Submission of response to Gov Consultation re E-BIKES (due before 26.4.24)

Cumbria Cycle Mayor (Richard Ingham) has posted today information about the above. Submissions are to be in before the end of Thursday.
The proposed changes are to increase the Wattage permitted (for pedal cycles and so called EAPCs - electrically assisted pedal cycles) from 250 to 500 watts, and allowing 'twist and go' operation. 

In view of the limitation in time I have drafted an outline of my thinking which I show below. I don't think my views are likely to be controversial for Club members (a brave expression). 

PLEASE, please would you have a check through, even look at the regulation summary (I am not sure that you will make this link work but I am sure I have got all the right letters if not necessarily in the right .....) letting me have any contrary views.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultation/smarter-regulation-proposed-changes-to-legislation-for- electrically-assisted-pedal-cycles

Smarter regulation: proposed changes to legislation for electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs)

(issued 29.2.24 response closing 2359 hours 25th April 24)

Questions:                                          Suggested (abbreviated) responses       

1	Support / oppose:	Oppose
2	Explain response:	removal use of pedals / twist and go more akin to motorcycles ..
3	provide relevant evidence	Cycle Club with substantial e-cycles membership
4	Support / oppose increase in assisted speed from 3.73 Kmph to 25 Kmph	Oppose (current no pedal / electric max speed 3.73 km.  250 Watt has the present limit of 25km)
5	Explain answer to 4	If no pedals only power is the electric motor. There are no physical exercise benefits for a cyclist  (with exception for hand propelled cycles, usually 3 or more wheels, but equally they would not be exercising with EAPC).
6	Provide evidence in support of answers 4 & 5	(Club cycling issues)
7	You propose limiting to disabled  ?	No / not relevant –EAPCs are simply motor vehicles
8	Support / limit to cargo bikes? Definition asked for (!).	No experience but 250 watt powers large Off road bikes without apparent lack of power
9	Evidence sought for 8 answer (Q excludes answer re vehicle insurance , Highway Code, helmets ...)	As above
10, 11, 12, 13	What is stock in UK and use of e-cycles  ? the e-cycle market ....	Don’t know
14	Change in Regs affecting ‘function and performance .. no of trips taken’ for consumers and transport users	Imagine some irresponsible use will engage urban dwellers in perfecting side-stepping , better falling performance and First Aid practice
15,16	manufacturers' responses - costs / benefits .....	Don't know

Wednesday 24th April: 2 bike Ride from Kirkby Lonsdale

Meet Kirkby Lonsdale, south side of Devils Bridge at 9.30. There is a lot of free parking.

The route is along the west side of the Lune Valley to coffee at Wray (12 miles) and then into North Craven for lunch at the Old Sawmill cafe in Clapham. Back to K.L. via Ingleton. Distance 38 miles. This is an easy ride along quiet lanes with two good refreshment stops.

Ernest. Text 07549 131994 if interested.

Note also that we are offering two ride on Wednesday, a grade 2 and a grade 3. For the latter please see David's post for the 24th below.

 Sundays 2 bike ride starts from in front of the cemetery at 9:30. Hopefully the weather will stay dry as we cycle from Penrith to KO and Melmerby for coffee/or brunch. Return will be by Ousby Skirwith  and Winskill.  Rosie 

Wednesday 24 April

 Hi

The outing start at the Sands, Brampton at 9.30.

11's at Longtown , Lunch at Bewcastle (no cafe so BYO) Quiet border road with a loop into Scotland and some hills

Route here

text 07810 346 838

David

3 Bike Ride 09.30 Sunday 21st

 52 mile 3 bike ride starting at Wetheral (lay by south of the village on the Cumwhinton Road). Heading to Walton, Bewcastle & Roadhead for refreshments (20 mile) at the village hall (soup, bacon sandwich & cake plus a hot drink £5... maybe *CASH* only). A quick foray across the Scottish border before returning via Penton, Hethersgill, Laversdale & Great Corby. Route/map/gpx file >> HERE << 

Text or WhatsApp 07855534727. Cheers, John H

Wednesday 17th for info

I am intending riding from home to Silloth and back tomorrow and shall be leaving at about 0900 arriving at Mrs Wilson for refreshment between 1200 and 1300. Would be good to meet up along the way or if you are in the area! No pressure. Just information.

Route HERE

Geoff

Challenge Rides - September 15th

You will already be aware that we propose to run Challenge rides in September (Sat 15th from Langwathby VH) See opposite if you are viewing the web version of this Blog.
We are about to hold the third planning meeting tomorrow Tuesday 16th April and it would give us more confidence if we knew that members were prepared to help in some way on the day (and before the day if you can). I have produced a list <HERE> where you can see who is involved and to which you can add your details.
Thanks

Geoff