Hardy D. Saleh
Sharing the joy of cycling at this extraordinary time
Since the announcement of the lockdown on March 23rd the number of people cycling has increased significantly across the UK.
the new normal film project aims to promote cycling by producing a series of crowdsourced films to share the stories and experiences of ordinary people and their bicycles, at this extraordinary time.
Thanks to generous support and contributions from many Derby locals the first film is complete and you can watch it below. We hope you like it!
We are looking at ways to expand the project. If you are interested in the next steps please sign up for updates and we'll keep you in the loop!
Advice for new cyclists
If you are new to cycling we have brought together some useful resources to help get you started.
“One of the most important days of my life, was when I learned to ride a bicycle.”
— Michael Palin
Why cycling?
Why now?
Cycling has long been considered a solution to so many of our biggest national concerns including the obesity crisis, air pollution and the climate emergency.
Now COVID-19 has forced people across the country to discover new ways of living, working and getting around. With quieter roads and a need to social distance, people have taken to cycling in large numbers.
As we come out of lockdown, roadspace reallocation from cars to walking and cycling will mean we can begin to return to normality while still maintaining the necessary safe distances.
Now is the time to make the desperately needed transition to the humble bicycle, permanent.
If you're interested in further reading we have compiled a list of recent articles and other media below.
Resources
for new cyclists
Love To Ride Derby
A local cycling challenge with regular prizes to be won. Sign up as an individual or as part of your group or workplace.
lovetoride.net/derby
Cycle Derby for cycle training, in their own words: "Our purpose is to get more adults and kids across Derby on bikes. From learning to ride, utilising our fleet of inclusive bikes or gaining confidence to commute on the roads, we're here to help!"
cyclederby.co.uk
Derby Cycling Group campaign for a cohesive cycle network in and around Derby and champion cycling to create an environment where it is safe, normal, convenient and fun.
derbycyclinggroup.org.uk
Bike Repair & Servicing:
Bike Back Derby
Park Bikeworks Derby
Cycling UK have some excellent articles and advice for new cyclists:
Essential riding advice for beginners
cyclinguk.org
Sustrans are the national charity for walking and cycling. They maintain The National Cycle Network and have a range of useful resources on their website:
sustrans.org.uk
Further reading
Much has been said, written and shared on cycling at this extraordinary time.
From powerful accounts of people learning to cycle for the first time to articles about what a major shift could mean for how we live our lives in the future.
Below is a selection of recent articles and other media that may be of interest.
A little thread on cycling in London. The experience of a 45 year old, overweight woman - ie me
8 May 2020, Heidi Alexander (@Heidi_LDN)
Streets Ahead Podcast - presented by Adam Tranter, Laura Laker & Ned Boulting
Started 14 April 2020
"During this crisis, millions of people have discovered cycling - whether for exercise or as a means of safe, socially-distanced transport. While there is no change to the ‘stay at home’ message today, when the country does get back to work we need those people to stay on their bikes and be joined by many more."
"Otherwise, with public transport’s capacity severely restricted at this time, our trains and buses could become overcrowded and our roads gridlocked – holding up emergency services, critical workers and vital supplies."
"We know cars will continue to remain vital for many, but as we look to the future we must build a better country with greener travel habits, cleaner air and healthier communities."
- Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary
£2 billion package to create new era for cycling and walking
9 May 2020, GOV.UK
Ten reasons now is a great time to start cycling
8 May 2020, The Guardian
Calls for more space for walking and cycling in UK during lockdown
28 May 2020, The Guardian
Cycling to work 'can cut risk of heart disease and cancer by a quarter'
20 May 2020, Evening Standard
'A new normal': how coronavirus will transform transport in Britain's cities
18 May 2020, The Guardian
'Cleaner and greener': Covid-19 prompts world's cities to free public space of cars
18 May 2020, The Guardian
'Feel the fear and cycle anyway: How I overcame my fear of cycling in the city and how you can too'
15 May 2020, Independent
U.K.’s First Pop-Up Cycleway—A ‘Keyworker Corridor’—Installed In King Richard III’s Leicester
27 April 2020, Forbes
Milan announces ambitious scheme to reduce car use after lockdown
21 April 2020, The Guardian
Moving around during the COVID-19 outbreak
World Health Organisation
“You are one ride away from a good mood.”
— Sarah Bentley, British cyclist
Contact
Hardy D. Saleh
Filmmaker
I am a Derby-based film director and creative freelancer of Kurdish heritage. My passion for documentary and social justice has seen me work with organisations such as The Big Issue, St.Mungos and UpRising. My personal work is more varied in scope ranging from observational works documenting the quieter details of urban life alongside more experimental pieces.
My previous film, Sharing the A105, captured the community response to a new cycle lane along a route of the A105 in Enfield, north London and is due to premiere online in Early Summer 2020.
Contact Details:
hardy@hdsaleh.com
07580 774 006
@HDSalehFilm
Lucy Giuliano
Social Media & Marketing
Lucy is a freelance Project Manager currently responsible for the delivery of the Love to Ride programme in Derby in partnership with Derby City Council.
A keen cyclist, she has previously worked for London Cycling Campaign and London Marathon's RideLondon, as well as a short stint of bike powered cinema in France.
Most recently she created and led a collaborative campaign with Derby Cycling Group, Sustrans and Breeze to empower, encourage and support more girls and women to cycle in Derby for International Women's Day 2020.
Contact Details:
lucy@lovetoride.org
@lucy_giu
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