Did you know that transport accounts for 27% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions?

Shifting to walking, wheeling and cycling for shorter journeys is one of the best ways to make a carbon-zero future.

That’s why Sustainable Stansted is trying to work with others to make it  easier for everyone to walk, wheel and cycle more – and feel better connected and healthier from doing so.

Places where we can leave the car at home and move around safely and healthily by walking, wheeling or cycling. 

Leave the car behind and come to life

Getting out of the car and walking, wheeling or cycling has huge benefits for your physical and mental health.

You breathe in fresh air, you feel a sense of freedom, and you can talk with your neighbours.

Being active for more of your everyday journeys creates a better environment for us all. It helps to reduce traffic, clean up the air in our neighbourhoods and create healthier spaces where we can all live, work and play.

And leaving the car at home just one day a week can make all the difference.

I can’t cycle

Cycling training is available. Most people think of children and cycling proficiency but Essex CC also offers training for adults.

See  – https://essex.cycleready.co.uk/registerinterest/registerselectcoursetype

This training may well help if you haven’t cycled for a while or worry about traffic.

Also look at this site :

https://www.bikeability.org.uk/find-cycle-training/

Uttlesford Council did organise escorted rides in the summer – check if they do again.

I haven’t got a bike

There’s no bike shop in Stansted but there are in Bishops Stortford and Saffron Walden. New bikes can be expensive – but not compared to cars. A basic bike would start at about £350.

Also, a number of bike mechanics [ see below ] also sell refurbished bikes. You can buy a bike privately and it might be fine but if you are not handy at fixing things maybe be careful.

Uttlesford Council has funding to support a number of bike related projects in Saffron Walden – maybe we get some of this here?

https://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/saffron-walden-clean-air-project

My bike is broken

We do not endorse any particular shop or mechanic but all have had good reviews online.

Email workshop@stanstedbicycles.co.uk – appointment only

The cycle guy:  07877426070 whats app

www.highwaycycles.co.uk

www.cyclepositive.co.uk

If you are a local mechanic we’ve missed please let us know and we’ll add you.

I’m scared cycling in traffic

This is understandable especially if you haven’t cycled for some time. Some simple ideas are to be visible – wear light coloured clothing and use lights when it is dark. Being confident is good but easier said than done. Perhaps cycle at quiet times or on quiet roads – to get more confident.

From our experience over 99% of drivers are sensible around cyclists – a lot of drivers do or have cycled. 

If you can try to go out with a more experienced cyclist – a “buddy” – who can support you in riding in traffic.

We would like to see cyclists separated from traffic on common routes as this is better for both motorists and cyclists.

It rains all the time

Clearly it does not rain every day. This part of England is pretty dry overall but you might have rain one day in three.

There are ways to deal with rain. When it is very heavy choose not to cycle unless you have to. But in most rain it is just necessary to slow down a bit and take more care. Mudguards will deal with spray from the roads so you don’t get so wet. Clothing against rain should be light and breathable.

There are more ideas here –

https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/get-active/2020/everyday-walking-and-cycling/how-to-cycle-in-the-rain-look-after-your-bike-and-keep-yourself-dry

No safe routes

We agree with this. There have been several reports suggesting ways to make cycling here safer in the last few years but the investment hasn’t happened.

We are working with the Parish Council to push for routes to be developed. It is not easy but we hope that there may be progress in getting separate safe routes to the airport and Bishops Stortford.

Please see below on LCWIPs.

I do cycle

Great! 🙂 

Cycle routes and LCWIPs

We know that many people will not walk or cycle if they do not feel safe doing so. Without clear routes, adequate pavements and simple ways to cross roads it can be frightening.

Both East Herts [Bishop Stortford] and Uttlesford Councils are writing Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans. Uttlesford say their plan will be ready early in 2024. These plans – LCWIPs – are meant to show how it can be made easier and safer to walk or cycle. 

There have been several reports over that last few years showing possible ways to improve the infrastructure to achieve this. Some things are very simple – e.g. cutting through the speed restrictors on Church Road so cyclists do not have to move into traffic. 

Other things may be more difficult and will cost money e.g. a simple way to make the footpath to Bishop Stortford from Gypsy Lane dual use. Some things may be controversial – sharing pavements for cycling/walking, traffic lights to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists.

When plans are announced please look at them and comment – we will.