WOKING Cycle Users Group (WCUG) Group Chairman, Roy Benson was shocked and disappointed when he was ignored by councillors and accused of bias after being invited to speak at a meeting on Monday.
    Mr Benson who has been working with the council on cycling issues since 1994, gave a comprehensive presentation on the benefits of cycling in the borough and told the News and Mail on Tuesday:
    "It was the first time we'd been invited to speak at the council and I'm shocked as our views were obviously not required.  I would have expected that type of response from the government but I thought our council was more democratic."
    He agreed cyclists had won a small victory in that councillors decided to create 72 extra cycle parking areas in the town centre and also approved the proposal for a Woking Cycle Forum.
    He said: "We were completely ignored in the debate after the presentation.
    "We had lots of information that could have answered many of the questions raised and a member who specialises in cycle training was not even asked to speak."
    Speaking immediately after the presentation one member of WCUG, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was confused as to what had actually been achieved.
"They wrapped it up in so much bureaucracy it was really obscure.
    "I wish they'd got into the social values of cycling and not just the policies."
    In his speech Mr Benson highlighted the fact that 50 per cent of journeys made in Woking are less than two miles.
    He explained that using a bike instead of a car, improves health, is more accessible and can improve the economy.
    "Cycling represents a viable alternative to many of these trips and with a more cycle friendly infrastructure, people would be encouraged to take to two wheels and leave the car at home."
    He told members the boroughs of Reigate and Banstead, Waverley and Guildford have all recently adopted strategies to encourage cycling.
    "The whole issue of cycling and safety in Woking needs to be put on a firmer footing.
    "In the last year road schemes have been introduced that actually make conditions worse for cyclists, such as the configuration at the new Safeway at Goldsworth Road.
    "A key element of the borough's Cycling Strategy must be to ensure that all new highway works improve the safety of vulnerable road users, not put them at risk."
    However councillors' comments following the presentation were described as "shocking" by Mr Benson.

Surrey residents have six weeks, 5 January to 16 February, to have their say on Surrey's draft Structure Plan - Shaping Surrey's Future.
    The draft plan contains the planning policies that will shape how the county develops over the next couple of decades. Once finalised, the policies in the plan will set the foundations for how Surrey will develop.  They will also be used to determine major planning applications.
    Protecting Surrey's distinctive environment and cultural heritage, improving transport links and getting the correct location and mix of new homes are all fundamental to the plan. 
    Copies of the100-page draft plan can be viewed in libraries, county and borough council offices and help shops during the consultation period. It is also available online at www.surreycc.gov.uk or can be purchased from the County Council. Summary leaflets are freely available.
    Local people are invited to come along to one of four public meetings. The meetings will provide an opportunity for residents and other organisations to find out more and ask questions. The meetings are:

Monday 15 January - Chertsey Hall, Heriot Road, Chertsey 7pm to 9pm

Wednesday 17 January - The Posthouse, Egerton Road, Guildford 7pm to 9pm

Wednesday 24 January - Wray Park Conference Centre, Reigate 4pm to 6pm

Monday 29 January - Artslink Theatre, Knoll Road, Camberley 4pm to 6pm

WOKING'S first town centre 20mph speed limit zone is now in force, covering Church Street East, Christchurch Way and parts of Chobham Road and Chersey Road.
    The zone, approved by Woking Borough Council's former highways and traffic management sub-committee in 1998, came into force following completion of street scene improvements and traffic calming measures in Chersey Road and Church Street east.
    The Council had to seek approval from Surrey County Council and the Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions before the scheme could be introduced.  Approval was also required for the specially designed signs.

THE work programme during August for the A320 Victoria Way, Woking includes the reconstruction of Brookhouse roundabout to introduce a dedicated vehicle left turn lane from the town centre into Victoria Way.
    There will be new cycle lanes, improved pedestrian crossings and minor changes to the junction of Boundary Road and Chertsey Road; installation of heating, cooling mains and electricity cables on Victoria Way , part of the town centre energy efficiency Combined Heat and Power (CHP) station works; and improvements to the subway under Victoria Way at the junction of Chobham Road, prior to the construction of a new surface level crossing for pedestrians and cyclists to give more direct access to the town centre.
    From August 28 to Christmas 2000, the subway will be closed and use of the Chobham Road/Victoria Way junction will be restricted so that the work can be carried out.  The Council will provide a signed diversion for pedestrians travelling to and from Woking town centre using this route.
    Cllr Rosie Sharpley, vice chairman of Woking Borough Council's executive committee said: "The improvements will mean better and safer access for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists around Victoria Way.  We are using the opportunity to carry out work for the new town centre CHP system in order to keep the disruption to road users to a minimum.
    "The council aims to complete this stage of the works as soon as possible.  However, motorists should be aware that delays will be likely as traffic flows will be reduced to a single lane at certain stages to undertake the work safely.
    "We would like to apologise for any inconvenience that the works may cause to road users and pedestrians."
    The programme of works to Victoria Way is scheduled for completion in April 2001.
    For information contact Woking Borough Council's Engineering and Transport Manager, Geoff Wallace on 01483 743412 or alternatively e-mail geoff@woking.gov.uk

SEVENTY-THREE people died on Surrey's roads last year.
    Surrey County Council's annual road casualty report showed that the number of people injured on the roads has levelled off despite increase in traffic.  The total number of casualties in Surrey was 7,400.
    Woking recorded the highest number of pedal cyclists casualties in the county at 67.  There were 323 casualties as a result of car accidents in the borough 43 injured pedestrians, 51 motor cyclists, eight casualties from goods vehicles, five on motorway and trunk roads, two from bus/minibus collisions, two people injured from other road related accidents, giving a total of 501 casualties in Woking.
    With half of all road accidents occurring on roads with a 30mph speed limit, research shows that drivers are twice as likely to kill or seriously injure someone when speeding.
    The county group manager for traffic and road safety, Peter de la Bertauche, said:  "Surrey County Council is committed to improving road safety through highway engineering, education and publicity.  However, as nearly all accidents involve some human error, we must all learn to be more responsible and take greater care while being alert to the needs and behaviour of other road users."
    Copies of the Surrey Road Casualty Report can be found at Surrey libraries or on the internet www.surreycc.gov.uk/road-safety.

REPRESENTATIVES of 20 key Surrey businesses got together with transport experts from the county council and a Government minister to pool ideas for tackling traffic problems.
    Richard Caborn, Minister for Trade, welcomed the Surrey initiative to encourage local businesses to set up their own company transport plans.  He applauded the enthusiasm shown by business people at the seminar and was delighted that so many prominent companies recognised integrated transport as a priority.
    The Surrey Economic Partnership launched its Guide to Company Transport Plans to encourage employers to do their bit to combat traffic congestion.  Transport expert, Keith Buchanan, warned that traffic habits would have to change as traffic congestion increased.  With the number of cars on the road growing by two per cent a year, there was a serious danger that traffic could accelerate out of control over the next decade.
    By spearheading the campaign, the partnership would help employers reduce the number of journeys made by one person in a car to and from work, and look for other practical options to reduce the number of car journeys undertaken.
    Speakers from Connex and Arriva outlined ways the rail and bus services could meet new demands and a number of local employers explained how they were promoting alternatives to car use.  Initiatives included dedicated shuttle buses to key stations and local towns; discounts for using public transport via special ticketing; chartering databases; shower, changing, locker and parking facilities for cyclists; and financial incentives for staff to leave their cars at home.
    Cllr David Davis, chairman of Surrey County Council's environment committee, said:  "Companies recognise that traffic congestion is detrimental to economic growth and quality of life.
    "Something must be done and we must start to take more action now.  It is heartening to see how many Surrey companies, big and small, are taking the issue seriously and are prepared to look at alternative transport strategies."

THE cycle route at Harelands Roundabout, traffic calming measures in the Kingsway, and traffic signals at the junction of Hermitage Road and Amis Road are among the road schemes Woking Borough Council hopes to see implemented in the current financial year.
    Last Thursday's inaugural meeting of Woking's powerful executive committee approved the minor highway improvements programme for 2000/2001.  The work would be financed using funds from both Surrey County Council and the borough itself.
    Each of the Surrey districts, including Woking, had received a local allocation of £100,000 from Surrey for schemes in their areas.  In Woking it was proposed to spend this allocation on a feasibility study for a tunnel beneath Victoria Arch (£50,000); improvements to stops on the quality bus partnership route 91 (£40,000); and repositioning the width restriction in Oyster lane, Byfleet (£10,000).
    It was hoped to obtain finance for the cycle route at Harelands Roundabout (£78,000) and traffic calming measures in Kingsway (£36,000) from a separate county budget.  However, automatic funding for these schemes could not be guaranteed.
    In addition, the traffic signal scheme at the junction of Hermitage Road and Amis Road in St Johns should be implemented in 2000/01 from funds from Sainsbury's in connection with its development on the former Brookwood Hospital site.
    This money had previously been ear-marked towards the Southern extension to the now abandoned A322 bypass and could therefore be spent on other road improvements in the area.
    From its own traffic management budget, Woking hoped to implement cycle signing in the Goldsworth Park area (£4,000) and pedestrian improvements at Loop Road.  In addition £40,000 had been earmarked for linking pelican crossings near Victoria Arch to the town centre traffic signal system
    A number of reserve schemes had been listed with a view to substituting them for the agreed local allocation schemes should there be any slippage, or if it was not possible to progress a scheme.
    The first priority was the provision of a pelican crossing (£24,500) on Chobham Road, between Ferndale and Brewery Road.  Next came the provision of cycle track at the junction of Lockfield Drive and Denton Way (£25,000); provision of refuges and give-way signing at the junction of Victoria Road and Raglan Road, Knaphill (£42,500); and improvements at the junction of Westfield Road and new Lane (£59,500).

Over the past year, Woking Borough Council has made progress with a number of cycle routes linking to the town centre, and more facilities are planned.
    The annual report on the work of the borough's technical services department outlined progress on the cycle network.  At the same time, Surrey County Council's cycling strategy pointed out that only three per cent of journeys to work were made by cycle in Surrey and even fewer children cycled to school.
    Most journeys on local roads were less than five miles, and if the main deterrents to cycling could be overcome, the number of people using their bikes could be increased.  Improvements to safety were crucial so that cycling levels could rise while casualties fell.
    Journeys to school coincided with commuting journeys and added to peak period congestion.  The majority of these journeys were short enough to be made on foot or by cycle, while many of the longer ones could be made by public transport or on school buses.
    The county council aimed to increase the proportion of school pupils travelling to school and college by non-car modes from 49 per cent in 1996 to 54 per cent inn 2006.  The council also aimed to reduce child pedestrian and cyclist casualties by half by 2010 and this would involve a greater use of 20mph zones around schools.
    The cycle network in the county consisted of 470km on on-road and off-road cycle routes and it was proposed to provide at least 1,000km of new cycle routes by 2006.
    Dedicated cycle lanes would be created where appropriate and quiet residential streets would be used to create properly signed networks connecting main routes in towns.  Where there was enough space, it might be better to create bus lanes which cyclists could also use.  Cut-throughs should be provided and pleasant leisure rides provided.
    In rural areas, cyclists should be segregated from narrow main roads.  The high speed of traffic along some of these routes made them mote intimidating to cyclists than many town roads.
    In Woking the section of cycle route between Heathside Road an Woking Park, along White Rose Lane had been completed.  The route from Woking town centre to Sheerwater Road along Maybury Road and Walton Road was part of the single regeneration budget for Sheerwater and Maybury.  This route had been progressed, with a shared cycle and pedestrian route on Lockfield Drive between Harelands Roundabout and Arthurs Bridge Road.
    The cycle route along the A320 Chertsey Road from Six Crossroads roundabout to the borough boundary with Runnymede had been completed and additional work was programmed as part of the McLaren development at Mizens Farm.  Cycle crossing facilities at the Chobham Road and Victoria Way junction formed part of the Victoria Hospital site development currently under construction.

THE WORLD'S leading bicycle producer has placed its valuable archive of cycles at Brooklands Museum.
    Managing director of Raleigh, Phillip Dairnton, and the chairman of the Weybridge museum's trust, Lord Tombs of Brailes, joined forces to declare the new display officially open.
    Design classics including the Ordinary - better known as the penny farthing - and the Chopper will feature as part of the display, along with "an extraordinary display of cycling memorabilia," a museum spokesperson said.
    The exhibition "illustrates the social importance of cycling, its role in the emancipation of women and a dramatic change in attitude to the courteous conduct of courting," he added.

Nearly 2,500 cyclists took part in the Woking Millennium Bikeathon in aid of the Leukaemia Research Fund on May 7.  In glorious sunshine cyclists pedalled 29 or 18 mile routes to raise money for the vital work of finding a cure for the disease.
   The event was started by the Mayor of Woking, Cllr Ian Fiddler at Brewery Road car park in Woking.
    Blue Peter presenter Simon Thomas, took part in the Bikeathon with Gary Lineker.
   A film crew from BBC's Blue Peter was present to make a film about Leukaemia Research Fund Bikeathons, to be shown this Friday, May 12 on BBC at 5.10pm.
    Gay Lineker's wife Michelle, who is patron of Leukaemia Research Fund Bikeathons, was also present.  Their son George contracted leukaemia when six weeks old but is now free from it.

Woking Borough Council's arts, leisure and tourism (ALT) has agreed that a cycle path under construction on Sheerwater's Albert Drive could be diverted onto leisure land.
    This would enable a wider verge to be maintained between the existing footpath and the road kerb and would give the new trees included in the project a better chance of getting established.
    The land was mown grass, with timber bollards to protect it from encroachment by vehicles.
    Daffodil bulbs were planted in two small areas two years ago.
    The bollards would need to be repositioned and the grass and bulbs reinstated.

A FORUM on transport held in January is already having a direct result on policy, writes Sioban Ring.
    The results of a survey taken at the Transport Forum at Woking Leisure Centre have been compiled and used to draw up the new local transport plan.
    This has been submitted to Surrey to become part of county policy.
    More than 200 people gathered at the leisure centre to discuss issues ranging from trams to trying to cut congestion.
    They offered ideas such as spending more money on combating congestion spots as well as more frequent buses and new bus routes.
    It is the first time a forum has been used in the drafting of policy and council officers are considering holding future forums on transport, or even a chain of meetings on specific transport issues.
    Ray Lee, principal traffic engineer at Woking Council, said:  "The meeting was actually held at Woking Leisure Centre and one of the points made was how hard it is to get a bus there."
    He added:  "A lot of good things came out of the forum."

THE Long-awaited traffic lights at Hermitage Road junction with Amis Road at St John's will be funded from the Sainsbury's development-related funds previously set aside for the southern extension to the abandoned A322 bypass scheme.
    As a matter of urgent business, the meeting of Woking Borough Council's highways and traffic management sub-committee was informed that, now the southern extension scheme had also been abandoned, Surrey County Council proposed to fund the traffic lights from the Sainsbury's money.....
    The proposed traffic signals with cycle facilities and pedestrian phases, would assist school children and parents on their journeys to several schools in the vicinity of the Hermitage Road and Amis Road junction.

THREE Woking police officers will be helping children with life threatening illnesses.
    Insp Phil Waters along with other officers Julian Crabbe and Paul Woodfield will cycle from John O'Groats to Lands End to raise cash for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
    They will be part of a team of 16 police officers from all over Surrey who will cycle the 889-mile route.
    Each needs to raise at least £1,000 to go on the April 25 to 28 trip.
    Ring 0800 389 8025 to sponsor them.

A TEENAGE boy was taken to hospital on February 15 following an incident at Pirbright.
    A Surrey Ambulance Service crew from Knaphill attended at 10pm after receiving a 999 call.  They found the boy lying in a ditch at Pirbright Green Road near to the Cricketers Pub.  It was reported that he had been riding a bike and had been in collision with a lorry.  Paramedics placed him on a spinal stretcher and fixed a supportive collar around his neck before rushing him to the Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford.  The patient was complaining of lower back pain and had suspected concussion.

An 11-year-old cyclist was injured after being thrown from his bike by a car driving too close at the end of last month.
    Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident which happened on the A322 near the junction with The Fairway at around 5.10pm on January 23.
    The car, an estate, did not stop and police would like to speak to the driver or anyone who witnessed the accident.  The boy, who lives in Pirbright, was treated at St Peter's Hospital for his injuries.
    Anyone who can help, should telephone PC Mark Hunt on 01932 569922, or telephone Surrey Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

WOKING Borough Council invites local residents and anyone who travels by private or public transport into, or through, the borough to attend the Woking Transport Forum at Woking Leisure Centre at 7pm on Wednesday, 26 January.  People attending are asked to register by January 21.
    Cllr Rosie Sharpley, chairman of the council's planning and environment committee, said:  "Whatever you think, your views are important to us.  The feedback which we receive from this consultation will assist us to develop future transport policies in the borough."
    During the evening, the audience will be invited to put questions to a panel of representatives from Woking Borough Council, Surrey County Council and local transport operators.  There will also be an opportunity to fill in a short questionnaire.
    The forum will also feature presentations on key transport issues from Stephen Joseph of Transport 2000 and the Commission of Integrated Transport and Martin Tugwell, from the Government Office of the South East.
    To register, please call the special hotline number on 01483 743404, available until January 21. 
    Alternatively, for further information about the event, contact Damian Hulse, assistant engineer on 01483 743413. 

A 37-year old mother of three from New Haw who was already banned from driving, accidentally drove into a 16-year-old cyclist and did not fulfil a promise to return to the scene, Woking magistrates heard on Thursday.
    Unemployed Sharon Smyth of Park Close, pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident.
    Prosecuting, Brenda Reynolds explained that Smyth had been disqualified for three years after a drink drive conviction in January of last year.
    Outlining the incident at 7am on December 21, she said: "The defendant was driving a red Volvo along Heathervale Road taking her 14-year-old daughter to work when she collided with a 16-year-old girl riding her bicycle.
    "The victim's leg was caught underneath the front of the car and the defendant reversed - she then talked to the victim and asked her to wait at the scene while she took her daughter to work, saying she would return."
    When Smyth did not return the victim contacted her father who drove around the area until they identified the vehicle parked outside Smythe's home.
    "They the spoke to the defendant after knocking on the door and she admitted that she had no insurance.
    Smyth told police: "I did intend to go back once my daughter finished work."
    Defending, Gerald Elvidge said: "It is a very unfortunate incident because my client had no reason to drive at all, the shop being just ten minutes walk away.
    "This was a panic situation because her daughter was late - the girl involved actually knew the defendant so she was not trying to evade detection.
    "Although your guidelines point towards a custodial sentence I would advise against this as there is a three-year-old child that would suffer as a result."
    Chairing the bench, Gerald Pelham said: "We have decided that the most appropriate sentence is a combination order including 18 month of one to one counselling from probation and a community service order for 40 hours of unpaid work to be completed within 12 months."
    Her licence was endorsed with six penalty points and she was ordered to pay £50 towards prosecution costs.

RESIDENTS of White Rose Lane who are worried about increasing volumes of speeding traffic, have petitioned Woking Borough Council for traffic calming measures along the lower stretch of the lane.
    On behalf of the 55 residents who signed the petition, Andrew Cockerill told the meeting of the borough's economic programme board that an increasing amount of traffic used White Rose Lane as a short cut.
    Despite numerous road markings, many drivers exceeded the 30mph speed limit even though the route was very much a lane, being narrow in places, with bends and no footpath.  A number of driveways and side roads had restricted access and all these factors added up to a hazardous situation..  Since a fatal accident over a year ago there had been several minor accidents.
    The majority of the petitioners - all but four of the 55 signatories - favoured speed bumps and most would support a 20mph residential zone, backed up by speed cameras.
    In his report to the board, the council's executive director, Douglas Spinks, reminded members that White Rose Lane ran from Oriental Road in the north to Old Woking Road in the east.  Its character varied along its length, from urban near the railway station in the north to a rural, winding and wooded lane with no footpath to the east.
    He had taken the lower section of White Rose Lane to be the length of road between the entrance to Woking Park and the Old Woking Road.
    The introduction of speed tables would be expensive and unlikely to attract funding in the foreseeable future, as there were sites with worse accident records that were waiting funding.  The introduction of traffic calming on White Rose Lane could lead to an increase in traffic on Park road and Heathside Road, a fact that the petitioners had acknowledged.
    Although it would be possible to introduce speed cameras, they would only be effective in reducing speed in their immediate vicinity.  The police favoured mobile cameras, which were more flexible as they could be deployed where and when they were required.
    There was currently only one pair of 30mph posters on the lower section of White Rose Lane and Mr Spinks suggested that one, or possibly two, more pairs should be put up at suitable locations.
    In the debate that followed members agreed with this strategy and also asked that the lower stretch of White Rose Lane should be included in the study of possible 20mph speed limit zones that the council intended to undertake.

SURREY County Council highway services will be under the microscope in a three-month review and there's a chance for ordinary road users to make their views known.
    The council's technical services performance review committee decided the review should look at maintenance of highways, bridges and footpaths; road improvement schemes; street lighting; winter gritting; and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
    Committee chairman Cllr Geoffrey Woodger said:  "Public opinion surveys show that traffic congestion and the condition of our roads and footpaths feature high on the list of people's concerns.
    "The review will examine how we use our resources and whether we get value for money from the way we manage the maintenance and improvement of our highways network."
    The review will be completed in December.  Following a period of consultation, the council's policy making executive will consider specific recommendations in February.
    The review team is interested to hear the views of all highway users whether they travel by car, bus, by bicycle or on foot.  Anyone who would like to make a written submission to the review should send it to Jane Cork, Legal and Committee Services, County Hall (room 115), Kingston, Surrey KT1 2DN.

FROM August 14, a new, signed cycle route will provide safer journeys for cyclists between Woking Town Centre and West Byfleet.
    Put in place by Woking Borough Council, the cycle route runs along Albert Drive, Devonshire Avenue and Dartmouth Avenue in Sheerwater and covers Maybury Road.  There are also additional waiting facilities at the Arnold Road traffic lights across Monument Road, together with direction signs for cyclists for the length of the route.
    The diversion from Albert Drive through Devonshire Avenue and Dartmouth Avenue provides a shorter and safer route for cyclists.  The junction priorities at either end of Dartmouth Avenue are also changed to further assist cyclists, reducing the need for them to stop and give way.
    Users of Devonshire Avenue and Dartmouth Avenue are advised to take extra care after the change of priority has been completed.  Signs will be displayed on each approach once the new layout is in place from August 14.
    Cllr Rosemary Johnson, chairman of Woking's executive committee said:  "Both the track and the junction changes will provide a shorter, safer route for cyclists.
    "We hope it will encourage residents to get out of their cars and use their bikes more, promoting a cleaner, healthier environment."

ROAD works on the A320 Victoria Way to provide improved access to the town centre for cyclists and pedestrians will take place over the next 10 months.
    Work will begin on July 10 and will be carried out in phases from The Peacocks traffic signal entrance to beyond Brook House roundabout (incorporating Boundary Road).
    Improvements include relocation of the pedestrian crossing near Ambassadors theatre, closer to the Civic Offices to provide a more direct pedestrian route between Brewery Road car park and the town centre; a new surface level crossing for pedestrians and cyclists at the Chobham Road junction with Victoria Way; plus work to the subway; alterations to the vehicle exit from Victoria Way multi-storey car park; planting along Victoria Way.
    Work will also take place on the reconstruction of Brook House roundabout to introduce a dedicated vehicle left turn lane from the town centre plus cycle lanes and a pedestrian crossing; and installation of heating, cooling mains and electric cables along Victoria Way as part of the town centre Combined Heat and Power (CHP) energy efficiency power station works.
    Traffic flows may have to be reduced to single lane to allow works to be carried out safely.  Traffic and pedestrian flows will be restricted  at the Chobham Road/Victoria Way junction and diversions will be in place.
    Cllr Rosemary Johnson, chairman of the council's executive committee says:  "These works will provide improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and to the traffic flow along Victoria Way, as well as creating a more attractive street scene.
    "Although every effort will be made to complete work as quickly as possible, delays should be anticipated and we apologise for the inconvenience caused while this work is taking place."
    For further information about the A320 Victoria Way roadworks contact Geoff Wallace or Jay Singh-Judge at Woking Borough Council on 01483 743412 or 743461.

SURREY Police dealt with 66 deaths on Surrey roads between April 1 1999 and March 31 2000, a rise of 12 over the previous year.
    "One fatality is one too many people killed and the repercussion of 66 deaths across the county and the impact on people's lives does not bear thinking about, said temporary Chief Inspector Dave Cook, head of the force's Mobile Support Division.
    He pointed out that traffic flow in Surrey was 20 per cent higher than the rest of the country and car ownership was twice that of other counties.  Although more people had been killed in Surrey during the past year, the number of those injured in road accidents had fallen.  The high profile enforcement programme of Red Zones had contributed to this improvement.  Red Zone sites, which were now advertised on the Internet, allowed no discretion for offending drivers.
    "Red Zones are a success and we make no apology for embarking on a programme of rigorous enforcement to help make the county's roads safer," Dave Cook said.
    "To all drivers  though we would reiterate a very old message but one that is as true today as it was in the 1930s.  Read and learn your highway code - it gives important information about facts such as speed, safe stopping distances and what to do at junctions - and it can save lives."

THE long awaited traffic signals at the junction of Lockfield Drive, Arthurs Bridge Road and Well Lane should go ahead in the current financial year, thanks to major finance from Woking Borough Council and a substantial contribution from County.
    A meeting of Surrey County Council's transportation sub-committee agreed a contribution of £25,000 towards the scheme.  The remainder of the estimated cost of £200,000 would come from Woking's general fund investment programme.
    The transportation sub-committee was reminded that in the 1980s a major improvement had been completed in Woking to provide a new route for the A324 Golsworth Road.  The route of this new road, now named Lockfield Drive, extended eastwards to Littlewick Road.
    As part of the major scheme, traffic signals were not considered justified on the levels of traffic at that time.  The southern access to Arthurs Bridge Road was closed and it was agreed to keep the proposal for traffic signals under review.
    With the considerable growth in traffic, a number of accidents were regularly occurring at the junction and the situation was reviewed by the accident working group.  As most accidents involved right-turn manoeuvres, low cost remedial measures were introduced banning the right turn into and out of Arthurs Bridge Road.
    While this had been successful in reducing accidents, accessibility for many South Horsell residents had been significantly reduced.
    Back in October 1999, Woking Borough Council had supported the installation of traffic lights at several problem junctions, including the Lockfield Drive/Arthurs Bridge Road/Well Lane junction.  County had been asked to fund these works as a matter of top priority.
    In the event of Surrey failing to do so, the borough would investigate alternative sources of funding, including making a financial contribution itself.

AN ADULT cycle course to help experienced riders and complete novices to become more skilled on two wheels and more confident on the roads was declared a success this month.
    Safe cycling techniques and skills were taught in a course organised by the Woking Cycle Users Group, which also helped trainees to accomplish their common goal - to share in cycling as a family activity.
    The course, held at Woking High School in conjunction with Woking Borough Council, attracted adults of all ages and abilities, including some who had never ridden a bicycle before.
    James Parker, training co-ordinator of the Woking Cycle Users Group, said:  "The cyclists who came to the lessons were very grateful for the opportunity to improve their control and safe cycling abilities."
    Feedback from the first course held last summer underlines the benefits of this new training opportunity.
    "Two people who learned to ride a bike from scratch now cycle from home into Woking town centre, saving themselves a daily car journey," added Mr Parker.
    Another course is to be held next moth at Woking College.  For details contact Simon Shorten on 01483 743454.

    CYCLE rides across Surrey are being promoted by Surrey County Council for millennium year.
    The rides are short and are suitable for families to take part in.  The closest to Woking are on Sunday, July 30 at Frimley Lodge Park, Surrey Heath, for a ride of seven miles with a start time of between 9.30am and 11.30am and on Sunday, August 13 when a seven-mile ride will start at Brewery Road car park between 9.30am and 11.30 am.
    There is a total of 11 rides and a leaflet giving details is available at libraries, council offices and bike shops.
    Voluntary donations of £5 for individuals and £10 for a family will go to the British Heart Foundation.

A CYCLIST and a Nissan Micra collided at the Broadway, Knaphill, on Tuesday night of last week.
    The cyclist, 20, from Lightwater was taken to the intensive care department of St Peter's Hospital, with serious head injuries and a broken leg.  He was later transferred onto a ward as his condition had improved.
    The driver of the vehicle, a 74-year-old Woking woman, was unhurt.

As predicted in last week's News and Mail Bryon Alden and Phil Hamilton completed their 1,026-mile cycle ride from Lands End to John O'Groats last Wednesday.
    And two days later they were back at the Woking Hospice where they are both volunteers.
    Accompanied by fellow-volunteer support driver John Styles, the two completed the ride in 14 days and hope to raise £20,000.
    This will cover the cost of opening the day centre an extra day every week at the hospice, which cares for people with life threatening illnesses.
    Those who want to help the team reach their target should contact John Quinn on 01483 881750.

The 2,500 cyclists who took part in the Woking Millennium Bikeathon on Sunday, were all sponsored to raise funds for the Leukaemia Research Fund.
    These enthusiastic supporters of one of Woking's biggest annual community events, pedalled 29 or 18 mile routes to raise money for the vital work of finding a cure for the disease.
    The Bikeathon concept was started in Woking in 1988 and this year there will be 26 similar events up and down the country.  The London Bikeathon will take place on June 25 and entry forms are available by telephoning 0901 88 22220.  More details on the Bikeathon web site  (www.bikeathon.org.uk)
    "It was a great day for everyone and we were particularly grateful for the tolerance and understanding shown by motorists and local residents on the Bikeathon routes as cyclists went by," said Eldon Sandys of the Woking Bikeathon committee.  "But the hard work is not quite over yet.  Once the riders have recovered it is very important that they collect their sponsorship money and pay it in no later than 30 June."

WOKING'S highways and traffic management subcommittee has approved a cycle path, to run from Harelands roundabout to Horsell Birch in Horsell.
    The cycle path, which would be used by pedestrians would provide a link between Lockfield Drive in the south and Horsell Birch and the Goldsworth Park Industrial Estate access road in the north.  The path would be three metres wide and, when funds were available from County, would be well lit.
    Borough Engineer, Ray Lee, told a meeting of the sub-committee that at its southern end the path would tie into a scheme for cycle paths and footpaths around Harelands Roundabout, approved several years ago and awaiting funding from Surrey County Council.
    The route of the path passed through woodland and open space, emerging on Bullbeggars Lane south of the spur linking that road to Sythwood.  It then followed the north-west and northern side of Bullbeggars Lane to a point 100 metres east of this spur, before leaving the road and passing through woodland to a T-junction near its northern end.  At this point, cyclists could turn left towards Goldsworth Park Industrial Estate or turn right towards Horsell Birch.  It would be necessary to consult Surrey County Council and Horsell Common Preservation Society as the route passed over land in the control of both organisations.
    The estimated cost of the scheme was £144,000 plus £42,000 for lighting.
    It was agreed that the scheme should be constructed without lighting initially and that a separate bid should be made to Surrey County Council at a future date for additional funding for the lighting as a minor improvement scheme.
    The cycle route and pedestrian footpath, which would form part of the Woking Cycle Network Woking cycle network already approved by the sub-committee, would provide a safe route for cyclists and pedestrians, encouraging more journeys by cycle and on foot.
    The sub-committee requested that pedestrians should be separated from cyclists by a white line along the centre of the path and officers agreed to look into the possibility.  Members also asked whether the path could be used by horse riders, and this would be investigated.

PEDAL power will push two men the length of the country to raise cash for Woking Hospice.
    Phil Hamilton, 55, a retired professional engineer from York Road, Woking, and Bryon Alden, 66, a retired police inspector from Russell Road, Horsell, hope to raise about £20,000 by cycling the 1,017 miles from John O'Groats to Land's End in May.
    Both men are keen cyclists and their sporting achievements suggest they are certainly the right pair for the job.
    Bryon is a retired police inspector, having served 30 years at Surrey headquarters at Mount Browne, Guildford.
    He has run a total of 31 marathons, run for 24 hours to raise cash for police charities and completed the Winchester to Canterbury event of 142 miles in about four hours.
    Bryon also competes in 5,000 metre swimathons.
    Phil is a retired engineer who works part time as a cycle salesman and National Health Service driver and has been a keen cyclist for the past 15 years.
    He is also involved in cycling with the blind.
    Chris Aitkin, manager of Ian Allan Motors, Old Woking, has agreed to donate a Peugeot 406 estate, complete with cycle rack to carry spare cycles, which will accompany Bryon and Phil on their journey.  Woking firm Phillips Petroleum will be donating the fuel to keep the car running.
Ring Bryon on 01483 763297 or Phil on 01483 772008 if you would like to sponsor them.

A KEEN cyclist was killed when he was struck by a lorry as he rode home from work, Woking Coroner's Court heard.
    But the driver of the lorry had no recollection of seeing him.
    Arthur Ellis, 57, of St Martha's Avenue, Westfield, was cycling along the hard shoulder of A3 near Painshill Park, Cobham, around 5.10am last September 22.
    Mr Elllis' widow, Jenifer, said her husband rode to work at Camberwell three out of five days a week.  Nicole Antill, of New Addington, Croydon was also driving towards the M25 and A3 interchange in the nearside lane in her lorry carrying bread.
    In a statement to the police, Miss Antill said she could not remember seeing Mr Ellis before the collision.
    Mr Ellis was found on the grass verge next to the hard shoulder.  He had fractures to the ribs, spine and pelvis, which resulted in his death.
    Coroner Michael Burgess recorded a verdict of accidental death.

POTENTIAL problems with the shared footpath and cycleway near Anthonys on Chertsey Road in Horsell came under the microscope at the January meeting of Woking Borough Council's highways and traffic management sub-committee.
    Members were reminded that, in connection with the planning consent for the McLaren's development at Mizens Farm, a shared footpath and cycleway was required along the A320 Chertsey Road from the Six Crossroads Roundabout to the borough border at Dunford Bridge.
    This facility was part of the council's comprehensive package to encourage greater cycle use within the borough.
    However, members had expressed concerns about the safety of a short section of the route covering about 100 metres near Anthonys and officers had investigated the problem.
    Borough engineer, Ray Lee, reminded the sub-committee that the shared route included both the existing footpath, widened where possible, and new construction.  However, near Anthonys, the footpath could not be widened without acquiring private land and as a result the width of the shared surface was a little below the recommended standard of two metres.