Volunteer Bicycle Counter

Three times a year in February, June and October we perform a cycle count. The is done on behalf of West Berkshire Council. Spokes is paid to do this, and it is a significant contribution to our funds. These funds then allow us to do not only pay for the general running of the group but to put in substantial seeding money for projects.

We have been performing these counts consistently for about 20 years, across the West Berkshire region (from Hungerford to Tilehurst, with a concentration of counting sites in Newbury and Thatcham).

A counter needs to be able to commit to one, but preferably the whole two hours per count site. Counters can count more than one site if they wish to, as each count can either be performed on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

There are 17 sites at which to count, and the Cycle Counter organizer tries to take into consideration any preferences you may have, for the site or sites (if have time and the willingness to count at multiple sites).

You will be provided with detailed instructions and a map of the site you are counting. Spokes can provide a high-visibility tabard if required.

In the February and October the counting time is between 0730 and 0930am. For the June it is between 0700 and 0900am.

The count itself requires you to mark down each cyclist that passes through a specified area on the map. This is typically an imaginary rectangle covering a road-junction. For each cyclist we note down other information such as a guess on their age, the direction they enter and leave the rectangle, if they wear a helmet and normal or sporty clothing.

After each count your name is entered into a draw from which a person is selected at random and is given £25 voucher to use at Banjo's in Newbury (there is no cash equivalent).

Counters are welcome to our monthly meeting held (currently) on Wednesdays. They are relatively informal, where we discuss the various on-going projects and cycling-related matters.

• Site 1: Newbury - Kennet & Avon Tow Path (Beneath A339)
• Site 2: Newbury - A339 (on Railway Bridge)
• Site 3: Newbury - Robin Hood west arm (London Road)
• Site 4: Newbury - Kiln Road / Walton Way
• Site 5: Newbury - Love Lane (roundabout at Trinity School)
• Site 6: Newbury - Andover Road (just north of St Bartholomew's School)
• Site 7: Newbury - Junction of Northcroft Lane & path to Monkey Bridge
• Site 8: Newbury - Junction of Valley Road and Fifth Road
• Site 9: Newbury - Junction of Battery End with Wash Common Recreation Ground
• Site 10: Thatcham - A4 West of Lower Way
• Site 11: Thatcham - Thatcham Station
• Site 12: Thatcham - Corner of Bath Road & Green Lane
• Site 13: Theale - Junction of High Street & Waterside Drive
• Site 14: Hungerford - Staggered Junction near Town Hall - Church St & Park St
• Site 15: Calcot - Junction of Langley Hill & Bath Road
• Site 16: Tilehurst - Junction of Dark Lane & Overdown Road
• Site 17: Purley - Junction of Knowsley Road & Oxford Road

About West Berkshire Spokes

The main aim of Spokes is to get more people in West Berkshire cycling as a form of transport. We achieve this by:

- Working with others to provide better cycling facilities, which includes:
o Cycle Routes
o Cycle Parking
o Cycle-friendly road layouts

- Responding to consultations:
o On relevant strategies and infrastructure proposals for West Berkshire
o On appropriate planning applications highlighting how cycling facilities can be included.
o Attend regular Cycle Forum meetings

- Training
o To ride
o Basics of bicycle checks and puncture repair

- Regularly updated website which includes relevant up to date news and local routes
- Bicycle checks
- Provision of bicycles to children whose families cannot afford one - as a bike loan scheme
- Regular Social Rides
- Membership - giving discounts at local bicycle stores
- Seed funding for larger projects
- Three time a year cycle audit on behalf of the council

Large Projects we have been involved with recently include:
- Canal towpath - raised poor state with the Canals and River Trust. Raised £100,000 through Greenham Trust to improve section east of Colthrop.
- Newbury to Didcot Railway line - working hard to reopen the line for pedestrians, cyclists and horse rides. First section opened in February 2020

What skills do I need?

You need to be able to travel to your counting site, and if sufficiently local using a bicycle is often the most convenient.

Beyond this, no particular skill is needed - apart from perhaps choosing the right clothing, as you will be outside. A few sites do afford cover, but at most you are exposed to the elements.

When is this role available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

Minimum would be one hour once a year. However, we look for people who are able to commit to at least the full two hours at least twice a year, and better for all three counts each year. The counts are always outside school holidays to keep them consistent in terms of numbers.

Where does this role take place?