The area’s foremost utility cycling group, West Berkshire Spokes, issues this advice to its members and the wider cycling public. Spokes’ Chairman, Ed Cooper, reminded cyclists “it’s time to dig out your bike lights and check they’re working properly. During the long, bright summer months whilst you may not have needed to use your lights, the batteries could have failed. It’s better to check them before you need them, than for them to fail when faced with your first night-time ride of the coming winter. If you find you need new lights, remember that your Spokes membership entitles you to a 10% discount at local bike shops.”

Spokes strongly advocates courteous and responsible cycling. It offers advice, as a matter of policy, to all its members. This advice may be found on its web site:

http://www.westberkshirespokes.org

Membership of Spokes is open to all: individuals, families, schools, businesses. It costs £5 a year for family or group membership – only £3 for individuals. For which you receive 10% discount at Banjo Cycles, Bartholomew St and Cycle Shop, Cheap St; a regular newsletter; advice and details of cycling events.

Visit http://www.westberkshirespokes.org, or call 0845 408 5973 for details.

Spokes works with the Council to plan and implement improvements to cycling facilities throughout West Berkshire but especially in urban areas. Spokes has only existed for three years and was set up with the support of the Council. Only in the past year has it become standard practice to consult Spokes on all major developments and highway schemes. All our work is unpaid and independent of the Council. In 2004, West Berkshire Council was awarded the coveted “Most Improved Highway Authority in England” for its cycling facilities. Spokes claims much of the credit for this.