Pedal Power
Newsletter of Greenwich Cyclists - No.14 - September/October 2001
Road works cause diversions!
Car-free festival rides into Greenwich 22 September
Greenwich Council's celebration of European Car Free Day - known as 'Road Works' - is set to be roaring success.
The festival on Saturday 22 Septmber is packed with 'diversions' (geddit? - ed) such as a massive free Japanese barbecue, cycle events and training, refreshments and market stalls, a garden on King William Walk, music, dancing, a carnival procession, and much more. Road Works is certain to draw huge numbers of visitors.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's the fabulous Velodrum in Greenwich on 22 September.
And, if that is not enough, the day will combine the celebrations of European Car Free Day and London Open House, when the doors to many of Greenwich's buildings are thrown open to the public.
Many roads will be closed to motor-traffic from 6am to 7pm, others will be converted to two-way traffic. Cars will be discouraged but buses will flow. The Council will carefully measure the effects on local residents, traders, atmospheric and noise pollution, and of course on roads elsewhere.
Greenwich Cyclists are of course delighted that Greenwich Council has responded so positively to our lobbying for the festival. We hope that this is a big step forward towards the comprehensive and permanent pedestrianisation of Greenwich town-centre.
History of Road Works
The original idea for a celebration of Greenwich street life without cars on 22 September was developed by Greenwich Cyclists in October 2000 following the success of similar events in other parts of London. The aim was to help to generate a debate about the problems of traffic congestion in central Greenwich.
Greenwich Cyclists produced a detailed proposal in late 2000 and lobbied for the idea to be adopted by the Council. In early 2001 the Leader of the Council, Chris Roberts, wrote to Greenwich Cyclists supporting the idea. In June 2001, following an updated proposal by Greenwich Cyclists, the Council agreed to take on the project.
Greenwich Cyclists are delighted to support this initiative. We hope that it will provide a great day out for visitors to and residents of Greenwich, and also help to encourage local people to consider a permanent change to the street layout, and reallocation of road space towards the majority of people using the town centre - pedestrians. Greenwich Cyclists look forward to working with the Council and other local groups to develop a solution.Autumn in the saddle
Below is our September/October rides programme. Our rides are enjoyable, informative, sociable and fun. All (except as shown) are free to anyone without booking. Most events start from Cutty Sark Gardens (CSG) in Greenwich. None of these rides are races - they are paced for all. Distances vary allowing flexibility for the wide range of riders we hope will join us.
On train assisted rides, we leave very soon after the meeting time. Expect help with minor problems like punctures but ensure your bike is roadworthy and bring a pump and a spare inner tube or two. And a swimming gear if the ride goes near the sea.
We'll soon be adding some additional family rides too - check our website for up-to-date list.
Saturday 22 September: 9am CSG: there all day for Car Free Day
Sunday 23 September: 9am CSG: road ride to Crayford to meet Rome to St Pauls riders and guide them into London and St Pauls at 2pm. 30 miles in all.
Wednesday 26 September: 7pm CSG: flat slow Afterworker somewhere local.
Friday 28 September: 6pm National Film Theatre, South Bank: Critical Mass (bit political)
Saturday 29 September: 10am CSG: Greenwich Thames Path Ride...all 9 miles of Greenwich riverside. A gentle explore
Sunday 30 September: 10am CSG: Locks, docks and one smoking ferry: 10, 20 and 30 mile options on this explorer.
Wednesday 3 October: our monthly meeting, open to all. 7.30-9pm at Greenwich Forum, 177 Trafalgar Road.
Saturday 6 October: 10am CSG: Chislehurst Caves. 20 miles in all. Or train back.
Sunday 7 October: 9am CSG and 10am at Herne Hill Velodrome. The Mosquito Bikes charity Ride of the Falling Leaves. A very hilly challenge of 45 or 70 miles. £12 entry fee.
Saturday 13 October: 10am CSG: Docklands explore. 10 and 30 miles options.
Sunday 14 October: 10am Liverpool Street station: The Essex Delta. 40 flat miles.
Friday 26 October: 6pm National Film Theatre. Critical Mass (bit political).
Saturday 27 October: 11am CSG then ride to London Cycling Campaign's AGM.
020 7928 7220 to register.
Sunday 27 October: 10am CSG: roads to South Bank then slow river ride to Richmond. 30 miles return.
Key dates for 2002
Sunday 21 April: 10am CSG: Mayor's Charity Bike Ride
Friday 21 June: 2am (that's right - 2am!) CSG: for Summer Solstice ride to see dawn from Primrose Hill on the longest day
Saturday 20 July: 7pm CSG: the legendary Dunwich Dynamo. 120 overnight miles to the Suffolk coast. Coach back
Full rides list at www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk
Dome path cycle success
Greenwich Cyclists marked the opening of one of the last remaining parts of the Thames Path on 17 September with a celebratory evening ride. After many weeks of delay, English Partnerships finally responded to campaigning by Greenwich Cyclists and the Council, and opened the path in front of the Dome. Cyclists and pedestrians alike can now enjoy the route along most of the borough's riverfront without being disturbed by motorised traffic. Though our celebratory cycle ride was our shortest so far, it was almost certainly one of the most satisfying!
CONTACT US
We welcome your contributions, suggestions and even your criticisms! We meet on the first Wednesday of every month (next meeting 3rd October) at The Forum, 177 Trafalgar Road, Greenwich, SE10 9EQ. Write to us there or try:
Co-ordinator: Barry Mason - phone 020 7232 0444 or masonb@supanet.com
Planning co-ordinator: Greg Englefield
Phone 020 8858 7982 or greg_englefield@hotmail.com
Membership secretary:
Liz Delap: liz.delap@dial.pipex.com
P&P Greenwich Cyclists, c/o Greenwich Forum, 177 Trafalgar Rd, SE10
