Greenwich Cyclists
Notes of meeting 2nd October 2002
Present: 19 attending
1. Introductions
Welcome to all new members
2. Note of 4 September
Agreed
3. Greenwich Environmental Management Services
Caroline McKenzie of GEMS was introduced and explained that GEMS was a Greenwich-based consultancy that specialised in environmental projects. Caroline manages the not-for-profit side of the company. A key aim is to create a sustainable transport network in Greenwich through a mixture of projects, funding and networking. GEMS works closely with a number of local authorities and organisations. They would very much like to support and extend the work of Greenwich Cyclists ñ especially in the areas of training, outreach, fund-raising, events and projects.
GEMS have already started work with Greenwich Cyclists by putting £500 towards the Millennium Health Centre bike training project and next wanted to work on bike training and maintenance classes and later on bike recycling.
GEMS saw themselves as natural allies to Greenwich Cyclists. They could help ensure, for example, that the recently published and under-consulted local health plan was stronger on cycling for all.
In discussion it was made clear that any future cooperation between GEMS and Greenwich Cyclists would not depend on any financial input from Greenwich Cyclists. The meeting then agreed that Greenwich Cyclists would very much like to work with GEMS. Caroline agreed to let us have a draft working plan by 18 October.
Action: Caroline McKenzie
4. Greenwich Cycling Strategy
Our draft is on our website and now with Greenwich Council for their formal comments. More next time.
Action: Nick Williams
5. European Car Free Day 2002 and 2003
The meeting generally agreed that 22 September 2002 had been a disappointment, despite our interesting ride to Tower Bridge, Camden and Tower Hamlets.
In 2003, the day falls on Monday. The character of the event will surely change. It was agreed that a Greenwich Cyclists working party would be set up to work towards CFD 2003. An early approach to Greenwich Council was essential.
Action: Barry Mason
6. The Thames Path and Sustrans
Greenwich Cyclists have already agreed to work with Sustrans on improving the right-angled bends on the Thames Path east of the Cutty Sark. In discussion, Rushton Aust offered to take the lead on the project. Liz Delap had already offered to help, and Douglas Ellison did too. The meeting agreed that Rushton should now proceed with a photographic and paper survey of the route that could be passed to Sustrans to carry forward via their lawyers etc. It was important that Adrian Monk, who leads on Sustrans rangering for us, be on the project too. Rushton agreed to report back to the next meeting.
Action: Rushton Aust
7. Transport for London/LCC lorry/bike awareness campaign
Barry described the launch of this campaign at City Hall on 18 September. It was all about reminding drivers and cyclists to be aware of each other when lories and vans are turning left. It is too easy for cyclists to get caught in blind spots. Whilst the meeting agreed the usefulness of the campaign, it did not agree to mount any local action other than distributing some of the leaflets.
8. Department of Transport grants
Our May application was not successful. A new funding round opens in December. It was agreed that weíll apply again then.
Action: Barry Mason
9. Rides
Barry tabled an updated list of rides that, for example, listed 3 for the coming Sunday. He reminded all that all were invited to suggest new rides, and lead rides too.
Action: All
10. Finances
Karen Marks, as Treasurer, reported that Barry had at last pushed the last pending bills through for payment. Our accounts were looking very healthy. Barry reported that, despite what he had been told about empty coffers, our predecessors (the Greenwich Cycling Campaign) had around £130 in the bank when they closed down. Those useful funds were now being transferred to the Greenwich Cyclists account.
11. Ceilidh
Kate Horne said that tickets were now on sale, and produced some. The posters were almost ready too. Kate, Karen M, Karen S and Barry would now push arrangements forward. In discussion about food, Rushton said that the Forumís own cafe had produced an excellent buffet at a Greenwich Day at the Dome recently. Barry said heíd talk to them.
Action: Barry and others as listed
12. Anything else?
No.
13. Next meeting
Wednesday 6 November.
Barry Mason
10 October 2002
gcminsOct2002