1. Welcome & Introductions
Julian Dobson (Chair), Anthony Austin, Andy Braben, Stephen Craven, Liz Delap, Derek Mark, David Senior and Ray Suomi. Apologies from John Clarke and Chris le Breton.
2.Minutes of Last Meeting.
Approved.
3. Matters Arising.
4. Planning
Anthony had asked Don Anyiam about Mast Pond Wharf; Barry Mason was also lobbying on the issue. It is Comer Homes' responsibility but Greenwich Council should persuade them. The response of "open for the Mayor's Ride" was agreed to be inadequate – see below.
Foot tunnel lifts are still unreliable. There have been several reports of operators shutting down early or not turning up. It was agreed to ask members to report such occasions to the group so that an informed complaint could be made to the Council (Action – Anthony), along with a request for longer Sunday opening hours especially at Woolwich. No progress on the bike channel. Anthony has requested statistics on usage and procedures for monitoring faults.
The question of whether participation in CRIMS and CRISPS is worthwhile was raised, given that they have not yet led to any significant improvement in cycling facilities. Anthony agreed to contact Rik Andrews (former council employee, now a LCC borough co-ordinator in Wandsworth) to ask his "inside opinion". Action – Anthony.
5. Rides
Rides had been planned up to mid-March. Dates had been fixed for several tours in the UK and Europe during the year (details from Ray).
It was agreed to support Julian's role as a Sustrans Ranger by holding a path clearance ride to Erith on 10th March.
6. Events
Film shoot on Lambeth Bridge – 25 February.
An Australian film company was seeking extras for an evening shoot. Some people had reservations about the way cyclists would be portrayed in the film and it was not clear whether any payment would be to individuals or the group. Ray said he would be interested if others wished to join him.
Mayor's ride – 29 April.
Jane Harwood is the Council contact this year. The route this time would only be as far as Thamesmead for insurance reasons with options of 8.5 or 10 mile routes with a water stop in Woolwich. It was agreed that we would only offer to repeat previous help with signage if the permanent re-opening of Mast Pond Wharf path could be guaranteed several weeks in advance of the ride. We should stress to the Council that publicity and marshalling needed to be better organised than last year. Action – Liz.
Bike week – 14-22 June.
Liz volunteered to co-ordinate events planning for the week since John could not. The first planning meeting was fixed for Thursday 22 February, 8pm at the Dog & Bell. Others to be invited via the Yahoo group. Last year a lot of promotional material went unused, this year we should aim to make better use of it. Action – Julian to e-mail Liz with details of how to register as an organiser.
Tour de France – 7-8 July.
Julian had not yet managed to get details of arrangements from LCC. Details of timing, parking arrangements, kids activities would be needed as soon as possible so we could make informed approaches to local youth groups etc. He would raise it at the co-ordinators meeting on 5 March and report back to the group on the 7th. Ray had already compiled a list of questions to be revised by online discussion by Monday 12 February. Action – Julian. It was also agreed that possible local celebrities to involve would be discussed next month. Suggestions welcome.
7. Pedal Power.
No editor has been found yet – Julian to seek one via the Yahoo group. Action – Julian. It was agreed that while not all borough groups have a newsletter, we should try to keep it going if possible.
No response had yet been noted from last month's mailshot to libraries etc.
8. Any Other Business