Large businesses increase cycle trips by 43% in December

31st December 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

Following Cycle September, December 2021 was Winter Wheelers, and MK businesses, along with MK schools, competed to cycle the most rides and miles before Christmas Day. The Mayor hosted a prize giveaway in Station Square at 5pm on Thursday 16th December and launched a Cycling Santas record attempt.

Among the top 15 large companies participating, there were overall increases in the number of riders (up 15% to 124), the number of cycle trips (up 43% to 817) and the number of miles cycled (up 10% to 9,761).

The achievements were celebrated at the Mayor’s Bicycling Breakfast on 17th February.

The Awards, sponsored by Trek Bikes, John Lewis and MK Council, and based on the results below, are as follows:

ICAEW – highest average trips per employee

Open University – 1st most riders (43), trips (384) and miles (3606), 2nd highest average trips per employee

Gemini Rail Services – 3rd highest average trips per employee

Network Rail – 2^nd most trips (63)

Nissan Technical Centre Europe – 2^nd most miles (868)

VWFS – 3^rd most trips (58) and miles (862)

Top Riders (most trips): Jason Keenor, The Open University; Rafal Switaj, Network Rail; Steve Abraham, Deliveroo

Top Female Rider (most miles) – Marina Cantarutti, The Open University

Top Encourager – John Wilkinson, VWFS

Results at 25.12.21 (based on activity between 1st and 25th December):

Name of company	No. staff	No. riders in Dec21	New riders in Dec21	Trips cycled in Dec21	Miles cycled in Dec21	Average trips per employee in Dec21	Average miles per employee in Dec21	Increase in riders since Dec20
ICAEW – Milton Keynes	500	9	0	41	347	0.082	0.69	8
The Open University	4800	43	2	384	3606	0.080	0.75	10
Gemini Rail Services UK Ltd – Milton Keynes	350	2	0	27	80	0.077	0.23	1
World Vision – Milton Keynes	280	2	0	15	172	0.054	0.61	0
Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) – Milton Keynes	1152	14	0	58	862	0.050	0.75	-1
Volkswagen Group (VWGroup) – Milton Keynes	1000	16	1	37	682	0.037	0.68	-4
Red Bull Technology – Milton Keynes	900	6	0	29	170	0.032	0.19	-2
Atos – Milton Keynes	1000	1	0	26	302	0.026	0.30	0
Nissan Technical Centre Europe – Milton Keynes	1000	6	1	25	868	0.025	0.87	5
Deliveroo – Milton Keynes	2000	3	0	39	767	0.020	0.38	0
Network Rail – Milton Keynes	3500	9	1	63	564	0.018	0.16	0
Cranfield University – Milton Keynes	1600	3	0	20	731	0.013	0.46	-2
Nampak Plastics Europe – Milton Keynes	414	1	0	4	15	0.010	0.04	1
BSI – Milton Keynes	440	1	0	4	35	0.009	0.08	1
Domino’s Pizza Ltd – Milton Keynes	800	1	0	6	55	0.008	0.07	-3
Santander – Milton Keynes	3000	4	0	14	282	0.005	0.09	1
Sainsbury’s Argos – Milton Keynes	16000	2	0	18	151	0.001	0.01	0
John Lewis – Milton Keynes	90000	1	0	7	72	0.000	0.00	1
	129,836	124	5	817	9,761	0.01	0.08	16

Top Riders – most trips

Name of company	Top Rider – most trips	No. trips
The Open University	Jason Keenor	40
Network Rail – Milton Keynes	Rafal Switaj	31
Deliveroo – Milton Keynes	Steve Abraham	29
Gemini Rail Services UK Ltd – Milton Keynes	David Smith	27
Atos – Milton Keynes	Kevin Findlay	26

Top Riders – most miles

Name of company	Top Rider – most miles	No. miles
Deliveroo – Milton Keynes	Steve Abraham	709
Cranfield University – Milton Keynes	Chris Binch	614
The Open University	Marina Cantarutti	383
Atos – Milton Keynes	Kevin Findlay	302
Nissan Technical Centre Europe – Milton Keynes	Angus MacKay	297

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK, News

Cycling Santas bring cheer to CMK

17th December 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

Following big increases in cycling through campaigns earlier this year (Bike Month June and Cycling September), Cycling CitizensMK has been running two Winter Wheelers competitions in December, one for businesses and one for schools.

To celebrate MK’s winter cycling, there was a rally of 34 Cycling Santas in Station Square (video above), the biggest number ever seen in MK and a step towards the world record – maybe an official attempt next year!

Following free Dr Bike services from Cycle Saviours 4-5pm, the Mayor gave un update on the Winter Wheelers competition results so far (businesses and schools) and prizes were drawn from a ‘Santas Giveaway’ (prizes donated by Trek Bikes, Rutland Cycling, John Lewis, and MK Council).

Mayor Khan shows his trick cycling skills *(click link below for more photos by Jane Russell)*.

Then the cycling santas rode up Midsummer Boulevard to Campbell Park, around the Light Pyramid and back, with a stopover to entertain the crowd outside MK Theatre.

“Everybody knows Santa has a sledge and reindeer, but not everyone knows Santa has a bicycle,” said Ian Revell of MK Community Foundation. “Cheerfully stopping people in their tracks, it was a great way to promote cycling!”

“It was great fun,” said cyclist Naveed Ahmed (left of Mayor in picture below). “I wish I had encouraged more people to come.”

Click to see more amazing pictures in MK Citizen news story.

Fishermead Citizens, News

Short back and sides for Trinity Centre

12th December 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

On Sunday afternoon seven Fishermead residents met to cut down and clear away overgrown vegetation around the Trinity Community Centre. Using equipment lent by Campbell Park Parish Council, they filled six 2x2m sacks, clearing the footway for pedestrians and giving the Centre exterior a new clean look.

Fishermead Citizens, News

Fishermead Citizens first Leaders Forum 9.12.21

10th December 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

On Thursday evening Fishermead Mosque hosted Fishermead Citizens first forum bringing together 20 leaders from nine local civil society institutions: 7th Day Adventist Church, Action Speaks, Chinese Overseas Church Mission, Fishermead Community Association, Frank Howe Court, Fishermead Mosque, Salvation Army Lifehouse, Trinity Community Centre and Trinity Church (apologies received from Jubilee Wood Primary School).

Leaders from public sector and for-profit institutions also attended: Campbell Park Parish Council and The Coop Convenience Store.

After a welcome from Mosque President Thajudeen Lebbe, three Fishermead leaders took turns to talk about their recent experiences of community organising and training with Citizens UK. David Hart of Fishermead Community Association talked about his experiences of 3-day training, Rev Ian Herbert of Trinity Church talked the digital inclusion campaign and Ophelia Cole of Action Speaks talked about a recent action to clear overgrown vegetation from the entrance to Willows First School.

There was then a Weaving Trust carousel of 4-minute 121 conversations on ‘who are you and what issues would your institution like to see action on to improve Fishermead?’ (photo above) facilitated by Sophie Richens, a volunteer at Fishermead Trinity Centre.

Then each institution took turns to present to the whole group the issues of greatest interest to them and their followers, facilitated by Ruth Legh-Smith of Frank Howe Court, and these were recorded (below).

Finally it was decided that an action team of eight leaders (listed at bottom left in photo above) would work together to research and craft one or more campaign proposals to present to a Delegates Assembly, with a target turnout of 5 delegates per institution, hosted by Fishermead Trinity Centre at 2.30pm on Sunday 20th March 2022.

In a post-event evaluation, the Leaders Forum was scored 6 out of 10 due to absence of school leaders and some difficulty hearing one another during the Weaving Trust conversations.

Click here for further details about Fishermead Citizens alliance-building project funded by MK Community Foundation.

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK

Business leaders meet to promote employee cycling

26th November 2021 Tom Bulman 1 Comment

On 25th November, 18 people attended MK’s first Business Cycling Breakfast to promote employee cycling and a cycling competition for businesses during Winter Wheelers 1^st-25^th December. The event was hosted by Willen Hospice in CMK.

After an introduction by chair Deborah Cooper of MK Cycle Forum, Tony Nelson, Principal of The Hazeley Academy, talked about his school’s ambition to see 90% of students walking or cycling to school.

Jonathan Stone of Trek Bikes talked about using a heated clothes rack as a practical alternative to the more expensive installation of showers.

Richard Scott, chair of the Employee Forum at Volkswagen Financial Services explained how his team had undertaken an exercise of postcode mapping to discover that 230 of its 1200 staff lived less than 8 minutes away from work by bicycle. He talked about VWFS had registered with Cycle to Work schemes, relaxed staff dress codes, helped inexperienced cyclists practice riding in the company car park and lent e-bikes for journeys to business meetings.

Leigh Richards of Nextbike said “mobility as a human right” and explained how Nextbike offers cycle use across MK at £5 per day and supports Cycle Day At Work initiatives.

Martin Swift of Cycle Saviours talked about how to reduce bicycle waste, saying “there’s no such thing as a write-off bike” and old bikes are welcome at Cycle Saviours’ education-funded refurbishment operation in Stacey Bushes.

Ellie Williamson of MK Council talked about various support services offered by the Council, including Bikeability Training, Sustainable Travel grants, quarterly cycling competitions and the Gear Change unit on Witan Gate. Colleague Raeesa Chowdury outlined details of the Winter Wheelers competition 1st-25th December.

MK Mayor Mohammed Khan talked about the Council’s vision of a healthy and low-carbon community and Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation, encouraged attendees to join and bring other cyclists to the Cycling Santas MK world record attempt on 16th December.

Finally Phil Murphy and Clive Faine of MK Cycle Forum expressed their positive outlook on the future of cycling in MK.

Following a post-event evaluation, organisers agreed to run a similar event, inviting other business leaders, in three months.

Deborah Cooper said: “This meeting highlighted what a lot of valuable work is going on to encourage people to use the great infrastructure we already have in the borough. There is a lot more to do to improve infrastructure we have, to ensure new developments make cycling easy, and to ensure even more people are encouraged to travel sustainably.”

Events, Fishermead Citizens

Fishermead Citizens Leaders Forum

13th November 2021 Tom Bulman 1 Comment

Thursday 9th December, 7-8.30pm

hosted by Fishermead Mosque, Fishermead Blvd MK6 2LA, bringing together leaders from the following Fishermead ‘s civil society institutions, also leaders from partner institutions.

Civil society institutions	Leaders
7th Day Adventist Church	Arnold Best, Bryan Maxwell
Action Speaks	Ophelia Cole
Chinese Overseas Church Mission	Rev Henry Lu
Fishermead Community Association	Darron Kendrick, Tonya Wilson, David & Melania Hart
Frank Howe Court	Ruth Legh-Smith, Lizzie, Chris
Fishermead Mosque	Tajhudeen Lebbe
Jubilee Wood Primary School	Headteacher Matt O’Brien sent apologies
Lifehouse (Salvation Army)	Tom Lathwood, Clare Doughty
Trinity Community Centre	Heinz Elbers, Sophie Richens
Trinity Church	Rev Ian Herbert, Don Mahon
Willows First School	Headteacher Joanna Orbell
Partner institutions
Campbell Park Parish Council	Cllr Martin Petchey
MK Community Foundation	Kay Smith
Thames Valley Police
The Co-Op Store	Charlie Bird

AGENDA

(6.45pm Meet & Greet – light refreshments)

7.00 Invitation to witness evening prayers (optional)

7.15 Welcome from Mosque President Thajudeen Lebbe and Secretary Shameela

7.20 Introduction from Fishermead citizens:

What is community organising & training – David Hart
How Fishermead citizens have acted on Digital Exclusion – Rev Ian Herbert
My experience of Citizens action at Willows First School – Ophelia Cole

7.30 Weaving Trust carousel of 5-minute 121 conversations on ‘who are you and what issue(s) would your institution like to see action on to improve Fishermead?’ – Sophie Richens

7.55 Sharing of issues – leaders from each institution take turns to present Fishermead issues of greatest interest to them and their followers – Ruth Legh-Smith

8.10 Discuss and decide on issues for research action

8.25 Agree time and location of Delegates Assembly in Feb/March

8.30 Close & networking

(8.35-45 Shared evaluation)

Clothing: There is no need for women visitors to wear a head scarf.

Covid: For your own and others’ safety, you may wear a face covering.

Details about Fishermead Citizens projec t.

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK

CYCLING SANTAS ARE COMING

4th November 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

Following big increases in cycling during Bike Month June and Cycling September, Cycling CitizensMK is running two more competitions in December, one for businesse s and one for schools, and an attempt to assemble the biggest number of Cycling Santas ever seen in MK (an unofficial attempt at the world record!) on Station Square at 5pm on Thursday 16th December. All are welcome to join.

Free Santa costumes for 40 people who are registered with Winter Wheelers and first in line from 4.30pm.

Following free Dr Bike services from Cycle Saviours 4-5pm, the Mayor will give un update on the Winter Wheelers competition results so far (businesses and schools) and prizes will be drawn from a ‘Santas Giveaway’ (prizes donated by Trek Bikes, Rutland Cycling, John Lewis, MK Council and others).

Cyclists are advised to check weather forecast before setting off and dress suitably warm and bright (with waterproofs in case of rain). Front and rear cycle lights must be used.

Agenda

5pm – Welcome from Ian Revell, MK Community Foundation CEO, & Father Christmas
5.05 – MK Mayor Mohammed Khan speaks about why cycling is important to Milton Keynes, then presents update on results of business and schools competitions so far
5.10 – Santas Giveaway prize draw – Father Christmas
5.30 – Briefing on cycle route and Risk Assessment – Tom Bulman
5.35 – Group photo and formation of cycle groups for the ride
5.40 – Short guided ride through CMK to Campbell Park Light Pyramid, including filming in Grafton Street underpass and at illuminated frame opposite MK Gallery, and back
6.15 – Return to Station Square & video interviews

Cycle safety & risk assessment

For the CMK Cycleround ride, guide riders (wearing pink hi-viz vests) will lead cycle groups of approximately 25 riders, maintaining a suitable speed to keep the group together, and will take front position at red traffic light stops. Riders must follow the Highway Code at all times. All riders above the age of 12 are individually responsible for their safety and any injuries through unsafe cycling. Teachers will attend in a personal capacity and hold no responsibility for the safety of students cycling. See risk assessment.

(Instructions to Guide Riders.)

Covid restrictions: Current government advice will be followed.

Competition registration: To take part in the competitions, register with Love To Ride.

For more information, contact Tom Bulman, cyclingmk@citizensuk.org, tel 07962 838685.

Campaigns, News

Fishermead residents help clear walking route to school

16th October 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

Residents from Frank Howe Court and leaders of the new Fishermead Community Alliance joined school staff and pupils on Saturday morning to clear bushes and weeds from the walkway between Porthleven Place and Willows First School.

“It was fantastic to get the help of residents on a weekend,” said headteacher Jo Orbell. “The children who came that way on Monday morning were amazed how wide the walkway felt without the litter and overgrown bushes.”

Action on Climate Change, News

Huge win for Citizens:MK Climate Campaign – Bishop of Oxford Steven Croft pitches Carbon Fee and Dividend to House of Lords

15th October 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

The Citizens ACE team (Action on the Climate Emergency) have had a great win this week. We have been working on getting support for an exciting redistributive approach to carbon pricing called Carbon Fee and Dividend. In this model a charge is levied on fossil fuels at source, and these “carbon fees” are used to fund a “climate dividend” which is given equally and directly to all adults in the UK.

At a recent event run in honour of Bishop Steven Croft’s visit to Milton Keynes for a series of climate meetings, we pitched him the idea. The Bishop sits on the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee, and we asked that he might be vocal about the model in that forum. He promised to look into it, and was clearly impressed by it because on 11^th October 2021 he pitched it to the House:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=233438862151709

We hope this will be the start of a powerful relationship with Bishop Steven to work together on a national approach to climate work.

Uncategorized

Schools competed to cycle most in Cycle September

2nd October 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

September 2021 was Cycle September and MK schools, along with MK businesses, competed to cycle the most rides and miles. Awards were presented at the Mayor’s Awards Ceremony on Station Square, 5pm Thursday 30th September (results below).

There were two schools competitions, one for students and one for staff.

Schools’ Students Competition final results at noon 30.9.21

School	No. students	No. riders	Trips cycled	Miles cycled	Ave. trips per student	Ave. miles per student	Top Student Rider (most trips)	No. trips	Top Student Rider (most miles)	No. miles
Watling Academy – Students	450	9	172	678	0.382	1.507	Thomas Young	87	Thomas Young	235
Ousedale School – Students (minus teacher Tim Coffey)	2,163	26	145	1,515	0.067	0.700	Keerthikan Jasydaran	38	Elliott Pemberton	413
St. Paul’s Catholic School – Students (discounting K Gilnagh’s indoor rides)	1,848	2	32	155	0.017	0.084	Alex Mccarthy	30	Alex Mccarthy	120
Shenley Brook End School – Students	1,778	2	18	449	0.010	0.253	Luke Marshall	13	Luke Marshall, Shenley Brook End School	230
Oakgrove School – Students	2,151	2	4	23	0.002	0.011	Luke Taylor	3	Luke Taylor	22
Lord Grey Academy Students (minus teacher Tim Layden)	1,452	1	1	18	0.001	0.012	Elliott Tomey	1	Elliott Tomey	18
Total	19,402	42	372	2,838	0.019	0.146

Schools Staff Competition final results at noon 30.9.21

School	No. staff	No. riders	Trips cycled	Miles cycled	Ave. trips per staff member	Ave. miles per staff member	Top Staff Rider (most trips)	No. trips	Top Staff Rider (most miles)	No. miles
The Radcliffe School (Staff)	175	16	227	1,893	1.30	10.82	Steve Truan	63	Steve Truan	539
Orchard Academy	50	6	63	435	1.26	8.70	Charlotte Lowe	20	Charlotte Lowe	150
Lord Grey Academy Staff	150	11	104	1,213	0.69	8.09	Tim Layden	34	Stephen Patey	417
Watling Academy (Staff)	48	2	31	247	0.65	5.15	Geoff Houghton	12	Geoff Houghton	210
Ousedale School (Staff)	150	5	67	691	0.45	4.61	Dominic Keogh	26	Mark Bell	257
Fulbrook Middle SchoolC	50	2	21	443	0.42	8.86	Carrie Leach	15	Carrie Leach	298
Slated Row School	90	2	8	113	0.09	1.26	Mel Ridgeway	5	Lesley Byrne	57
St. Paul’s Catholic School – staff	250	2	22	110	0.09	0.44	Michele Smith	20	Michele Smith	99
Total	963	46	543	5,145	0.56	5.34

Award Categories

Certificates and prizes were awarded based on results of rides from 12am on Wednesday 1st to 12noon on Thursday 30th September.

Top Cycling School (students and staff) – most trips, 1st place

Top Cycling School (students and staff) – most trips, 2nd place

Top Cycling School (students and staff) – most trips, 3rd place

Top Student Rider – most trips, 1st place

Top Student Rider – most trips, 2nd place

Top Student Rider – most trips, 3rd place

Top Student Rider – most miles

Top Staff Rider – most trips, 1st place

Top Staff Rider – most trips, 2nd place

Top Staff Rider – most trips, 3rd place

Top Staff Rider – most miles

Top Cycling School (staff) – average trips per staff member

Top Encourager

Cycling Citizens MK, News

MK cyclists pedal 38,000 miles for Mayor’s Cycle September awards

1st October 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

During ‘Cycle September’, MK businesses and schools rode 38,046 miles with 317 riders going out for 3,123 rides (a 170% increase since June). 25 cyclists rallied in Station Square for an awards presentation with MK Mayor Mohammed Khan for the MK Businesses and MK Schools competitions organised by Cycling CitizensMK (see winners and photos below).

Following free Dr Bike services from Cycle Saviours 4-5pm, and tasty hot snacks from Namji, certificates were awarded to institutions and prizes to individuals (sponsored by Trek Bikes, John Lewis and Cycle Saviours) cycling most during September.

Then cyclists participated in a short CMK Cycleround ride through CMK to Campbell Park Light Pyramid and back.

“One of my aims as Mayor is to help MK in its bid for city status,” said Mayor Khan. “We all know we must develop greener daily habits, and cycling to work and school is something more of us can do.”

Elaine Wales, Community Liaison Coordinator for prize sponsor John Lewis, said: “Congratulations to the winners and well done to everyone who took part in the competition. John Lewis and Partners are once again proud to support Cycling CitizensMK”

Business Cycling Competition Awards

Top Company – most trips, 1st place	The Open University	711
Top Company – most trips, 2nd place	Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) – Milton Keynes	410
Top Company – most trips, 3rd place	Network Rail – Milton Keynes	201
Top Company – increase in riders since Sept 2020	ICAEW – Milton Keynes	10
Top Rider – most trips, 1st place (prize: Trek cycle helmet)	Phill Elvidge, Red Bull Technology	54
Top Rider – most trips, 2nd place	Marina Cantarutti, The Open University	50
Top Rider – most trips, 3rd place	Oliwia Maszczynska, Network Rail	41
Top Rider – most miles (prize Basic Bike Repair service)	Chris Binch, Cranfield University	764
Top Encourager (prize: John Lewis voucher)	John Wilkinson, VWFS	8

Schools Cycling Competition Awards

Top Cycling School (students and staff) – most trips, 1st place	The Radcliffe School	227
Top Cycling School (students and staff) – most trips, 2nd place	Ousedale School	212
Top Cycling School (students and staff) – most trips, 3rd place	Watling Academy	203
Top Student Rider – most trips, 1st place (prize: Trek cycle helmet)	Thomas Young, Watling Academy	87
Top Student Rider – most trips, 2nd place	Keerthikan Jasydaran, Ousedale School	38
Top Student Rider – most trips, 3rd place	Alex Mccarthy, St. Paul’s Catholic School	30
Top Student Rider – most miles (prize: Trek cycle helmet)	Elliott Pemberton, Ousedale School	413
Top Staff Rider – most trips, 1st place (prize: Trek cycle helmet)	Steve Truan, The Radcliffe School	63
Top Staff Rider – most trips, 2nd place	Tim Layden, Lord Grey Academy	34
Top Staff Rider – most trips, 3rd place	Dominic Keogh, Ousedale School	26
Top Staff Rider – most miles (prize: Basic Bike Repair service)	Steve Truan, The Radcliffe School	539
Top Cycling School (staff) – average trips per staff member	Orchard Academy	1.30
Top Encourager	Jason Falkner, The Radcliffe School	14

This event followed a similar awards rally for Bike Month in June.

Uncategorized

The OU, Volkswagen Financial Services and Network Rail cycle most in MK Cycle September

30th September 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

September 2021 was Cycle September and MK businesses, along with MK schools, competed to cycle the most rides and miles. Prizes were given at the Mayor’s Awards in Station Square on 30th September (see results below).

Final results at noon on 30.9.21

Name of company	No. staff	No. riders in Sept21	New riders in Sept21	Trips cycled in Sept21	Miles cycled in Sept21	Average trips per employee in Sept21	Average miles per employee in Sept21	Top Rider – most trips	No. trips	Top Rider – most miles	No. miles
Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) – Milton Keynes	1152	51	5	410	7532	0.36	6.54	John Wilkinson	33	Richard Fawsitt-Jones	575
ICAEW – Milton Keynes	500	12	1	133	1152	0.27	2.30	Elizabeth Tribe	27	Vicky Nicholas	249
Gemini Rail Services UK Ltd – Milton Keynes	350	3	0	53	427	0.15	1.22	David Smith	39	Jeff Proctor	210
The Open University	4800	65	9	711	7708	0.15	1.61	Marina Cantarutti	50	Neil Edwards	689
BSI – Milton Keynes	440	4	0	62	431	0.14	0.98	Sandra Fellowes	21	Alex Halasz	201
Red Bull Technology – Milton Keynes	900	9	0	114	951	0.13	1.06	Phill Elvidge	54	Phill Elvidge	288
Volkswagen Group (VWGroup) – Milton Keynes	1000	26	2	114	2549	0.11	2.55	Andrew Stanley	20	Andrew Stanley	337
World Vision – Milton Keynes	280	2	0	20	306	0.07	1.09	Ian Turvey	15	Ian Turvey	188
Network Rail – Milton Keynes	3500	19	3	201	2311	0.06	0.66	Oliwia Maszczynska	41	Christopher Shirley	324
Nissan Technical Centre Europe – Milton Keynes	1000	9	1	54	1481	0.05	1.48	John Fettis	17	Paul Noble	462
Cranfield University – Milton Keynes	1600	6	0	67	1547	0.04	0.97	Chris Binch	29	Chris Binch	764
Deliveroo – Milton Keynes	2000	4	0	65	1106	0.03	0.55	Shaun Mileson	30	Sam Khamtonwong	657
Atos – Milton Keynes	1000	1	0	32	300	0.03	0.30	Kevan Findlay	32	Kevan Findlay	300
Domino’s Pizza Ltd – Milton Keynes	800	2	0	8	312	0.01	0.39	Ian Straughan	4	Ryan Whittaker	218
Santander – Milton Keynes	3000	3	0	23	444	0.01	0.15	Neil Marchant	18	Neil Marchant	317
Sainsbury’s Argos – Milton Keynes	16000	3	0	40	519	0.00	0.03	Stephen Henman	24	James White	262
	40,054	153	153	523	7,444	0.02	0.35

Award Categories

Top Company – most trips, 1st place

Top Company – most trips, 2nd place

Top Company – most trips, 3rd place

Top Company – increase in riders since Sept 2020

Top Rider – most trips, 1st place

Top Rider – most trips, 2nd place

Top Rider – most trips, 3rd place

Top Rider – most miles

Top Encourager

Certificates and prizes were based on results of cycling activity between 12am on Wednesday 1st and 12noon on Thursday 30th September.

News

Citizens climate assembly hears stark testimony and messages of hope from MK leaders

7th September 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

On the evening of Thursday 2^nd September at MK Gallery, civil society organised an event called “Together in the Climate Crisis”, bringing together civil society, local government and business leaders. It was held in honour of a visit from the Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft. The Bishop is a member of the House of Lords Climate and Environment Committee, and the focus of the event was building a joint-up approach to the Climate Crisis in Milton Keynes.

Moving testimony about the impact of climate change was provided by 19 year old Lauren Jeffrey from the Lakes Estate Renewal Forum. She told the room about her initial response when hearing about the climate crisis at the age of 16:

“I feared for my life, and the lives of the people I loved. I started questioning all of my future plans. In my head, they were all pointless. I was in despair…But I decided that I wanted to be part of the solution, and that’s why I’m here. Hopefully, this evening will be a good opportunity for us to come together around a shared goal of making Milton Keynes a climate role model for the rest of the UK.”

The room also heard from Alex Chapman, from Christ the Cornerstone Church and the New Economics Foundation, who spoke about his work for a think tank studying at first hand the impacts of climate change on coastal communities around the world, and the increasing number of climate refugees. He spoke about his visit to sugar cane farmers in the Soc Trang province of Vietnam in 2013:

“My team’s job was to interview farmers about their crops and how much produce they had grown. The tonnage of crop that year, from a village of hundreds of farmers, was zero. The creep of salt water into the soil had killed the sugar cane. Many in the village were packing up, and they were leaving. This is the story for tens of millions of farmers around the globe.”

It was also a night for discussing solutions.

Rob Paton from MK Quaker Meeting explained the idea of Carbon Fee & Dividend and how it is being adopted in Canada. He explained the model, saying:

“Carbon fees are levied on fossil fuels at source but used only to fund a climate dividend that is shared out equally among adult citizens. In this way what would be highly regressive as a tax, becomes a redistributive transfer. The less well-off come out ahead. This stimulates demand for the emerging technologies and investment in them – which brings down their price, further easing the great carbon de-tox.”

There were also talks from local business leaders. Satheesh Krishnamurthy from the OU reported on some of the innovative solutions coming out of laboratories and universities. Jo Lewington, Head of sustainability at Network Rail, described the huge programme of work both to reduce carbon emissions and to make the transport system more resilient. And Clive Faine from Abbeygate Developments described how his industry had woken up to the seriousness of the situation and the steps it was now taking to put things right.

Jenny Wilson-Marklew, the cabinet member for Climate and Sustainability at MK Council, also attended. She offered a very moving speech, and said:

“In 2017 we committed to carbon neutral by 2030 and we are very committed to it, but we are not doing enough.”

Milton Keynes Council recently voted unanimously, across all parties, in support of the radical new approach to carbon reduction – Carbon Fee & Dividend. The motion was presented by Jenny Wilson-Marklew, with speeches in support from Rob Paton, Rick Mutwarasibo and Catherine Butt, all from Citizens:MK.

Citizens:MK is an alliance of civil society institutions across Milton Keynes, focused on working together for social justice and the common good. Their ask of the Bishop was for him to learn more about Carbon Fee and Dividend, and then meet with Citizens campaigners in the near future to discuss whether and how he might help promote it nationally. He agreed, and gave a powerful speech, saying:

“We are doing scrutiny enquiries on COP15 and COP26 in the short term before looking at the long term enquiry on climate change and biodiversity. The world has already lost, climate change is happening. Every fraction of a degree of temperature change is worth fighting against. The responsibility must be shared across all generations.”

News, Uncategorized

Green City makes all-party call for bolder climate action before big UN conference.

28th July 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

Milton Keynes Council has voted unanimously for a motion supporting higher fossil fuel prices linked to compensating payments to all adults. The Council will ask the government urgently to appraise how the idea of a carbon fee & dividend – already being implemented in Canada – could work in the UK.

Under this arrangement, fuel levies are paid back to citizens at a flat rate – so the wealthiest who use fossil fuels the most pay the most, while the less well off receive back more than the amount they pay in increased fuel prices.

Council Leader Peter Marland (Labour) commented: “ Milton Keynes was one of the very first councils to declare a climate emergency. That was like setting off the fire alarm. This is a way for the country to tackle the source of the blaze.”

Deputy Leader Robin Bradburn (Lib Dem) stated: “ Milton Keynes has shown that, done the right way, realistic carbon pricing can gain cross-party approval.”

Councillor Alex Walker, Leader of the Conservative group said: “ This idea is compatible with current government thinking and definitely needs to be progressed.”

The motion was requested by the Climate Campaign team of Citizens:MK

Rev Catherine Butt, of St. Frideswide’s Church said: “Carbon fee and dividend offers a way for us all to pay realistically for the carbon we use, and for us to share equally the income generated. We have a wonderful opportunity to pursue a policy that preserves our precious environment and also positively addresses poverty and inequality. In the year of COP 26, it would be fantastic to see the UK commit to this approach.”

Rick Mutwarasibo, of Christ the Cornerstone Church and one of the team said: . “Young people like me will bear the brunt of the impending disasters. You may think transitioning to renewable energy sources and retrofitting premises for carbon neutrality is expensive. But those costs are small compared to the costs of fire, flood, food shortages and rising sea levels. Climate Fee & Dividend will drive decarbonisation.”

Rob Paton, of MK Quaker Meeting said “It’s vital to secure the buy-in of those citizens who are struggling to keep their families fed and housed and who might otherwise become another generation of fuel tax protestors. Direct payments can secure their support in tackling the climate emergency.”

Events, News

Mayor presents laptops to Fishermead school and community centre

19th July 2021 Tom Bulman 1 Comment

At a celebration breakfast organised by Citizens:mk and hosted by Fishermead Trinity Community Centre, MK Mayor Mohammed Khan presented community leaders with 35 laptops.

The devices were donated by Circular Computing, through Veritas Digital Services Ltd.’s Laptops4learning scheme www.laptops4learning.co.uk which tackles digital inequality by the repair and reuse of surplus technology.

30 devices will be used by pupils of Jubilee Wood Primary School and 5 will be used to start an internet café at Trinity Centre.

This initiative follows a listening campaign involving 61 residents. 41% had trouble accessing the internet and 59% said they would use the internet cafe.

A survey of school pupils showed 114 pupils can’t access devices at home for school work. “What we have received through this initiative will make a huge difference to them,” said head teacher Matt O’Brien. “It’s good to work alongside others who take pride in the community and want to make it as good as possible for our children.”

28 children from Willows First School, led by head teacher Jo Orbell, sang ‘Together in Electric Dreams’ to great applause.

Local resident Ophelia Cole, Chair of Trinity Centre Management Committee, who has been trained by Citizens:mk, said: “I strongly believe in working with institutions who contribute towards developing residents and changing the negative press about Fishermead. I hope this centre will one day become the hub where all residents meet to support and encourage each other, where those who are strong give a helping hand to those who are struggling.”

Mayor with representatives of Veritas Digital (Sue Gowling second from right) and Fishermead community leaders (Ophelia Cole (fifth from right)

The event was also attended by Debbie Gockelen, Assistant Principal of MK Academy secondary school, who said: “Our work with the community through Citizens:mk has encouraged active citizenship and empowered our students to make a difference in their communities. It’s good to be here and see other schools getting together to support digital inclusion.”

Sue Gowling, Founder of Veritas Digital Services, said: “We set up Laptops4learning back at the start of the pandemic to get sustainable, affordable tech and donations out to those in need. We are delighted to be able to help the Fishermead community and look forward to extending our work with Citizens:MK and Citizens UK”.

Rev Ian Herbert, a Trinity Centre trustee, said: “We need to reach out to residents who are digitally excluded. Working together with schools, faith and other community groups, we can.”

This initiative is part of a project funded by MK Community Foundation to build an alliance of Fishermead community groups to take action together, in partnership with Campbell Park Parish Council, to improve their community. If you would like your community group to be involved, contact Community Organiser Tom Bulman, tel 07962 838685.

(Pictured above: Cllr Mohammed Khan, Mayor of Milton Keynes, presenting 5 laptops and a partnership certificate to Heinz Elbers, Trinity Centre trustee.)

Uncategorized

MK schools competed to cycle most in June

2nd July 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

June 2021 was Bike Month and MK secondary schools, along with Citizens:mk members, competed to cycle the most rides and miles. Prizes were given at the Mayor’s Awards Ceremony on Station Square, 5pm Thursday 1st July (categories & prizes below).

RESULTS

Name of school	No. students	No. riders	Total rides cycled	Total miles cycled	Average rides per 100 students	Average miles per 100 students
Ousedale School	2,163	11	128	2,125	5.92	98.24
Lord Grey Academy	1,452	6	93	938	6.40	64.60
Shenley Brook End School	1,778	3	26	849	1.46	47.75
Hazeley Academy	1,533	5	26	340	1.70	22.18
St. Paul’s Catholic School	1,848	5	17	90	0.92	4.87
Kents Hill Park School	331	2	6	14	1.81	4.23
Oakgrove School	2,151	2	3	9	0.14	0.41
Total	11,256	34	299	4,365	1.53	16.76

Awards Categories & Prize Winners

Top Cycling School – most rides overall, 1st place: Ousedale School
Top Student Rider of 1st Place School (most rides) – certificate and prize sponsored by Trek Bikes – Wavecel Specter Helmet and £50 voucher in store: Matthew Wilson, Ousedale School (32 rides, 757 miles)
Top Cycling School – most rides overall, 2nd place: Lord Grey Academy
Top Student Rider of 2nd Place School (most rides) – certificate and prize sponsored by John Lewis, £25 voucher in store: Elliott Tomey, Lord Grey Academy (9 rides, 132 miles)
Top Cycling School – most rides overall, 3rd place: Shenley Brook End School
Top Student Rider of 3rd Place School (most rides) – certificate and prize of free standard repair service provided by Cycle Saviours: Luke Marshall, Shenley Brook End School (21 rides, 722 miles)
School Participation certificates: The Hazeley Academy, St. Paul’s Catholic School, Kents Hill Park School, Oakgrove School.

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK, News

Cyclists rally to Mayor and Council Leader

2nd July 2021 Tom Bulman 2 Comments

More than 30 cyclists rallied in Station Square and rode through Central Milton Keynes with Milton Keynes Mayor Mohammed Khan and Council Leader Peter Marland. This was to celebrate the success of June Bike Month, in which CitizensMK members cycled 10,808 miles and MK school students and staff cycled 4,365 miles.

Following free Dr Bike services from Cycle Saviours, and tasty hot snacks from Namji, certificates were awarded to institutions and prizes to individuals (sponsored by Trek Bikes and John Lewis) cycling most during June (see gallery below).

Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation, called on cyclists to meet again every Thursday 5pm at Station Square to celebrate cycling in MK and help MK become a cycle city. All welcome to join.

(Special thanks to MK Council officer Ellie Williamson and Hazeley School student Sasha Snell for helping to organise this event.)

Uncategorized

CitizensMK organisations cycle more in June

30th June 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

June 2021 was Bike Month and Citizens:mk members and partners, and MK secondary schools , competed to cycle the most rides and miles. See Award Categories and Prizes below.

Cycling CitizensMK cycled 3,138 miles in 306 rides (compared with 222 rides in Ride It Out March) and winners were celebrated at Mayor’s Awards Ceremony on Station Square, 5pm Thursday 1st July .

MEMBERS at 30.6.21

Name of organisation	Total rides cycled in June	Total miles cycled in June	Average rides per person	Average miles per person
The Open University	578	9278	0.12	1.93
MK Quaker Meeting	75	899	0.75	8.99
Orchard Academy	42	417	0.14	1.39
St. Paul’s Catholic School	17	90	0.01	0.05
St. Frideswide’s Church	11	93	0.07	0.62
MK Muslim Association	5	31	0.01	0.06
	728	10,808	0.18	2.17

Awards Categories & Prize Winners

Top CitizensMK Organisation – most rides overall, 1st place : The Open University (578 rides)
Top Rider of 1st Place Organisation (most rides) – prize sponsored by Trek Bikes – Wavecel Specter Helmet and £50 voucher in store: Ross Kearns, The Open University (24 rides)
Top CitizensMK Organisation – most rides overall, 2nd place: MK Quaker Meeting (75 rides)
Top Rider of 2nd Place Organisation (most rides) – £25 John Lewis voucher: Rob Paton, MK Quaker Meeting (31 rides)
Top CitizensMK Organisation– most rides overall, 3rd place: Orchard Academy (42 rides)
Top Rider of 3rd Place Organisation (most rides) – free standard repair service provided by Cycle Saviours: Jonathan Wilson, Orchard Academy (15 rides)
Top Rider Overall (most rides) – prize sponsored by Trek Bikes – Wavecel Specter Helmet and £50 voucher in store: Vernon Young (34 rides)
Top Rider Overall (most miles) – prize sponsored by Trek Bikes – Wavecel Specter Helmet and £50 voucher in store: Jason Keenor, The Open University (481 miles)
CitizensMK Organisation Participation certificates: St. Frideswide’s Church, MK Muslim Association.

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK, News

Join weekly social ride through CMK , Thursdays 5.30pm

14th June 2021 Tom Bulman 3 Comments

Meet others for a friendly and fun cycle ride from Unity Place (rear entrance, facing Station Square) to Campbell Park Light Pyramid. The on-road ride leaves Unity Place every Thursday at 5.30pm.

Sometimes there are special guests – see former Mayor Khan and Council Leader Marland in action and schools and businesses in other actions.

The first year from 1st April 2021…

Cllr Alex Walker, Leader of MK Conservative Group, joined CMK Cycle Round on 17.6.21 and said: “We all need to start taking this more seriously and I congratulate Citizens MK for this campaign to kickstart a renewed effort to boost cycling in the city.”

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK, News

Bike month – Members and Schools cycle-off!

9th June 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

As part of a project with MK Council, Citizens:mk members and schools are competing to cycle most times and most miles in June Bike Month. See the leader boards:

Prizes will be awarded by MK Mayor Khan in Station Square at 5pm on Thursday 1st July.

Can you contribute a ride or two of your own to help your organisation’s cycle group? It’s easy. Just register here and then join your group.

If you have any questions, contact info@citizensmk.org.uk, tel 07962 838685.

(Pictured above: Ms Jo-Anne Hoarty, Headteacher of St. Paul’s Catholic School.)

Campaigns, News

Citizens win pledges from PCC candidates and party leaders

30th April 2021 Tom Bulman 1 Comment

212 citizens from 30 civil society institutions attended the Thames Valley Citizens Accountability Assembly on 29th April.

29 leaders from 15 institutions presented five campaigns with specific asks of Police & Crime Commissioner candidates, and leaders of the main political parties in Milton Keynes Council, ahead of elections on 6th May.

These powerholders made pledges for:

Acton on misogyny
Digital inclusion
Action on climate change
Deaths registration services
Police and young people.

See asks and pledges, with links to video recording, and summary of pledges by candidate.

Southwood Primary school pupils talked about their environment (see Stacey and Eliza videos) and the Rt Rev Bishop Olivia of Reading spoke powerfully about how the Diocese of Oxford, main sponsor of Thames Valley Citizens, is taking action on climate change (min 52-54).

The assembly ended with a Ramadan blessing from Imam Ahmed Hilal.

“The content of the evening was brilliant, really engaging,” said Linda Kirk of MK Anglican Deanery. “The testimonies were convincing and the children’s were amazing…I felt proud to be part of it.”

“This was my first Citizens Assembly and it was incredibly inspiring and powerful,” said Emma Humphreys of The Oxford Academy. “I am just starting my journey with Citizens UK and this was a fantastic opportunity to see it in action.”

Following the election, leaders of Thames Valley Citizens will hold powerholders to account for their pledges.

Events, News

Delegates Assembly agrees campaign Goals

24th March 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

On 23rd March, Thames Valley Citizens held its annual Delegates Assembly online. This followed deeper research by campaign teams formed at Leaders Forum on 10th November. 45 leaders from developing citizens alliances in Oxford and Reading, and 12 Citizens MK member institutions, gave consent for five campaign action teams to present to the Police & Crime Commissioner and Leader of MK Council on 29th April.

Campaign	Target	Ask	Action Team
Action on Climate Change	Police & Crime Commissioner; Leader of MK Council	Police to be carbon-neutral by 2030, Council to discuss carbon fee and dividend	Cornerstone (Rick), MK Green Alliance (Rob, Kirsty, Michael), St. Pauls (Craig), MK Quakers (?), Southwood (?)
Young People & Police	Police & Crime Commissioner	Police to set up youth panel, school police day, pilot police lunches in four primary schools (£10k)	MK Academy (Molly), St. Pauls (Annie), Southwood (Kate)
Burial & Death Registration	Leader of MK Council	Council to provide deaths registration 7dpw and burial facilities in accordance with religious beliefs by Aug 2021	MK Deanery (Linda), TGTR (Linda M), MKMA (Hamid & Salim), Reading (Shaheen & Mustafa), Council of Faiths (Arif), OU (Satheesh)
Misogyny as Hate Crime	Police & Crime Commissioner	PCC to include intersectional recording of hate crime in quarterly report.	Cornerstone (Maggie), MK Academy (Rue & Raphael), OU (Janice & Jane), Q:alliance (Tracie Farrell), TGTR (Alifa & Kurshida), St. Pauls (Elysia)
Digital Inclusion	Leader of MK Council	Explore cost/benefit and funding of free wifi in Fishermead and Lakes Estate	Cornerstone (Stuart), MK Deanery (Tim), Reading (Judith), BRC (Scott Pilekas)

24 leaders participated in presentations, some for the first time.

Pledges were made for turnout of 143 at Accountability Assembly 29th April (details below).

In a short evaluation immediately after the Assembly, 20 leaders scored the event 8.5 out of 10. Points lost as process of Institutions reporting their commitments to action teams and assembly turnout could have been clearer.

Recording of the Delegates Assembly (passcode: ^*@nQr04).

Turnout pledges for Accountability Assembly (turnout tips):

Oxford developing citizens alliance
Reading developing citizens alliance	30
Church of Christ the Cornerstone	10
MK Academy	10
MK Council of Faiths	5
MK Deanery	10
MK Green Alliance	3
MK Muslim Association	20
MK Quaker Meeting	10
Open University	10
Southwood Primary School	10
St. Frideswide’s Church	10
St. Paul’s Catholic School	10
Truby’s Garden Tea Room	5
	143

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK, News

Orchard Top of Cycling CitizensMK league table

22nd March 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

Orchard Academy primary school has taken top spot in a new league table of CitizensMK members and partner organisations. At 21st March, three weeks into MK Council’s Ride It Out promotion month, Orchard has four of its staff in the top 7 riders who have cycled most miles.

One is Michelle Carter (pictured above), who for several years has been involved in promoting cycling among young children. As well as teaching full time, and having four children of her own at home, Michelle set up her own company, Biker Tots, to teach children from as young as two to cycle.

Jonathan Wilson, Deputy Headteacher at Orchard Academy (pictured below), is also in the top 7 riders of Cycling CitizensMK.

“I just love getting outdoors,” he said. “One good thing about lockdown has been seeing more families out on their bikes.

“At Orchard we want to get back to training our pupils to cycle as soon as possible. There’s so much to enjoy about being indoors rather than just computer gaming at home.”

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK, News

Vicar Gill busy on a bike

19th March 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

Rev Gill Barrow-Jones, of St. George’s and Holy Trinity Churches in Wolverton, has been getting around on her bicycle. 22 trips in the last 18 days, as part of MK Council’s Ride It Out promotion in March (see her stats)!

“I cycle for lots of reasons,” she says. “Sometimes cycle It’s because I am late on the school run and it gets me there quickly! Other times because it’s a great way to get around in my parish. Whilst cycling I can see loads of people and stop to chat quite easily and hear what is going on in Wolverton.

“I did 8 miles last weekend delivering Mothering Sunday posies. Loved it!

“I like to cycle because it keeps me fit (especially with the gym and swimming pool closed). It’s good to get out and get active.

“I also cycle because it is good for the environment. God asks us to care for the world and turning on the car engine creates a lot of CO2. Getting on a bike is good for everyone.

“I especially like to cycle with my kids. It is such good fun and gets them off electronic devices for a while too!

“I’d love more people to cycle. The Redways in Milton Keynes make it super easy. Go get your bike out!”

Click here to see MK Mayor Cllr Geary on why he cycles.

Click here to find out about Ride It Out in March.

Click here join our Cycling CitizensMK club.

Death registration services, News

Muslim leaders want better bereavement services

12th March 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

18 Muslim leaders from 8 mosques heard testimony from three people who have recently experienced trauma through lack of death registration services at the weekend. Now they are researching the Council’s interest and planning action.

According to Islamic law (shariah), the body should be buried as soon as possible from the time of death, which means that funeral planning and preparations begin immediately (including administrative & religious obligations). Burial is usually within 24 hours of death to protect the living from any sanitary issues and to honour the dead. Not burying the dead in the prescribed time carries a religious dilemma about whether the person was righteous. The Prophet of Islam clearly commands Muslims to hasten the burial:

“Hasten (the burial), if he is righteous, you are hastening him to good. If not, then it is evil you are removing from your necks.” [Bukhari]

At the moment the MK Muslim community is struggling to fulfil this religious commandment for weekends as there are no provisions or policy from the MK Council for out of hours registrations or burials.

To join the action team, contact Salim Msallam.

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK, News

MK leaders get on their bikes to ‘Ride It Out’

3rd March 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

It is not often that a Bishop, Headteacher, Lawyer, Mayor and Police Chief, all decide to cycle on the same day. But the days are getting longer, an end to Covid restrictions is in sight, and MK leaders are choosing to Ride It Out.

On Monday 1^st March, 20 leaders of faith, education and business organisations, rode their bikes to promote a month of Ride It Out cycling in a partnership between MK Council and Citizens:mk.

See gallery of riders .

“I may be more of a walker than a cyclist,” said Cllr Peter Marland, Leader of MK Council, “but it is vital we move to more sustainable modes of transport and I look forward to getting out more on my bike in March.”

“It’s a no brainer,” said Rt Rev Dr Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham. “I listen to children a lot during my visits to schools, and I know how important it is to them to see us doing what we can to reduce climate change.”

“This past year has been difficult for our pupils,” said Jo-Anne Hoarty, Headteacher of St. Paul’s Catholic School. “Encouraging them to enjoy doing things outdoors is important for their wellbeing.”

“We know how important it is to be physically and mentally fit,” said Rukhsana Malik of MK Muslim Association (pictured). “Cycling is a relatively cheap, exhilarating and easy way to get healthy while going places.”

“For years my political opponents have been telling me to ‘get on yer bike!’,” said MK Mayor Andrew Geary. “Well now I’m pleased to be doing it to support this great initiative by Citizens:MK. Cycling is great fun and it’s good for us too! Why not give it a try even if you haven’t done it for a while?”

In Ride It Out there will be four themed weeks, each with a different reason to ride and enjoy all the benefits that biking can bring. From the physical and mental benefits through to the fun and adventurous, Ride it Out will help people to get healthier and happier whilst helping the planet too.

You can join Ride It Out by registering at www.lovetoride.net/uk and share your cycling photos and experiences on Twitter: @citizensMK @mkcouncil @lovetoride_ @GetSmarterMK #RideItOutTogether.

Get ready for a long summer of cycling!

Uncategorized

Mayor’s Breakfast celebrates companies’ cycling achievements

18th February 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

On 17th February, MK business and school leaders met to celebrate the winners of a Winter Wheelers cycling competitions, and discuss next steps in helping MK to become the UK’s leading cycle city.

Hosted by Willen Hospice and supported by MK Council, the event was attended by representatives from several high-profile MK organisations attended: ICAEW, Network Rail, Nissan Technical Centre Europe, Red Bull Racing, The Open University, Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS), The Radcliffe School and Ousedale School.

Chair Deborah Cooper of MK Cycle Forum introduced sponsors John Lewis (prize vouchers) and Spin Team (prize helmets) and showed an entertaining one-minute video produced by MK Grid Spinners. Then awards were presented by MK Mayor Mohammed Khan to the following winners (photo above).

Companies (full results here)

Open University – 1st most riders (43), trips (384) and miles (3606), 2nd highest average trips per employee, Top Female Rider (most miles) – Marina Cantarutti (383 miles) – Marina Cantarutti to receive on behalf of Nick Braithwaite, Executive Dean for Sustainability
Network Rail – 2^nd most trips (63), Top Rider 2nd Place (31 trips), Rafal Switaj – Rafal Switaj to receive
Nissan Technical Centre Europe – 2^nd most miles (868) – Angus Mackay to receive
VWFS – 3^rd most trips (58) and miles (862), Top Encourager, John Wilkinson (3 staff) – Mel Welburn to receive
ICAEW – highest average trips per employee (0.1 trips) – Liz Tribe to receive

Schools (students & staff) (full results here)

The Radcliffe School
- Top School most trips (445) and miles (2,337) – Jason Falkner, Business Manager, to receive on behalf of headteacher Paula Lawson
- Top Student Rider (most trips): Cameron Webb (80 trips)
- Top Staff Riders (most trips): Steve Truan (79 trips)
- Top Encourager – Jason Falkner (5 riders)
Ousedale School – Mark Bell to receive
- School 2^nd most trips (307) and 2nd most miles (1,424)
- Top Student Rider (most trips), 2nd Place: Oli Gunn (26 trips)

Following the presentations, Andy Damerum of Red Bull Racing and Angus Mackay of Nissan Technical Centre Europe talked about the personal and corporate benefits of cycling, and Adekunle Odunewu of Realsolid Media showed a Cycling CitizensMK video featuring the Principal and students of The Hazeley Academy. Then Jim Parker, Executive Principal of Lord Grey School and Stantonbury School, spoke about why cycling is good for his students and how the school promotes it. He talked about the importance for cycle promotion of building students’ confidence in their bike ability and how the mechanics of a bicycle can be good for student learning too. Jim also noted that more must be done to encourage girls to cycle to school.

Ian Revell, of MK Community Foundation and Venkata Krishnan of the Sai Shital community spoke of the benefits of cycling to voluntary sector organisations.

Raeesa Chowdhury of MK Council (pictured speaking below) gave details of the upcoming Ride Anywhere competition 21st-27th March (details here) and Keith Wheeler, MK Council’s Road Safety Officer, introduced the new principals of the revised Highway Code.

Martin Swift introduced Cycle Saviours and offered mobile Dr. Bike repair workshops to businesses and schools, before an inspiring film was shown about effective cycle infrastructure in Oulu, a town in Finland, and Phil Murphy of MK Cycle Forum offered concluding observations.

Finally Dawn Clark of Willen Hospice advertised an upcoming fundraiser cycle ride in memory of Captain Tom.

Message from John Lewis: John Lewis & Partners are fully supportive of regular cycling commutes as it does make for happier, healthier and wealthier partners. Cycling is fun to do in non-working hours too and it gives a real sense of freedom and the exercise can help to burn off the calories and stress. We will continue to donate vouchers for the award winners and we will be encouraging more of our partners to join in with ‘Cycling Citizens’.

Other certificates to be collected (from table) – Top Rider in Company

Name of company	Top Rider – most trips	No. trips	Top Rider – most miles	No. miles
ICAEW – Milton Keynes	Matthew Downton	10	Wayne Murrie	159
The Open University	Jason Keenor	40	Marina Cantarutti	383
Gemini Rail Services UK Ltd – Milton Keynes	David Smith	27	David Smith	80
World Vision – Milton Keynes	Ian Tuirvey	14	Ian Turvey	155
Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) – Milton Keynes	Mel Welburn	17	John Wilkinson	262
Volkswagen Group (VWGroup) – Milton Keynes	Stuart Clarkson	6	Stuart Clarkson	134
Red Bull Technology – Milton Keynes	Phil Elvidge	20	Phil Elvidge	91
Atos – Milton Keynes	Kevin Findlay	26	Kevin Findlay	302
Nissan Technical Centre Europe – Milton Keynes	John Fettis	10	Angus MacKay	297
Deliveroo – Milton Keynes	Steven Abraham	29	Steven Abraham	709
Network Rail – Milton Keynes	Rafal Switaj	31	Keith Gibbs	132
Cranfield University – Milton Keynes	Chris Binch	14	Chris Binch	614
Nampak Plastics Europe – Milton Keynes	Andrew Smeets	5	Andrew Smeets	17
BSI – Milton Keynes	Alex Halasz	8	Alex Halasz	70
Domino’s Pizza Ltd – Milton Keynes	Mark Walke	6	Mark Walker	55
Santander – Milton Keynes	Neil Marchant	9	Neil Marchant	169
Sainsbury’s Argos – Milton Keynes	Stephen Henman	17	Stephen Henman	136
John Lewis – Milton Keynes	Christopher Charles	7	Christopher Charles	72

Contact: Tom Bulman, cyclingmk@citizensuk.org, tel 07962 838685, Ellie Williamson, ellie.williamson@milton-keynes.gov.uk

Location of Willen Hospice

Campaigns, Events, News

Leaders – get on your bike for ‘Ride It Out’ on Monday 1st March

16th February 2021 Tom Bulman Leave a comment

Please help us show others that cycling is healthy and fun – a good thing for us all to do as we come to the end of Covid lockdown.

Ride a bike on Monday 1st March to help launch MK Council’s Ride It Out challenge, take a photo and say what was good about it for you:

either on Twitter @citizensMK @mkcouncil @lovetoride_ @GetSmarterMK #RideItOutTogether
or in an email to tom.bulman@citizensuk.org for our website.

This is not about pretending you’re a regular or committed cyclist (if you aren’t one), just that you think it’s a good thing to do at least sometimes.

See leaders participating.

See gallery of riders participating so far .

CAN CITIZENS:MK MEMBERS CYCLE MORE THAN ANY OTHER MK ORGANISATION?

To encourage members of your organisation to participate in Ride It Out in the month of March, please do the following:

register your organisation as a ‘Workplace’ on Love To Ride’s website and post your photo on the Love To Ride gallery
ask your members to register individually for both your ‘Workplace’ and the ‘Group’ Cycling CitizensMK.

That way we can see and celebrate their cycling as individuals, as members of your workplace, and as members and partners of Citizens:mk.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Tom Bulman, Citizens:mk, tel 07962 838685
Craig Broadbent & Philip Murphy, MK Cycle Forum
Tim Norwood, MK Deanery
Carmel Collins, The Open University

For information about all MK Council’s cycle activities, go to www.getcyclingmk.org.

Cycling Citizens MK – helping MK people cycle more

Yearly Archives: 2021

Large businesses increase cycle trips by 43% in December

Cycling Santas bring cheer to CMK

Short back and sides for Trinity Centre

Fishermead Citizens first Leaders Forum 9.12.21

Business leaders meet to promote employee cycling

Fishermead Citizens Leaders Forum

CYCLING SANTAS ARE COMING

Fishermead residents help clear walking route to school

Huge win for Citizens:MK Climate Campaign – Bishop of Oxford Steven Croft pitches Carbon Fee and Dividend to House of Lords

Schools competed to cycle most in Cycle September

MK cyclists pedal 38,000 miles for Mayor’s Cycle September awards

The OU, Volkswagen Financial Services and Network Rail cycle most in MK Cycle September

Citizens climate assembly hears stark testimony and messages of hope from MK leaders

Green City makes all-party call for bolder climate action before big UN conference.

Mayor presents laptops to Fishermead school and community centre

MK schools competed to cycle most in June

Cyclists rally to Mayor and Council Leader

CitizensMK organisations cycle more in June

Join weekly social ride through CMK , Thursdays 5.30pm

Bike month – Members and Schools cycle-off!

Citizens win pledges from PCC candidates and party leaders

Delegates Assembly agrees campaign Goals

Orchard Top of Cycling CitizensMK league table

Vicar Gill busy on a bike

Muslim leaders want better bereavement services

MK leaders get on their bikes to ‘Ride It Out’

Mayor’s Breakfast celebrates companies’ cycling achievements

Leaders – get on your bike for ‘Ride It Out’ on Monday 1st March