One States Members believes Jersey should go back to having a cycle registration scheme

Whilst most governments around the world are trying to get people cycling, because they realise the numerous benefits that cycling brings to the community, here in Jersey some of our politicians seem to be doing as much as they can to put people off cycling.

With the current upsurge in eco-friendly travel, minimising your carbon footprint and saving the planet, I would have thought that Jersey would be the ideal place to demonstrate some commitment to these ideals.

With 111,861 vehicles registered in the Island, that’s 1.57 cars/vans per household (Jersey in Figures 2008), there must be a lot of scope for improvement. After all, here in Jersey, we always pride ourselves on being at the forefront of anything new, and going against what most major nations are trying to do with regard to the environment is definitely new. Jersey could become the only place where you get taxed to do something environmentally friendly. That would be a first!

For another opinion on cycle number plates, go to: http://ipayroadtax.com/?p=336

Sprint Bonuses

• Halfords report that they have seen a 50% increase in customers using the Cycle to Work scheme over the past year. The scheme lets basic-rate taxpayers purchase a bike at a 40% discount.
• Would you like to learn a bit about cycle maintenance? Here’s the link to a free e-book that tells you all about it: http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/about/bicycle-maintenance-ebook/
• The current economic climate in France has been reflected in bike sales during 2009. The value of bike sales dropped by 4.5% and parts and accessories fell by 6%.
• Shimano have released details of a new 10 speed mountain bike drive train called Dyna-Sys. Shimano say the new system will make gear changing easier, smoother and more efficient. The new components are available in XT and SLX versions.
• Congratulations to Sir Chris Hoy who married Sara Kemp at Saint Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh on Saturday.
• Sydney in Australia plans to build 200 kilometres of bike lanes. This includes 55 kilometres of dedicated cycle lanes.
• Keen cyclists staying at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Copenhagen are able to get a free meal if they are prepared to spend 15 minutes on a specially adapted bike that generates electricity. For every 10 watts of power produced the guest will earn a voucher worth 26 Euros.
• If you’ve ever wondered how you could possibly ignore that phone call or text message while you were driving, go to this site and find out. http://safedrivingsystems.com/
• You may remember the 2009 Etape Caledonia, the ‘sportive of a thousand punctures’, where riders had to avoid thousands of carpet tacks spread all over the road. The event has now got a dedicated police liaison officer to address the concerns of the home owners on the route. Let’s hope he is a good mediator, the event was fully subscribed and 4,500 riders will be cycling through Pitlochry on the 16th May.
• Belated birthday greetings to Sir Alex Moulton, inventor of the fully suspended small wheel bicycle. He was 90 last Friday. Check him out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9v_RHIY-O9M

And Finally,

Don’t forget that the Tour de Bretagne comes to the island this weekend. For a great taste of how it’s done on the Continent, get down to Gorey on Sunday afternoon.

Arthur Lamy is a freelance writer and tourist guide. www.cycleinjersey.com