1. Welcome & Introductions
Present: Julian Dobson (chair), Derek Mark (treasurer), Sarah Ellis, Andy Braben (website) Donald Anyiam (Greenwich Council lead cycle officer),David Senior, Liz DeLap (cycle training), Anthony Austin (planning, acting secretary), Ray Suomi (rides), Maria Robinson, Lydian Meridith (Pedal Power). Apologies: Stephen Craven, Chris LeBreton, John Clarke.
2. September Minutes approved
3. Proposed diversion of part of LCN+ 59 Link via old bus garage between Charlton Road and Old Dover Road.
DA explained with maps that residents of the Hexagon estate had asked their ward councillor Alex Grant to make a temporary diversion of the path become permanent. They argued that crime had diminished since the thoroughfare had been closed for construction. The temporary route runs uneventfully through two suburban roads but then hits Charlton Road which is busy and difficult to cross, especially for southbound cyclists.
AGREED: to seek restoration of the original route because it was the most direct and safe for pedestrians and cyclists, and their usage would also act as a deterrent to crime.
ACTION: David Senior said he would attend the October 18 CRIM/CRISP covering this route and also the Greenwich Planning meeting the following day where the proposed diversion would be decided.
4. Other Planning Issues
Don answered a request for an update on Greenwich town centre, prompted by a renewed demand for cycle contra-flows on the one-way streets Nevada Street and King William Walk approaching Greenwich Park.
He said Greenwich Council was conducting a computer model of traffic flows in the town centre, which he termed a politically sensitive issue. The model was now being adapted to cope with expanded data because Greenwich could not be treated in isolation -- the traffic flows were influenced by junctions such as Tunnel Approach in the east, Creek Road in the west, Greenwich South Street and the A2 to the south. "Dissipation" of traffic before it even got to Greenwich was being considered. For instance, the closure of Blackheath Hill on the A2 three years ago had not caused the permanent gridlock originally feared, as road users had found other routes to avoid it.
5. Car Free Day
Anthony said Cyclists had staffed a stall at the Council's car-free day on Sept. 17, handing out maps and balloons. Elsewhere the Tour de France, Council cycle trainers, Green Chain Walk and others had displays.
ACTION: Julian to seek more cycle maps for future distribution.
6. Cycle Training
AGREED: to continue funding the instruction for cycle trainers on a 50/50 basis, the trainers then to carry out some training on behalf of Greenwich Cyclists. Aim is to have one further trainer in addition to the two already qualified (Liz and Maria).
7. Rides
Ray referred to the list, and also to the Nov. 4 feeder ride for a climate change rally in Central London.
8. Email
AGREED: to set up an email address for the benefit of Committee members called enquiries@greenwichcyclists.org.uk.
9. Pedal Power
AGREED: to refund Lydian at the rate of £25 per issue of the newsletter pending a permanent arrangement.
10. Tour-de-France
Julian appealed for ideas to back up the LCC's campaign to attract new cyclists on the occasion of the tour going through London in 2007.