All posts by HFcyclists Coordinator

september 2020 newsletter

The Sands End Low Traffic Neighbourhood continues to draw controversy with many residents from the streets on the opposite side of Wandsworth Bridge Road complaining that it is responsible for increased traffic in their streets and calling for it to be abandoned so traffic can “flow”.

Greg Hands MP and Tony Devenish GLA Member have again taken to campaigning with the local Conservatives, claiming it is a failure and should be scrapped. They are whipping up public opinion in direct opposition to their own party and government’s position on Active Travel.

Please click here to write in to support Low Traffic Neighbourhoods 

See a letter signed by ourselves among 134 organisations supporting Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

LCC guidance on supporting LTNs https://www.lcc.org.uk/pages/beat-the-bikelash

Petition from the climate charity Possible to get SUV adverts banned as harmful to the climate, please sign! https://e-activist.com/page/66459/petition/1

SCHOOL STREETS

As schools reopen the council has announced measures to enable safer journeys to school and advises us they are working on School Streets around 13 local schools. School Streets restrict traffic from the immediate vicinity of schools, making them safer for children to get to and discouraging car parking and trips. It is hoped they will encourage active journeys to schools and are widely supported by children and many parents.

BIKE RIDES

Our next monthly Leisurely Ride is on Sunday 20 September 2020, 10am from Pekoe Mellow Tea House, 22 Aldensley Rd, Hammersmith W6 0DH.

We will have a pick up from outside the Empress Building, Lillie Road, Fulham SW6 1TR. It is next to Pedal Back Cafe, 22 Lillie Road.

We have had some success with shorter easy rides for families, elders and the less confident. These have been on Sundays at 10am starting from the Empress Building. If you would like to join one of these rides please notify us via the WhatsApp group.

Palace to Palace 2020

The physical event has been cancelled for this year but you are encouraged to take part in the virtual event, a DIY version.

WORLD’S BIGGEST BIKE RIDE 12 SEPTEMBER 2020

Cycling UK is giving everyone a great reason to get out on their bikes, show support for a new era of transport and remind us all how awesome cycling is.

When we look around the globe at the effect of the pandemic, the world is experiencing the biggest bike ride in years: many people who haven’t cycled before, or for many years, are enjoying getting in the saddle.

By joining the World’s Biggest Bike Ride on Saturday 12 September, together we can get behind this exciting step change for cycling and realise the benefits for our health and for the future.

August 2020 meeting

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 11 August 2020, 6.30 – 8 pm. Join on the link below

https://meet.google.com/wgd-jhtk-ioe

The meeting will be online at and we may meet physically alongside the online meeting for a small group at Margravine Cemetery, 19 St Dunstan’s Rd, Hammersmith, London W6 8RD

https://goo.gl/maps/Z3R1sUpPgfEqCAfr9

If you are thinking of joining in person please let us know on the WhatsApp group https://bit.ly/2Du5T6r

August 2020 newsletter

We, together with a host of other organisations, have written an Open Letter asking for Hammersmith Bridge to be opened for cycling while no works are going on and for its future to be designated car free. 

The letter is delivered to Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport; Chris Heaton-Harris, Transport Minister; Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council; Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor for Transport and Will Norman, TfL Walking and Cycling Commissioner. 

READ THE LETTER HERE

We rode from Hammersmith Bridge to the Council offices at 8.30 on Monday to hand deliver the letter. It was received on the council’s behalf by Paul Henry, himself a cycling commuter. 

A petition has been started to ask for the bridge to be opened to cycling. Please click here to support

Last month we rode to Crane Park. Our next ride is on Sunday 16 August 2020. Departure is from Pekoe Mellow Tea House, 22 Aldensley Road Hammersmith W6 0DH from 10am with a pick up in Fulham from outside Pedal Back Café, 24 Lillie Road SW6 1TS at 9.30am. If joining from Fulham text 07878327353 on let us know on the WhatsApp group. 

Death On The Streets by Robert Davis, Chair RDRF

Introducing: Road Danger Reduction Forum  

This month we introduce the Road Danger Reduction Forum. Please see their page to understand this vital resource body.  Click on the link above or the book picture.

Mums for Lungs is running a webinar on (emergency) School Streets in 3 weeks targeted at parents who are getting a School Street at their school in direct response to corona 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mums-for-lungs-school-streets-webinar-registration-115843052689?aff=Email

If you cycle in Richmond Park or you’re fond of walking there – and if you’re on Twitter or Facebook – then please give @TheRoyalParks (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/RichmondParkLondon lots of love because they’re under sustained pressure to reopen for through traffic. the current arrangement, with car parks next to the Roehampton, Sheen, Richmond and Kingston gates back open, but roads closed to cars beyond, works. It allows people with reduced mobility access to the park but keeps the roads largely car-free, safe and clean. “Last weekend, I saw more people milling around, cycling, walking, roller skating and so forth in the park than I think I’ve ever seen. Local residents… also seem really happy with the current arrangement.” 

“No money for Hammersmith Bridge in £1.3bn ‘shovel-ready’ fund” 

Petition from the climate charity Possible to get SUV adverts banned as harmful to the climate, please sign! https://actions.wearepossible.org/a/petition-ban-polluting-suv-advertising 

We’ll Build Thousands Of Miles Of Protected Cycleways, Pledges Boris Johnson  

Residents to get new decision-making powers in England cycling ‘revolution’  Measures include watchdog to ensure quality and safety of walking and cycling routes  

The Moffitt family cycled from London to Brighton to raise money for the London Cycling Campaign (since the annual London to Amsterdam ride is cancelled this year). Please support and donate via their Just Giving page.

Union Canal works closure 

We worked with London Cables, Martin Barratt of TfL and Ealing and Brent Cycling to look at options to the closure of sections of the canal towpath and cycling route while work is underway to renew cables by the National Grid. In order to avoid lengthy detours, we looked at options that could include a short ferry stretch. We are also asking them to include maintenance as part of the works. See observations written by Peter Mynors of Ealing CC  here

Thames Path cycling 

We are looking for clarification on the position as confusion seems to be arising due to old guidance and posters and confusion over the current state of restrictions. 

HF CYCLISTS MEETING NOTES 9th JULY 2019

  • FREECYCLE MARSHALS

We might be facing a possible issue over numbers of Marshals available for Prudential Freecycle. We will renew the call for volunteers to register. Training is available on Thursday 25th, July at 5:30pm at the LCC Offices in Wapping. Sign up https://membership.lcc.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=243 

  • PLAY STREETS

There are a few Play Streets currently being suggested and there has been a successful one held recently in Cobbold Street W12 https://nextdoor.co.uk/agency-post/england/london/hammersmith-council/play-street-cobbold-road-friday-12-july-join-the-fun-17592191544259/ Coinciding with London Car Free Day / Week we can support some suggested applications. These can be applied for with guidance from London Play  and we will look to create flyers, help knock on doors to discuss with neighbours and generate interest / mitigate opposition. Please email with possible street suggestions.

  • WHITE CITY – NOTTING HILL

Please continue to write in to your councillors to voice your support for this scheme. You can find your Representatives’ details either on the LBHF website http://democracy.lbhf.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1 or at www.writetothem.com.

  • ROYAL PARKS CONSULTATION

This closed on 14 July 2019. The Royal Parks are looking at reducing the presence of and pollution from the vast amounts of through traffic that goes through many of their parks. They have been consulting on this. As always you can still email in to voice your support for proposals to stop the parks being used as through-routes for motor traffic. People will still be able to access the parks by car but the main traffic passing through would be eliminated, creating safer, more pleasant environments. See details and stay updated here. https://membership.lcc.org.uk/royal-parks-consultation

  • LONDON CYCLING CAMPAIGN SUMMER SOCIAL

LCC Local Group members are organising a Summer Social event on July 31st at 6:00PM in Look Mum No Hands (49 Old St, London EC1V 9HX). There’ll be a talk at by the #MakeTheLane organisers, followed by a chance to get to know your fellow activists, make new contacts, and most importantly, have fun! More information is available on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/2204287269693061/ and on the LCC website https://lcc.org.uk/events/london-cycling-campaign-summer-social. Everybody is welcome!

  • EXTINCTION REBELLION AND HFCYCLISTS RIDE ON TOWN HALL

HFCyclists and Extinction Rebellion are riding to support the

Council on Wednesday 17 July 2019 to support the motion to declare a Climate Emergency in the borough and to call for action. Meet at Hammersmith Bridge on Wednesday at 5.30pm. We will ride across the bridge, convene on the opposite side for a photograph, turn and ride back to the Town Hall in time to meet councillors on their way into the meeting. An Extinction Rebellion group of riders will start out at Waterloo Millenium Green, Baylis Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 7AA at 4.00pm and join us at Hammersmith Bridge for the Ride On The Town Hall. They will continue onwards after the assembly outside the Town Hall, returning to Marble Arch.

A number of us will attend the council meeting to support the motion.

We will write to contact the media regarding the ride.

  • HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE:

There are a few Facebook groups springing up to discuss the perceived impact of the closure of the bridge to motor vehicles. One such is The Impact of the Closure of Hammersmith Bridge https://facebook.com/groups/507440140087966/ . We suggest joining some of the discussions to counteract  the negativity and allusion that all that needs to happen is for cars to be returned to the bridge for traffic nirvana to occur.

Philippa wrote to St Pauls school asking them to measure absentee levels across the coming and previous terms. This is to see if the bridge closure has stopped children from attending school.

  • HFCYCLISTS MONTHLY RIDE

The next ride is to Osterley Park on Sunday Sunday, 21/07/2019, 10 am

From Pekoe Mellow Tea House, 22 Aldensley Road W6 0DH

We will start our ride about 10:15 am from Brackenbury Village meeting at Pekoe Mellow Tea House. Come early to experience quality fresh teas and British ‘teatime’ treats.

This is a leisurely ride to Osterley Park, using a 15 mile circular route through quiet streets, parks, canal paths and farmland. 
Rest and refreshments at Osterley House.

Families and Children are welcome.

  • DAVID EALES MEMORIAL RIDE TO AMSTERDAM

Registration https://membership.lcc.org.uk/london-amsterdam-ride-registration is now open for this ride. Details are on https://zork.net/amsterdam. On Monday 22nd July, there will be a little meet and greet to explain more at: 

The Queen’s Head in Holborn, 64 Theobalds Rd, Holborn, London WC1X 8SF from 6.30pm onwards. 

  1. RIDES AND SOCIAL EVENTS
  2. Heading For Extinction talk by Extinction Rebellion on 10 July 2019 – this was hugely successful and enlightening.
  3. Extinction Rebellion Summer Uprising – 15 – 20 July 2019 https://rebellion.earth/event/summer-uprising-act-now/
  4. Extinction Rebellion Ride On Hammersmith Town Hall – Wednesday 17 July 2019
  5. HFCyclists Ride – Sunday, 19th July 2019
  6. Stop Killing Cyclists – 7 September 2019 http://stopkillingcyclists.org/
  7. David Eales Memorial Ride to Amsterdam – Sep 2019 
  1. DATE AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING
    13th August 2019, 19:00-21:00

Pekoe Mellow Tea House, 22 Aldensley Road, Hammersmith London W6 0DH

HF CYCLISTS MEETING NOTES 14th MAY 2019

Present: Casey, Claire, Pet, Peri, Ken, Ruth, Michael, Teneille

Apologies: Roger, Paul,

WELCOME TO ANY NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to Claire and Pet.

  • INFRASTRUCTURE – WE DO NOT HAVE ANY UPDATES FROM THE COUNCIL ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES
  • GOLDHAWK ROAD – UPDATE: WE WILL BE MEETING WITH COUNCIL OFFICERS ON 5TH JUNE
  • UXBRIDGE ROAD – we wanted to know if lbhf had been in contact with ealing about proposals for a segregated cycle lane along the length of uxbridge road
  • FULHAM HIGH STREET – WE HAD ASKED THE IMPLICATIONS OF MOVING THE TRAFFIC ISLAND TO REMOVE THE NEED FOR VEHICLES TO CUT IN TO THE CYCLIST’S POSITION
  • WHITE CITY – NOTTING HILL

TfL is consulting on road and junction improvements from Holland Park roundabout to Notting Hill. We need to generate as much support for the scheme as possible. Consultation closes on the 16th of June 2019. Please follow the link below for details and to respond, there are drop-in sessions at:

The Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, London W12 8LJ – Wednesday 5 June 2019 (17:00 – 21:00)

The Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, London W12 8LJ – Saturday 8 June 2019 (11:00 – 15:00)

 https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/roads/wood-lane-notting-hill/

We need volunteers to help distribute fliers and engage with schools, bodies and organisations to get the word out. Vin Aithol contacted staff members at Imperial College who are happy to help reach out to the students union.

  • HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE: The future of Hammersmith Bridge as a world-class walking & cycling link – Sat, 18th May 2019, 11:00-13:30, Rutland Arms, 15 Lower Mall, W6 9DJ

          Marco from London Car Free Day attended and gave us an introduction to the ideals behind London Car Free Day and the initiatives to see space as more than just a repository for parked vehicles. They attended as organisers of the Hammersmith Bridge discussion.

          We attended this discussion and walk and it was an involved debate which generated a lot of understanding and support for trialing the bridge as a walking and cycling destination. We will continue to work with London Car Free Day and other stakeholders to impress upon the council the important opportunity this represents.

  • FREECYCLE, HFCYCLISTS MONTHLY RIDES, SCHOOL CLIMATE STRIKE,

          We will be organising a feeder ride to Prudential London FreeCycle on the 3rd August. We want as many marshals as possible to support the led ride. Please email hfcyclists@lcc.org.uk to notify us if you can join as a marshal.

          HF cyclists monthly ride was to Teddington via Richmond Park. The destination was the Landmark Art Centre.

          Climate Strike On  A Bike: We attended this and joined with the LCC to support thousands of young people at Parliament Square on Friday 24th May 2019.

  • BIKE HANGERS UPDATE – No update from the council at present. Teneille spoke about her frustration with the process of requesting a bike hanger. She had signed  up for a bike hanger in October 2018 but was told she is 29th in the queue and it is more than a years wait.

   Update: Cllr Iain Cassidy has said that he will look to see what is slowing the pipeline and try to speed the process up.

  • FINANCE – Ken updated us on the current finances and the fact that we can apply for a grant if required. Normally we would forgo the grant but we need to budget for a new or overhauled website so we will apply for the grant to support this capital expenditure.
  • COMMUNICATION
  • Contributors – We want your stories, pictures, cycling successes and fails, inspirational rides, infrastructure notes and observations etc. Send us your pictures and notes by WhatsApp, Viber or to our Facebook page for us to share.
  • Website – We are seeking a volunteer webmaster if possible.
  • Calendar – Still looking for our best solution for ease of use
  • RIDES AND SOCIAL EVENTS

               We attended the following:

  • The future of Hammersmith Bridge as a world-class walking & cycling link –
    Sat, 18th May 2019, 11:00-13:30, Rutland Arms, 15 Lower Mall, W6 9DJ
  • Hammersmith Festival Fri & Sat 17-18th May 2019
  • HFCyclists Ride – Sunday, 19th May 2019 to the Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington.

     The David Eales Memorial Ride to Amsterdam – 19 – 24 Sep 2019 is coming. Sign up link will be shared on the LCC website shortly.

DATE AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING

11th June 2019, 19:00-21:00 at Pekoe Mellow Tea House, 22 Aldensley Road, Brackenbury Village, Hammersmith W6 0DH