metJune2012
NOTES OF HFCYCLISTS JUNE MEETING
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TUESDAY 12 June 2012 at 7.30pm
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At the home of Ken McCosh / 12 Stanwick Rd,W14 8UH
PRESENT
Ken McCosh, John Griffiths, Petrina Helm, Susie Gretz, Alexis Vergez,
Ayse Kardes, Janusz C , David Marsh, Lyn
APOLOGIES
Roger de Freitas, Loretta, Paul Saunderson
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
We were pleased to see Alexis here, the father of Clara who was the near
casualty on Hammersmith Bridge.
RIDE WITH COUNCILLORS
For a long time we have been asking for a date for a ride with Councillors.
It looks like a ride with the Leader Cllr Nick Botterill and the Cabinet
member for transport, Cllr Victoria Broclebank-Fowler. John has been in
correspondence with their PA. The ride will involve King Street, the road
leading to the Bridge, and Hammersmith Bridge itself. Hope fully this
wil be arranged soon. When the date is known we will announce it.
HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE
For background see http://www.hfcyclists.org.uk/bridge.htm
There are new press photos of the demonstration at
http://www.demotix.com/photo/1251036/calm-bridge-ride-hammersmith-bridge
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
We discussed many options to make the bridge safer and less threatening.
For the roadway the general belief was to make it 20mph and have markings
on the roadway to indicate that cyclists are expected to take the full
lane so that they cannot be overtaken or squeezed.
There might be problems putting up notices saying "no overtaking of cyclists" Firstly only recognised signs are allowed as traffic signs and the only "no overtaking" sign is the one with cars on it. This is not used where there are double white lines, which there are on the bridge. As for other signs, like temporary ones at road works, Ken points out they want as few signs as possible.
The Councils attitude towards a "no overtaking" view may depend on the police report of the accident. It would help our case if it says that the silver car should not have been overtaking the cyclist as there was not enough room to overtake safely according to the highway code.
We talked about having traffic lights on the bridge for one-way working, with cyclists allowed all the time. The problem here would be that the bridge is 200m long and if there was congestion in one direction it would mean the bridge would never clear in time for flow in the other direction. Even with an intelligent light system their would be enormous delays. The flow of traffic on the bridge affects traffic flow on the gyratory, and it is unlikely that the authorities would install a solution that jams the gyratory.
We also discussed possible scenarios for having cycling on the footway. One was to have one side for cyclists and one for pedestrians. John thought that you could not ban pedestrians from one side completely. The other suggestion was to have cycling permitted on one side.
OTHER BRIDGES
We also talked about other bridges that had similar pinch points. David
suggested one in Budapest. Alexis one in Marlow. Both were designed by
Wiliam Tierney Clark who designed the original Hammersmith Bridge. The
present Hammersmith Bridge was built in 1887 and designed by Sir Joseph
Bazelgette, builder of our sewers. The Marlow one has a 3 tonne weight
limit and 30mph speed limit. The pinch points on the bridge are very narrow
and only one lane wide. Cars go through with priority in one direction.
The Budapest bridge has been rebuilt. If anyone knows how that bridge
operates, or of any other old bridge with pinch points or a 20mph limit,
please let us know. Tower bridge has a 20mph limit.
TAKE THE LANE
We talked about converting cyclists to taking the full lane to avoid being
squeezed. This is advocated by cycle training groups and by Roger Khanna,
once traffic supremo for LBHF. Ayse said she would feel very intimidated
to do this by herself.
VESTS
Our plan is to print 500 yellow vests with reflective strips with a message
on the back and a drawing. Probably "take the lane". Alexis
and John working on this. We would give these out to cyclists on the pavement
some distance from the bridge. The evening rush hour seemed the most appropriate
time. We could also act as escorts across the river.
RADAR GUN AND BRIDGE SPEEDS
We discussed buying a radar gun costing about £100. But the Council
seem to have stepped down from their claim that the traffic on the bridge
rarely goes at more than 20mph, so there is no need to now. It is appalling
that the Council can allow its press office to give out such glib statements
when it is discussing the safety of cyclists.
SEND A LETTER TO YOUR COUNCILLORS
John has sent a letter to the Chronicle - A case for 20mph on Hammersmith
Bridge. If this goes in this Friday, or even if it does not, John will
send an email out asking people to send an email to their councillors
referring to our case and asking them to act upon it.
OTHER LBHF NEWS
The Council will be putting in adropped kerb on the Uxbridge road at Shepherds
Bush Green to help cyclists access the toucan at Holland Park roundabout.
And another one at the bus gate approaching Hammersmith Bridge.
BIKE WEEK - 16 to 24 June.
Sunday 17 June
Loretta will lead a ride on Sunday 17 June. Meet at her home at 10.30am
for coffee and croissants before setting of to Syon Park for a picnic.
Loretta lives at 36a Magravine Gardens W6 8RH. 020 8748 4133.
Wednesday 20 June 8am to 10am
CYCLISTS BREAKFAST
Simon Franklin, Transportation & Road Safety Manager, is inviting
all H&F Cyclists to the LBHF Cyclists Breakfast outside Hammersmith
Town Hall. The Breakfast time is 8-10 but Dr Bike will continue after
- subject to demand. Our chance to meet other cyclists and to talk to
Officers from the Council.
Wednesday 20 June 7.30pm. Sunset
ride to the Roebuck in Richmond
Join Ken McCosh on the observation platform at the end of Queen Caroline
street, almost underneath Hammersmith Bridge. Ride through Richmond Park
to meet up with other cyclists from across West London. Remember to bring
lights and arrive in time for 7.30pm departure. Ken on 07979 703 570
5] OTHER RIDES AND EVENTS
Saturday 16 June - Scrubs day probably 11am to 3pm but you can check with Susie, details below. A family day event at southwest corner of Wormwood Scrubs.
July 19 Our annual garden party at Roger de Freitas' place. More later.
Talk London, Wednesday 27 June,
7 - 9pm
Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, SW1H 9NH
Don't miss your chance to meet and question the Mayor [Boris] at a special
event hosted by LBC 97.3's Nick Ferrari.
Register now to get your free ticket at
http://www.london.gov.uk/talklondon
CANAL RANGERS
Susie and Paul have become canal rangers, in the "share the space,
drop the pace" scheme. Contact Susie if you wish to be one. 020 8749
1969.
EXPENSES
We agreed to give Ken £35 for refreshments.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 3 July 7.15pm for 7.30pm. Place to be decided later.
john griffiths
020 7371 1290 / 07789 095 748
www.hfcyclists.org.uk .
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