainsdale to Freshfield Loop Hesketh Park Walks Walk Leaders: Pat and Rob Meet: 1:30pm at Hesketh Park (corner of Albert Road/Park Road entrance). Short walks at a gentle pace to suit all ages, abilities and promote good health. The routes stay within or near to the park and last 45mins - 1 hour. Tuesday 18th January Wednesdays Netherton Walks Tuesday 1st February Tuesday 15th February Walk Leaders: Lin, Anita and Sheila Tuesday 1st March Tuesday 15th March Tuesday 29th March All the walks start at 10:00am unless otherwise stated on the programme. This group is one of the longest established in the walks programme. It was launched in 2001 and takes place every Wednesday morning. All the walks start at 10:00am unless otherwise stated on the programme. Wednesday 12th January: Liverpool Museum Short walk to Liverpool Museum Wednesday 19th January: Crosby Marina 2-3 mile walk along the Marina Wednesday 26th January: Rimrose Valley Meet: 10:00am at Netherton Activity Centre 2-3 mile walk along Rimrose Valley Wednesday 2nd February: Blue Anchor Meet: 11:00am at Netherton Activity Centre 2-3 mile walk to Blue Anchor Pub (lunch) Wednesday 9th February: Botanic Gardens Short walk through Botanic Gardens Wednesday 16th Port Sunlight 2-3 mile walk including Lady Lever Art Gallery Wednesday 23rd February: Hightown Dunes 2-3 mile walk around Dunes Wednesday 2nd March: Albert Dock 4-5 mile walk to the Britannia (lunch) Wednesday 9th March: Sefton Meadows Meet: 11:15am at Netherton Activity Centre 2-3 mile walk to Sefton Meadows Wednesday 16th March: Crosby Marina 2-3 mile walk along Marina Wednesday 23rd March: Dobbies Garden Centre 3-4 mile walk to Dobbies Garden Centre Wednesday 30th March: Runnels Nursery Meet: 10:00am at Netherton Activity Centre 2-3 mile walk to Runnels Nursery SPRING Wednesday 6th April: New Brighton. 2-3 mile walk along promenade (lunch) Return by ferry Southport YMCA Health Walks Walk Leaders: Dorothy, Chris and Bill Meet: 10:00am at Southport YMCA (reception). Walkers enjoy a variety of routes throughout Southport, Churchtown and Marshside. The walks last 1-2 hours and the group enjoys the social side, so a stop at local tea rooms, a garden centre or a cafž for a cup of tea is always included. Wednesday 12th January Wednesday 19th January Wednesday 26th January Wednesday 2nd February Wednesday 9th February Wednesday 16th February Wednesday 23rd February Wednesday 2nd March Wednesday 9th March Wednesday 16th March Wednesday 23rd March Wednesday 30th March 5

6 Wednesdays Active YMCA Walking Group Walk Leader: Stephanie This group enjoys longer walks of between 5 and 7 miles across Sefton and if no packed lunch is indicated there is usually a stop at a cafž or restaurant. Key: Dates in black - start and finish at same station Dates in blue - the walk ends at a different station Wednesday 26th January: Ainsdale Woods Meet: 10:27am at Ainsdale Train Station (packed lunch) Wednesday 2nd February: Birkdale to Ainsdale Meet: 10:20am at Birkdale Train Station Wednesday 9th February: Little Crosby Meet: 10:35am at Ainsdale Train Station Wednesday 16th February: Cheshire Lines Meet: 10:27am at Hall Road Train Station Wednesday 23rd February: Shorrocks Hill Circular Meet: 10:35am at Formby Train Station (packed lunch) Litherland Sports Park Walking Club Walk Leaders: Alex, Ged and John. Contact No: Meet: If you are coming from Southport, catch the 10:13am train; otherwise meet at the destination station (on the Liverpool bound platform) at the time detailed below. The walk leader will be waiting at the destination station. COASTAL CHALLENGE 2011 Wednesday 16th March: Waterloo to Formby Meet: 10:00am at Waterloo Train Station (packed lunch) Wednesday 23rd March: Formby to Birkdale Meet: 09:50am at Formby Train Station (packed lunch) Wednesday 30th March: Birkdale to Crossens Meet: 09:58am at Birkdale Train Station (packed lunch) Wednesday 2nd March: Hightown Wander Meet: 10:35am at Hightown Train Station Wednesday 9th March: Hall Road to Maghull Meet: 10:35am at Hall Road Train Station Wednesday 5th Jan: Litherland to Liverpool via Canal Wednesday 12th Jan: Ainsdale to Formby Wednesday 19th January: Lydiate from Haylofts Wednesday 26th January: Little Neston and Ness Minibus/ Wednesday 2nd February: Seaforth to Hightown Wednesday 9th February: Hall Road to Maghull Wednesday 16th February: Marbury Park Minibus/ Wednesday 23rd February: Maghull to Melling Wednesday 2nd March: Aughton to Cleves Hill Wednesday 9th March: Brimstage and Thornton Hough Wednesday 16th March: Southport Mystery Tour Wednesday 23rd March: Royden Park Minibus/ Wednesday 30th March: Maghull to Scarisbrick Thursdays Formby Pool Walks Walk Leaders: Ian, Anne and Steph Meet: 10:30am at Formby Pool (in main reception). 6 $ O ZDONVYDU\ LQ OHQ JWK DQ G ODVW IRU KRX UV 7KH ZDONVDUH ORQ JHU WKDQ RWKHUVRQ WKH SURJUDP P H DQ G DUH X Q GHUWDNHQ D a brisker pace. There are routes to suit everyone including the FishermanÕ s Path and Lifeboat road. Thursday 20th January: Cornerstones Thursday 27th January: Ravenmeols Trail Thursday 3rd February: DobsonÕ s Path Thursday 10th February: Rimrose Valley Trail Thursday 17th February: Lifeboat Road Thursday 24th February: Freshfield Dune Heath Thursday 3rd March: Squirrel Reserve Thursday 10th March: FishermanÕ s Path Thursday 17th March: Cabin Hill Thursday 24th March: Lifeboat Road Thursday 31st March: Cornerstones Path

7 Thursdays Churchtown Walks Walk Leaders: Pat and Arthur Meet: 1:30pm at Churchtown Library (on the corner of Mill Lane/Roe Lane. There is a variety of interesting routes through historic Churchtown DQ G WKH ZDONVODVW KRX UV Wednesday 20th January Wednesday 3rd February Wednesday 17th February Wednesday 3rd March Wednesday 17th March Wednesday 31st March Spring Evening Walks Walk Leader: Stephanie Thursday 17th March (wear something green) Formby Coastal Trail Meet: 6:30pm at Freshfield Pub Car Park (from Freshfield Train Station turn left onto Victoria Road and left again at the junction. You will the pub in the distance). Fridays Dunes Walks Walk Leaders: Jean and Trefor All evening walks start at 6:00pm Ð meeting points vary. Walks last hours. Thursday 31st March: Hightown Coastal Wander Meet: 6:30pm at Hightown Train Station *Although the routes are generally flat and easy, please wear appropriate footwear. Meet: 1:30pm at Dunes Leisure Centre outside the main entrance. Routes include Victoria Park, Southport Pier, the Velvet Trail and many more. Walks last approx. 1.5 hours. Friday 14th January Friday 28th January Southport Central Walks Walk Leaders: Tony, Christian and Betty Friday 11th February Friday 25th February Friday 11th March Friday 25th March Meet: 1:30pm at Dunes Leisure Centre outside the main entrance. Routes include Victoria Park, Southport Pier, the Velvet Trail and many more. Walks last approx. 1.5 hours. Friday 7th January Friday 14th January Friday 21st January Friday 28th January Sundays Weekend Walks Walk Leaders: Maureen and Michael Friday 4th February Friday 11th February Friday 18th February Friday 25th February Friday 4th March Friday 11th March Friday 18th March Friday 25th March All Weekend walks are FREE to join - no booking needed and they take place across Sefton, including Crosby, Formby and Southport. Sunday 9th January: Freshfield to Ainsdale Meet: 2:00pm at Freshfield Train Station, (4.3 mls) Sunday 16th January: Crosby Promenade Meet: 2:00pm at Coast Guard Station, Hall Road, (4.1 mls) Sunday 23rd January: Rimrose Valley Meet: 2:00pm at Crosby Library, (4.5 mls) Sunday 30th January: FishermanÕ s Path Circular Meet: 2:00pm at Freshfield Train Station, (4.5 mls) Sunday 6th February: Crosby Prom Linear Meet: 2:00pm at Crosby Library, (3.4 mls) Sunday 13th February: Ainsdale Woods Meet: 2:00pm at Ainsdale Train Station, (5 mls) Sunday 20th February: Birkdale Loop Meet: 2:00pm at Birkdale Train Station, (5.7 mls) Sunday 27th February: Hillside Nature Trail Circular Meet: 2:00pm at Hillside Train Station, (4.5 mls) Sunday 6th March: Hightown Coastal Path Meet: 2:00pm at Hightown Train Station, (4.3 mls) Sunday 13th March: Formby Squirrel Reserve Meet: 2:00pm at Freshfield Train Station, (4.5 mls) Sunday 20th March: Burbo Bank Loop Meet: 2:00pm at Crosby Library, (3.4 mls) Sunday 27th March: Green Beach, Birkdale Meet: 2:00pm at Hillside Train Station, (4.5 mls) 7

8 Cycling News MeCycle - The Cedar House Bike Project An exciting new bike recycling project is being developed in Seaforth. MeCycle receives old and pre loved bikes that are donated and either strips them down for recycling (and avoiding landfill), reuses working parts or refurbishes them. These refurbished bikes are sold at really affordable prices to encourage cycling as part of a healthy lifestyle. MeCycle is operated as a social enterprise and was set up by Autism Initiatives UK, a National Charity with their Head Office in Crosby. They offer supported work placement programmes in bike maintenance and other work skills within this project to people with Autism and Asperger Syndrome. All profits from these activities are invested back into the workshop to improve the quality and to add to the number of placements available. Revenue is also used to broaden the range of services they offer to cyclists in Sefton and Merseyside. If you would like to donate a bike that you have finished using or would like to receive some information about affordable refurbished bikes for all the family, please contact Jon Gordon on or jon.gordon@ autisminitiatives.org. Autism Initiatives UK Registered Charity Number: Company Number: Adult Cycle Training More than 16 people have now learned to ride a bike for the first time by taking part in the Level 1 course. This course, based at Dunes Leisure Centre, ran over five weeks and many of the new cyclists intend to join the level 2 course in the spring so that they can build up their confidence on the roads. One person said: Ò I enjoyed it all. I canõ t believe how quickly I got into cycling. I can even use the gears properly now. I would advise anyone who canõ t ride a bike to go on the course.ó Cycle Leaders support projects throughout the Borough 2010 has been another good year for the Cycle Champions who continue to encourage people to try cycling, sometimes for the first time. Jeff, Rose, Michelle, David, Bob, Irene, Jim, Dug, Alasdair, Emma, Peter, Chris, Helen, Tracey and many more have supported cycle projects in Sefton and theyõ ve enjoyed the cycling as well. We are still eager to recruit more champions to the team. Full training will be provided. If you are interested and would like to find out more, please contact Juliet Jardine. 8 I would like to thank all of the above again for their hard work and commitment this year. IÕ d also like to extend thanks again to Southport Cycling Club, which is also involved with our projects.

9 Jeff in Flanders Southport Cycle Centre In September 2003, while I was undergoing rehabilitation following a heart attack, I was offered the opportunity to participate in the first Health on Wheels course which was due to start later that month. I was told that it involved cycling for 1 day a week for 10 consecutive weeks starting with short rides and gradually progressing to longer ones. Although I hadnõ t ridden a bike for 40 years, I thought I would give it a go. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, bought a bike at the end of it and have never looked back. The course is now known as Ô Cycling Back to HealthÕ and I have been associated with it since 2004 in my role as a volunteer Cycle Leader. My wife has also taken up cycling and we like to spend time in Europe with our bikes. I thought it might be interesting to comment on the cycling experience in different countries and linking that to points of general interest. We were recently in Flanders, the Flemish speaking half of Belgium, so IÕ ll start there. To get to the Centre of Ypres, I needed to cycle through the Menin Gate which is a Memorial to 54,896 British and Commonwealth soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient during World War I and have no known graves. Then there is a narrow, busy one way street leading to the main square. Later on, I returned to the Menin Gate by the same route and noticed the Ô No EntryÕ sign with UITGEZONDERD written beneath it. This means Ô except forõ so the sign does not apply to cyclists and I was able to cycle the Õ wrong wayõ along the narrow one way street. At the spot where I took this photo, there is another one way street to the right which has no text but which clearly indicates to motorists that they can expect cyclists to be cycling in either direction. The Southport Cycle Centre, provided in conjunction with our partners Merseyrail and Merseytravel, is based at Southport Railway Station, London Street. It is now open and offers secure cycle parking, cycle maintenance and cycle hire. CYCLE PARKING The Centre provides secure cycle parking with 24 hour access. Access to the facility is via a swipe card and full details of how to register for the card can be found on MerseyrailÕ s website. The facility is one of 18 new cycle parking storage facilities provided on both the Northern Line and the Wirral Line. Why Cycle? There are many reasons to start cycling. Here are just a few of them:- l ItÕ s great for your health. Incorporating cycling into your daily routine is an excellent way to keep fit. l ItÕ s kind to the environment. l ItÕ s affordable. ThereÕ s no road tax, MOT, insurance or fuel to pay for. l ItÕ s fun. Throughout the year we offer adult cycling courses in Sefton for beginners, for those lacking in confidence and for those who would like to cycle in busier traffic but feel uneasy about doing so. If you would like to get back on your bike, or would like more information about the courses please ring Juliet Jardine. I asked if this caused accidents but apparently not because motorists are aware of the situation and look out for cyclists. Also, the speed limit throughout the centre of Ypres is only 30 Km per hour which is between 18 & 19 miles per hour. These signs allowing cyclists to cycle towards oncoming traffic in one way streets are commonplace in Flanders but I donõ t recall ever seeing one in the UK. CYCLE MAINTENANCE Keep your bicycle roadworthy by visiting our fully trained mechanics for bike repairs and servicing. The team at Southport Cycle Centre is standing by to service and repair most makes of bike. We recommend you book in advance in person, by phone or by . A Ô same dayõ service is available subject to demand and availability of spare parts. The Cycle Centre also sells a number of bike accessories including tyres and puncture repair kits. CYCLE CENTRE OPENING TIMES (for cycle hire and maintenance) Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm Saturday 9am to 6pm Sunday 10am to 6pm Southport Cycle Centre, London Street, Southport, PR8 1BE Tel or cyclehire@southportcycletown.gov.uk For a quote on repairs or servicing, please contact the Cycle Centre. CYCLE HIRE The main Cycle Hire Centre is based at the Eco Centre, Esplanade. Cycles can be hired for 6.00 per day and 4.00 for up to 4 hours. Use of helmets, security locks, lights and other accessories is also included in the cost. Tag-a-longs, trailers, childrenõ s bikes and child seats are also available for hire. The main hirer must be 18 or over and photo ID and proof of address will be required to hire the bikes. Please note that bikes can only be hired per day and cannot be kept overnight. ECO CENTRE OPENING TIMES (for cycle hire) Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm Sunday 10am to 6pm Telephone:

10 Cycling News Adult Cycling Courses The aim of all these courses is to build up confidence. Our Adult Training courses cater for people with different levels of experience. Why not sign up for one of these? Level 1 - For the complete beginner. Level 2 - If you can cycle but youõ re unsure on the roads and want to gain more confidence, then this is the course for you. ItÕ s designed for people who can ride but who lack experience on and off road. Level 3 - For the more advanced rider, this course involves more complicated road manoeuvres and situations. Wheels for All If you would like more information about any of these courses, please ring Juliet Jardine. We have a wide range of cycling equipment to enable almost everyone to enjoy cycling whatever their age, abilities or needs. Wheels for All sessions take place at Litherland Sports Park on an enclosed cycle circuit. Wednesdays and Fridays, 10am - 3pm. Please telephone the centre first to confirm your booking and check the availability of cycles Wheels for All cycles are also available at Dunes Leisure Centre, Southport. Please telephone in advance to arrange a convenient time and to check the availability of cycles Cycling Back To Health This is a 10-week cycling programme for people who have suffered ill health. It is aimed at people who would like to take up cycling, perhaps as a means of supporting their gym based exercise programme. The group cycles at a gentle pace over 10 weeks, with the distance cycled increasing very gradually. Often people are referred by their doctor but if you have suffered ill health and feel you would benefit from this programme, phone Juliet Jardine. We are starting a new Cycling Back to Health course in spring; if you are interested please ring Juliet Jardine on Cycle Challenge In the spring, we will be starting some Family rides, which will take place once a fortnight starting at Formby Pool. Over 60 cyclists got onto their bikes to challenge themselves to a leisurely bike at Shoreside Primary School. Members of 17th St JohnÕ s Guides in Ainsdale cycled as part of their cycling badge and children of all ages cycled along the roads accompanied by their parents. Cyclists found that cycling is a great way to explore their surrounding area. ItÕ s a simple pleasure that costs practically nothing and that anyone can enjoy. Juliet, Mary and the rest of the team would like to say a big thank you to all involved and especially to the school. Can t fix a puncture? 10 Our Basic Bike Maintenance sessions could be the answer. CTC Cycle Champions are offering discounted bike maintenance sessions for new and returning cyclists who are concerned about aspects of maintenance such as repairing an inner tube following a puncture. There is also lots of interest in learning how to adjust brakes and gears correctly. YouÕ ll be shown the basics in a 4 week course lasting one and a half hours each week starting on Thursday 6th Jan. The cost is just 10 for the four week sessions 18.30pm pm, and can be booked by phoning Juliet Jardine on or Woodlands Community centre on The CTC and Sefton Council are aware that relatively new cyclists are often worried about fixing punctures and making sure that their bike is roadworthy and safe. These starter sessions are designed to increase the confidence of both new and more experienced cyclists. MAINTENANCE CLASSES Thurs 6th Jan Thurs 3rd Feb Thurs 3rd Mar Thurs 13th Jan Thurs 10th Feb Thurs 10th Mar Thurs 20th Jan Thurs 17th Feb Thurs 17th Mar Thurs 27th Jan Thurs 24th Feb Thurs 24th Mar The course is 4 weeks and you are encouraged to bring your own bike. Venue: Woodvale Community Centre Meadow Lane, Woodvale, Places are limited, so please get in touch to book your place ASAP Please phone Juliet Jardine on or Woodvale Community Centre on

11 Greenbank High School As part of their bike club Ô Pedal PowerÕ, sessions were arranged over 5 weeks to show them that cycling could be part of their everyday activities. The sessions were for year 7 girls at the school and they all enjoyed getting back on their bikes. The girls cycled around their school and in different traffic situations. They learned how to negotiate roundabouts safely and also to cycle confidently after dark because both of these can be barriers discouraging them from cycling. Juliet Jardine said that Ò girls often forget how much they enjoy cycling and by encouraging them to cycle in school, we hope they will cycle in later lifeó. Young People s Cycle Forum Pupils from Greenbank High, Birkdale High, Stanley High, Birkdale Primary and Farnborough Road Juniors are members of the townõ s Young PeopleÕ s Cycle Forum. This group met at the Southport Eco Centre to discuss how to make roads safer for cyclists and other issues promoting pedal power. Three or four pupils attend the forum from each school and the young people ran the sessions for themselves with advice from cycling staff and teachers. Juliet Jardine, CTC Cycle Champion for Sefton, said: Ò The forum has an excellent age range and the children always have great ideas about cycling and other green issuesó. Community Cycling Group The group has been working with video in recent months and has been filming traffic situations outside the schools and interviewing parents and pupils as they arrive at school. They also conducted a questionnaire on Chapel Street Station in Southport, asking members of the public for their views on cycling. On Wednesday 13th of October, in order to celebrate Mind week, a Community bicycle ride and picnic was organised by the ride leaders. The ride began at Dunes Leisure Centre where over 23 cyclists gathered to cycle along the Coastal path to Freshfield Pine woods for an afternoon picnic of fruit, juice, sandwiches and cakes in the shade before riding back again. Peter commented that Ò Everyone had a fantastic time on the ride. The weather was glorious; it was a great way to celebrate Mind week.ó As part of Mind week, around 80,000 people were expected to take part in hundreds of sporting events across England. Not only were they making a stand against mental health stigma but they were also reaping the rewards of exercise for their wellbeing. Southport Cycling Belles The WomenÕ s rides continue to be very popular and well attended and the group has enjoyed cycling many different routes since it was formed. The Belles took part in the Pedal it Pink ride in Sefton Park in June and the Liverpool to Chester ride in July and thoroughly enjoyed both events. Research has shown 79% of women donõ t cycle, with less than one in ten women cycling more than once a month. Southport Cycling Belles would like to do their bit to redress the cycling imbalance and inspire more women onto their bikes. Riding a bike gets you where you want to go and keeps you fit at the same time. ItÕ s fast, reliable and if you ride regularly, youõ ll save a small fortune on travel costs. The group has been riding for the last two years and has now split into two sub groups. One group is cycling longer distances and slightly faster. The second group is cycling shorter distances at a more comfortable pace. This is ideal for women who want to start cycling and new members are always welcome to join in. One member of the group said that: Ò Although itõ s been a long time since IÕ ve ridden a bike, I soon got the hang of it. IÕ ve now discovered places that I didnõ t know existed.ó See back for times and dates 11

12 Cycling what s on Freewheeling If you are a Sefton resident then you can join our Freewheeling Cycle Loan Scheme which is completely free of charge. 5 REASONS WHY CYCLING IS GOOD FOR YOU 1 Cycling exercises most of the muscles in your legs and buttocks Ð so itõ s an excellent way to tone these areas. 2 It s a practical way to keep fit. 75% all personal journeys are less than 5 miles long Ð that is half an hour on a bike. 3 Switching short journeys from car to bicycle will benefit your health and your community. YouÕ ll be helping to reduce noise and air pollution as well as traffic congestion. 4 ItÕ s cheaper than joining a gym! If ever you decide to buy your own bike, after the initial purchase, bicycles are low cost and they can be parked almost anywhere for free. 5 Riding a bike can help you maintain a healthy weight. Average cycling burns about 300 calories per hour and can result in a level of fitness equivalent to being 10 years younger. You can borrow a bike for the day from any of our Freewheeling Centres listed below. n Formby Pool n Formby Health Club and Spa n Ainsdale Discovery Centre n Litherland Sports Park n Crosby Leisure Centre n Dunes Leisure Centre Go along to your nearest Ô FreewheelingÕ Centre listed above and take with you identification showing your present address and postcode. For example: n A recent utility bill (gas, water, electric or telephone bill) n A passport size photograph (for your membership card) n Any personal photographic identification (passport, driving licence, travel pass with photo on it). All members must be 16 and over. Southport s Cycling Belles Sat 8th Jan Sat 5th Feb Sat 5th Mar Sat 22nd Jan Sat 19th Feb Sat 19th Mar Community Cycling Club Wed 5th Jan Wed 2nd Feb Wed 2nd Mar Wed 12th Jan Wed 9th Feb Wed 9th Mar Wed 19th Jan Wed 16th Feb Wed 16th Mar Wed 26th Jan Wed 23th Feb Wed 23rd Mar Wed 30th Mar All rides start from Dunes Leisure Centre, Southport at 11am. You donõ t need to own a bike. For more information please ring Juliet Jardine on Women s night at Southport Cycling Club Recently Southport Cycling Belles joined forces with Southport Cycling Club and they enjoy using the Club facilities, which are available to them once a fortnight on Tuesdays. The women meet to discuss rides and they have also been receiving informal training on bike maintenance and first aid. The dates are as follows: Tue 18th Jan Tue 1st Feb Tue 1st Mar Tue 15th Feb Tue 15th Mar The ladies meet at 7pm - 9pm. For more details phone Juliet Jardine. Age Concern Rides They say that you never forget how to ride a bike - which is just as well. Ride leader Irene said that: Ò Cycling is a great, low impact, exercise. It is helping older people with their fitness levels, giving a boost to both physical and mental health. The ride goes at a gentle pace and is suitable for everyone as the group can be split into two so we can still encourage new riders to come alongó. One member of the group said: Ò I used to ride but I hadnõ t been on a bike for 20 years before this scheme started. I was wobbly at first but it soon comes back to you and it is a big help with health and fitness. If you are 50+ then come along to Dune Leisure Centre, Southport and enjoy a ride. Meet at am Thurs 6th Jan Thurs 3rd Feb Thurs 3rd Mar Thurs 20th Jan Thurs 17th Feb Thurs 17th Mar All rides start at 10.30am at Dunes Leisure Centre Southport. If you would like more information about the rides, please ring Juliet Jardine on CTC - the UKÕ s national cyclistsõ organisation provides a comprehensive range of services, advice, events, and protection for its members. CTC Charitable Trust, CTCÕ s charity arm, works to promote cycling by raising public and political awareness of its health, social and environmental benefits, and by working with all communities to help realise those benefits. This newsletter has been developed through a joint partnership between Active Sefton and the CTC and details all the different activities organised and promoted by the Walking and Cycling Team throughout the winter, including how to get involved. Produced by Sefton Council, Magdalen House, Trinity Road, Bootle. If you would like more information on these rides please contact Irene on or Juliet on Cycling Champions Project If you are a member of a group in Sefton and would like some support in getting people cycling then ring Juliet Jardine the Cycle Champions Officer. Cycling Contacts /4638 Juliet.Jardine@ctc.org.uk Brian.Nener@sefton.gov.uk