metSeptember09

Notes of HFCYCLISTS MEETING

Tuesday 1 September 2009, 7.15pm for 7.30pm in the Info Centre, Hammersmith

PRESENT: John Griffiths, Sharon Norris, Ayse Kardes, David Marsh, Paul Saunderson, Yvonne Bailey, Owen Powell.

APOLOGIES: Stephen Burke, Donna Outram, Susie Gretz, Gerry Berridge, Paul Alexander, Louanne Tranchell, Alan Rowden.

BIKE IT
We were pleased to meet Owen Powell from Sustrans. From October he will be working for the Hammersmith Primary Care Trust [PCT] on the Bike-it scheme. This is to introduce programmes to increase the number of children who cycle to school in a number of primary schools in the borough. Perhaps in 12 schools. He will be liaising amongst others with Richard Evans of LBHF, who works on school travel plans.

We look forward to giving Owen any assistance we can. Perhaps with more children cycling the Council will realise just how threatening some of the local roads are for cyclists.

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/bike-it
owen.powell@sustrans.org.uk

CONSULTATIONS
LBHF held a consultation day on a scheme to introduce a shared space, permitting cycling, on a stretch of the riverside around the Old Ship pub.
We welcome this. On canals of British Waterways, signs say "Pedestrian Priority, Considerate cycling permitted".

John had received an email from LBHF asking our opinion on measures to stop cars doing u-turns on Gliddon rd. Cars coming from the west cannot turn right at Barons Court and tend to turn left and do a u-turn to effect a right turn.

Our comments on this are fine, except that the car parking space should not be extended closer to the lights of the Talgarth rd as it is confusing and dangerous having to deal with speed bumps and the start of a row of parked cars at the same place, and where cars may still be speeding to get across the lights. Also a left turn should be allowed for cyclists coming from Gunterstone rd, where cars are not allowed to make this turn. John will write to William Howe at LBHF saying this.

WESTFIELD / ACCESS TO A3220 BRIDGE:
A response from the Council recently showed a complacent attitude towards safety for cyclists. http://www.hfcyclists.org.uk/NickBotterill_13Aug09.pdf

A particular instance is the Council's attitude of not looking at the safety issues of the ramps leading to the Edward Wood Estate from the crossing over the A3220 until after it is in use. That crossing is not yet opened.

However this was followed up just before tonight's meeting by an email from Cllr Nick Botterill.
*****
John

I will discuss this with Chris Bainbridge. As you are probably aware the agreements made with Westfield some years ago were not as robust as would be desirable. However this is no excuse for any safety issues not being looked into. I would ask that you make sure Chris is aware exactly of the issues you are raising and where possible we will seek to ensure that cyclists get a fair deal.

Regards.

Nick
******
We will pursue this with Chris before going elsewhere to raise the matter. Sharon suggested going to Boris and Cameron, and others suggested the local papers.

DO YOU WANT TO HELP AT

SKYRIDE Sunday 20th September 10am - 4pm
Lively people wanted to help the LCC at it central London stall and other tasks. Contact Alison Waller, Fundraising, Volunteer and Events Officer, on
alison@lcc.org.uk
020 7234 9310 Ext 207.

Also we want people to promote the LCC and collect the names of people gathering for the led ride from Ravenscourt Park to join our hfcyclists email group. Gerry has said she would, and David, Sharon and Paul said they would help at Ravenscourt Park.

CYCLE SHOW Earls Court 8th-11th October 9 am - 5.30 pm
http://www.cycleshow.co.uk
Volunteers wanted by LCC. Contact Alison as above

RIDES, EVENTS, ETC?

David suggested a fungi gathering trip, and Sharon suggested a trip to Islay for whisky tasting, perhaps next year.

Richmond to Windsor bike ride 6 September
see http://www.bike-events.com/Ride.aspx?id=206

This coming Sunday 6 September Ealing LCC are leading a ride to Burnham Beeches.
http://www.ealingcycling.org.uk/SubjectPages/Rides&Events/Rides&Events.htm

Also this Sunday for three days there is the Speciality and Fine Food Fair at Olympia, and if you have trade connections you are still able to register and save the £20 entry fee at www.specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk

Also the Chiswick car boot sale this Sunday from 8am

GREENFEST 2010?
Sharon proposed a vote of thanks for all the work John did on the latest Greenfest.

John would like the GREENFEST to go ahead next year if some of the work load can be suitably delegated and people commit to doing what is needed. John will organise a meeting of those interesting in being involved soon. The group supported applying for funding for an event next year.

EXPENSES
John had expenses of £23.63 for tonight's refreshments

DATE / PLACE OF NEXT MEETING [note: change from normal Tuesday]

This will be on WEDNESDAY 7 October, 7.15pm for 7.30pm
at the home of Sharon Norris
48b Overstone rd [top bell]
Hammersmith
W6 0AB
07977 092 070

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