GREENWICH CYCLISTS
Note of monthly meeting held at the Forum@Greenwich at 7.30pm on Wednesday 6 February 2002
Present: Barry Mason, Andy Braben, Roger Seaward, Peter Corkhill, Simon
Richell, Chris le Breton, Liz Delap, Karen Marks,
Rushton Aust, David Senior, Barbara Henley, Linda Pearce, Greg Englefield,
Irene Wade, Kate Horne, Julian Dobson, Ayako
Dobson, Anna Verges
Discussed:
1. BM opened the meeting and all introduced themselves.
2. Matters Arising:
The note of the 2 January meeting was agreed. The LCC Strategy consultation
period has been extended to the end February. To be discussed at next month'
s meeting. Comments to Andy please.
3. Greenwich Foot Tunnel:
The ceiling lighting conduits are corroded and dangerous. They need urgent
replacement and so Greenwich Council intends to close the tunnel while the
work goes on from 8.00pm - 5.00am for 25 nights after April. Geoff Horsman
at Greenwich Council is Project Manager - they are open to comments. After
some discussion it was agreed that BM write to Greenwich Council to explore
options about working hours, a DLR night alternative, a temporary ferry and
other possibilities. BM will emphasize how important the tunnel is to
cyclists.
4. International Women's Week:
Events: The 40 page Greenwich Council brochure programme for IWW has been
published. Kate and Karen have arranged courses for absolute beginners and
some short local rides, further volunteers to help were recruited at the
meeting. More are needed and welcome.
Policy: Roger Seaward read out an email memo from Doug Bollen. Both he and
Doug (who could not be present) feel strongly that the exclusiveness of the
women-only rides contravenes the Equal Opportunities policy of GC. BM agreed
to change his "Women and girls only" note against each of these events on
the website. A note against each stating that it was part of the
International Women's Festival would suffice. Others felt very strongly that
such out-reach events to new audiences were absolutely part of Greenwich
Cyclists mission and that there was no contravention of the EO policy. The
time to discuss any amendments to either that policy or our Constitution was
at the AGM.
Lively debate followed, including on the point whether the rides were
segregated, sexist or targeted. The point was made that the IWF activities
were not GC activities, women from GC were involved and GC supported the
event as a good way of getting more women onto bikes.
GC rides are also taking place during the period of IWF. Only one ride could
be seen as a direct clash, starting at the same time and place as an IWF
event.
The overwhelming consensus amongst those present was that the IWF events
were to be very welcomed as arranged.
5. LCC Grant:
Last autumn the Forum@Greenwich asked Greenwich Cyclists to help raise money
for bike parking. We applied for a Community Grant from the London Cycling
Campaign. The intention was to put bike racks in the Forum carpark along the
Trafalgar road frontage, on two existing carspaces. The £2000 grant was won.
£1500 for parking. £500 for training. But internal Forum wrangles over loss
of staff parking meant that the racks were actually installed down the side
of Lovell Hall along the Christchurch Way frontage, and vulnerably out of
site. BM felt this was very disappointing and has raised the matter with
both LCC and the Forum.
It was agreed that Cycle Training work with CYPSEG (the Forum youth group)
to agreed a £500 training programme.
6. GC Strategy:
The sub-group has not met recently. The survey is nearly complete.
7. Planning:
Industrial Estate by the Thames Barrier: Sustrans and English Partnerships
have agreed to fund a high level cycle and pedestrian
path over this large industrial site. Excellent news, this will overcome the
missing link of the Thames Path through Greenwich. Cost estimated at £1.25m.
Isobel from Sustrans hopes work can start this year with a September 2003
completion date.
Fairview Estate, western mouth of Deptford: cycle path now open except
western-most few metres. Should be done in March as builders leave the site.
Dome: No response to our letter to new owners.
Naval College: BM, Isobel from Sustrans and Greenwich Council met with the
Greenwich Foundation who administer the Naval College site. Sustrans are
suggesting a cycle path within the College railings parallel to the river
pedestrian path. BM asking for bike access onto and through site. Foundation
very reluctant but are agreeing to survey the site and talk to trustees. We
will lobby Trinity College of Music and Greenwich University. Isobel will be
writing notes of the meeting.
Halfpenny Hatch bridge: over Deptford Creek just south of railway line
foot/bike bridge linking Greenwich and Lewisham. New bridge now in place,
should open March 2002.
8. Funds:
Bank account is healthy - £150 currently. We must start applying for more
grants.
Map: £1,000 grant from Greenwich Council is still to be spent on the local
cycle map. Peter Kent to be consulted. Working party to
be set up - Chris le Breton
(Miles and Roger to be approached).
9. Any other business:
Peter Corkill thanked Barry and Roger for the rides they organise each
weekend, his views were endorsed by other members.
The meeting ended at 9pm.
Next meeting: 7.30pm, 6 March 2002 at Greenwich Forum
LP
10 February
GCmins6Feb