Got a question? Target it properly!
Road design By and large, Essex has a car-centric road system which isn't too bike-friendly. If you want to see more advanced stop lines, contraflow lanes, off-road links, or short sections of shared route to bypass busy roads, please mail your nearest campaigner (See Campaign link, above). If you're happy to wing it by yourself, mail Essex County Council's cycling specialists.
Potholes Essex County Council now takes your report via the internet. See link on the left. If you are out of county, or if you prefer, go through the CTC's Fill That Hole (on-road) or Clear That Trail (off-road) websites
Need for training Think you can ride a bike? Maybe you need to think again. A new National Cycling Standard puts forward the best way to ride, and it can be an eye-opener, even for those who have been in the saddle for years. Essex County Council offers training to just under half the schoolchildren in Essex. Other training is available privately, for a small fee. See the training link on the left.
Bad driving We all know them - drivers who habitually travel too fast on the roads you use every day, motorists who cut you up, cruisers with boom boxes, even idiots who throw things at you as they drive by. They are nuisance drivers - not the everyday driver who usually tries their best to avoid you and often goes out of their way to make sure your journey is safe. If you need to report a driver, remember that Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 gives police new powers, including the ability to seize and remove a vehicle. However, if you are cut up or have a similar near-miss, you will need a witness before riding to the local nick.
Had a crash? Find out how to report it!
Poor parking Some drivers seem to go out of their way to gum up roads and cycleways. Unfortunately, parking enforcement is a mess. Some places rely on the police, others have traffic wardens, and yet others have council wardens. Your best bet is to talk to the people at your town hall first, and they will see if they can help. Don't put off reporting that driver who habitually parks on a junction - the sooner he is banged to rights the less chance there is of an accident.
Poor shop service Bike shops are best for service - avoid shops that sell bikes as an add-on extra, especially at Christmas! However, even the best bike shop sometimes gets it wrong. If you are affected by poor service, contact either Trading Standards or your local Citizens' Advice Bureau.
Please tell CIE if any of these links are out of date.
Page last updated 100707
