1. Welcome & Introductions
Anthony Austin (Chair), Andy Braben, Chris le Breton, Stephen Craven, Tom Crispin, Liz Delap, Julian Dobson, Sarah Ellis, Teri Griffiths, Derek Mark, Barry Mason, Stuart Parkins, David Senior and Sheryl. Three junior cyclists also attended part of the meeting as observers.
No apologies to note..
2. Minutes of Last Meeting.
Approved (proposed Liz, seconded Sarah)
3. Matters Arising
Hexagon Estate: Anthony read out his letter to London Borough of Greenwich (LBG) and their reply proposing formal closure of the path. It was noted that the Blackheath and Westcombe Societies oppose the closure. Action – Anthony to lodge an objection to the closure proposal on behalf of the group at the appropriate time.
4. Thames Path
Barry presented a paper on the possibility of extending the cycle route along the river wall east of the Thames Barrier. Liz offered to be the GC contact when action is needed.
5. Other Planning Issues
a) Old Royal Naval College
The path had been opened without fanfare in March but closes at 6pm. It was suggested that later opening times in summer be requested to match those of Greenwich Park. Action – Chris to draft a letter to Duncan Wilson of the Greenwich Foundation.
b) Sustrans Rangers
Julian (Ranger for Route 1 from Greenwich to Dartford) and Teri reported back from a workshop. A survey ride was planned for 5 April which would need to be followed by one or more workdays to improve signage, clear blockages etc. Chris referred to the Sustrans Overland Route along Blackwall Lane where there was a conflict at a bus stop.
6. Greenwich Park
The prosecution of Coong Duong Voong who had pleaded guilty to the death of Len Woods in the park in June 2007 was reported in the Greenwich Mercury of 2 April, and Anthony had been at the trial. Anthony and Liz had also met Derek Spurr (Park manager) again: the Royal Parks policy unit was 'considering' a 20mph limit and alterations to the cycle lane as proposed by GC but it would be a decision for the Secretary of State. Action – Anthony to follow up progress.
7. CCfL grant
The bid for £3260 of funding as detailed in the March minutes had been largely successful with £2960 offered (a notional sum including £2000 of equivalent volunteer labour time). It excluded cycle counts for which a separate bid to a different fund would be required. Action – Chris to contact Charlie Lloyd at LCC about this second bid. It was reported that surveyors (for TfL?) had already looked at the feasibility of a larger cycle park at North Greenwich station.
Liz and Anthony were in the process of being trained in maintenance so they could train staff at Meridian School. Julian said he could co-ordinate ongoing maintenance there. There was a discussion on which model of bike would be best to buy for the school. Raleigh bikes bought through LCC's bulk scheme would be best value but another model might be technically more suitable and could be bought VAT-free by the school with the GC grant covering the cost. It was agreed that a maximum of £300 could be taken from our existing training fund if the grant did not cover the whole cost of the bikes. Storage on site would be covered by a separate 'school travel plan' budget.
Derek said he had a quotation for the banners of £70+VAT for a 3000x300mm one and £120+VAT for a 3000x1000mm one. He could also get laminated business cards printed as a cheap form of advertising. Chris suggested that non-laminated card would be more environmentally friendly and sufficiently durable. Action: Derek, Teri, Stuart to form a publicity sub-committee and make a detailed proposal to the May meeting.
8. Rides
Julian reported we had been given a £300 retrospective grant for arranging feeder rides to the 2007 Freewheel. The money was not restricted. It was agreed to arrange rides to the 2008 Freewheel – to be discussed at a subsequent meeting.
9. Pedal Power
The next distribution date was agreed as Monday 21 April, deadline for submission 14 April. Agreed copy from: Liz- Greenwich Park and Bike Week; Anthony- CCfL grant; Stuart- ORNC path; Teri- Sustrans.
10. Bike Week 2008 - 14 to 22 June
To be discussed at the Rides meeting on 30 April. Volunteers would be needed to lead rides.
11 Any Other Business
None.