Sutton Guardian is now working in partnership with Smarter Travel Sutton to help encourage and enable residents to swap their car journeys for more sustainable alternatives.
The Smarter Travel Sutton project is a joint initiative between the London Borough of Sutton and Transport for London. It places Sutton centre stage in the push for sustainable transport
in London, with the aim of reducing congestion and tackling climate change, by increasing cycling, walking, lift sharing and public transport use. So whether that means cycling to work
once a week instead of driving, or simply being a little more bus friendly, we can all play a part in making Sutton a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live.
|
|
|
|
|
A BETTER WAY TO TRAVEL
|
Whether it’s a trip to the shops or your daily commute, there are loads of ways to make your travel easy, green and more enjoyable too. To find out all about your options and travel
alternatives, click the links below
|
|
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL LINKS
|
|
|
|
|
CYCLE SAFETY TIPS
|
Here are some simple tips for helping you to cycle with confidence on the roads;
- Continually observe movement in the area you are cycling through, that way you are more prepared for any situation that occurs.
- Wear reflective clothing, the more visible you are the better.
- Ride far enough out from the kerb to avoid drain covers and allow at least a full door width's clearance between you and parked cars.
- Make eye contact with drivers at junctions to check they have seen you.
- Ride assertively to prevent you being forced into difficult positions by drivers. You have as much right to be there as them.
Sutton’s road safety team offer free cycle training. They train to the new National Standards for Cycling Training and cover all aspects of cycling. Training is open to
people of all ages. For more information call 020 8770 6231 or email stephen.wright@sutton.gov.uk
|
|
GOLDEN RULES FOR SECURING YOUR BIKE
|
- To protect it, register it - Register your bicycle model, make and frame number at Immobilise. With this information the police stand a much
greater chance of recovering your bike if it is stolen.
- Buy a decent lock or preferably two.
- Get insurance - An easy way to do this is to extend your home contents insurance to cover your bicycle - make sure it covers you for thefts outside the home too.
- Lock your bike – Lock your bike up whenever you leave it alone. It is best to do this in a place which is visible to other people and to use a bike stand if one is available.
|
|
|
|
CYCLING IN SUTTON: GET SEEN AND GET SAFE
|
See where you’re going
As the days get shorter you’ll be leaving work in the dark so it’s important to have good lights on your bike; white at the front and red at the rear.
Be seen
Cyclists need to be seen in the dark or in bad weather. Wearing reflectors and high visibility clothing helps everyone to see you coming - including pedestrians!
Don’t get wet
Investing in a good lightweight waterproof with breathable fibres is always worthwhile. It will keep you warm and dry from rain, sleet or snow.
Keep your grip
There’s a wide range of gloves available, including ones made of breathable waterproof materials, that will keep the cold outside and the warmth inside.
M.O.T your bike
Treat your bike to a thorough service at least twice a year and regularly check the tyres and brakes. Replace them if they’re worn out.
Be prepared
Don't forget to carry a spare inner tube, pump and tyre levers just in case you have a puncture, and make sure you know how to use them!
Smooth operator
Regularly clean and oil your bike chain - it will make your bike run more smoothly.
For further information on cycling in London including the latest cycle maps visit www.tfl.gov.uk/cycling. You can find out more about cycling
in your borough by going www.smartertravelsutton.org.
|
|
|
LOCALS DISCOVER A BETTER WAY TO TRAVEL
|
|
|
Stephen from Belmont on walking to work
“Walking also gives me time to myself and time to think. This makes me more relaxed when I start
work.”
|
|
NEW CYCLE PARKING
|
One of the reasons often cited for not cycling more is the lack of secure cycle parking. Smarter Travel Sutton has taken these comments on board and is working with council engineers to
replace and install new cycle parking and shelters around the borough.
The installation of around 180 cycle stands will start in February at Cheam Leisure Centre and continue through the year. In addition, shelters will be installed in the coming months
subject to planning permission being granted. Once completed, a map will be produced showing cycle parking in the borough.
|
|
