metMay2013

NOTES OF HFCYCLISTS MEETING

Held on Tuesday 7 May at 7.30pm
At the home of Ken McCosh. 12 Stanwick Rd, W14 8UH

PRESENT:
John Griffiths. Ken McCosh, Richard Radmore, Janusz Carmello, Alan Rowden, Susie Gretz, Natasha Herriott, Alex Ingram

APOLOGIES:
David Marsh, Paul Saunderson. Ayse Kardes,

1] HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE
LBHF will be installing new markings on the surface of the bridge in the next week or so.

In John's opinion the drawings show cycle logos poorly placed, being after the places where cyclists might merge with other traffic, and some placed in the gutter. This gives exactly the wrong impression to cyclists and motorists alike. The concept of this plan is that cyclists should not be overtaken where a narrow lane is marked and this should be made clear.

We have made as many representations as possible. Let us see what ends up on the ground.

It would also be good to have a 20mph speed limit on the bridge as part of the package. At the Tunnel meeting last week John spoke to a couple of Councillors and asked them to help press for this.

LEAFLETS / PUBLICITY
Our supply is nearly exhausted. John will get some more printed. So far a few people have joined our email group, but it has not been a great response. When the weather is a bit kinder we can give them out and talk to people to supplement the static displays.

We should also explore promoting ourselves more through twitter and facebook etc.

TUNNEL VISION
Last week there was a launch of the Tunnel or Flyunder to replace the present Hammersmith flyover one day.
http://tinyurl.com/d4vtp4l

Although the plans look idyllic, and show open space free from traffic, like the A4 from Hammersmith, or imply paved space for buses only with people wandering nonchalantly across the space, there is not much indication of where the traffic will go. There is an indication of a roundabout at the corner of Butterwick and Hammersmith rd, by the present ground level bus station.

John thought that there would have to be a drastic cut back on the use of cars for local journeys for it to make any sense. Travelling to Heathrow for example will take much longer by car if King street is congested or pedestrianised. John has written a letter to the Chronicle, which may or may not get printed.

Alex pointed out that coaches that presently use the bus station to connect to the West will have a problem.

POTHOLES
Susie brought up the problem with potholes on Wood Lane and Shepherds Bush Road. Richard said use the reportit website at the Council, which he has found very useful. www.lbhf.gov.uk/reportit

Susie and John will fix up a date to go for a ride along there, and invite others and see what we can document.

OTHER THINGS CONCERNING LBHF.
Andrew Gilligan, the new cycling czar, is to arrange a meeting with the leader of the council, Cllr Nick Botterill, to discuss cycling matters. Presumably Chris Bainbridge will also attend.

Andrew Gilligan has indicated that future Cycling Superhighways will be reviewed with a view to higher quality, but what will that mean if the budget is fixed.

BIG BEN RIDE
The date of this has been fixed. Tuesday 9 July 4.15pm. We will have to be there at least 30 minutes before that time.

There are 16 places in total. Preference will be given to people who have been actively involved in our group. I will send out a further email in a few days time asking for the details of those who signed up at the meeting and asking for the details for other people who have been actively involved who wish to join us.

WORLD NAKED BIKE RIDE
London Saturday 8 June, 3 for 3.30pm at Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner

Brighton Sunday 9 June
http://southeast.bn.org.uk/index.php/2013/03/world-naked-bike-ride-brighton-2013/

BIKE WEEK 15 -23 June 2013
We will organise a Sunset ride to the Roebuck on Richmond Hill on Wednesday 19 June.
LBHF will organise a cyclists' breakfast, to which our members will be invited, on a date yet to be confirmed

PREPARING OUR ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
Ken has prepared our accounts and annual grant application form and sent them off to LCC.

EXPENSES
Ken had expenses of about £34 for refreshments, to be clarified later.

9] DATE OF AGM - CHANGE OF DATE
Our next meeting and AGM will be on WEDNESDAY 5 June at 7.30pm at Ken's place, 12 Stanwick Rd, West Kensington W14 8UH.

This is a change from the Thursday we previously said as that date clashes with the date of the Hammersmith Society AGM.

John Griffiths [chair / co-ordinator]
020 7371 1290 / 07789 095 748
john@truefeelings.com
OUR WEBSITE www.hfcyclists.org.uk