Greenwich Cyclists
Note of monthly meeting held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 4 July 2001 at Greenwich Forum
Present:
Rushton Aust, Man Birdi, Doug Bollen, Maria Cull, Liz Delap, Jim Cheetham, Ayoko Dobson, Julian Dobson, Greg Englefield, Jane Gill, Barbara Henley, Colin King, Chris Le Breton, Barry Mason (chair), Adrian Monk, Nicola Nzuza, Maria Osborne, Linda Pearce (minutes),Claudine Rice, Simon Richell, Kevin Seddon, David Senior, Isabelle Stoddart, Jim Watkins (24).
Discussed:
1. BM opened the meeting, new attenders were welcomed and all introduced
themselves. Notes of the 6 June meeting were agreed.
2. National Bike Week: GC put on more events in National Bike Week
than any other group in the country. We organised 9 events with an average
of 25 people per event. It was agreed there was a great and creative mix of
rides but those with children needed to organise more for their niche. There
were opportunities to join up with other groups, the Southwark Cyclists
picnic and Hackney on the Lea ride.
3. Anti-Racist Festival: The Octopus was a great success. Nicola Nzuza from NHS Health Promotion commented on the positive aspects of health promotion that the Octopus provided, it got people interested in cycling. It was noted that there should have been a pre-event planning meeting to create a more exciting stall and improve publicity. Also noted that BM was the sole licensed rider. We need more.
4. Rides Programme:
Off Road: KS to organise a light trail ride which would be suitable for most bikes. September rides list being compiled. JG recommended the North Downs as good off road country.
Children's Rides: CR is organising a couple of rides but time is a problem. GE is organising a ride for the Kids Holiday Club and it is hoped the path around the dome will be open in time for this event. GCs may be invited to help with the opening ceremony of the Dome path.
5. Events: BM is having to turn down requests for help from various charities,
etc. Agreed that we should continue to be involved with the Mayor’s
Bike Ride and the Anti-Racist Festival on an annual basis but that
other requests would be brought to the monthly meeting for discussion. GE suggested compiling a pack that could be sent to organisations that wish to
organise a cycling event, the onus would then be on them to organise
but we could be in attendance if requested. The Thames Water ride was
exceptional as they were paying us £500
6. Greenwich Cycling Strategy: LD reported that this was still at an
embryonic stage. Draft to go on web for comments. DB warned that Lewisham were very slow in implementing the action on their strategy. BM said that Greenwich Council’s budget for cycling was underspent by about 50% last year so we would need to push for implementation. Cycling is high on the agenda with Ken Livingstone establishing a Cycling Centre for Excellence. NZ pointed out that there were various national targets to be met eg the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease involving a physical activity strategy.
7. Planning: GE requested the meeting's opinion on whether to continue
to push Greenwich Council to take part in European Car Free Day on Saturday 22 September. Many Boroughs are planning to be involved and it was a great success last year. There was general agreement that we should continue to badger the Council. GE explained the nervousness of some councillors, he will write to the Leader Chris Roberts. Closing central Greenwich at College Approach and King William Walk would provide a good live test for pedestrianisation plans which the council are considering.
8. Bike Base: tentative discussions about a bike purchase grant from Health
Promotion have started with Greenwich Cyclists: a pool of bikes for use by
lots of local groups: this could develop into hire points and Bikebase
Greenwich that does everything.
9. Future Programme: Millennium School Event on Saturday, 7 July. Octopus
to be collected from Dulwich Park volunteers required to ride it there and
back. Julian offered to get trained as a main rider.
10. Any other business:
Cycling Map: we have £1000 from Greenwich Pride to launch a Cycling Map so this needs to be urgently progressed. Peter Kent undertaking the art work.
Text needs to be written etc. Kevin, Man and possibly Miles to take this
forward.
Trust for London: GC successfully applied to the trust and received £2000
to reach out to Ethnic Minorities. Some of this was spent on hiring the
Octopus for the Anti Racist Festival. Another group or project needs to be
identified for the remaining £1500. Nicola knew of an Asian Group in
Plumstead that may be worth investigating.
Letters to the Council: JD suggested caution was needed in how letters
were worded. It was agreed that when writing to the council or other
organisations it is OK to say you are a member of GC but not to write on
behalf of GC unless the group have so agreed. .
New attenders were welcomed and spoke about why they were interested.
The meeting closed at 9pm. Pub.
Next meeting: Wednesday 1 August 7.30pm, The Forum@Greenwich
LP
5 July 2001