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On the 17 June a goodly crew started off  a Newham Ride. from the View Tube.

The unusual feature was that it was anti-clockwise, starting with a run down the Greenway to Beckton.

Then to the Royal Docks via Thames Barrier Park and finishing with a run up the Lea Valley.  This way round was intended to maximise coffee stop opportunities and the best times.  Once again it proved how the borough is ever changing.  Much is new and changing but ther are remnants of post-industial.

On 30 June we led 6 children from the Ambition, Aspire, Achieve Saturday Cycling Club for a ride along the Greenway and around the Olympic Park.  A run of 7-8 miles which went a long way to improving their cycle skills.  They did brilliantly in the heat.

In his note of thanks Kevin Jenkins, Founder of this Charity observed: “As always the feedback from the children has been nothing but positive. ”

So a good trip for them and a well spent morning for us.

Arnold

Four Newham Cyclists  participated in another cycle round the Stratford works on 4 June  with Michael Barratt, TfLs influential Development Development Impacts Manager and Paul Gannon, the Newham Council Officer managing the restructuring project, .

Here is their full Report with the full list of actions, and more (annotated) photos:

Focus on the gyratory works 04 june 18

By way of reminder, the Stratford Gyratory scheme has been generally welcomed by Newham Cyclists.  The works already completed give a flavour of the benefits to come.

One of our concerns has been to ensure cyclists remain as safe as possible during the lengthy construction works. The very positive approach by all concerned is helping to achieve this.  The engagement of TfL and Newham Council is very welcome.

At present there are two major issues, which are recognised as difficult to avoid at present:

• The closure of the cycle track in the Grove.  However Paul indicated that this was planned to open southbound in the next few weeks.  Cyclists going northbound can still use the wide shared use pavement up to Great Eastern Street.
• The cycle lane completed in the Broadway westbound can only be used for cyclists turning into Tramway Avenue towards Plaistow.  it cannot be used for continuing westbound to Stratford High St.
  
  Otherwise it is necessary to move into the centre lane in order to get to the now open westbound lane outside the Old Town Hall.  Please be aware of this if you are going westbound through Stratford  to Bow in order to avoid conflict with pedestrians.

Otherwise a series of minor modifications (moving fences, changing the position of signs, covering loose wires etc.) were suggested.

The 4m wide two way cycle track between Angel Lane and The Grove, which is currently under construction may need to be temporarily limited in width at first to prevent the idea arising that this is extra car parking space.  Paul is looking for the best way to do this, for example by use of planters or cycle parking. All ideas gratefully received.

The track will still open with a very adequate 3m width and will move to its full 4m when bedded in.

It was also interesting to learn that traffic counts had shown a significant overall decline in motor traffic (evaporation) since the works had started and a significant reduction in speeds – to nearer the 20mph limit.  Also, further major development  on Stratford High Street between Bridge Street and the Magistrates Court could present another opportunity for improvements for cycling and walking in the area.

Arnold

We have led two more rides for AAA’s Saturday children’s cycling club – on 5 May and 2 June.

The first was a jaunt along the Greenway (first braving a traffic jam caused by a funeral in the West Ham Cemetry) and through Three Mills Green.  Notably we got a disability bike along the Channelsea Path linking Three Mills to the Greenway.

There was  very positive feedback from the eight children participating.

Duly inspired, and with a group of six slightly older children, our second ride ventured from the Greenway along the Lea towpath to the Olympic Park.  This gave us a chance to focus more on cycle  skills as well as taking some of the children to a part of Newham they had not been to before or had little knowledge of.

A great pleasure and success for them and us.

We are therefore trying to fit another ride in before the summer shut down.  If you might be able to help between 10.15 am and 12.45 pm on either Saturday 30 June or Saturday 7 July let me know at newham@lcc.org.uk

Arnold