Author: PaoloSteen

Highlights from 2023

Posted on | No comments

There has been some limited progress in improving cycling Infrastructure in the Taunton area but as ever progress is very slow. Here are some of the highlights from 2023.

  • You are now allowed to cycle through High Street. The original prohibition of cycling has been removed but of course, we recommend that people take it steady and walk through when crowded.
  • Progress on the Wellington-Taunton route had stalled. Following pressure from TACC, the strategic outline case technical report is now being drafted and will form the basis of the business plan for the scheme. However, Somerset Council say that its work won’t start in 2025 as previously pledged.
  • A priority for Somerset Council was the development of two secure cycle hubs with lockable access in the town centre as payable facilities. The first one has been constructed in the Crescent car park and a second was proposed at Saint James Street. However, Somerset Council have now told us that the funding for these projects has been re-allocated and no further work will be done.
  • A new Aldi has opened at Chip Lane. TACC campaigned strongly for improved cycle parking and access as the original plan was extremely poor. Fortunately, a high quality covered secure facility together with a link to Chip Lane Bridge has been provided. We congratulate Aldi on providing such a good facility for cyclists.

Continue reading the complete list of highlights from 2023 »

Safe cycling during dark days

Posted on | No comments

Each year, when the daylight is getting shorter and weather and road conditions are becoming more challenging, we pay special attention to safety measures regarding the technical state of your bike and your personal visibility before you take to the road.

This year is no different. Therefore, we ask you to spend a few minutes to watch a video made by Avon and Somerset Police. TACC’s Bikeability Instructor Nick Warner gives winter cycling tips about clothing, lights, the technical condition of your bike and your position on the road. A must-watch with a good checklist.

Results in 2021

Posted on | No comments
Every year we publish a comprehensive list of our activities and the results obtained. It’s an extensive list of various activities with mostly positive results. Looking back on 2021, we would like to highlight the next three issues:
    • The ‘Wake up Somerset Highways’ rally to Somerset County Hall and the presentation of an alarm clock, and 9 requests to the Cabinet member for transport (John Woodman). It generated extensive media coverage.
    • The Cycle and Walking map has been was updated and reprinted. We charge £1 per copy to cover the cost of the next edition. Over 70% of costs are covered so far.
    • The Wellington to Taunton (W2T) Cycle path. We have established and run a W2T Project Group. There was a protest ride on the A38 to Sheppy’s Cider Farm with support to Citizens UK / Wellington Wheelers.

For a full list of activities and results please read the complete summary »

Local Elections 2022 – Summary of pledges

Posted on | No comments

Sign with text Polling Station and bicycle

On 5 May 2022 people will be voting to determine who controls the new Somerset Authority. The Somerset Authority will replace Somerset County Council and the 4 District Councils.

We encourage everyone who is interested in green and healthy transport to vote.

To help you decide who to vote for we have collected the track record and pledges of the competing parties.

Active Travel Groups ask Somerset County Council to act

Posted on | No comments

Eight Active Travel Groups in Somerset have written a letter to David Fothergill, the leader of Somerset County Council (SCC), to express their concerns at the difficulty of engaging with the County Highways department over promoting the use of active alternatives to private cars.
SCC Highways often seems reluctant to engage with active travel projects proposed by community organisations with some groups having experienced what they described as obstruction.

There is a general feeling that SCC Highways doesn’t value the time, effort and local knowledge that voluntary groups can bring. SCC Highways often seems very conservative in its approach the way roads are designed for car capacity to the detriment of active travel. It includes overuse of barriers, sheep pens and ‘cyclist dismount’ signs and where SCC commits to an action in respect of active travel, it is incredibly slow to implement it.

The Active Travel Groups urge SCC mainly to take Climate Change more seriously, to focus on implementation rather than further reports, and to take a fresh look at how Highways works with voluntary groups, empowering them to develop and implement active travel projects in their areas.

Read the full letter to SCC (PDF).

Next Page »