metMarch2013

NOTES OF HFCYCLISTS MEETING

Held on Thursday 4 April, 7.15 for 7.30pm
At the home of John Griffiths. 122c Edith road, W14 9AP

PRESENT:
John Griffiths. Ken McCosh, Richard Radmore, David Marsh, Paul Saunderson.

APOLOGIES:
Natasha Herriott, Ayse Kardes, Alex Ingram

1] HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE
TfL have now completed their safety audit on the bridge. They found no problem with the LBHF design, but suggested the blocked off areas be hatched.

The Council sent John the design that was sent to TfL. In John's opinion the cycle logos were poorly placed, being after the places where cyclists might merge with other traffic, and some placed in the gutter. This gives exactly the wrong impression to cyclists and motorists alike. The concept of this plan is that cyclists should not be overtaken in this area and this should be made clear.

There have been many discussions in the past on the placing of these cycle logos. Rather than just complain John has modified the drawing to add more cycle logos, and to place them where they are needed. Rather than send this by email, John has sent this to Cllrs Nick Botterill and Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler as a hard copy, which makes it easier to compare with the LBHF plans. They should have received it by now, and John will send it in electronic form today.

John has also modified the solid line on the left. This is because less confident cyclists may be in this protected area, and motorised traffic should be given the message that cyclists may be emerging from the left as they approach a pillar. The drawing can be found here.
www.hfcyclists.org.uk/HammersmithBridgeHfcyclistsDesign.pdf

The group approved this modified design and urges the Council to adopt it.

2] OUR SPRING OFFENSIVE
John has rushed off an insert that will be circulated with the LCC magazine that is being sent out now. It is trying to get more people actively involved in our campaigns, particularly dealing with Hammersmith Bridge.

Hopefully the Council will settle on a sensible design and our campaigning on this and for 20mph speed limit on the bridge will be over soon. We discussed what actions we would take next if our very considerate campaigning up to does not work.

Previously we had discussed buying dayglo vests with "hold the lane" on them and a drawing of the bridge. David raised the point that not many people would understand that. He suggested "Cycle in the middle of the lane". Brevity is important as it means that any lettering can be larger and more visible. Or perhaps it could just be a diagram of a car overtaking a cyclist with a cross through the car. Any suggestions?

3] LEAFLETS
Our supply is nearly exhausted. John will get some more printed. So far a few people have joined our email group. When the weather is a bit kinder we can give them out and talk to people, which may be more effective than static displays.

4] OTHER THINGS CONCERNING LBHF.
Chris Bainbridge has explained that there are plans for a pedestrian/cyclist tunnel under the railway just to the north of the Westway. This would link the Imperial College housing with points east.

Chris has also said that there is some uncertainty over plans for CSH9. Andrew Gilligan, the new cycling czar, has indicated that future Cycling Superhighways will be reviewed with a view to higher quality, but what will that mean if the budget is fixed. TfL have met with RBKC to discuss progress in that Borough, but as far as he knows TfL have had no discussions with LBHF.

Alex Ingram, who could not be here tonight, reinforces this uncertainty as to what is likely to happen. LCC have organised a meeting with Andrew Gilligan on Monday evening, so we may find out a bit more then.

5] RICHARD'S RIDE SATURDAY 13 APRIL
The ride will kick off from the observation platform overlooking the Thames, at the end of Queen Caroline street on the river path almost under Hammersmith Bridge. Meet from 10.15am to leave at 10.30am promptly, on Saturday 13th April.

We will cross the bridge and follow the Thames Cycle route to Barnes then head up to Richmond Park for a short caffeine stop. Then through the Park towards Teddington Lock, where we shall stop for suitable refreshment. On the way back we can stop at Pembroke Lodge if desired. We should be back in Hammersmith by mid afternoon. There will be a couple of hills to negotiate so be prepared!

Any queries contact Richard Radmore on 020 7381 1676 or 07747 550070 ( on the day), Or by email richardradmore@hotmail.com

6] BIKE WEEK 15 -23 June 2013
We will probably organise a Sunset ride to the Roebuck on Richmond Hill on Wednesday 19 June.

7] PREPARING OUR ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
Ken will prepare these. We discussed whether the group should forgo claiming our annual grant from LCC, but decided unanimously to apply for and accept the grant.

7] EXPENSES
John had expenses of £10.80 for web hosting, £34.10 for refreshments

8] DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 7 May at Kens Place, 7.30pm
12 Stanwick Rd, West Kensington W14 8UH

9] DATE OF AGM
We will have the AGM in June. This will be on THURSDAY 6 June at Ken's place, at 7.30pm.

John Griffiths [chair / co-ordinator]
020 7371 1290 / 07789 095 748
john@truefeelings.com
OUR WEBSITE www.hfcyclists.org.uk