British Cycling Organisations - Contacts, e-mails and Websites.

All Party Cycling Group (APCG)

31 Arodene Road, London SW2 2BQ

Tel. 0181 6745916 Fax. 0181 6713386

e-mail: oh@velo-city.org

The All Party Cycling Group is a bicycle club in the Houses of Parliament. MPs go on rides together but, more importantly, the group supports and encourages cycling in the UK and lobbies from within for greater facilities. The biking MPs argue for cyding to have a greater role in national and local transport strategies, for planning, employment and educational strategies to encourage safe cycling and to encourage other environmentally beneficial transportation.

31a High Street,

Tunbridge wells,Kent,TN1 1XN

Tel, 01892 526081. Fax. 01892 544278

website: www.cyclesource.co.uk

The ACT is the national organisation representing 800 specialist cycle retailers. Every ACT member offers customers a well stocked shop, with complete after-sales service and full work- shop facilities. Buying a bicycle from an ACT dealer ensures it will be safe and roadworthy. To locate your nearest ACT bike shop you can phone the number above or use the interactive map on their website.

Starley House, Eaton Road, Coventry

West Midlands, CV1 2FH

Tel. 01203 553838 Fax, 01203 228366

The BA-GB (normally known as the BA) is a trade association representing UK bicycle manufacturers. lt also funds publicity campaigns to increase the awareness of cycling (so more people buy bikes). It publishes a range of consumer advisory leaflets. All are fee of charge and can often be picked up in libraries or from bikeshops. Subjects include starting cycling, lighting regulations, choosing a helmet and so forth. The BA also produces Funding Cycle Schemes, a booklet aimed at locol councils and campaigning groups which can help in finding sources of funding for cycle schemes.

British Cycling Association (BCA)

Membership Services Dept

National Cycling Centre, Stuart Street, Manchester, M II 4DQ.

Tel. 0161 2302301 Fax. 0161 2310591

e-mail: 101701.2260@compuserve.com website: www.bcf.uk.com

The BCF is the official cycle racing body in the UK. The BCF is based at the National Cycling Centre which is housed at the Manchester Velodrome. Whilst 95 % devoted to racing matters, the BCF is trying to widen its scope and says it can answer any enquiry on cycling. However, it is best suited to providing information on cycle racing and a list of competitive clubs in your area. Members get benefits such as third party insurance cover.

British Horse Association

Stoneleigh Deer Park, Kenilworth,

Warks, CVB 2XZ Tel. 01926 707813

The Bntish Horse Sociey's Access & Rights of Way Department publish a series of 20 trail guide books covering many areas of the UK which, although essentially for equestrians, are also suitable for mountain biker seeking out good stretches of bridleway. Those that haven't been churned up by the horses offer excellent ride possibilities for cyclists.

British Human Power Club

15 Station Road, Dyce, Aberdeen,

AB21 7BA. Tel. 01224 772164

A more comfortable bike that is less effort to pedal - a faster bike (imagine 70 mph on a bike - or cycling 50 miles in an hour) - that is what human powered vehicles (HPV's) and recumbents are all about. The BHPC aims to stimulate innovation in the design and development of HPVs for utility, recreational and competitive activities. The Club organises touring events and races each year, publishes a quarterly newsletter and "So You Want to Build an HPY" The race meetings whilst highly competitive, are always social forums too.

British Schools Cycling Association (BSCA)

21 Bedhampton Road, North End,

Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 7JX

Tel. 01705 642226 Fax 01705 660187

Encourages the participation of school children into leisure and competitive cycling with cycling activities across all disciplines of cycling with area, natioinal and international events. BSCA also provides leader courses in several disciplines for adult cycling with children. Multi disciplines with anything from hill climb, cicuit races, hard track and grass track.

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers

36 St.Mays Street, Wallingford,

Oxfordshire, OX10 0EU

Tel. 01491 839766 Fax. 01491 839646

website: www.btcv.org.uk

BTCV is the UK's largest practical conservation charity involving 95,000 volunteers in projects to protect the environment including: One day projects, UK and overseas working holidays, support for 2000 affiliatede groups and schools, community development in the UK and overseas, courses and vocational training, Natural Pioneers Millennium Awards.

British Waterways

Willow Grange Road

Watford, WD1 3QA

Tel 01923 201120 Fax 01923 210102

e-mail: info@canalshq.demon.co.uk

British Waterways manages 2000 miles of canals and rivers in England, Scotland and Wales. Many miles of their towpaths offer safe cycling to those with a permit. To get a National Cycle pack (price £5) contact the customer services team at the address above.

Byways and Bridleways Trust

PO Box l17, Newcastle upon Tyne,

NE3 5YT. Tel. & Fax. 0191 2364086

e-mail: BBT@highwayman.demon.co.uk

The Byways and Bridleways Trust specialises in the legal and technical aspects of rights of way and countrywide access. The Trust publishes a journal, Byway & Bridleway, ten times a year.This is required reading for anyone interested in ancient roads and the rarther arcane legal processes surrounding them. Contact theBBT office for a sample copy of B&B.

Camping and Caravanning Club

Greenfields House,

Westwood Way, Coventry CV4 8JH

Tel. 01203 694995 Fax. 01203 694886

The Camping & Caravanning Club has a network of 90 campsites in Britain. Many of them are close to excellent cycling country and great bases for cycling holidays. lt also provides guides, magazines, advice and a range of services including discounted RAC , weather call, overseas camping holidays, legal and financial services. The club now has 300,000 members.Free sites guide available.

Camping and Outdoor Leisure Association (COLA)

Morritt House, 58 Station Approach,

South Ruislip, Middx, HA4 6SA

Tel. 018l 8421111 Fax. 018l 8420090

This is a trade body representing outdoor manufacturers. distributors and retailers COLA retailters are located throughout the country and are specialists in outdoor clothing and equipment. Consumers looking for their nearest COLA retailer or a particular brand can contact the COLA office.

Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT)

Clerk's Court 18-20 Farringdon Lane,

London, EC I R 3AU

A national charity dedicated to the prevention of accidents of children, getting involved in research and evaluation of childrens accidents.

Courtyard Loft, Union Street,

Newport Pagnell, MK16 SET

Tel. 01908 613263 Fax. 01908 618034

CoBR, is a marketing organisation representing over 100 cycle retailer s throughout the UK and Channel Islands. It produces "The Cyclelist" a publication full of advice and assistance about cycling and cycling products.

69 Meadrow, Godalming,

Surrey, GU7 3HS

Tel. 01483 417217

website: www.ctc.org.uk

The CTC is Britians largest and longestest established cycling organisation and has as its mission to "Work for All Cyclists". It provides a wide range of services and discounts to its 66,000 members and affiliates, has 200 local groups, provides 12,000 rides and events annually, and campaigns for better conditions for cyclists, whether they ride on or off rood. Of particular value are its information services, widely regarded as the most comprehensive in cycling and covering eveything from routes to bike shops. Members get free legal aid and £5 million third party insurance, essental in the case of an accident ,it's the only way you can be as well protected as a motorist . The CTC's specialist Freewheeler Cycle insurance is one service now available to non-members.

Mark Allen Publishing Ltd.

Jesses Farm, Snow Hill, Dinton, Nr Salisbuy

Wilcshire, SP3 SHN.

Tel. 0800 137 201.

This is the 'Bible' of the bicycie World, used by shops and suppliers to locate products and search for contact details of over 3000 companies, associations and organisations. It is compiled by the editorial team behind On Your Bike magazine who also publish Cycle Industry, the cycle trade news magazine. Both titles are published by Mark Allen Ltd. The Cyclist's Sourcebook costs £15.00.

10 Church Street, Weybridge, KT13 BRS

Tel. 0193 282 8882 Fax. 0193 2829015

website: www.eta.co.uk

The Environmental Transport Association (ETA) is the voice of transport users who are concerned about the environment. ETA is Britiains fastest growing motoring organisation. It offers a reliable and competitive recovery and insurance service to both motorists and cyclists. Their average call out time is just 35 minutes because they use a network of over 1700 local garages in Britain. ETA covers the whole of Europe and even parts of Africa and Asia.

European Cyclist Federation (ECF)

31 Arodene Road, London, SW2 2BQ.

Tel. 0181 674 5916 Fax 0181 671 3386

e-mail: oh@velo-city.org

The ECF is a political force to promote the bicycle as an important part of both transport and environmental policies at a European level. To achieve these aims the ECF lobbies, provides information and services to the media, authorities, companies and institutions. Despite the different experiences of member organisations from over 25 countries, many cycling problems are similar throughout Europe; for example, dangerous road conditions, the poor image of cycling, inadequate facilities and the lack of political will to promote cycling. The overall aim of the ECF is to achieve a shift from motorised modes of transport and an increased use of the bicycle for daily travel as well as recreational uses.

Information Branch

231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh,

EH12 7AT

You are welcome to cycle in many of the Forestry Commission forests which offer a variety of cycling experiences, from wide forest roads to narrow single tracks. 2600 Kilometres of waymarked cycle trails in their forests feaqture some of the best off road cycling in Britain. An information leaflet is available free of charge . Contact your local office of Forest Enterprises - agency of the Forestry Commission which manages the woodlands or ring the public information line on 0131 314 6322.

41 Severn Road, Heywood,

Lancs. OL0 4RY. Tel.01706621193

Racing organisation, affiliated to the BCF. runs national BMX racing series (the GB.BMX.F is not involved with freestyle contests)

Unit 228, 30 Great Guildford Street,

London,SET OHS

Tel. 0171 4353725 Fax. 0171 7944484

London Cycling Campaign is a member organisation that promotes cycling in Greater London by raising awareness of cycling issues. Campaigning to improve conditions for cyclists, and providing services for members . Services include. free automatic third party insurance, free legal advice, bike shop discount, optional theft insurance, bi-monthly magazine London Cyclist and organised rides.

29 The Coppice, Narborough,

Leicestershire, LE9 SFB.

Tel.0116 2841881

There are ten veteran cycle clubs in the UK. Every year they organise a national rally during the first weekend in September, hosted by one of the clubs. Each individual club organises rallies throughout the year. A booklet listing all the clubs is available from the national secretary.

Coddlington, Ledbury, HR8 1JH.

Tel. 01531 633500

Fax. 01531 636247

Offroad cycling provides publications for those wishing to cycle away from traffic. Maps and route cards are available for: Forest of Dean, Peak Distrct and the Brecon Beacons. Offroad Cycling also runs a comprehensive advisory service for trail managers to help ensure that the trails you ride are suitable for all kinds of cycling.

PO Box 2579, London, NW10 3PW

Tel / Fax. 0181 964 9353

e.mail: info@roadpeace.org.uk website: www.roadpeace.org.uk

Roadpeace, the national charity for road traffic victims, provides information and support to bereaved and injured road traffic victims through its helpline, literature, local groups and contact with people who have suffered a similar experience .

Helpline 0181 964 1021, 9am to 9pm seven days a week.

4 Hepley Road, Poynton, Cheshire,

SK12 1RX.

Tel. 01625 878809. e-mail: phil.cunningham@pop3.poptel.org.uk

website: www.rsf.org.uk

Founded in 1955 for cyclists who love byways and tracks. The Rough-Stufffellowship is the oldest 'off road' cycling club in the world. Members enjoy a route library that is second to none, with detailed information on routes throughout the UK and Europe.

For a free information pack, phone the Sustrans information line,

Tel. 0117 929088

website: www.sustrans.org.uk

For more in-depth advice, contact Celia Beeson Tel. 0117 9268893.

Whilst not invented by Sustrans, the Safe Routes to School initiative is now largely run by them, although there are many local schemes not operated by Sustrans. The scheme provides information, support and advice on making it easier for kids to get to school on foot or on their bikes. Sustrans produce a quarterly newsletter with news of their own and other projects.

7 Glebe Crescent, Stirling, FK8 2JA

Tel. 01786 891400 Fax. 01786 891336

Youth hostels come in alls hapes and sizes, there are over 80 well run, friendly hostels throughout Scotland offefing good comfortable accommodation, with shower and laundry facilities and much more. Anyone over the age of 5 years (no upper age limit) can join, just go to your local post office, a hostel or even by Post. This membership allows you to use not only Scottish hostels, but over 5000 youth hostels all over the world.

213 College Road, Norwich, NR2 3JD

Tel / Fax. 01603 504563

The Slower Speeds Initiative is a coalition of bodies calling far a general reduction in road traffic speeds, both in urban and rural areas. They are aiming to reverse the situation in which pedestrians and cyclists are unable to use the streets for fear of dangerous traffic.

53 King Street, Bristol, BS1 4DZ

Tel 0117 929 0888 Fax 0117 929 4173

e.mail: sustrans@sustrans.org.uk website: www.sustrans.org.uk

Sustrans is the civil engineering charity responsible for coordinating the National Cycle Network and Safe Routes to School projects. The National cycle Network is a UK wide Millennium project . The Network will comprise more than 8000 miles of cycle routes by 2005 with the first 3000 miles completed by Midsummer's Day 2000. The Network is a partnership project involving over 400 local authorities, businesses, countryside bodies and others Sustrans provide a public information service, call for of free catalogue which features maps, technical materials and information sheets on a range of cycling related issues.

Tandem Club

25 Hendred Way, Abington,

Oxfordshire, OX14 2AN.

Tel. 01235 522161 Fax, 01235 445706

e-mail: p.j.hallowell@re.ac.uk

website: www.tandem-club.org.uk

Offers advice on any aspect of tandems, and offen a spares service for difficult to obtain tandem parts. A magazine is published every two months and a club handbook is available. Sixty local groups organise local events and club rides.

Walken House, 10 Melton Street,

London, NWI 2E].

Tel. 0171 3858386 Fax. 0171 3582451

e-mail: join@transport2000.demon.co.uk

Transport 2000 is the national environmental transport campaign working for coherent and sustainable transport solutions. Traffic levels are set to rise by 60 percent by 2031 but this rise could be slowed down or even stopped. Transport 2000's vision is of a country where every child can walk or cycle to school in safety, where companies benefit from green commuting, where local shops thrive and you don't need a car to enjoy the countryside or city life. Supporters receive information, a quarterly magazine and access to a network of local groups.

13 Peers Lane, Shenley Church End,

Milton Keynes, MK5 6BG.

Tel, 01908 503919

Members participate in road time-trailing, cyclo-cross and MTB racing and some touring as well as in athletics. It also provides sports nutritional advice for veggie's.

(YHA ENGLAND & WALES)

Customer Services, 8 St Stephen's Hill,

St Albans, ALI 2DY

Tel. 01727 845047 Fax. 01727 844126

Youth Hostels have changed - for the better!

There are comfortable bunk bedded rooms, a warm welcome, good food and affordable prices. Cyclists will appreciate the secure cycle stores, and hot showers! there 237 Youth Hostels all over Englad and Wales.