metNovember05
NOTES OF HFCYCLISTS MEETING
Tuesday 1 November 2005 , 7.30pm in the Info Centre
PRESENT: John Griffiths, John Smits, Mark Fossick, Jonathan Gurney, Frank Florez, Bill Ogden, Paul Alexander, Andy Ellard, Susan Gretz, Dave Arquati, Sholeh, Alan Rowden,
APOLOGIES: Louanne Tranchell, Jane Knight, Sarah Taylor, Jon Smith, Sgt Chris Everett.
A SPECIAL VISITOR
We were expecting Steve Cardno from LCN+ to come to the meeting. However he was prevented from coming. It would have been useful to have his advice.
CRISP AT SHEPHERDS BUSH GREEN [Cycle Route Implementation Stakeholders Plan]
The draft CRISP report was produced in July 2005 using an out of date map that gave an incorrect picture of some critical points. The main thrust of the draft CRISP was a cycle route we considered very dangerous. The report was also very difficult to understand. We responded to that. see http://www.hfcyclists.org.uk/SBGcrisp.pdf.
LBHF have now delivered a final report of this CRISP study. A copy is deposited with the LBHF Environment department and it has been sent off to LCN+ as the finished article.
The main dangerous route was removed and other things put in. We were not given an opportunity to comment on the new things introduced before it was sent off. The final CRISP should not be considered as a modification of the draft one, but a new document.
The accident data show that there is very low incidence of cyclist casualties on the Holland Park roundabout, and no serious casualties.
The cycle flow data show that very few cyclists cross between the Central line station and the W12 centre, compared to those cycling on the roadway. On average, two cyclists per hour use the crossing and that strange bit of cycle path near the W12 centre [in one direction].
We looked at photographs taken in the area around the disused toilet block near the Wood lane junction. They show that pedestrians use the narrow pathway into which they wish to confine cyclists. They show that cars zoom round this blind corner. The plan shows that from the green you may have to cross the kerbline at a glancing angle of less than 20 degrees.
For these photos and diagrams see http://www.hfcyclists.org.uk/SBGfinal.htm
We examined the final plan in great detail.
So after studying and discussing at length the FINAL CRISP REPORT for Shepherds Bush Green, and having regard to the measured cycle flows and accident figures, using our combined experience and knowledge of where cyclists would want to go, and having regard for other users of the environment, we AGREED unanimously the following statements:
1 WE OPPOSE THE CYCLE TRACK
IN THE TRAFFIC LANE MARKED "BUSES ONLY" NEAR THE W12 CENTRE
Reducing the road width from 4 lanes to 3 lanes would cause great inconvenience
to other road users.
2 WE OPPOSE THE SHARED USE
AREA OUTSIDE THE CENTRAL LINE STATION.
Far too crowded with pedestrians to allow cycling on the pavement, and
unnecessary.
3 WE OPPOSE THE TOUCAN CROSSINGS
BETWEEN THE CENTRAL LINE STATION AND THE W12 CENTRE.
Unnecessary. And not part of any direct route.
4 WE OPPOSE THE TWO-WAY CYCLE
TRACK ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE GREEN.
Unnecessary, and restricts the freedom of pedestrians. It also seems to
be the reason for directing cyclists to the north of the toilet block.
5 WE OPPOSE DIRECTING CYCLISTS
TO THE NORTH OF THE DISUSED TOILET BLOCK.
Dangerous blind corner, restricted sight lines, vehicle drivers perhaps
looking away to their left at merging traffic. The area of the crossing
may be blocked at times by stationary traffic. The path used by pedestrians.
Instead we advocate extending the dropped kerb to the south, and having
shared use either side of the large tree. Many cyclists are going to or
coming from the south.
We believe that by incorporating these points a revised CRISP would be closer to the guidelines of providing a safe and direct route. It would also be somewhat closer to taking full account of local knowledge, constraints and concerns [key phrase from LCN+ Annual Report 2004 - 5 ].
Over the last few days John Griffiths has been having discussions with Cllr Stephen Burke, the leader of the Council. Stephen has indicated that the stop line at the approach to the Holland Park roundabout will be moved forward as far as possible. This would be very helpful as it would move a waiting cyclist up the incline nearer to the brow of the rise. This is a point which we had made early on at the Pre-CRIM and CRIM meetings but has not been addressed at all by this CRISP. The CRISP response has been to put in an advanced stop line at the same position.
We note that the LCN+ Annual Report 2004 - 5 gives the cost for this CRISP study as £106,570. This Annual report also gives as £10, 000 the fee paid to LBHF as sector leader.
OFFICIAL BACKGROUND STUFF
In this final SBG CRISP at
section 1.2.6 it starts
"Opportunities and constraints - constraints including geographical/landscape
barriers, link and junction capacity and competing priorities for road
space must be allowed for.
Guidelines of how the CRISP
should be carried out are included in the London Cycling Design Standards
[LCDS]. This may be found at
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/cycles/company/standards.shtml
In Chapter 1 at s1.5.1 it includes
"provide fast, safe and comfortable conditions for cyclists"
At s 1.5.3 It explains what, fast, safe and comfortable means, and includes
* enables uninterrupted, unobstructed movement at a steady speed.
* manages conflict with motor traffic and pedestrians]
At s 1.1.15 it refers to Policy
in London, and says
"Schemes are likely to be successful if they help cyclists to cycle
to best advantage i.e. to maintain a steady speed and a direct course
without interruption or obstruction from a position where they have a
good view of other people, and can be seen by drivers and pedestrians"
s2.3.7 refers to the CRISP approach and includes
The following are the key elements of the CRISP approach
o An emphasis on identifying existing problems, local needs and local
and
strategic constraints and ensuring they are addressed
o Stakeholder involvement at an early stage to identify and agree issues
of
concern and risks to delivery. This will encourage group ownership of
the Link
and the report recommendations.
NEXT DAY
On the day after this meeting John had a meeting with Colin Glendenning and Solomon Castillo of the highways dept. Their agenda was to show that they had carried out the CRISP process correctly and they could not be fairly criticised. John's was to try and influence the completed CRISP to remove the above points. The most dangerous situation is the proposed route to the north of the toilet block. The engineers were not enthusiastic about changing it citing all kinds of problems, like people may be confused if it is shared use in one part and segregated in another. Better a confused cyclist than a dead one. And many cyclists are confused anyway. However the engineers did say that they would investigate the feasibility of our proposal of a widened shared route to the south of the toilet block. Time is of the essence as work is planned to start in Spring 2006 and things like moving signals are involved.
Unfortunately the decision is now out of LBHF hands. John has written to Lynnette Ellis at LCN+, copying certain people in, hoping that this mess will be sorted out in a week, two at the latest.
Liz Macaulay of Better Government
for Older People, another of the stakeholders not given an opportunity
to respond before this CRISP was finalised, has said over the phone that
BGOP opposes the plan to allow cycling on the pavement in front of the
Central Line Station.
************
OUR CYCLE THEFT SURVEY
We briefly discussed the results. We were surprised that such a high percentage of cyclists whose bikes were not insured said that they would report a stolen bike to the Police. Paul said that three people he knew who had bikes stolen had not reported them.
Andy proudly showed a photo of his bike stuck to a card with information about the bike on it. He recommended using www.immobilise.com to record details of your bike before it goes, and www.checkmend.org to see if a given frame-number is reported as stolen.
see results of survey at http://www.hfcyclists.org.uk/theft.htm
LIAISON MEETING
It is about time for another liaison meeting with the Council. Several people expressed an interest in coming, and we hope to arrange something soon. [now set for Wednesday 9 November at 5.30pm. contact john as below if you wish to be involved.]
SEASONAL PARTY
Paul asked about a Christmas Party. Tonight's meeting had a very good
atmosphere. Perhaps we will make next months yet more sociable, with an
extra rations from our funds.
EXPENSES
John had expenses tonight of £17.12 for refreshments.
DATE FOR NEXT CELEBRATORY MEETING
-
Tuesday 6th December. At 7.30pm At The Info Centre
PLEASE PUT IN DIARY NOW.
John Griffiths [chair / co-ordinator]
020 7371 1290 / 07789 095 748
john@truefeelings.com
OUR WEBSITE www.hfcyclists.org.uk