A substantial gathering of 13 eventually gathered to occupy a corner of the the Golden Fleece. Discussion was, as usual, lively and interesting.
- We started with a presentation by Michael Barratt, TfL’s Development Impact Assessment Manager, who has enormous expertise on alleviating the adverse impact of development works on walkers and cyclists. He was seeking our assistance to apply a “3 Tier Assessment Works Assessment” process, the first tier involving cycling and walking, the area of the proposed works with the contractor and determining the challenges (particularly for those with disabilities and adapted bikes) and the space available to meet them. Tier 2 is to design alleviating measures. Fort his purpose TfL’s Temporary Traffic Management Handbook (currently in draft) is very helpful. Tier 3 is feedback during works.
From the Newham perspective the major current works are at Stratford which is proceeding reasonably well. Michael has assisted us recently in improving this and the more problematic works at Bow Flyover on CS2.
The meeting was receptive to pursuing this for future significant works and we will pick up with our Newham Council contacts how to do this effectively. Most roads in Newham are the borough’s responsibility (as opposed to TfL).
In the meantime any comments on the Stratford works can be sent to our contact e-mail for collation and submission to the responsible Newham Officer.
- Newham are consulting on a “liveable neighbourhood” scheme likely to form the borough’s bid for TfL funding – in the Freemason’s Rd area. There is currently a high level consultation to which we will reply but as usual individual responses would be helpful.
- Richard will be taking forward, with an interested group, the idea of offering councillors bespoke rides with a walking /cycling perspective.
- A proposed letter concerning the QE Olympic Park will be taken forward with LCC HQ and other interested boroughs being invited to participate.
- Newham Cyclists and Newham Living Streets will take forward a letter concerning the cost of parking permits, a draft of which was discussed.
- A busy October in prospect with an Fix your Ride stall on 13th, an Essex lanes Ride on 14th, Bike from Boleyn on 20th, and an AAA bike fixing stall on 27th. Volunteers for stalls always welcome and if you are interested and have not already volunteered please get in touch via the contact e-mail.
Arnold