Author: PaoloSteen

Results in 2020

Each year we publish a summary of our activities and achievements from the past calendar year.

Covid-19 played a significant role in our campaigns but it didn’t stop us working on long-term policies like the ‘Manifesto for walking and cycling in Somerset’. We assisted in the experimental closure and monitoring of St James Street and supported the East Street opening for walking and cycling as a Covid-19 measure.

We got Safe Pass signs put up by Somerset County Council and gave practical support and advice on the development of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan. 

Continue reading the complete summary »

Junction 25 Cycling and Walking Mishmash

Somerset County Council (SCC) have proudly opened the new J25 Nexus link road from the Park and Ride access to Junction 25 on the M5.
Map of J25 Nexus road schemeTACC made a lot of constructive comments to SCC on the scheme proposal, which SCC largely ignored. Now we have another monument to 1980s highways design, which marginalises low carbon transport.

We have cycled and walked the route on 19 January 2021, a day after the new road was opened and we experienced the new layout as a mishmash for cyclists and pedestrians.

See the Junction 25 Design Flaws »

Safe cycling in winter 2020/21

In these dark winter days with challenging weather and road conditions it’s wise to pay attention to a few safety measures before you hit the road. In 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.
 

Pass Cyclists Safely campaign launched

Overtaking too closely endangers the lives of cyclists and horse riders – that’s the key message behind a major new campaign this October, backed by Somerset County Council’s Road Safety Team, Avon and Somerset Police, and Taunton Area Cycle Campaign. Operation Close Pass involves taking action against motorists who endanger cyclists and horse riders by passing them too closely. Motorists should ensure there is a 1.5 metre distance when they are overtaking cyclists – it’s the law.

Pass Cyclists Safely sign

Avon and Somerset Police are using the campaign to highlight the importance of road users reporting incidents online of near misses and where camera footage of a road-related offence is available.
During the campaign 20 temporary ‘pass cyclists safely’ signs will be going up at key sites in and around Taunton from 19 October.
The signs were proposed by TACC which has also printed hi-visibility vests carrying the safe passing message. The signs and vests were funded by Avon and Somerset Police Road Safety Fund. Part of the initiative will also involve sharing advice with vulnerable road users to help them ride safely, legally and responsibly.

Mike Ginger of Taunton Area Cycling Campaign said: “We have distributed safe pass vests to dozens of cyclists who have reported on their positive effects. We are pleased to be working with the County Council and police to re-force this safety message with signing on key routes.”

“Operation Close Pass is about ensuring the safety of vulnerable road users,” said Cllr John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport. “Motorists must give cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders as much room as they would if they were passing a car – as we’ve seen, the results can be tragic if they don’t.”

Background information

If you experience a near miss or have captured an incident on camera please report this at the
Avon and Somerset Police webpage.
Somerset County Council has assessed locations and will be installing the signs and police officers will be riding the routes for compliance.
Surveys carried out by TACC and reports on the Police ’Near Miss’ reporting website highlight how dangerous and intimating close overtaking is for cyclists.
The Campaign anticipates one of the proposed changes to the Highway Code, which is currently out for consultation, by the Department for Transport.

East Street buzzing on Saturday

On Saturday 19 September East Street was buzzing with visitors and shoppers, enjoying the ample and safe walking and cycling space, friendly atmosphere and sunny weather.

Also present were a number of cycling services: Dr Bike (provided by On You Bike), the TACC with maps, route advice and info on our campaigns, and Somerset County Council Road Safety promoting Bikeability.

East Street buzzing

TACC in East Street

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