metNovember08

Notes of HFCYCLISTS meeting
Tuesday 4 November 2008, 7.15pm for 7.30pm

At the home of John Griffiths
122c Edith rd
West Kensington
W14 9AP

A chance for people to meet each other, and also to find out how people might want to contribute to the group, particularly any new people who may come.

PRESENT: John Griffiths, Susie Gretz, Bjorn Volk, Julie Askins, Melanie Miller.

APOLOGIES: Stephen Burke, Gwen Cook, Belinda Shattock, Alan Rowden, Phil Lamond, Sophie Gisbert, Marlene Pope, Paul Saunderson.

WESTFIELD:

Westfield opened last Thursday to a great fanfare. Boris Johnson and Frank Lowy cut a ribbon in the atrium watched by some of us.

Planning conditions called for the infrastructure to be in place before the centre opened. I understand LBHF officers were under a lot of stress to get the road network going in time as there were last minute problems from the utility services. On cycling front less than 100 of the required 285 cycle stands were in place, according to planning conditions. None near the South West entrance on Wood lane. There is meant to be a cycle route through the Eastern Access rd, aka Westfield Way, but that road was closed. Also closed was the bus station at Wood Lane. That is meant to be handed over to the buses later this week, but buses will not be using it for a further 3 weeks whilst the drivers are being trained.

On the Saturday morning John Griffiths, Gwen Cook, Philip Loy and Lawrence O'Connor were watching the pedestrian crowds entering the complex near the Shepherds Bush Central line station. There is meant to be a shared use cycle route through here. When it is crowded like this we concluded it is not suitable for cycling. There could be a "cyclists dismount when busy" notice. What there will be will be a notice saying "Cyclists dismount". As this is on Westfield land it is unclear what action anyone can take against a mounted cyclist behaving reasonably. Or rather it is clear - none. However it may prompt vigilantes to have a go.

There were problems with the road network being overloaded on Saturday and some slip roads leading to Westfield had to be closed. Melanie said that the Toucan crossing of the Uxbridge road was very crowded, and would be difficult for cyclists to use. Melanie added that at Brent Cross there were proper cycle routes into the centre

Chris Bainbridge has reported that stands are now being put in along Wood lane. The plans are for 8 cycle stands on the island by the taxi pull in at the SW entrance, 24 just to the north of this, and a group of 11 and then 4 near the Next entrance.

It would be good if further cycle parking could be put in near the Overground station.

The real problem for cyclists is that this was an amazing opportunity to make the area cyclist friendly. LBHF as Highway Authority and London Borough have responsibilities to follow guidance and regulations such as the Mayor's Plan for London and the Network Management Duty. These try to avoid cycling being forgotten in the plans. As it is LBHF has followed the developer's plans completely, and the developer has other interests. The result is that the layout for cyclists is still not completely resolved, and is likely to add to pedestrian inconvenience. Cyclists are still expected to get off the carriageway at a toucan crossing, and that will be so until it is changed.

Councillors Alex Chalk and Eugenie White have agreed to go on an appraisal ride with us to see how things are for cyclists. We have invited relevant Officers but have not heard back from any as yet. We will arrange that after things have settled down and the buses are doing what the buses are meant to do.

We should keep pressing for safe cycling routes and adequate cycle parking in the area.

LONDON CYCLING NETWORK IMPROVEMENTS

Elsewhere LBHF is in the process of making some improvements to benefit cyclists. These come out of the Cycle Route Inspection Stakeholder Plan processes we have been involved with. Improvements are underway along the Hammersmith rd, Shepherds Bush rd, and the New Kings rd / Parsons Green.

CYCLING IN PARKS

LBHF has received funding to improve / do something about cycling in Parks. Originally they were looking at Ravenscourt Park, but I understand that has been dropped as the park has been observed to function well as is without problems. Eel Brook Common is now receiving some attention to try and improve conditions where there are pedestrian / cyclist problems.

GREENFEST 2009

We have some funding for this now, and should start planning for it. We have £4K from LBHF Small Fast Track Grant and £4.8K from Grassroots grants, for which we are grateful. Of the latter £3K is subject to the funders actually being given the money next year, normally only a formality, but in today's financial climate a consideration.

We are applying to use Furnivall Gardens on Sunday 14 June 2009. We will have an initial planning meeting on Tuesday 18 November. Those wishing to be involved should contact John as below. see www.greenfest.org.uk

RIDES, EVENTS, ETC?

Sunday 7 December
Ice skating to be organised by Julie. Probably in the afternoon at Queensway, to be followed by trip to the Christmas fair in Hyde Park. More later.

Sunday 14 December
Christmas lunch ride to Richmond.
Meet in Furnivall Gardens at 10.30am for ride along the river to the White Cross pub on the Richmond waterfront. There we will meet many from other LCC groups in south and west London. A traditional event, and always splendid.

GIVE AWAY
Some bike bits that had been left by a departing member were handed out.

EXPENSES
John had expenses of £19.63 for tonight's refreshments.

We are grateful for the refreshments that Melanie brought along, and Julie's contribution.

DATE / PLACE OF NEXT MEETING

Tuesday 2 December evening
There has been a suggestion of meeting in a restaurant, to be followed by trip to pub.
SUFI Restaurant 70 Askew Road London, W12 9BJ
Supposed to be good, Iranian food. Starters cost £3, main course perhaps £8. [ We may defray the cost a little from our funds]

More details later. We will need to book a table so we will be asking who plans to go nearer to the time.

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