July (and a bit beyond) News

As usual a lot happening.

12 July saw our last scheduled Newham Ride which again took in a foray south of the river to enable us to enjoy almost all the pieces on the Sculpture Line and a trip on the Cable car.  It was thoroughly enjoyed by the dozen or so participants.  Thanks to Steve for the photos.

 

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On 13 July we attended an initial stakeholder presentation for the remodelling of the Stratford Gyratory.

On the 16 July we were represented at the LCC Local Groups meeting  which was concerned with the updating of its governance arrangements.  There will likely be be a small knock  on effect requiring some tinkering with our (by now venerably ancient) local constitution.

At the same time a Crossrail stakeholders consultation meeting was held by Newham Council.  The point was made that at Manor Park and Maryland there was room for cycle lanes that could be continuous with the other proposed schemes for Stratford Gyrator y and the Quietway.

On 1 august we led our most successful yet feeder ride from Stratford to the central Lhondon Freeride.  Over 90 cyclists were delivered safe and dry to Fenchurch St, by a large team of Newham Cyclists.

Our July monthly meeting took place on 3 August.   We were pleased to have the opportunity to cycle the proposed Newham section of the Victoria Park to Hainault Quietway with  Forest Gate North Councillor  Seyi Akiwowo.  We showed her our proposed more direct alignment (avoiding a potential conflict with a popular playground)  and demonstrate how crucial it is to get high quality crossings of the main roads.

Newham Cyclists and a number of us as individuals have already put in  responses to the Council’s consultation on this Quietway, but the details of the route are still very much open following a stormy meeting the Council held with the residents of Capel Rd and its immediate neighbourhood.  Interestingly the traffic count for Capel Rd came out lower than expected.

Over refreshment the monthly meeting further discussed the Quietway, plus the following matters:

  • Stratford High St:  The Greenway closures either side are set to continue for some time.  The additional closure caused by building work has been ameliorated by allowing shared use of a widened section of pavement – possible in reaction to a formal Freedom of Information Request that was made to TFL by us.  The response to that request also shows that the Warton Rd junction of CS2 was assessed to be dangerous.  TfL now have a long term plan to have a hold left scheme as we originally asked for.  But in the meantime there is danger of short term expedients  which will disadvantage cyclists.  Full details are available from Arnold.
  • The Olympic Park and Westfield:  London Assembly Member Darren Johnson pressed Mayor Boris Johnson about  recent studies of the sub-standard cycle provision.   LCC are still in discussions with the LLDC about the siting of hire cycle stands especially near the Timber Lodge where conflicts are likely to arise.
  • We decided to ask for a catch up meeting with Newham Council’s Sustainable Transport Officer.
  • TfL’s response to consultation on the latest tinkering with the Bow Flyover (designed mostly to assist pedestrians) is disappointing.  In particular it will do nothing to improve cyclists access to the southern section of the Lea towpath.
  • We decided to invite Living Streets to our 26 October meeting and invite Councillors and other community groups such as school governors, youth groups, the WI.  Put this in your diary and watch this space for further details of venue etc.
  • The Crossrail public realm improvements at Manor Park are out for consultation which closes on 4 September.  The link is here:
    https://www.newham.gov.uk/Documents/Transport%20and%20streets/CrossrailManorParkQuestionnaire.pdf
    Newham Cyclists will be putting in a response, but individuals are encouraged to as well – in particular to press for cycle lanes.  Forest Gate is expected to follow in the autumn and Maryland in the new year.

Arnold