metDecember05

NOTES OF HFCYCLISTS MEETING and SEASONAL CELEBRATION

Tuesday 6 December 2005, 7.30pm in the Info Centre

PRESENT: John Griffiths, Louanne Tranchell, John Smits, Mark Fossick, Jonathan Gurney, Andy Ellard, Sholeh, Wendy Ann Matthews

APOLOGIES: Susie Gretz, Debbie Galt, Mo Morgan, Roger de Freitas, John Gilbert, Tony McMahon, Chris Bainbridge, Alex Forrest

SHEPHERDS BUSH GREEN

At our last meeting we were critical of the outcome of the CRISP. We agreed 5 points that we considered unsafe or not useful. John sent this off to LCN+ with a copy to Dave Wetzel, vice chair of TfL. Since then LBHF have been looking into alternatives and organising safety audits on these points. The LBHF highways engineer Colin Glendenning has been helpful in trying to sort this out. We should hear in a week's time what the position is. Hopefully we will be pleased with the outcome.

At the Local Group's co-ordinator's meeting at LCC's new offices on 5 December the poor stakeholder involvement of the SBG CRISP was discussed. So far LCN+ have appeared totally unconcerned by this. LCC shall take it to some authorities who may show some interest. Islington LCC have rejected their CRISP.

BUTTERWICK / HAMMERSMITH RD

Colin has also been discussing what is planned for this junction. When the s106 stuff concerning the new bus station egress and Disney's slip road are sorted, work will begin, perhaps in a few months time. The subway will be filled with foamed concrete. The extra space where the steps were will allow for the roadway to be widened and wider crossings allowing cyclists to cross up to the bus station entrance.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT WORKING PARTY
Have been along to this and expect to be invited to future meetings each quarter. Good to know what is going on at an early stage, rather than at a consultation stage, because consultation could be interpreted as approval for what they have invested their time and money in drawing it up in AutoCAD, and unlikely to be altered.

CYCLE THEFT

John G is going to a LBHF meeting on this tomorrow. Pre meeting papers from the police show they are taking the problem very seriously. Target for 15% reduction for 2005/6, followed by further 15% in each of next 2 years.

Any suggestions as to how we can help with matters gratefully received. Andy hoped that the Police's Safer Neighbourhood teams would be effective.

On keeping your bike a bit more secure, see http://www.hfcyclists.org.uk/theft.htm

There are a few postcode stickers for your bike at the info centre.

HOW LBHF DEALS WITH CYCLING

We have been pressing for cycling to be dealt with more effectively by the Council. Apparently the leader Cllr Stephen Burke has met with Chris Bainbridge of Transport policy and Mike Gilroy [standing in for Phil Nicholls] of Highways recently. Let us hope that the outcome will be something really significant.

A4 CRISP
CRIM Meeting Hammersmith Tuesday 13th December. 9am. John G and Sholeh to go along. Anybody else interested please contact John as soon as possible. Looking at cycle routes from Hammersmith Flyover via Hogarth roundabout to Chiswick A4.

Input from tonights meeting to be carried forward: Lanes on pavement both sides of A4. Better than simply putting shared use over crooked paving slabs. Lanes on road cf on pavement. Faster on-road and less conflicts at side roads. Possibility of widening road if spare space available, but probably expensive. Jonathan would like dropped kerbs and signalled crossings to allow him to get from pavement to flyover more easily. That may take a little persuasion. Louanne raised the greening of the A4. Promoted by Roger de Freitas and Angela Dixon. Not liked by Angela Bray. Louanne moved scenery around to show architectural possibilities. Also possibility of surface level crossings to Apollo and across Fulham Palace rd.

WEST LONDON GREEN FESTIVAL

West London Green Festival 2006 - We agreed to go ahead. Sholeh and Mark want to be involved in planning. Any body else please contact John G. John has already approached the tennis pavilion and is discussing using Parsons Green on Sunday 18 June 2006. This lies in bike week and London Sustainability weeks. Points being resolved at this stage - we can give free alcohol at a reception, but not sell - trampolines raise safety issues. John S appreciated dangers of kids hurtling through the air. Louanne suggested some alternative attractions, Punch and Judy and a chocolate fountain and mini bungee jumping. Mark thought bungee jumping would be a big draw.

LOOKING FORWARDS

How we want to go forwards in the new year.

WEB DESIGN

Mark and some colleagues have been looking at the design of our web site. Mark came with a critique and possible improvements. Particularly making the front page welcoming and visually exciting. And with suggestions on how to improve traffic to the site. He has sent john a file of possible designs.

Other cycling sites he recommended as having some good design features:
http://www.crw.org/
http://www.nvpbike.org/
http://bicycling.511.org/traffic.htm
http://bv.com.au

If anyone wants to help with a design update please contact john. Sholeh said she would be interested. Our site at http://www.hfcyclists.org.uk

RIDES

Sunday December 11.

West London LCC Groups seasonal feeder rides and celebratory lunch. To meet up with others at White Cross Hotel in Richmond at 12 noon.
Meet Mark at 10.30am beside the river at Furnivall Gardens, the small park between the Rutland Arms and the Dove, and across the A4 from the Town Hall. To ride along the river to Richmond. [Or meet at the White Cross].

Planned for the Hammersmith and Fulham Festival

Sunday 19 March
HFCYCLISTS Family cycle ride with picnic to Richmond Park. FREE event.
Meet 12 noon beside the river at Furnivall Gardens, the small park between the Rutland Arms and the Dove, and across the A4 from the Town Hall. Suitable for all ages.
Further details. www.hfcyclists.org.uk.

Sunday 2 April,
HFCYCLISTS short ride to the inspiring monthly Car Boot Sale at the Chiswick Community School, and Farmers Market nearby. Small cost to get into the boot sale, 50p for adults. Otherwise FREE, unless you buy stuff. Meet 10am beside the river at Furnivall Gardens, the small park between the Rutland Arms and the Dove, and across the A4 from the Town Hall. Ride mainly beside the river. Suitable for all ages. Further details.
Further details. www.hfcyclists.org.uk
Sholeh: 07732 532 437

Sunday 9 April
HFCYCLISTS Wild life photographic cycle safari. FREE event Meet 12 noon beside the river at Furnivall Gardens, the small park between the Rutland Arms and the Dove, and across the A4 from the Town Hall. Bring your camera [not essential if you just want a day out] and we will try and lead you to the wild beasts and birds and plants [including bluebells] of West London. And bring picnic. Suitable for all ages. Further details. www.hfcyclists.org.uk.

EXPENSES
John G for refreshments tonight £29.25 + £3.68 = £32.93
last months refreshments of £17.12

John issued with cheque for £50.05

DATE FOR NEXT MEETING

Tuesday 3 January 7.30pm in info centre. PUT IN DIARY NOW PLEASE!

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