GOOD NEWS ON WALKING AND CYCLING

At South Glos Council’s first virtual Cabinet meeting Claire Young asked the ruling Conservatives about introducing measures to help cyclists and pedestrians maintain social distancing and avoid accidents like other councils have done. At the time we were told no, it was up to individuals to pay due care and attention.

Since then we have had an announcement from Government about the action councils should be taking and Claire has spoken to a senior transport policy official. The council now say that they are looking at this and a cross departmental group has been set up to co-ordinate appropriate proposals and actions, in conjunction with councillors.

If you would like to put forward suggestions for changes that could be made, please fill in the form available from the Local Transport Priority List page https://www.southglos.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/streets/road-and-traffic-management-information/local-transport-priority-list/

email it to transportservices@southglos.gov.uk – do cc one of us from the Focus Team so we can see your suggestions too.

Although usually suggestions for the Local Transport Priority List are only considered once a year, the council has now committed to investigating schemes that would help with social distancing faster than normal.

CYCLISTS and WALKERS - have your say on what needs doing

The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) is consulting about its "Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan". This document suggests lots of local minor improvements, but in our area it doesn't contain anything that resembles a strategy. The walking part is mainly about how people get from one shopping area to another, from Chipping Sodbury to Yate Shopping Centre and then along Station Road.

The cycling section hasn't considered any of the major issues that local cyclists want, like the link to the Bristol to Bath Railway Path and improvements to the Goose Green Cycleway. We don't know about any local cycling organisations that have been contacted - for example they haven't spoken to the Joint Cycleway Group, which is where local councils and cycling groups meet South Glos to suggest major cycling improvements in our area.
This looks to us like a costly desktop exercise that hasn't asked local people what improvements they really need around here. But please take a look at it, particularly the maps of Yate and Chipping Sodbury, and let WECA know what you think.


If we don't tell them what we want, then we certainly won't get it. But if we all feed in our worries, then there is a chance they will realise they have not been listening to real pavement road and cycleway users.

Whatever it is that niggles you. Tell them!

The consultation is open until 15 March - you can find it here:

https://travelwest.info/projects/transport-consultations/west-of-england-local-cycling-and-walking-infrastructure-plan

Get fit, get walking!

The January to June programme of South Glos Walking to Health walks has been published (click here for the walks programme)

Where possible the walks start at places offering toilets, parking and somewhere to go afterwards for refreshments and a chat. All walks are free and are led by trained volunteers.

You are welcome to bring dogs as long as they are kept on the lead. Occasionally in the programme they may ask people not to bring their dogs, for example, a nature trail, or if the walk takes in fields of cattle.

Simply turn up – there is no need to book. All walks are free of charge, although they do ask for a small fee for refreshments.

Please see the January to June 2019 Stepping Forward programme for longer, more demanding walks.

If you prefer to do things independently, or you are unable to join one of the organised groupsgroups, you can click here for a range of promoted walking routes on the South Glos website

If you're into local history you can also check out heritage walks and trails in South Gloucestershire 

Beating the Bounds on 6th May

Yate Town Council's annual Beating the Bounds walk takes place on Sunday 6 May - an ancient tradition revived as a family walk to explore Yate Common. Meet at the kissing gate opposite St Briavel's Drive at 3 pm.

Beating the Bounds is a traditional local activity for Rogation Sunday, walking round the boundaries of the Common so that people know what they hold as a community asset. In some places they beat the bounds of an entire parish, or ride round the boundaries of larger parishes.

The Common was nearly sold off for housing some years ago, but a determined campaign by local people (many now in the Focus Team) kept it in public ownership. This gives beating the bounds of the Common a special meaning. Please bring your children to show them what a lovely area we have just on the edge of the town.

Please come and join the walk. Dogs are welcome, and if you can bring a small child even better.  As long as they are don’t mind (too much) they get turned upside down at each kissing gate/corner and then given sweets, which is the local take on the original practice of beating them with sticks and then giving them a coin.

New Year's resolution - walk more? Local routes and useful resources

We're told that even a 10 minute brisk walk each day can improve health - there are physical, mental and health benefits. South Glos Council has compiled a useful page of walking links, including short local walks, longer walks and group walks you can join.

Go wild at Wapley this weekend - dog walk and owl prowl

There's a dog walk with a difference at Wapley this Saturday - you don't have to have a dog! If you fancy a morning stroll in the countryside, with or without a dog, please join the Discover Dodington Dog Walk at 10.00 am from the Shire Way entrance to the Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve, opposite the road entrance to Cherington.

And as we've previously told you, there's an Owl Prowl at Wapley Bushes Reserve this Friday,  20 October 2017. You'll be able to join local expert Ian McGuire for a twilight owl prowl through the Wapley Bushes nature reserve. Please wear warm clothes and sturdy footwear and please bring a torch too. Meet at the Shire Way entrance at 7.00pm.

Beating the Bounds of Yate Common

After all the problems on Yate Common lately, here's some good news - an event for all the family.

Come and join the Friends of the Common and the Yate Town Mayor. On Rogation Sunday each May, an ancient custom, Beating the Bounds is practised on The Common in Yate.

The Reverend, Town Mayor, Friends of the Common and local residents will walk the boundaries of The Common this coming Sunday, 21st May 2017.

Traditionally, children are turned upside down at the corners to teach them the boundaries of their Common, which they must protect.

Beating the Bounds of Yate Common starts at 3pm from the St Briavels Drive entrance of Yate Common. The walk is suitable for pushchairs and takes about 60 to 90 minutes.

National Walking Festival: Frampton Cotterell Ram Hill and the Dramway Walk - Wed 7 September

Miners Village Hall, Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath, BS36 2QB
Wednesday 7 September, 10:30 to 11:30

Join South Gloucestershire Walking For Health and Stepping Forward to celebrate the rich network of recreational paths. Free, led by trained volunteers. This is one of a series of walks - you can find the leaflets which have been produced about each of the paths here.

Long and short walk available - interesting local history walk and talk. Will last approximately one hour.

No booking required.

Click here for a listing of all the Discover Festival events

Beating the Bounds of Yate Common - Sunday 1 May

Beating the Bounds is a traditional local activity for Rogation Sunday, walking round the boundaries of the Common so that people know what they hold as a community asset. In some places they beat the bounds of an entire parish, or ride round the boundaries of larger parishes.

The Common was nearly sold off for housing some years ago, but a determined campaign by local people (many now in the Focus Team) kept it in public ownership. This gives beating the bounds of the Common a special meaning. Please bring your children to show them what a lovely area we have just on the edge of the town.

Please come and join the walk, which starts from the kissing gate opposite St Briavel's Drive at 3pm on Sunday 1 May. Dogs are welcome, and if you can bring a small child even better.  As long as they are don’t mind (too much) they get turned upside down at each kissing gate/corner and then given sweets, which is our take on the original practice of beating them with sticks and then giving them a coin.

Beating the Bounds of Yate Common - Sunday 10 May 2015

Beating the Bounds is a traditional local activity for Rogation Sunday, walking round the boundaries of the Common so that people know what they hold as a community asset. In some places they beat the bounds of an entire parish, or ride round the boundaries of larger parishes.

The Common was nearly sold off for housing some years ago, but a determined campaign by local people (many now in the Focus Team) kept it in public ownership. This gives beating the bounds of the Common a special meaning. Please bring your children to show them what a lovely area we have just on the edge of the town.

Please come and join the walk, which starts from the kissing gate opposite St Briavel's Drive at 3pm on Sunday 10 May. Dogs are welcome, and if you can bring a small child even better.  As long as they are don’t mind (too much) they get turned upside down at each kissing gate/corner and then given sweets, which is our take on the original practice of beating them with sticks and then giving them a coin.

Good news for users of the Railway Path

The Bristol and Bath Railway Path between Teewell Hill and west of Staple Hill tunnel will reopen on Friday 1 May, just in time for the first May Bank Holiday weekend.

This section of the path had to be closed so a bridge could be widened. This provides new footways for pedestrians and improved cycle facilities. The council has also used the closure to carry out essential maintenance work to the Staple Hill tunnel.

There is still some additional work to carry out over the new three months that will require short term closures from time to time. Any such closures will be clearly signposted in advance and the council will keep residents notified via their website and social media.

Discover nature and find out about the sun this week

The Discover Festival continues with lots of local events. This Friday 26 September at 2 pm there is a Wild Walk in Yate to discover autumn wildlife, fungi and wild edibles with local naturalist Ed Drewitt on ramble around Goose Green. No dogs allowed except guide dogs.

Meet at Goose Green on the Frome Valley Walkway, at the entrance on Oak Close, BS37 5TW. Booking required - press the Book Now button on http://www.southglos.gov.uk/events/wild-walk-discover-autumn-wildlife-fungi-and-wild-edibles-2/

And this Saturday 27 September you can "Discover the sun!" starting 11 am at St. Nicholas’ Family Centre, Chargrove, Yate, BS37 4LG.  Discover more about the sun at this astronomy talk with the Cotswold Astronomy Society plus outdoor observation session using solar telescopes (weather permitting).

No dogs allowed except guide dogs. Age: 12 plus. Booking required - press the Book Now button on http://www.southglos.gov.uk/events/discover-the-sun-astronomy-talk-and-use-of-solar-telescopes/

Many more Discover Festival events are listed here: http://www.southglos.gov.uk/discover-festival/#!/

Fanatical about footpaths? (or indeed bridle paths)

The Joint Local Access Forum for Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol City and South Gloucestershire (the JLAF) is looking for new recruits. The JLAF is a statutory body established by the three councils, to provide advice on improving public access to land in the area for the purposes of open-air recreation and enjoyment.

They are seeking applications for membership of the JLAF from people of all ages who are enthusiastic about the rights of way network and access to the outdoors. This is an opportunity to contribute views and positive ideas on the potential of the network of paths in the area and on how to make it more accessible and enjoyable for all. For more information go to www.jlaf.org.uk - the deadline for applications is 9am on Friday 22nd June.

New Council offices - cycling and pedestrian links

As well as consulting on parking restrictions around the new Council offices on Badminton Road, the Council are asking for your views on improvements to cycling and pedestrian facilities in the area. You can find more information online.

Maybe this is also an opportunity to sort out the confusing Stover Rd junction layout - we've seen people coming from Yate turn right too early and meeting Stover Rd traffic head-on.