Ross Menzies of Transition Tynedale had contacted James Adamson Sustrans Area Manager about the possibility of Sustrans having a stall a their sustainable transport event in Hexham Market Place to be held on November 1st. After the usual exchange of e-mails, volunteers came forth and plans were laid.
Banners and some display material were delivered to my home by Newcastle office. This material was supplemented by the existing STARs wooden trays and leaflets last used at Whitley Bay Station Green day and most of my stock of free maps.
I picked up John, Ron got there under his own steam and we attended from 9:30 am to about 3 pm. We had an open stall (i.e. no sides) in the Market Place and it was bitterly cold and wet at the start but the rain soon stopped and we thawed out quite quickly. We thought the stall looked quite good. Ron took the photos.
Getting ready for the crowds
Our efforts seem to have been appreciated by the organisers and the local populace. We had a visit from the mayor, had our photographs taken, we were filmed and gave an interview to local radio. We actually sold two maps and three books as well as giving away lots of free books, maps and leaflets. And a few of the Kellogg's cycle computers, mainly to youngsters who seemed keen. We could have given away a lot more stuff if we had had any local maps. Of course, we (mainly John and Ron) were able to offer some route advice from local knowledge. Interestingly, there were a number of enquiries about the need for the Hexham/Corbridge riverside link, which was one of the Connect2 projects that did not make it to the final round.
The crowds arrive
Ron must have opened, closed and demonstrated his Brompton a dozen times at least. The mayor and one other ordinary citizen had a ride on it. I think we could have sold quite a few!
Altogether though, our impression is that Hexham is not a cycle friendly town. There seem to be no cycle lanes or cycle-ways or route signs (except route 72, which passes nearby, of course). Traffic management seems to make no provision for cyclists at all and some areas are quite hazardous, notably in the town centre and the roundabouts near the bridge. A number of people told us they were afraid to cycle in Hexham itself. The local populace were crying out for local information and maps and we just did not have any. John called in the Hexham TIC and they told him that they were always getting enquiries from cyclists and they just could not help as they had no relevant literature of any kind. They would like some.
Hence our map sales and about a dozen people who took away information about becoming a ranger &/or supporter. We thought that it would be worthwhile for Sustrans to work on the council to help them respond to what is obviously an unsatisfied demand – particularly for local maps. Ross was very keen for Sustrans to work with them on sustainable transport and approached John as a "local" to join them. We could be pushing on an open door at Hexham.
Lindsay Perks
