1. Welcome & Introductions
Anthony Austin (Chair), Andy Braben, Stephen Craven, Liz Delap, Sarah Ellis, Derek Mark, David Senior.
Apologies from Barry Mason, Stuart Parkins and Teri Griffiths.
2. Minutes of Last Meeting.
Approved (proposed Liz, seconded Andy)
3. Matters Arising
Mast Pond Wharf: the dangerous wooden strip had been removed but not yet replaced with any other form of marking.
Training: the latest issue of "Greenwich Time" referred to free classes run by Healthwise every weekend. Action: Liz to get contacts so we can liaise with them.
Woolwich Centre: Liz reported back from a meeting with Donald Anyiam. Adequate cycle parking will be provided for staff and customers. The Council is trying to get staff away from the car culture. Action: Liz to write this up for Pedal Power.
4. Planning Issues
a) Old Royal Naval College
Snagging is ongoing and will be followed by a 'soft' (unannounced) opening very soon. A formal opening will follow, probably now in May.
b) Westminster Estate
TBarry Mason has met Len Duval, London Assembly member for Greenwich/Lewisham and a recent convert to cycling. Len promised to support Lewisham cyclists including getting this link implemented. Barry has offered to lead on this issue and Greenwich Cyclists agreed to support him. Anthony would liaise with Barry and keep us informed.
5. Greenwich Park
Derek Spurr has agreed to meet Liz and Anthony again, probably late March. Action: Anthony to contact the Met Police to get the trial date and update on relevant policy.
6. Funding Bid
A sub-committee meeting on 11 February agreed a bid based on four points: supporting the Meridian School in developing cycling among parents and pupils; Bike Week rides aimed at young people and families; Bike Week breakfast for new commuters; cycle usage/demand survey at North Greenwich tube and Greenwich rail stations. Anthony has since met the school head who will accept responsibility for keeping and maintaining a pool of bikes if we get the funding for them. Julian could train a staff member in maintenance. A decision is due on 3 April (just after our next meeting). Action: Anthony to supply final bid document as an appendix to these minutes.
Derek said he had a possible contact for cheap printing of colour leaflets for Bike Week.
The bid included for two banners – sizes of 6ft & 9ft were suggested. Sarah Slater of LCC had suggested the amount we put in was too high. Action –Anthony to get a quotation (but not to be purchased unless the grant is offered).
7.Rides
Easter rides had been planned but not yet on the website. The new website will initially still not offer the option of direct uploading by the rides planning team, Action: Andy to look into how this could be achieved.
8. Pedal Power
The next publication date was agreed as mid-April by which time we should be able to report on the outcome of the funding bid and the Greenwich Park meeting, plus a date for the path opening and initial details of Bike Week.
9 Forthcoming Dates
a) Mayor's Ride
Date not confirmed. It may not happen until the Autumn this year.
b) Bike Week 2008 - 14 to 22 June
The 2007 programme had been a success and could form the basis of a similar programme this year but with better co-ordination with Southwark and Lewisham. It was agreed to discuss this at the next joint Rides meeting on 26 March. Action – Anthony. Liz noted she would not be available to help with planning and leading rides this year.
10 Any Other Business
International event
Liz had seen mention of a "six-day international cycling event" in Greenwich in Autumn 2008. She would find out more.
London Freewheel
The second Freewheel event hass been set for Sunday 21 September. Registration is alreay open. It would be good if more 'hubs' could be organised this time in SE London.
Sports Directory
Liz had seen an online Sports Directory on the Greewich Council website, which includes a link to us.
Hexagon Estate David reported that the 'temporary' diversion of LCN+ route 59 has now been made permanent. The Council has decided to consult on extinguishing the right of way which it accepts was in existence, rather than requiring the wall to be demolished. Objections are certain to be received so it will need to go to a public enquiry. It was agreed that Greenwich Cyclists as a group should lodge an objection. Action: Sarah to draft our submission. Action – Stephen to research previous discussions on the subject.