MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF SOUTHWARK CYCLISTS ON 12 APRIL 2006 19.00 at Blackfriars Settlement, 1-5 Rushworth Street, London SE1 0RB Attendees: Barry Mason (Co-ordinator), Alexis Bielich (Southwark Council Transport Officer), Hugh Bolton (Treasurer), Ashu Chowdhry, Alex Crawford (Bike Show Resonance 104.4FM), Alastair Hanton, Colin Hartridge-Price (Secretary), Rebecca Lack, Gary McGowan (Transport for London), Eleanor Purser (Planning and Campaigns Leader), Kit Reynolds (Webmaster), Sue Richards (Newsletter Editor), Roger Stocker (Southwark Council Cycling Officer), Ten (Rides Co-ordinator), Ann Warren. From the Project Centre Limited - Agnes Berthoz, Ian Hingley, Joerg Tonndorf. Apologies received: James Barber, Adam Maddison (Press Officer), Cheryl Williams. 1. Walworth Road Three representatives (see above), two of whom were cyclists, from the Project Centre Limited attended the meeting to give a slide presentation, and answer questions, on this £1.7 million project. The proposals are very radical and this is being funded by the Department for Transport as a pilot, with a view to similar projects being undertaken elsewhere. It was noted that two years ago Southwark Cyclists had submitted a document recommending changes to the Walworth Road. Construction on the proposals for the middle section of the project (phase 1), of 250 to 300 metres from Larcom Street, would be from July 2006 to the end of spring 2007. There are no dates yet for phase 2, the boulevard section. The intention was to give even priority (shared space) for cyclists, pedestrians and other road users. No final decision had yet been made on whether or not curbs would be raised, but there will probably be a shallow curb (40 to 50 mm upstand). There will be extensive planting of semi-mature trees of a type yet to be decided, innovative design (but not, we were told, with regard to road rain water drains) and minimum "clutter" (including the removal of all pedestrian guard rails and removal of non-essential road signage). However, an assurance was given that ample cycle parking (racks) would be provided. The meeting suggested racks should be sited to discourage bikes being chained to adjacent objects, such as posts and trees. The carriageway in the middle section will be a lot narrower (one lane in each direction) than currently and the bus lanes in this section will be removed to give additional pavement space. The aim is not to reduce traffic flow, but to keep traffic moving -- in particular to prevent traffic stopping on the highway. The middle section will not be wide enough for vehicles to pass a cyclist and still remain on their side of the road. This is deliberate. The Department for Transport had stipulated there must be extensive measurement of the before and after effect of the project. This will include measuring cycle safety, accidents, speed and noise pollution. 2. Minutes of the meeting on 8 March 2006 and Matters Arising The minutes of the above meeting were approved. Cycle parking facility at London Bridge (item 2 in the previous minutes) - Cyclists should await further information on this via the e-mail group and not contact the company direct. It now looks as though the facility will open in September. Southwark Community Council Grants (item 2) - in the absence of any other suggestions, Barry was applying for a number of £5,000 (the maximum available) grants, including: the Bird in the Bush BMX track (to buy a fleet of BMX bikes and the associated protective gear); Burgess Park Adult Cycle Training (to grow the Rye Lane Community Cycling Project that Barry had started); Southwark Healthy Rides (to create a series of Sunday rides for all); Southwark Park Bike Event (for a one-day event in late summer). Cycle Maintenance Classes (item 2) - the earliest date for the next session of classes was likely to be early May. Action Barry Mason 3. Cycling and the Council Elections on 4 May Eleanor Purser had finalised the Southwark Cyclists' "Cycling Manifesto for Southwark" following comments from the e-mail group, and at the last monthly meeting. This had been sent to the three main parties and supportive responses received from the Tory Party and the Liberal Democrats. At the time of the meeting, no response had been received from the Labour Party. Using the Manifesto, Eleanor had produced a form that could be sent to Council election candidates by anyone in their constituency, for the candidate to complete and return to Eleanor. The return of the form would indicate whether or not the candidate supported each of the items in the above Cycling Manifesto. Those at the meeting took away forms to send to election candidates in their constituency. Other Southwark Cyclists were to be encouraged to do likewise, and Eleanor would e-mail the Southwark Cyclists group about this. A summary of the responses from candidates would be produced. Action Eleanor Purser/Alex Crawford/Adam Maddison 4. Rye Lane Community Cycling Group Training Project Information on this cycle training project was given in the minutes of the last monthly meeting. The person who had originally approached Southwark Cyclists seemed to have disappeared at the 11th hour, but Barry had nevertheless gone ahead and two of the three training sessions had already taken place, with the third due next week. Although oversubscribed, a place had been found on the course for everyone who applied. All participants had thought the course was excellent and were amazed at how quickly they actually learned to cycle. This is being regarded as a pilot project that could be rolled out elsewhere. As previously agreed, £500 of Southwark Cyclists' money will be used for a before and after report. Action Barry Mason 5. London Architecture Biennale (www.londonbiennale.org.uk) (17 to 25 June) There will be a small exhibition in June to launch the results of the Bike Shed Design competition, followed by a larger exhibition in September. Barry is seeking sponsorship from businesses for the competition and had sent out 400 letters. Barry had also applied for a £5,000 (the maximum available) Community Cycling Grant. As previously reported, Southwark Cyclists will lead 8 themed rides between properties of interest. The organisers of the Biennale had wanted to impose a charge on those joining the rides (to defray the overall costs of the Biennale event), but Barry had resisted this. Action Barry Mason 6. Bike Week (17 to 25 June) There will need to be further discussion on the Southwark Cyclists' events for this. Action All 7. Southwark Bike Theft Project There had been no meetings recently, but a meeting was due to take place on 26 April. This is a joint project between Southwark Council, Southwark Police and Southwark Cyclists. Southwark Council had agreed to produce a cycling banner that Southwark Cyclists could use for events. This had been followed up with Southwark Council, but the banner was yet to be received. Action Colin H-P 8. Revisions to the Highway Code Southwark Cyclists would not submit comments unless there was a volunteer to do this. Individuals should submit their own comments. Southwark Cyclists will consider the views of CTC and LCC. 9. Herne Hill Velodrome Alastair Hanton reported that The Friends of Herne Hill Velodrome was coming to life again. Barry would be leading a ride to the international event at the Velodrome on Good Friday 14 April. 10. Planning and Campaigns Group All matters have been covered elsewhere in these minutes. 11. Financial Report At the end of last year there was about £3,000 in unrestricted funds (i.e. funds not earmarked for projects). The corresponding figure at the end of the current year is likely to be £2000. 12. Newsletter Sue Richards had produced a new Newsletter for April and May. The next Newsletter will be produced in mid-May. 13. Next meeting Wednesday 10 May. Usual time and venue. 14. Depart for The Crown, Blackfriars Road There being no further business the meeting was closed.