Hull in print

Emma Shakeshaft, a mother-of-two and city-centre office worker, had never cycled around Hull before.
Like many people I know how to ride a bike and am aware of the obvious health and environmental benefits of leaving the car at home, but I need a bit of persuading to get on a bike more regularly.
One of my fears has always been the heavy traffic around the city centre and never being quite sure if drivers can clearly see me and where I want to go. To get me back in the saddle, I have borrowed a fold-up bicycle that's easy to assemble and light enough to lug into the office for safekeeping when I arrive at work. Although I'm wearing my high visibility vest to help the drivers see me, I'm still a bit nervous.
On some streets in the city centre, there are new cycle lanes that are clearly marked out in green, and this makes me feel safer. There are also advanced stop lines at some junctions which give bikes a head-start at the lights.
Leaving the city centre, I'm surprised how quickly I'm off the main roads and through residential areas onto quieter cycle routes.
It's really nice to cycle along the Beverley and Barmston Drain, which looks like it's been upgraded - and no doubt this is an important cycle route that helps link businesses on the east of the river with residential areas on the west. Eventually it brings you out at Pearson Park.
Soon, I'm cycling on Newland Avenue, which also feels quite cycle friendly (probably thanks to the recent traffic calming measures.)
After an hour in the saddle I'm feeling confident enough to tackle the busy Spring Bank, Beverley Road/Freetown Way junction, but when I make my way ahead of the traffic to the advanced stop line I find the area occupied by a car driver, who was also on the phone. Hmmm.
After my journey, I'm not even feeling tired - despite having peddled more than 10 miles - I'm definitely keen to get out on my bike more often from now on.
(Emma was accompanied on her journey by Allan Davidson, principal traffic engineer at Hull City Council, and cycle enthusiast).

The expert

Janine Turner, also a mother of two and city-centre office worker, has been cycling around Hull for 20 years.
I really do think Hull is a cycle-friendly city.
There are lots of advantages to being in the saddle. The first is that it keeps me fit - I cycle to work from my home in Hessle. It's a five mile journey and a 10 mile round trip which I try to do every working day, weather permitting.
And there's a financial benefit. For example I save a Ł2.20 return bus fare from Hessle to Hull. The saving means that every six months I could buy a new bike - but I'm happy to stick with the one I've got. Overall I save Ł506 every year.
My journey takes about 30 minutes. On the way in, I go from Hessle, along Hessle High Road, past Pickering Park to the flyover. Then I go along Hessle Road, to the roundabout at the junction with Rawling Way. After that it's down Castle Street and then into the Old Town at Lowgate, which takes me to my office.
My way back is a little different. It goes along Silver Street to the Land of Green Ginger. Then I pass Essex House, and go through the city centre to Anlaby Road. Then I join Boothferry Road and make my way back to Hessle.
There are cycle paths on sections of my routes, in other stretches I am on the road with traffic and have to be careful.
I was once knocked off my bike by a door swinging open from a parked car on Hessle Road, where the parking bays are. I'm always extra careful when I pass that stretch now.
If anyone is thinking of taking up cycling in Hull, I recommend they give it a try. Apart from that one incident, cycling has been very good for me over the years.
They should get a good bike, one that they can handle well and feel comfortable with. A good idea is to find a safe route, and go on a few practice bike rides with a friend to get to know the journey and to build confidence.
Reflective clothing and good lights are also a wise investment.

A wheelie good idea

Hull City Council is committed to encouraging more cycling throughout the city - and maintains its 70 miles of cycle routes in exactly the same way as roads and footpaths.
In the last three years, cycle usage in Hull has increased by 16 per cent - and that means Hull now has the fifth highest rate of cycle usage among cities in the UK.
"The flat terrain makes a bike the perfect way to get around in Hull," says Cllr Mark Collinson, responsible for transport.
"There are enormous environmental and health benefits in cycling and we need to encourage it as much as we can.
"In particular, it's a great way of reducing congestion and pollution in the city centre."

Find a fellow cyclist

A new venture called BikeBUDIs has been launched across the country to match up experienced cyclists with novices who do the same journey regularly so they can ride together. The scheme is free and can be used by logging on to the website (www.bikebudi.com *) and registering your regular bike journey.

Praise for Hull's safe cycle routes

The Hull section of the Trans Pennine Trail cycle route, which runs for more than 200 miles from the east to west coasts of England, has seen big investments in recent years.
Stretching between Hull and Hessle, the route is used by around 650 cyclist commuters a day, and was recently commended for its safety measures by the national transport charity Sustrans, which campaigns for more environment friendly forms of travel.

For more information on cycling around Hull contact 300300, or visit the council website at www.hullcc.gov.uk *


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