www.lcc.org.uk
April/May 2009
£2/free to members
Bike Week Is your group ready?
Heavy going Sharing the road with HGVs
PLUS Bagging a bargain at cycle jumbles Special report on riding in M Mü ünster ■ NEWS ■ RIDES ■ NEWS ■ PRODUCTS ■ PRODUCT ■ BOOKS ■ DISCOUNTS ■ BOOKS ■ KEN WORPOLE & EVENTS REVIEWS
APR COVER 1.indd 1
8/3/09 17:15:53
p2.indd 2
3/3/09 13:58:34
Contents
April/May 2009
Issue 116 05
On the first Sunday of last month, I went cycling in the central business area of the city. I cycled with complete disregard for cars, I rode up one-way streets and I gave traffic lights scarcely a thought. Already I can hear the pencils sharpening and the emails of complaint being hastily drafted. I best tell you, then, that I did none of these things in London, but in Bordeaux, one of many cities around the world to have embraced regular car-free days. It's an initiative LCC wants to see introduced in London (see page 5). Dimanche à Bordeaux or 'Sunday in Bordeaux' happens on the first Sunday of every month. It isn't a pro-cycling day, nor is it intended to be anti-car. It's simply a day designed to return the streets of the city to its people: pedestrians, first and foremost, along with cyclists and rollerbladers. It's a day of market stalls and music, a day for people both young and old. It's a day I will be able to enjoy more regularly now that our family has relocated to the French city. As a result, regrettably, this is my final issue of London Cyclist. I have had three privileged years working on LC, a magazine produced on the most slender of budgets, and made possible thanks to the voluntary contributions of many writers and photographers, some amateur, some professional, but all of them passionate cyclists. Thank you to you all. There are an exciting few months ahead for LC as John Kitchiner, a journalist with more than 10 years' experience editing cycling magazines, takes over. I wish him well and hope he enjoys working on LC even half as much as I have. Lynette Eyb
11
12
44
Product reviews
Features 12 Bike Week 2009
24 Bike video cameras
It's never to early to plan events
Plus lights, T-shirts and more
14 How to lobby for bike parking
Regulars
A guide to getting secure stands where you want them most Behind the scenes at bike jumbles
COVER STORY
Technical A guide to staying safe
38 Books ’n’ things plus Ken Worpole Includes our Fine lines extract
41 My Way Blackheath to Eltham
16 Bagging a bargain
18 Sharing the road with HGVs
35 Diary Rides and events for all cyclists
COVER STORY
4 News, chief executive's column LCC's blueprint for cycling in London and motorbikes in bus lanes
8 Your letters plus Zoe Williams COVER STORY
21 How to... take your bike on the tube 23 Workshops Maintenance courses across the capital
11 Opinion Cyclehoop inventor Anthony Lau on why bike parking needs a shake up
27 Members’ pages Make the most of your membership
43 Outward Bound The Tour d'Afrique
44 Dispatches Münster, Germany
49 Dispatches The University of Columbia
COVER STORY
50 My bike & I Writer Dave Gorman
30 Local group news Reports from your part of town
london Cyclist
Cover: David Tett
Editor Lynette Eyb Product reviews Mike Cavenett Design Anita Razak Marketing & proofing Mike Cavenett Advertising Mongoose Media, Anthon Linton (020 7306 0300 ext 112, lcc@mongoosemedia.com) ■ London Cyclist welcomes voluntary contributions, including photographs. All work is accepted in good faith. Content may be edited and reproduced online – see www.lcc.org.uk/londoncyclist You can contact the editorial team via 2 Newhams Row, London, SE1 3UZ (020 7234 9310, londoncyclist@lcc.org.uk) All views expressed in London Cyclist are those of the authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the editor, nor do they necessarily reflect LCC policy. Editorial content is independent of advertising. All material is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the editor. London Cyclist is printed by Wyndeham Grange on paper made from 100% de-inked post consumer waste. London Cycling Campaign is a charitable limited company, reg no 1766411; charity no 1115789 See page 27 for information about London Cycling Campaign
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 3
Apr Contents3.indd 3
8/3/09 17:20:58
News Chief executive’s column Koy Thomson During my birthday dinner, my wife jabbed a warning finger at a cartoon by the bar. It showed a middle-aged couple out dining. The balding, bespectacled husband was clutching the bill and calling the waiter. His desperate wife was crying out, “Please, Harold, no heroics!” I’m one of those people who queries bills, objects to shoddy treatment, and speaks out against shoddy treatment. I’m an embarrassment to my sons. A life working in environmentalism, human rights and anti-poverty has confirmed to me the truth in Edmund Burke’s maxim, ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing’. I’m not saying we’re battling evil at LCC, but don’t expect change without speaking out. If LCC had a patron saint, I would choose Margaret Mead who said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Just as many members join LCC to be part of the movement for change as join for our benefits and services, and we believe many more cyclists would join if they knew about our work. It’s precisely at the moment when the arguments for cycling are strongest and the interest seemingly highest that a popular and mass movement for change is needed. Noise is a poor indicator of real change; noise must be translated into action. A priority for 2009 is a new campaign platform which engages influential organisations interested in promoting activity, health, clean air, the environment and a liveable London. We’ll know we’re getting somewhere when organisations like the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and the British Lung Foundation join us to seriously push cycling and transport policy change, persuading the NHS to put big money into cycling. There’s a growing consensus the campaigns dreamed up nowadays by marketing agencies to get people fit fall way short of an adequate response. Boris Johnson is right in calling for a cycling revolution, but unless we mobilise a mass movement for change, our very own Animal Farm on the Thames (City Hall) will echo to the bleats of “two wheels good, four wheels better” and “all modes are equal but some [cars] are more equal than others”. So get involved, get active, and let’s get this cycling movement rolling.
4 April/May 2009 LONDON CYCLIST
NEW News 4,5, 6,7.indd 4
AN LCC CAMPAIGN
Motorbike trial underway You can have your say in official survey LCC is urging cyclists to register their views on the trial of motorbikes in bus lanes. The 18-month trial, which started on January 5, allows powered two-wheelers – motorcycles, mopeds, scooters and motorised tricycles – to use red route bus lanes on Transport for London (TfL) roads. “LCC strongly opposed the trial, but with it going ahead, LCC now wants to ensure the trial takes into account the negative impact the policy will have on the Mayor’s aim of increasing cycling to 5% of all journeys in London,” said LCC chief executive Koy Thomson. “More than 4,000 cyclists signed our petition stating that sharing bus lanes
would be discouraging and intimidating. Now is the time to let Transport for London your views on the scheme – it’s imperative that cyclists’ views are properly represented.” The British Motorcycle Federation has urged motorcyclists to visit TfL’s site to make their views known – LCC is hoping its members will do the same. HOW TO GET INVOLVED Complete TfL’s survey at: http://www.tfl.gov. uk/roadusers/finesandregulations/10151.aspx. See www.lcc.org.uk/campaigns for details on the campaign, including Bus Lane Watch, which allows you report incidents involving motorbikes.
AN LCC CAMPAIGN
Gunnersbury parking reinstated Cyclists who use Gunnersbury tube station were left disgruntled after Transport for London (TfL) erected signs in September 2008 warning that bikes parked by the entrance would be removed. The area had been used for years as an ad hoc cycle parking area. TfL cited health and safety as the reason for the move. Lobbying by local cycle campaigners prompted TfL and Hounslow Council to install eight racks – with total
spaces for 16 bikes – on the footpath near the station entrance. “The racks were installed by Hounslow Council with funding from TfL,” said Chris Calvi-Freeman, head of transport for Hounslow Council. “Covered cycle parking at all our stations is an aspiration, but requires careful and time-consuming design and planning, and may not be possible at some sites.” Charlie Lloyd, LCC’s cycling development officer,
The new cycle racks at Gunnersbury station welcomed the new racks. “Next time we suggest the new cycle parking is installed before the old is taken away,” he said.
LCC NEWS
Event marks launch of All Ability Cycling Guide LCC launched a new All Ability Cycling Guide at a special event at the Roxy cinema-bar in SE1 in February. The night coincided with the premiere of Go Cycling, a short film extolling the benefits of all-ability cycling. “It’s great to get all these interested parties in one place,” LCC community cycling officer, Rosie Tharp, told the gathering. “We hope there are some strong bonds made here tonight, and the strength of all-ability cycling in Greater London continues to grow. “You only have to watch the film or read the guide to see the benefits that cycling can bring those with physical or mental disabilities.”
For more news, go to www.lcc.org.uk 9/3/09 20:32:48
News
Send items for the news pages to news@lcc.org.uk or write to the address on page 3
LCC NEWS
Response to Mayor’s cycle plans A healthier capital is at the heart of LCC’s blueprint for London LCC’s major recommendations
Making London a healthier, more liveable city is at the centre of LCC’s blueprint for boosting cycle use in the capital. The blueprint – LCC’s detailed response to Mayor Boris Johnson’s Way To Go transport strategy consultation – calls for bold action to encourage more cycling and walking in the centre of London, as well as throughout each of the boroughs. European-style Car-free Sundays and a Healthy Travel Network are just two of the measures proposed by LCC. “Everyone – from national government, to the Mayor, to the borough councils, to public policy experts – agrees a healthier city is the way to go,” says LCC chief
executive Koy Thomson. “The current public health crisis needs bold action. Encouraging boroughs to make selected areas car-free for one day a week is a great way to get kids and families outside enjoying themselves energetically. He says a Healthy Travel Network would involve creating low-traffic or traffic-free routes to encourage people to cross the city either by foot or bike. LCC has also proposed a London Cycle Priority Network and car-free town centres to make the most of the Mayor’s existing plans to help boost cycling. “The mayor’s new cycling projects – cycle hire, cycle highways and town centre hubs – have great potential, provided we learn from what has worked in the past,” says Koy Thomson. “LCC’s proposals complement and expand, rather than replace, Boris Johnson’s existing initiatives. “However, much more needs to be done to enable existing cyclists to travel more safely, and also to attract new people to take up weekday, regular cycling for everyday needs. “Our concern with Way To Go is that the most important of the Mayor’s plans is the one that remains the least defined: the programmes for outer boroughs and town centre hubs. The boroughs are the areas where three-quarters of the potential for cycling growth lies.” The full LCC blueprint can be read at www.lcc.org.uk/campaigns. Your feedback is welcome via letters@lcc.org.uk or by writing to the address on page 3.
For more news, go to www.lcc.org.uk NEW News 4,5, 6,7.indd 5
◆ Complete LCN+, with it becoming a Healthy Travel Network for London. ◆ The Mayor’s proposed Cycle Highways should become a London Cycle Priority Network. There would be two London orbital routes as well as 12 radial routes in and out of the city. LCC wants the London Cycle Priority Network to be a priority project within the existing London Cycle LCN+ programme and should have the status of red routes. ◆ Develop central London Greenways linking green spaces across London. For example, create cycle paths to connect Hampstead Heath to Regent’s Park and the West End. ◆ Develop a new Cycling Permeability and Neighbourhood Programme. Permeability refers to the ease and ability of cyclists to pass through the city with maximum route choice and minimum diversion, and is practically realised by returning one-way streets to two-way, or allowing cycling contraflows. ◆ Promote car-free town centres and shared space in high streets as a central feature of outer borough strategies. Both approaches marry cycling, walking and public-realm goals. ◆ Implement a Zone One 2012 Legacy Plan. This would create a safe and coherent central London network and newly regenerated public spaces to ensure a cycle-friendly environment for the Mayor’s forthcoming mass cycle-hire scheme.
Photos: Nigel Shardlow (nigel.shardlow@mac.com), Louis du Mont, Eva Ben, Tyla Arabas
◆ Car-free Sundays in every London borough. Suitable street circuits should be made regularly car-free for the enjoyment of walking, cycling, jogging, roller-blading and other family activities.
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 5
9/3/09 20:33:12
News
AN LCC CAMPAIGN
in brief
City responds to campaign
Raising money easier
LCC’s ‘permeability principle’ leads to change
Raising money for or donating to LCC is now easier than ever via LCC’s JustGiving web space. If you’re competing in a sponsored bike ride, it’s easy to create a personalised webpage that means friends, family and colleagues can donate with minimal effort. You can upload pictures and information about yourself and the event, and donors can pay using a range of payment options. See www.justgiving. com/londoncycling
The City of London is implementing improvements to many central London streets, making journeys for cyclists shorter, safer and more convenient. Moor Place is now two-way for cyclists, while bikes will also be allowed to turn right from Beech Street into Golden Lane, and from Golden Lane into Beech Street through the gap in the central reservation. Seven more roads that are currently one-way to all traffic will be made available for
Trailers for shoppers
two-way access for cyclists. These are: ◆ Fann St; ◆ West Smithfield (two-way around the circuit); ◆ Cloth Fair (linking with West Smithfield gives a total bypass of Smithfield market); ◆ Throgmorton Street; ◆ Salisbury Court; ◆ Creechurch Lane; ◆ Finsbury Circus (the western link to Moorgate). Cyclists will need to take care as several of these streets are narrow and will only allow
one road user (cyclist or motor vehicle) at a time. However, the very low volumes of traffic should result in few problems. LCC campaigns manager Tom Bogdanowicz welcomed the move. “It opens up key cycle routes and enables cyclists to avoid busy main roads,” he says. “We look forward to the City Corporation and London boroughs making more streets fully accessible to cycle users.” There are also plans to improve signage on the main cycle routes through the City of London.
Also in the City...
Three Waitrose stores in Greater London (East Sheen, West Ealing and Holloway Road) have been loaning cycle trailers to customers to encourage cycle shopping. Equipped with large canvas shopping bags, the trailers are loaned out for several days at a time, so customers don’t have to take the empty trailer back the same day. When a customer registers for the scheme in-store, a bracket is attached to their bike. Shoppers can reserve their trailer before they start shopping and collect it as they leave the store.
City of London police offered an amnesty to cyclists during its latest lorry awareness event. HGVs parked in five London locations on January 20 to give cyclists the chance to see how the road looks from a lorry cab. Police offered to cancel penalty tickets issued to cyclists in the City in the previous week in exchange for attending the event, organised by the Metropolitan Police and supported by Transport for London and LCC. Officers from the Met’s Traffic Unit worked simultaneously at each site to raise awareness of the dangers and risks of collisions between cyclists and lorry drivers. They also spoke to lorry drivers, and distributed mirrors to lorry drivers who did not have forward-facing and side-facing mirrors. Of the 15 cyclists killed on London’s roads last year, nine were involved in collisions with a lorry. “The number of cyclists killed following a collision with a lorry represented 60% of total deaths of cyclists on London’s roads last year and we are determined this will not be repeated in 2009,” said Inspector Graham Horwood, of the Met’s Traffic Unit. “The Met is working to raise awareness of the dangers for both cyclists and HGV drivers.” For more information and photos from lorry events, see http://www.lcc.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=1265
March 7 saw LCC’s first Birds On Bikes night ride, celebrating International Women’s Day. The 10-mile central London route visited locations that marked the achievements of women in the capital. “Only half as many women as men cycle in London,” said organiser Alison Waller. “Even though half of all women have access to a bike, three-quarters never cycle. We want to encourage all of our female friends to see cycling as a fun, safe, practical and healthy activity.”
Paper launches blog
High Court helmet ruling could affect compensation
The Evening Standard now has a Cycle City blog featuring regularly updated news and comment written by senior journalists Andrew Gilligan, Andrew Neather and Charlotte Ross. Gilligan kicked off the blog with an impassioned defence of riders who don’t wear helmets. LCC’s response to the Mayor’s Way To Go policy document (see page 5) also received coverage on the site.
A High Court ruling could lead to insurers cutting compensation to cyclists if they suffer injuries while not wearing a helmet. Cyclist Robert Smith suffered serious head injuries when he had a collision with motorcyclist Michael Finch in 2005. In his judgment, Mr Justice Griffith Williams wrote: “I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that a cyclist who does not wear a helmet runs the risk of contributing to his/her injuries.”
6 April/May 2009 LONDON CYCLIST
NEW News 4,5, 6,7.indd 6
Regardless, he found in favour of the cyclist, and there was no reduction in compensation because there was no evidence to suggest a helmet would have prevented Mr Smith’s most serious injuries. LCC is concerned that based on the wording of the judge’s ruling, insurance companies could try to reduce payouts unless cyclists challenge individual cases in the courts. Mr Smith was cycling to choir
practice when he was hit from behind by the motorcyclist. It was estimated that the cyclist hit the ground at more than 12mph, which is the design limit set for helmets to be effective. LCC will support CTC to investigate the full impact this judgement may have on subsequent compensation claims, and whether a further test case is required to set the parameters for what protection a helmet may or may not provide in collisions.
For more news, go to www.lcc.org.uk 9/3/09 20:33:43
News
Send items for the news pages to news@lcc.org.uk or write to the address on page 3
AN LCC CAMPAIGN
Free bike facilities on offer
in brief
Parents and schools urged to encourage cycling
Maintenance discount
April 15 is the deadline for schools to submit bids for cycling facilities to their borough. Schools that apply in the correct manner can get a free bike shed and cycle training, plus grants for other cycle projects. LCC’s campaigns manager Tom Bogdanowicz said, “There’s not much time to sort out your school’s facilities bid before April 15, but now is the
SCHOOL TRAVEL PLANS More than half of London’s schools already have a School Travel Plan – check with the headteacher to see if your school has one. If it does, you may still have time to review the plan before the April 15 deadline in order to add a request for a cycle shed to the plan. The schools travel advisor at your council should be able to advise you, and to help make any necessary adjustments. If your school doesn’t have a School Travel Plan, it’s never too early to start developing one for next year. Plans are usually drawn up with the help of the local schools travel adviser at your council. In some cases, pupils have developed the school travel plan as part of a project.
All LCC members are now entitled to a discount on the new City & Guilds bike maintenance course being run by the Bike Doctor. The two-week course costs £900, plus a £90 accreditation fee payable to City & Guilds. “This course will give bike mechanics the accreditation they deserve,” said Bike Doctor director Julia Lally said. “We’re sure that once they’ve finished it, they’ll be snapped up by employers, or ready to go it alone.”
perfect time to start putting together a plan for next year. More than 600 London schools have already benefited from facilities in this way.” Parents can help their child’s school get these facilities by creating a new School Travel Plan, or by altering an existing one – see below or www.lcc.org. uk/campaigns.
GETTING CYCLE TRAINING FOR YOUR SCHOOL Your school – via your headteacher – can request cycle training from the local cycling officer or the local road safety officer. Cycle training is provided for Year 5 and 6 pupils, subject to funding. If funding has run out for 2009/10, the school can apply now for training in 2010/11. Applying early helps secure future funding.
Training trainers Kingston Council’s cycle trainers have trained 70 instructors working for Surrey County Council to deliver the Bikeability training to children.
LCC CAN HELP YOU TO HELP YOUR SCHOOL LCC and its local groups have helped many schools get cycling initiatives off the ground. Contact Charlie Lloyd on 020 7234 9310 ext 213 if you need help working with your school or contact your local group (see page 30).
'Two tings' returns Ealing Cycling Campaign and Camden Cyclists are supporting British Waterways’ 2009 ‘Two Tings’ campaign to encourage courteous use of canals. Last year, British Waterways employed London’s first towpath ranger to help spread the word about the shared use of towpaths. The ranger, Joseph Young, is himself a cyclist.
AN LCC CAMPAIGN
Rush hour at Kingston station
South-West trains has launched the pilot for a new bike hire scheme operating out of Waterloo station. Until the end of April, first-class season-ticket holders are able to hire a Brompton folding bicycle free of charge. Participants in the scheme keep the bikes, and either take them to work and home on the train, or leave them at the hire point at the station after commuting to work and back from the station. The pilot is intended to gauge demand for bike hire out of Waterloo, with a view to the scheme becoming a commercial enterprise later this year.
Parking research
It’s the morning rush hour, but the bike parking facility at Kingston railway station is deserted. Find out why by reading Kingston Cycling Campaign’s report in our local news section, from page 30
LCC NEWS
LCC NEWS
Charity ride
Cycling is on the rise in Sutton
Members can now combine a London to Paris cycle ride with raising money for LCC’s vital campaign work. The ride covers around 200 miles over three days in July. Places are limited – for details and to register, phone Classic Tours on 020 7619 0066 ext 208.
A £5 million scheme in Sutton has led to an increase of 50% in the number of people cycling. The Smarter Travel Sutton scheme also cut bike theft by 17% after creating 200 secure cycle parking spaces. The scheme involved contacting 30,000 households and offering advice on car-free travel, as well as efforts to boost the number of kids cycling. “The percentage increase in cycling is from a small base, but the important thing is to maintain the investment and effort,” “says LCC chief executive Koy Thomson. “This scheme proves that if you give people the right encouragement, they will leave their cars behind.”
For more news, go to www.lcc.org.uk NEW News 4,5, 6,7.indd 7
A block of flats in London has become a test site for bike storage. The Tenants’ and Residents’ Association (T&RA) of Kennington Park House has installed seven different types of rack. “We will monitor which racks prove the most popular,” said T&RA secretary, Rob Pateman. “We will be a ‘demo’ site for other Southwark organisations who can come and see lots of alternative solutions in one place. It’s a convenient way to explore the options and will hopefully encourage more sites to install the most appropriate sort of racking.”
Photo: Jon Fray
Train firm in new hire trial
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 7
9/3/09 20:34:01
Letters Have your say
I am a motorcyclist and am very happy that the 18-month trial of powered two-wheelers (PTW) in bus lanes is going ahead. As you rightly say in one of your articles, PTW riders are as vulnerable to four-wheeled vehicles as cyclists are. I am also vulnerable to cyclists and pedestrians. I can cite a number of occasions when cyclists have put my life at risk by their actions, in the same way that some thoughtless PTW riders endanger cyclists. There is no point in tit for tat arguing or the seeking of the moral high ground. We all have to live with mindless and dangerous road users. My life is already safer for being able to use some bus lanes, and I don’t ride in a way that threatens cyclists. The Mayor has granted the trial and I suggest nobody starts trying to score points or, in the case of some cyclists, try to get the trial stopped by shouting loudly. Let the trial continue and then let’s look at the results. Frosty defies the cold I thought that I would bring this to your attention, which I spotted outside King’s Cross Station last Monday. Undeterred by the recent unfavorable weather conditions, this visitor to London from the continent is about to take advantage of the Mayor’s latest cycling initiative, to explore the capital. Len Welson, by email
Free tyres are a hit Have you thought about writing an article puncture-proof flat free tyres? A company in Middlesborough makes them – www.greentyre.co.uk. They cost about £30 each, including postage, for one on a 700c wheel. I’ve had one on the front wheel for two weeks and it’s been fine; it feels a bit different to ride and is a bit bumpier, but it doesn’t make the bike go any slower. I think I’m going to put one on the back as well. I cycle six miles every day (Clapton to south of Canary Wharf) and sometimes I get so many punctures that it seems impossible to cycle. I’ve tried everything you can get (including inner tubes full of slime and tyres with Kevlar in them), so I think these are wonderful. Karl Jeffery, E5
Zoe Williams
one. For a short tandem for carrying with the elder a triplet time we used saddle and the child on the rear foot on a saddle with younger one wife in front of my rests attached using would never risk behind me. I a solo – it’s too a child seat on motorists around. dangerous with Surrey Derek Roberts,
cyclists, claim to love All politicians senses, genuinely but some, one some can’t think like them, and not to. What I’d of a good reason public figure who like to see is a antisome genuine could cook up Jeremy not counting (of course I’m of cycling spleen were secretly way, others who they Clarkson); that have someone would at least dawn cycling his or her mind would be a new Considerate behind. There issue. school children could line up bike I escorted primary the whole two-wheeled No room for during Lambeth’s of openness around they have to agree with from Paddington across a junction feels In June I travelled ahead and thing Week, an only everyone the School to When don’t, Walk Safely in their hearts to Oxford. I booked my bike. now that children walking something, but for Are we safer initiative to get is the big talk. reserved a space bike safely and healthily. by bendy buses that improves reaching the independently, have been replaced Is our passage However, upon bike cyclists who Routemasters bikes? I was told my I talked to those cars, let alone compartment, cycle route traffic lights about on as there that can’t see stopped at the g that the odd circuitous couldn’t be allowed conductor told jumped the red any faster now The to stop us inconveniencin the cyclist who was no space. day and collided as users of the has been constructed without reservation light the previous Most cyclists taken at all seriously me that bikes about road cars? Are we on and there children. three conversation allowed with You’d respectable had been for ed at this tale. road, or is all the DVLA, who could reach the looked horrifi to the AA and was no way he who are only my train use still limited like naughty children I would miss think that all cyclists, vulnerability, talk about us owners, thus thing their own some reason we’re feckless? space. The same too aware of even and my bike afford cars because like to see about those can’t return. about who my would care on what I’d happened upon I am not a my plans than themselves, And yet pressed more vulnerable I don’t fully know. at the front I am now reassessing off worst?” or commuting cycling, policy-wise, green strip but “Who came were bike lane. That of cycling holidays and then I wasn’t a car” big fan of the chance of this “So what? It ignored by motorists, lanes do take by train, as the We are all of the traffic is is too infuriating. cycle among the comments.they represent at them. Where cally happening again train such: have to shout thinking specifi know what the endangered by Does anyone but main drag – I’m in social solidarity, are on this and you out of the Vauxhall Cross, a breakdown and Castle and companies’ policies aside from vulnerable and them a lot – they about Elephant caring for the redress of through any go lack I have I than will do that for the law. much longer that’s only because of complaint lack of respect routes that are you writing a letter an accident take you on loony the roundabout. They hurl back office? If you heard about cyclist, you round get lost in some and a simply going footbridges; they’re Stoke Newington involving a car stairs and over Jo Jamison, there “Who came off up curbs and complain to at all, they’re wouldn’t ask I for the cyclist Ed: Jo should let idiot cyclists not designed ington@firstgroup. drivers. And again, worst?”, so don’t of the way of get away fgwcyclespadd it; to get you out honest about it to office@lcc.org. (or cycling campaigners) that if they were of com and copy your with pictures wouldn’t mind insist on taking with such crassness. helpful blue signs uk. You should they by email rude black and instead of the on the train if Susan Bewley, they should have bike elsewhere Other you worms”. bikes on them, keep a space. “get off and walk, have failed to can white signs saying we were. cycle policies Highway ‘engineering’ where rail companies’ ionalrail. my bike into proposal to We’d all know not keen on the In June, I trained to I’m be found at http://www.nat up. cycled reason, then For this s/tocs/ made that word Fenchurch Street, cycle-fares (I co.uk/tocs_map you know for the Camden have four giant only for… well, Regent’s Park the It’s like a thoroughfare, London. It sounds Green Fair, encounteringaround going through Slippery issues issue paths what I mean) the June/July they did it, they’d segregated cycle Two letters in suspicious: if I found these cool, but I’m and both dealt ever uses anyway, Bloomsbury. at road nobody asked for advice, despite being in a canal. ringfence some with which I was useful, although useful and ends with subjects the paths are my 78 years of that starts nowhere bike subsidisation scheme carriageway level, acquainted during a new bike) am I into the footway standards. for to Nor pay only help will finished serious cycling. with fully sprung but (where the government who’ve availed themselves paying to acquire Why do cars I know The thought of get a level surface, – the only people begin with. I know universal fills me with horror. suspensions to a chain cleaner as pedestrians? chain, cleaned sure the poorest of it were loaded cyclists get treated engineers only way to make I kept a replacementthen oiled it. Aren’t lies with benefits are the with cyclists? n and The problem but is that true it with paraffi bike to acknowledge population, get a look in, come off the who are reluctant expertise in than the general One chain would on. we more assertive been squashed by now? chain would go they have negligible infrastructure. have and the clean cycling opposed to were provided otherwise we’d the design of I am vehemently My two daughters of more opposed In other words, bikes and tricycles While the announcement done, and probably I am also with miniature cycle use is No what has been future. of about four. millions to encourageit’ll be wasted be done in the from the age fears to what might do nothing, and used; they retard welcome, one politicians who stabilisers were words and annoyed about to balance on by local authorities. BoJo can who think friendly a child’s learning scathing of those are enough. I appear to be first had a one-seater Let’s hope Mayor that is holding own two wheels. I anomaly on a bicycle. a bike of your elder child then address this I don’t belong sidecar for the development. one was ready against everything. back cycle facility email when the younger twoby a eld, I obtained er 2008 11 David Garfi for a sidecar, to a August/Septemb rear seat fitted LONDON CYCLIST seater. I had a
450
LC takes a step to the left Lynette Eyb’s editorial in the February/March issue has convinced me to not renew my LCC membership. Why does she imagine that the US elections have anything to do with cycling, and why does she parade her opinions as correct? It is inappropriate for her to politicise London Cyclist and push her own viewpoint on this or any non-cycling matter. It is equally unacceptable to push her general leftist agenda by means of an attack on Boris Johnson and support for Ken Livingstone. This is not the first time I have noticed London Cyclist slipping into leftism, and I therefore am going to withdraw my financial support. Jeremy Benjamin, South Croydon
Letters .uk or to the sent to letters@lcc.org for legal or Letters can be be edited 3. Letters may concise) address on page them short and (please keep space reasons
do the so supple, I still joints are not do rides, but could 10- to 20-mile on the hills. with a bit of help get any unbiased It is difficult to and assisted bikes views on electric and interest to myself it would be of members to see other less youthful London Cyclist. an article in the by email John Hearson,
Dench
More tolerance of other road users would be good from (some) cyclists. Most of us respect cyclists and admire them for being fitter than us. We are not the threat some people would have you believe. Paul Allen, by email
Photos: Peter
Motorbikes in bus lanes Powered two-wheel vehicles dominate bus lanes and scare me when I am cycling or trying to cross the road as a pedestrian. I often have to get out of their way for my own safety as they ride their machines so quickly and drive through gaps in traffic that cyclists and pedestrians already use. There are already buses, taxis, emergency services vehicles and cyclists using bus lanes, so to allow powered two-wheelers to start using them as well seems like a recipe for more accidents to occur. I will be using my bicycle much less in the future as long as these vehicles are allowed to use the Red Route bus lanes. I am totally opposed to this ridiculous and dangerous trial. Nigel Goulding, by email
12/7/08 22:55:08
READYAugLetters10
,11.indd 11
Contents
Issue 115
ch 2009 February/Mar 04
do, democracy. You to be said about vote for, which There's much you (collectively) it one hopes), or after all, get what For well (Barack Obama, can work out (his predecessor). pear-shaped as can all go a little need only look to home, we an example closer year, London elected a mayor Last a cyclist but far as City Hall. who was not and of an incumbent supporting cycling who cycles ahead track record of did have an excellent is a funding) its growth. Boris Johnson promoting (and that the fact Mayor strategies. One could argue his initial transport little effect on have had but we would cyclist has had a cycle hire scheme, 'cycle corridors' or 'cycle Sure, we get we get And we anyway. And nurture new cyclists. that with Ken to suggest which could help evidence not superhighways', there's buses (though And we get motorbikes get rid of bendy to anyone anyway). is a good idea, suggest this they were a threat charge? no evidence to to the congestion in bus lanes (there's about the changes Cycling Network+? either). And what of the London projects Or the abandonment to deliver pro-cycling and determination Thankfully the as in some corporate most level, as well of the is alive at grassroots issue, we profile the winners In this to the ideas, public sectors. and pay tribute Cycling Awards, (and other) recent London that saw these and dedication 2008. How to fruition during strategic thinking projects come are funded from worthwhile cycling – given many fare in the future similar projects be seen. – remains to City Hall coffers Lynette Eyb
20
47 WIN! an Ortlieb saddle pack
Product reviews
18
Features 12 The London
Cycling Awards
The 2008 winners
COVER STORY
profiled
health 18 Cycling andprofessionals should Why medical encourage cycling
Technical two 20 Staying on Advice to help
24 Let
the load your bike take
Bags, bags and
more bags
things 26 Bright little Solar-powered
wheels
22 Workshops courses across the capital Maintenance
make 23 How to... cycle-friendly
your school
Zoe Williams
11 Opinion
Lords' on why the Law Oliver Schick Mass really matters ruling on Critical
pages 29 Members’ of your membership Make the most
Reports from
Rides and events
for all cyclists
Dew things plus Josie 40 Books ’n’ Fine lines extract Bermondsey
strategy The campaign Mayor's transport lanes, and the
plus 6 Your letters
36 Diary
43 My Way
executive's column 4 News, chief against motorbikes in bus
avoid collisions
news 32 Local groupyour part of town
Includes our
lights
Regulars
to South Kensington COVER STORY
Bound group 44 Outward for your local Organising tours
Bound 47 Outward
The Tour de France
49 Dispatches
Braving the roads
in Delhi
I 50 My bike & Murphy
Writer Dervla Cover: Marek Sikora
ext (020 7306 0300 Anthon Linton be edited and Mongoose Media, Content may rg.uk) in good faith. Cavenett Advertising & proofing Mike All work is accepted (020 7234 9310, londoncyclist@lcc.o content is Razak Marketing including photographs.Row, London, SE1 3UZ reflect LCC policy. Editorial Design Anita reviews Ian Cleverly welcomes voluntary contributions, team via 2 Newhams do they necessarily Cyclist is Eyb Product Cyclist the editorial the editor, nor Editor Lynette ia.com) ■ London oncyclist You can contact necessarily endorsed by of the editor. London limited and are not 112, lcc@mongoosemed the written permission is a charitable – see www.lcc.org.uk/lond of the authors reproduced without London Cycling Campaign reproduced online in London Cyclist are those waste. and may not be Cycling Campaign material is copyrighted100% de-inked post consumer All views expressed about London advertising. All made from for information independent of Grange on paper See page 29 February/March printed by Wyndeham charity no 1115789 no 1766411; LONDON CYCLIST company, reg
london Cyclist
2009 3
10/1/09 22:21:45
Feb Contents3.indd
3
Looking over one’s shoulder Zoe Williams (LC, Aug/Sept) speaks for all of us when she vents her anger at the politicians who make empty promises about helping cyclists, and about the small scale and largely useless schemes for cyclists. However, on the matter of safety in traffic, I feel criticism of some cyclists needs to be made. It concerns not looking behind to judge whether it is safe to move into a traffic stream. Every day I see cyclists moving into a stream of vehicles without attempting to judge whether it’s actually safe to do so. Part of the problem may be the advice to give a hand signal. This is bad advice. At a crucial moment of manoeuvring into the traffic stream, the cyclist has less control riding one-handed. It is far better is to look over the shoulder and have a clear view of the traffic before making the manoeuvre. And looking at the vehicles, particularly if you can catch the eye of the driver, is a much more effective signal than a wave of the hand. I’m sure many accidents involving cyclists are partly as a result of the cyclist not being aware of how close the vehicle is. I suspect cyclists who go through formal training are not taught to look over their shoulder. They should be. Any person learning to ride should be encouraged to go to a quiet, open space and spend time learning to look backwards confidently, while keeping the bike on a straight line. Colin Lomas, W7 Cycle trainer and LC’s safety writer David Dansky writes: Any person undergoing National Standard cycle training will need to demonstrate that they ‘can look all around, including behind, with control’ (ie without wobbling) before being trained on the road. Cycle trainers will always insist that a person looks before signalling whenever they intend to change position on the road. In fact, looking back regularly and making eye contact with other road users is one of the core principles of assertive cycling (see, be seen and communicate). Saying sorry helps ease tension I applaud Michelle Casey (Letters, Feb/Mar). To hold up your hand and
Congratulations to our Feb/Mar prize-winner: Pamela Holmes, NW3, won the Ortlieb LED saddle pack
8 April/May 2009 LONDON CYCLIST
Apr Letters 8,9.indd 8
8/3/09 20:30:11
Letters
Letters can be sent to letters@lcc.org.uk or to the address on page 3. Letters may be edited for legal or space reasons (please keep them short and concise)
apologise to a fellow road user if you are partly to blame is courteous and honest, and likely to produce a productive outcome. When I have made mistakes or been partly to blame, I have apologised and let the other party recognise this. Although the other party has sometimes been annoyed, honesty has helped achieve a relatively peaceable outcome. Neil Smith, Tooting Bec Thumbs up for CM article Many thanks for Oliver Schick’s article on Critical Mass in the last issue. I have found that in cycle campaign circles there is often a reticence about Critical Mass that seems to be partly down to its legal status and also that the perception that it risks harming cycling’s reputation. While there is the odd problem with motorists and pedestrians, these are rare. Indeed at February’s ride I noticed a boy holding his mum’s hand waiting at a bus stop. As he saw the
since arriving in London. “I find it contradictory that London is supposed to support the arts, cycling and a green environment, yet sometimes when I perform, I’m ask me to move on. I am told street performing is a form of begging, which is really insulting, because a lot of buskers are really professional musicians. “I really hope to get the backing of London authorities as I believe what I am doing is providing something culturally interesting and inspiring for tourism and for London. For now, I’m happy to be an unlicensed Puncturekit that is doing something positive – where’s the crime in that?” For more on Puncturekit, see www.myspace.com/puncturekit, or contact him directly if you would like him to perform at your event: puncturekit@rocketmail. com or 07983 234 831. number of cyclists approaching, his jaw dropped and he started clapping. I hope the boy will have been inspired to join us. The good weather and light evenings are coming – what better way to end the month? Alan Limbrick, by email Thanks for the correction Sian Charlton is right to admonish me in the last LC for forgetting Higgins trikes in my review of London bike makers. I should have remembered because I almost came off a Higgins, owned by Sian, on my first tricycling corner. Not everyone escapes the classic tricycling beginner’s mistake of leaning the wrong way. After my experience, Sian told me she was called by the police one morning to ask if a tricycle was missing from her shed – it turned out a thief had stolen it, come off on the first corner and landed up in hospital. Tom Bogdanowicz, LCC campaigns and development Manager
450
A bike, a boy and his bongos Several members have emailed in saying they have seen a guy “playing a bike” around town. We tracked him down. His name is Dave Osborne, otherwise known as Puncturekit. He arrived from Australia in June last year. “I was looking for part-time work so I could concentrate on my music. All the part-time work to suit the hours I needed was poorly paid and unreliable,” he says. “It was then that I thought I’d hit the street and play drums. Originally I thought about using buckets and junk – there are some really good ‘bucket drummers’ in London – but I didn’t want to catch tubes and buses to carry it all around. So I decided to use my bicycle and designed Puncturekit. Now, I work the hours I want, get to cycle, drum and make people happy. “I’ve been performing as Puncturekit for eight months now and it’s the only ‘job’ I’ve had
I was on my way to lunch at a swanky new development in Paddington Bowl, already 20 minutes late, when I had the following argument. I went to lock my bike to an item of street furniture, it was a parking sign I believe, when an attendant came up and told me my bike would be confiscated if I parked there. I started off saying, “Mate, I do not have time to have this argument – can you not just take it from me that I am right, and we can discuss it later?” I smiled while I said all that, but that passiveaggressive management technique does not work on everybody. “No, no, no. Not here,” he returned. “I don’t think there’s any law against securing your bike to street furniture,” I said, “and furthermore, if that law did exist, I think it would have been a recent one, and there’d have to be signs here, and someone would have told me. I think even if this law had been brought in without anybody telling me anything about it, I don’t think you’d be the person to enforce it. I just can’t see it. There you are, doing your thing, with cars and tickets and whatnot, and you’re suddenly going to give up half an hour to destroy a bike lock and take away my bike? I just can’t see it. Sorry. No offence.” “You stay here,” he said, “I’m radioing my supervisor.” Truly late, now, I locked up and left. Nothing like it, I was thinking. Rules made up by a powerless person. You can smell them a mile off. Well, someone was totally wrong, but it wasn’t him: in fact, this is not yet a law, it’s a Bill – the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Bill – but it cranked into geriatric parliamentary gear in 2007, so the likelihood of its becoming an Act without my noticing is extremely high. And furthermore, it doesn’t really have to be him enforcing it. He doesn’t have to rock the whole parking-ticket process. All it takes is one parking guy who considers himself slighted by a rude passer-by, he calls the police, and the police take your bike. I don’t know how many times I have to learn this lesson before I actually learn it: there is no point shouting at a man in uniform. Either he is wrong, in which case just ignore him, or he is right, in which case shout at the faceless application of justice – what on Earth is this one man going to do about it? This is an outrageous Bill. So little money and effort and thought goes into the most selfless and pleasing and beneficial way anybody could travel. Where have you ever seen actual money thrown at cyclists? On bloody billboards telling you to cycle! It’s good for your heart, they say; your city needs you, yik yak yik yak, and that’s it. But then you get on your bike, and you get no favours at all: no infrastructure, no consideration from buses, no simple A-frame or Sheffield stand to chain it to (not even a ring outside a supermarket like you’d use for a dog). All you get are stupid bylaws pushing you onto public transport, while all the proselytising obesity ads try to get you off it. Cycling normally puts me in a very good mood.
Photo: Peter Dench, Declare Independence Photography (http://independence.carbonmade.com)
Zoe Williams
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 9
Apr Letters 8,9.indd 9
8/3/09 20:30:30
p10.indd 10
3/3/09 14:00:08
Opinion
Bike parking needs a makeover Cyclehoop inventor Anthony Lau says parking your bike needs to be just as much a part of the cycling experience as actually pushing the pedals Bicycle parking facilities are often utilitarian and uninspiring spaces. In order to encourage more people to take up cycling, it is important that we not only increase parking capacity, but also focus on improving the quality of the space through better design. For many cyclists, the commute to work is an enjoyable and stimulating experience, but upon arrival, they are forced to lock their bike outside where they worry about theft or, if they are lucky, they can store their bike indoors in a dingy room hidden in the basement. Cycling is fun, so why can’t the start and end of each journey be a fun as well? As both a designer and a cyclist, I believe the design of cycle parking deserves greater attention by architects, developers and building owners. For some cyclists, the stress of looking for a parking spot is often too much and they give up cycling altogether. Therefore the lack of secure bicycle parking facilities – both at work and at home – can be a major inhibitor to its growth. Not just a bike shed Currently, building regulations and requirements ensure architects and developers provide adequate cycle parking facilities in new developments. Designers often consider these regulations a burden as they reduce the amount of usable space in developments. Cycle parking is often viewed as a utilitarian space, similar to allocating space for bins. The aim is to maximise parking in the minimal space, with little or no attention given to its aesthetics or design. However, things are beginning to change. With cycling growing in popularity and increasing support from government, we are beginning to shift towards a cycle-centric culture similar to that in some European countries. Cycling is also becoming fashionable and cool; soon, cyclists will not only want more parking facilities, but they will want better designed ones as well. At the workplace, the appearance of the bicycle parking facility will soon become as important as creating a well-designed reception
in conveying a company’s image. Providing a good, well-designed facility is an ideal opportunity for the company to demonstrate to their clients, visitors and staff their support for sustainable transport. Aside from the environmental benefits of reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and cutting carbon emissions, such a facility is a long-term investment that increases the value of the property and brings further longterm benefits to the building owner. A successful facility encourages greater cycle commuting, resulting in healthier employees, greater productivity, and even improved timekeeping as they are never “stuck in traffic/on a late train”. Delivering a good parking facility is not straightforward, especially in existing buildings where space is limited. Nevertheless, it is possible to deliver a successful facility within the confines of existing spaces. Technology and products There are numerous types of cycle parking products, from the low-tech rows of Sheffield racks to simple wall-mounted hooks. Each product is suited to different situations. At the other end of the spectrum, there are hi-tech solutions ranging from fully automated underground systems found in Japan, to London’s very own smart card facility at Finsbury Park. The technology and the products are available – what is important is
choosing the appropriate product for the situation (context, type of user, level of use and budget). Cyclehoop recently took part in an international design competition, the New York CityRacks, which asked for solutions to improve cycle parking at Google’s New York office. We proposed a system of three modular pieces that could be installed in an unlimited number of combinations, conforming to any room shape or size. We effectively doubled existing capacity without making the room appear cluttered. Two-tier racks allowed efficient double stacking of bicycles, while vertical racks made use of narrow spaces along walls. To cater for peak demand during summer, bicycles could also be hooked and winched to the ceiling, making use of this otherwise redundant space.
Top: Anthony’s indoor bike parking design Above: The Cyclehoop
Other considerations Good lighting, ventilation and secure access are important in creating a successful parking scheme. Communal pumps, tools for basic maintenance, and an information board also help create a sense of community among cyclists. In addition, painting the walls and applying vinyl graphics is an effective and low-cost way to brighten and enliven a storage facility. Creating spaces that are colourful, attractive, and accessible help convey a positive image of cycling, encouraging those who do not cycle to take it up, and encourage fair-weather cyclists to keep cycling throughout the year. Investing a small amount of time and effort into the design of a functional and attractive space will not only result in a facility that is pleasant to use, but one that will encourage greater usage, maximise its benefits and ultimately increase the return on the original investment. See page 14 for advice on how to lobby for cycle parking.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anthony Lau, an architect, is the inventor of the Cyclehoop, a device that converts existing street furniture into bicycle racks. Various councils in London have adopted Cyclehoop. In 2008, Anthony founded Cyclehoop Ltd, a company that designs, manufactures and installs unique cycle parking solutions. His website is www.cyclehoop.com
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 11
Apr Opinion 11.indd 11
8/3/09 20:33:46
Feature
The 2008 Bike Week Family Fun Day in Brockwell Park
Main events It’s the annual festival that gives campaigners a unique chance to introduce people to the joys of cycling. Philip Loy, coordinator of Lambeth Cyclists, has this guide to planning your Bike Week activities bet you didn’t know that May will feature British Sandwich Week? It seems every interest group – and passing fad – has an awareness week, so it’s salutary to reflect that the week that celebrates the bicycle was first held back in 1923. National Bike Week, which this year runs June 13-21, is not just an event for existing cyclists, but a chance for new and returning cyclists to discover – or rediscover – the joys of riding a bike. For nine days every year, Britain goes cycling-mad and pretends it’s The Netherlands, with hundreds of cycling events held up and down the country. At no other time of year is there so much grassroots cycling activity, and London is particularly lucky to have a wealth of events, due in no small part to LCC’s active local groups. Other cycling organisations such as CTC, as well as local authorities, schools and cyclist-friendly employers, also run events. Last year there were nearly 1,700 registered Bike Week events nationally, and more than 100 of those took place in Greater London. Events ranged
Photos: Philip Loy
I
from rides and cycle training sessions to Dr Bike maintenance clinics and bike breakfasts. One of the most important aspects of Bike Week is the number of family-friendly events, with roughly 75 per cent of events last year suitable for kids. That means a huge swathe of the population that might normally resort to the family car for a day out had the chance to try, enjoy and be converted to the pleasures of cycling. Nationwide publicity is handled by event management company, Limelight Sports, which lists all registered events at www.bikeweek.org.uk. It also coordinates mainstream publicity. LCC and its local groups promote events on a more local level. For an LCC group, Bike Week presents a great opportunity to reach out and encourage more people to become involved in a special – or regular – group event. For one week in the year, LCC’s local groups get the assistance of a mainstream website and a nationwide publicity machine, something rarely available to a small, voluntary group.
12 April/May 2009 LONDON CYCLIST
Apr Bike week 12-13.indd 12
8/3/09 20:37:25
Feature
How to get involved in Bike Week Once you have people coming on your event, what better opportunity to tell them about your group and the benefits of joining LCC? So how exactly do you go about organising an event that will attract interest and make the most of Bike Week? All you really need is a few enthusiastic people sitting around (possibly over a drink), discussing ideas – you really will be surprised how quickly you come up with new and innovative ways of promoting cycling. If you have local group meetings, make sure Bike Week is on the next agenda. It is good to get someone who is keen on an event or idea to take responsibility for organising it. This really isn’t as burdensome as it sounds – it is simply a matter of developing the idea (planning a ride route and cycling it to check its suitability; finding a good Dr Bike location and encouraging volunteers to help out on the day, and so on). Make sure your group utilises all its talents: is there a media-savvy person who can help russle up local media support? Who will contact local schools and other community groups to promote your activities? Are there any mechanically minded members who can help with your Dr Bike? The more members you have involved in your events, the more successful they will be.
What events work The mainstay of Bike Week is the bike ride, but make sure you vary your ride themes to catch the imagination of the public. A favourite is a ‘beating the bounds’ ride, whereby a ride follows a route around the borough boundary. This can reveal some fascinating places you never knew were there. One year, by sheer coincidence, both Southwark Cyclists and Lambeth Cyclists had a Bike Week ‘beating the bounds’ ride, Southwark going anticlockwise, Lambeth clockwise. The rides met at Crystal Palace, though no boundary conflicts arose (probably because of the steep hill we’d all just climbed), adding an additional element of fun to the day. Also, when planning your rides, don’t forget to think about including one for families, or another interest group, to encourage new people to cycling. Another classic Bike Week event is the commuter challenge. This is where volunteers travel from one location to another, with each person using a different mode of transport, one of course being a bike. A commuter challenge makes for a great feature in a local newspaper, so don’t forget to lobby your local rag for coverage. The idea, of course, is to show how cycling beats all the other forms of transport. One year in Lambeth, a motorbike just managed to beat the cyclist to the appointed destination, but the motorcyclist was disqualified when it transpired that he had parked his motorbike illegally. Then, of course, there is the cyclists’ breakfast, one of the best non-ride events for both host and recipient. There are two ways of doing this. Lambeth Cyclists used to lead a morning ride to a café for a breakfast prior to everyone going off to work. More recently, a great alternative is to have a stall in a strategic location that sees lots of cyclists pass in the morning. The stall should provide a simple breakfast of hot drinks and pastries, accompanied by lots of LCC leaflets or newsletters, and plenty of volunteers to chat to people about the group, its events and campaigns.
LCC’s Hackney group holds bike breakfasts (and other) events on London Fields, which has a commuter route going right through it – perfect for a stall. But don’t worry if your major commuter routes don’t go through a park – there are lots of possibilities if permission is gained to use, say, the frontage of a popular shop or even council premises. Combining a bike breakfast with a free Dr Bike clinic is always a good option. Don’t forget to give commuters advance warning by erecting a sign a few days before the event, telling people what to expect, and asking them to allow a few minutes on their way to work for a free coffee or tea. The type of event you organise for Bike Week really is only limited by your imagination, but you can be sure you and your fellow members will have a great time organising and then taking part in it.
Top: Lambeth Cyclists discuss Bike Week at a local pub Above: A traffic cone made a handy megaphone at last year’s bike breakfast in Lambeth
WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE? If you’ve never been involved with Bike Week before, the key thing to remember is that there are lots of friendly LCC members who have – and they are usually more than happy to offer advice. Chat to organisers in neighbouring LCC groups (or even organise joint events with them). You can also contact the LCC office (020 7234 9310) for advice and support. Register your event on the official Bike Week website (www. bikeweek.org.uk), and also list it in the events section at www.lcc.org.uk – events listed on the LCC database are included in the June/July edition of London Cyclist.
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 13
Apr Bike week 12-13.indd 13
8/3/09 20:37:47
Feature
The
PUSH FOR PARKING Struggling to find somewhere to park your bike at work or at your local shops? Philip Moore has this advice for cyclists wanting to lobby for secure cycle stands
ork, shop, study, play – getting around by bike means your pedal-powered friend is along for the ride, but when you part company, where do you leave your better half?
W
Photos: Anthony James Photography, Philip King
AT WORK Under Transport for London’s Take A Stand scheme, cycle stands for up to 40 bicycles are free – which should help sell the idea to the boss. To qualify for the scheme, employers must draw up a workplace travel plan that sets out how they will encourage staff to use sustainable transport such as cycling, walking and public transport. Transport for London (TfL) also offers up to £1,000 in match funding for facilities such as showers and lockers, as well as trade price Raleigh bicycles for pool cycles. For more on Take A Stand, call 020 7126 3229 or email worktp@tfl.gov.uk. You could even nominate your employer for LCC corporate affiliation. This helps raise the ‘green’ profile of your company or organisation, and discounted LCC membership for other employees would aid cycle growth at work. LCC can also provide a cycle audit to help kick start things (see boxout). AT THE SHOPS It can be more than just a little bit annoying when you arrive at the local supermarket to find an acre of car
LCC’S CYCLE AUDITS Cycle audits can help determine demand for cycle parking. Consisting of three stages, the cycle audit collects information at the research stage in order to create a staff survey, then assesses the location more closely with visits and interviews with staff to help draw a picture of what can be done. Finally, an assessment is delivered outlining findings and recommendations. The audits help businesses reach corporate social responsibility targets, reduce the pressure on car parking spaces, help reduce company travel expenses and increase travel choice or employees. They also help improve the health and fitness of staff and demonstrate to the community a commitment to the environment, safer roads and reducing traffic congestion. Contact LCC’s Lucy Davies via lucy@lcc.org.uk for more details.
parking bays but no nowhere to park your bike. LCC launched a retail cycle parking campaign in 2005, spreading the message that cycle parking is good for business. “Lack of cycle parking outside shops is a regular complaint from LCC members and members of the public,” says Tom Bogdanowicz, LCC campaigns manager. “Cycle theft – 17,000 reported in 2007 – puts people off cycling and the lack of street parking is evident in London. In central London, stands are full to overflowing; in outer London they are hard to find. “Shop owners have been slow to recognise the financial benefit of the cycle shopper. Shops need to be alerted to the fact that bike stands are customer magnets and are an everlasting investment.” LCC’s local groups have helped vocalise this concern. In Southwark, the local group lobbies to help ensure that all new developments include cycle parking. In Islington, campaigners have drawn up a list of the places where cycle stands need to be installed – be it outside shops, stations, or other places of general interest. Get together with your local LCC group to write to stores to alert their managers or sales departments to the potential loss of customers, or contact your local authority to encourage shop-side cycle parking. AT THE STATION Knowing you can leave your bike safely behind as the train pulls away from the station is really important. If you are having difficulty parking your bike near your tube or train station, lobbying the appropriate authority is a good start. But who to approach? Surrounding land is usually managed by London Underground or the train operating company. If the station is used for both tube and rail access, you will find that one company manages the station. Speak to the station manager as a first port of call and then go from there. Campaigning for change really works. In 2006, TfL opened a covered – and staffed – dedicated cycle park comprising of 125 automated lockable cycle racks at Finsbury Interchange. Operated by a
14 April/May 2009 LONDON CYCLIST
Apr Parking 14-5.indd 14
8/3/09 20:44:23
Feature
smart card system, 24-hour access is available to smart card holders, and cycles are charged just 50p (per visit) for up to 24 hours. More recently, Docklands Light Rail won a London Cycling Award (see LC, Feb/Mar ’09) for its state-ofthe-art cycle parking facilities at Shadwell station. AT SCHOOL Encouraging young people to cycle to school or college feeds into a healthier lifestyle. Cutting car use will also make the school rush less daunting, and less noisy, and make the roads safer for all. Funding for cycle parking in London schools and colleges is available from TfL through the Initiative for Children and Young People, launched in 2003. To find out more, see our story on page 7, or contact TfL (see www.tfl.gov.uk/cycling) or your local authority. EVERYWHERE ELSE If you feel there is a real need for cycle parking in your area, should contact your local authority and put forward your case. Also get in touch with your local LCC group – its campaigners may already have a list of sites where cycle parking would be useful, and they will also have experience working with local authorities. TfL provides funding for cycle parking in every London borough. You may be able to lobby for borough-funded on-street parking – to find out more, contact the cycling officer at your local authority. If you have a specific place you think would be ideal for cycle parking, try to get approval to go ahead with installation in advance in case funding becomes available. For most street locations, clusters of two to four Sheffield stands work best, unless there is an obvious greater demand. PLANNING YOUR PARKING Location, location, location. The positioning of a cycle parking facility is critical to its success. Whether you’re planning parking for the office, the shops or the local cinema, it’s essential that
it’s secure, well-located, and well-designed. The availability of cycle parking can increase the number of people travelling to that location by bike. Cycle parking needs to be visible, well advertised, public, and well lit. This will ensure potential cyclists are not put off by the fear or threat of crime, theft or awkwardness. It’s an idea to consult those who will use it, or ask LCC to conduct a cycle audit. For workplace cycle parking, TfL suggests providing parking for everyone who already cycles to work plus another 50%, followed by another 20% every time bike stand occupancy levels reach 80%. Conducting surveys helps gauge potential and forecasted users. Cycle parking doesn’t have to be an ugly aberration – it can add colour and style to streets. There are many cycle parking designs, from the traditional Sheffield stand, two-tier racks and the innovative Cyclehoop, a steel ring that clamps onto street signposts (see page 11 for an Opinion article by the inventor of the Cyclehoop). Cycle parking should aim to do the following: secure both the frame and front or back wheel; support the bike if accidentally knocked; it should be at no risk from passing vehicles; it should be visible and clear to pedestrians and cyclists alike. “Cycle parking is needed at both ends of a cycle journey, so it starts at home and ends at school, college, shop, workplace, or the cinema,” says Tom Bogdanowicz. “To that end, we last year sent a full report on cycle parking to Mayor Boris Johnson, advising him of what needs to be done urgently. We are also lobbying for the Mayor to make cycle parking at new developments a requirement.”
Above left: Businesses forwardthinking enough to install bike parking – like the Ritzy cinema in Brixton – usually experience increased support form the cycling community Above: Members of staff at The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment admire the new bike stands close to their offices on Charlotte Road in Central London. The stands were installed after the local council agreed to the Foundation’s request for more bike parking
MORE INFORMATION Click on ‘parking and storage’ in the ‘Advice’ section at www.lcc.org.uk. The website also has a comprehensive report on cycle parking installation standards, providing all the technical information you’ll need, as well as a list of manufacturers and suppliers of good quality stands.
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 15
Apr Parking 14-5.indd 15
8/3/09 20:44:48
Feature
TTHE TH HEE JJU H JUMBLE UM JACKPOT CKPPO O In search of a bargain? In need of a rare pre-loved saddle? Mark Mitchell found both at a cycle jumble hat price compromise? Last summer I set my ambitious sights on buying a new Brooks titanium-framed leather saddle to replace its sagging, steel-framed ancestor. Alas, the price of one of Birmingham’s finest products exceeded my budget. But a few weeks later, I spectated at Herne Hill Velodrome, where I visited a sideshow to the day’s track racing, a cycle jumble. On one stand was a
W The Herne Hill bike jumble
collection of old and new saddles, including a barely used, highly desirable Brooks Professional, complete with copper rivets; it only needed a bit of a cleanup. For less than a quarter of the cost of its modern counterpart, I compromised and bought it. Exotic metals could wait until funds permitted. That unexpected discovery represents one of the joys of cycle jumbles: the satisfaction of recycling something ‘pre-owned’ but completely serviceable, and almost impossible to find elsewhere. New merchandise is also sold, most likely last year’s surplus tyres, tubes, chains, brake blocks and other consumables, plus clothing – shoes, helmets, gloves, and more – but all at less than high street prices. Cycle jumbles represent a bargain basement for old and new parts; you can haggle over complete bicycles, frames, wheels, chainsets, brakes, and other essentials, plus books and magazines. Consequently, a wide cross-section of people attend: young ultra-cool couriers, the colourful Lycra crowd, staid commuters, and older cycle club stalwarts – anyone restoring a classic lightweight, mending a mountain bike, maintaining an everyday workhorse, or looking for inexpensive clothes to wear.
Photos: Martin Dixon, Les Bowerman, Stuart Collins
EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN Wally Happy is responsible for commercial activities at Velo Club Londres, the organisation that manages Herne Hill Velodrome for British Cycling. He arranges cycle jumbles at the track, with all proceeds from stallholder fees going to the club, a registered charity. “Jumbles started about 30 years ago when members of the Southern Veteran-Cycle Club (SVCC) needed a way to keep their old bikes on the road,” he says. Founded in 1955, the SVCC later expanded nationally, dropping the suffix ‘Southern’. Initially, he says, there were two main audiences. The first was made up of dealers of antiques and collectables, including wooden-wheeled velocipedes, the old high bicycle or ‘Ordinary’, and early steel safety bicycles. The second group comprised enthusiasts looking for spare parts to keep their old bikes running. “Over the years members had accumulated bits and
16 April/May 2009 LONDON CYCLIST
Apr Bike jumbles_2 16-7.indd 16
8/3/09 20:47:35
Feature
Left and far left: A jumble in Manchester
JUMBLE DATES Cycle jumbles taking place in or near London at the time of going to press:
Left: Les Bowerman, secretary of the Ripley Road section of the Veteran-Cycle Club (VCC), pictured on the left. He is photographed with Ron Thompson from South Africa. Both machines are early pneumatic-tyred safety bicycles, circa 1894, owned by Les Bowerman and his wife. The photo was taken on a VCC ride in Windsor Great Park
pieces and the jumble provided a practical way to free up space, or find much needed equipment,” he says. Les Bowerman is secretary of the Ripley Road Section of the Veteran-Cycle Club. “So far as I have been able to ascertain, the very first cycle jumble took place on Sunday, February 20, 1983, at the Gandhi Hall, 41 Fitzroy Square, W1,” he says. “An advert for it appeared in Cycling magazine on the 29th of January that year. It read: ‘London cycle jumble sale. Antique bicycles, cycling paraphenalia (sic), cycle literature and publications, delivery bikes, tandems and tricycles, will be among the items on sale, from 12.30pm until 4.30pm. Entrance fee will be 95p, with proceeds donated to St John Ambulance Brigade’.”
LEADERS OF THE PACK The Ripley Road Section of the VCC was formed in 1976, and for decades the village has been a popular destination for cyclists as it’s not far from London and just off the A3 main road. It has a special place in the development of cycle jumbles, and held its inaugural one on March 17, 1984 in the local scout hall. “For the first sale we attracted nine stallholders who paid £1 per table. Some 50 people attended,” says Les. “In 1986 there were 11 tables and we paid £9 to the Scouts. After 1987, the sales moved to Ripley Village Hall where outdoor stalls could also be set up because the Scout HQ had been outgrown. It was run there for many years, growing larger continuously.” Later it moved to the local primary school where it grew to attract several hundred of visitors. This ‘invasion’ led local residents to complain about vehicles obstructing roads, so the jumble was moved back to the village hall and reduced in size. John Lattimore, a VCC member, organises the events today. “We run two per year, in the spring and autumn. Last year, at the one in March, we sold 98 tables and spaces, with people coming to sell from all over the country, including Middlesborough, Leicester, Birmingham, the Isle of Wight, Cornwall, and the Home Counties,” he says. Is Ripley the largest cycle jumble in the country?
A jumble at a CTC rally in York
“It’s hard to judge, but it seems to have accelerated in size over the past eight or nine years – I don’t think there is anything bigger.”
JUMBLES GO ONLINE A cyclist from the East Midlands, Stuart Collins, has made the task of finding cycle jumbles easier. “I went to a jumble about nine years ago, but no-one could tell me when the next one was,” he says. “So I set up www.bikejumbles.co.uk to provide such details.” Of course not everyone uses the internet, and he says that out of around 35 events on his list, only about five organisers have an an email address. He says it’s the social aspect and the value of gaining firsthand knowledge that attract people. “When you go to bike jumbles, you get fantastic expertise,” he says. “Not only can you buy the parts, you can get information; you go thinking you know quite a lot, but when you leave, you have learned a lot more. It’s quite humbling and very useful.” It’s true: the people running the stands are extremely helpful – real bike enthusiasts, as well as being interesting characters. So if you can’t find that obsolete part you need to keep your commuter hack on the road, or you want new clothing (or affordable presents, like some natty gloves or bar tape), then try a cycle jumble. Or you could try setting up your own stall to get rid of your old bits and pieces: just book a stand and pitch up. Either way, it’s a perfect day out.
Velo Club Londres Bike Jumble When: Saturday, May 2 and Saturday, October 3 Where: Herne Hill Velodrome, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London, SE24 9HE Contact: Wally Happy (w.happy@ntlworld.com, www.vcl.org.uk) Great Mid-Kent Cycle Jumble When: Saturday, June 6 Where: Scout & Guide Community Centre, Lower Road, Woodchurch, Kent, TN26 3SQ Contact: Mike Clark (01233 733 576) Charlotteville CC Cycle Jumble When: Saturday, June 20 Where: Ripley Village Hall, Portsmouth Road, Ripley, Surrey, GU23 6BG Contact: Les Bowerman (01483 224 876) National Society for Epilepsy Jumble When: Saturday, November 15 Where: Chesham Lane (off A413), Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, SL9 0RJ Contact: Simon Ekless (01296 392 923, 01442 872 690) These jumbles have been provided by www.bikejumbles. co.uk and www. campyoldy.co.uk – keep an eye on them for updates and additional events
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 17
Apr Bike jumbles_2 16-7.indd 17
8/3/09 20:48:30
Technical
Sharing the load Heavy good vehicles are arguably the cyclist’s greatest threat – David Dansky has this advice to help drivers and riders share the road
When overtaking on the right, ride away from the lorry
Photos: David Tett, CTUK
TABLE 1: Advice to cyclists
What cyclists should know about lorry drivers
What cyclists can do around lorries
Drivers are professionals, aiming to get on with their job. They have no wish to harm or intimidate other road users.
Cyclists should be courteous around lorry drivers and understand that drivers have no intention of harming or intimidating riders. The driver may not cycle and so may not always understand the needs of cyclists.
Drivers find it easier to share the road with cyclists who ride confidently.
New and inexperienced riders should seek some cycle training in order to improve their bike control and confidence.
Drivers may not always see cyclists, especially when they ride in a driver’s blind spot.
Cyclists should be aware of lorry drivers’ blind spots, especially when filtering. Avoid passing down the left side of a lorry. When overtaking on the right, ride away from the lorry. Try and make eye contact with the driver whenever possible. Cyclists should position themselves where they can best see and be seen. They should take the lane when passing parked cars, side roads or in places where the road is too narrow to be overtaken.
Drivers can often move faster than cyclists. Sometimes drivers don’t understand why a cyclist rides in a position which prevents a driver passing.
When a cyclist needs to take the lane (see above), communicate clearly with the driver behind by looking back and even acknowledging and thanking the driver. This ensures that the driver knows that the rider has seen them and may help to reduce conflict.
Drivers sometimes find it hard to see cyclists at night.
When riding at night cyclists must have front and back lights. They should also consider wearing light-coloured clothing.
Drivers are annoyed by cyclists who break the law.
Riders should obey the Highway Code. They should avoid cycling through red lights and riding on the pavement.
Drivers don’t like surprises on the road while driving.
Cyclists should avoid sudden changes in direction or alterations to their line in the road. Key to this is a rider’s anticipation of hazards and moving into position early.
“He stuck two fingers up at me and swore. He said that I’d cut him up.” “I was turning left and saw the idiot at the last second. I managed to brake but I almost killed him. It was really awful.” “She kept looking back, which was good, as I knew then that she had seen me.” These comments were made by Lambeth HGV drivers when during a training session they were asked to describe an interaction they had experienced with a cyclist. Although most of the comments were negative, it was good to hear a few drivers describing positive interactions. Drivers were asked at the training session what they thought cyclists should know about the experience of driving an HGV. Table 1 summarises what drivers would like cyclists to know about them and what drivers would like cyclists to do when riding near HGVs.
LAMBETH’S HGV TRAINING DAYS Lorry and bus drivers working for Veolia, Lambeth council’s refuse and environmental services contractor, have been attending classroom sessions about sharing the road with cyclists. Many of the drivers have also undergone national standard on-road cycle training. Drivers are also given advice about sharing the road during their induction sessions when they join Veolia. The scheme was initiated by Lambeth Council in partnership with Veolia and Cycle Training UK. The aim of the project is to minimise the risk in the interaction between HGV drivers and cyclists on Lambeth roads by helping drivers better empathise with cyclists. Lambeth cyclists are also being offered subsidised training which includes guidance on how to ride on the road with HGVs.
18 April/May 2009 LONDON CYCLIST
Apr Tech HGV 18-9.indd 18
8/3/09 21:55:25
Technical
See www.lcc.org.uk/info for more on city and commuter cycling, as well as information and advice on maintenance
TABLE 2: Advice to drivers LCC’S HGV CAMPAIGN Reducing road danger created by large lorries has been an LCC priority for over 15 years. One result is that from April this year all HGVs registered since 2000 should have upgraded mirror systems helping drivers see pedestrians and cyclists. The next challenge is to ensure all HGV operators and the organisations that employ them follow Lambeth’s lead. Every London cyclist should ensure that his or her employer adopts the Health and Safety Executive guidance on reducing work-related road danger and so avoids becoming liable for casualty claims. For more on LCC’s ongoing HGV campaign, see www.lcc.org.uk/campaigns.
The Lambeth drivers were informed what cyclists would like the drivers to know about cycling. Table 2 outlines what cyclists would like drivers to know and what they would like drivers to do when driving near cyclists. The increase in cycling on London roads and the increasing numbers of lorries (caused by the 2012 Olympics developments and other building projects), mean that cyclists and HGV drivers need to share London’s limited road space. If both groups are able to appreciate each other’s needs and ride/drive with courtesy then negative interaction between those groups will be minimised. Initiatives like Lambeth Council’s driver and cyclist training will go a long way towards harmony on the capital’s roads. David Dansky is a qualified trainer with Cycle Training UK (020 7231 6005, www.cycletraining.co.uk)
CYCLE SAFETY: LCC publishes a booklet called Cycle Sense: Skills And Confidence On The Road. The booklet can be downloaded by following the ‘cycle sense’ link in the ‘Advice’ section at www.lcc.org.uk, or by requesting a hard copy (£1 donation) by contacting the LCC office – see page 3 for details. LCC CVR cyclesense.indd
What drivers should know about cyclists
What drivers can do around cyclists
Cyclists are more vulnerable than motorists – drivers have the responsibility to take care.
Think bike! Look out for cyclists and expect to share the road with them.
Cyclists ride away from the kerb and may ride in the middle of their lane on occasion. They do this to: ■ avoid car doors; ■ avoid drains, potholes; ■ be seen as they pass side roads; ■ prevent drivers overtaking them when the road narrows or at junctions; ■ move through traffic lights and around roundabouts in the traffic stream where they are most visible.
Be prepared to wait behind cyclists on occasion and do not overtake. There may be a reason why the rider is in the middle of the lane, even if the reason is not immediately obvious.
Not all cyclists ride in the middle of their lane when they ought to, yet still feel intimidated when being overtaken especially at speed.
Be prepared to remain behind a cyclist even if there seems to be room to pass. The rider may need to move suddenly to the right if s/he is passing a side road and a driver pulls out, or if a car door opens or a pedestrian steps off the kerb without looking. Leave the rider an escape route.
Being overtaken closely and/or at speed can cause a side wind which can be intimidating and make a rider wobble.
Pass a cyclist slowly, leaving enough room (at least half a car’s width) between you and the rider.
Riders may feel scared if a driver drives too close behind them (tailgating them)
Hang back leaving enough room to stop if the rider brakes suddenly.
Bicycles are human powered machines. Some people ride slowly and some may move fast – 20mph or more.
Expect some cyclists to ride fast. Many riders can ride at or near the speed limit in urban areas (especially in 20mph zones). You make think that the rider is slowing you down, they may not be.
Being beeped is intimidating for cyclists.
Avoid sounding a horn aggressively. Only use a horn when you really need to warn someone of your presence.
Cyclists turning right may need time to move into position early especially on multi-lane roads with fast-moving traffic.
If a cyclist looks back and signals a right turn consider slowing down to let them move in front of you. Some riders may move to the right without looking and signalling – try and anticipate a rider needing to move to the right (such as when passing a parked car).
Cyclists may not be aware of a lorry driver’s blind spots and may filter to the left to get to the front of the heavier vehicle at junctions and lights.
Ensure your mirrors are correctly adjusted and make sure you use them. Be especially cautious when turning left – expect cyclists to filter down the left of your lorry (even if you think there is no room).
Cyclists, like all road users, are dazzled by full-beam headlights.
Dip your headlights, like you would with any other road user.
Cyclists, like all road users, need to know what drivers plan to do.
Use indicators to signal your intentions, like you would to other road users.
CYCLE SENSE
Skills and confidence
on the road
1
21/5/07 16:56:34
IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION: The LCC website carries information on what to do in the event of a collision. See the ‘Advice’ section at www.lcc.org.uk INSURANCE AND LEGAL ADVICE: LCC offers all members free third-party insurance, as well as a free incident helpline. See page 27 for details.
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 19
Apr Tech HGV 18-9.indd 19
8/3/09 23:23:47
p20.indd 20
3/3/09 14:01:18
Technical
How to... take your bike on the tube The rules relating to bicycles on the London Underground change often, and LCC and is groups are constantly lobbying for improved passage for commuters wanting to travel on the tube with their bike. Folded bicycles can be taken free of charge on all sections of the network at all times. Non-folding bicycles can be taken free of charge on some sections of the network outside peak times. Peak times are 7.30am-9.30am and 4pm-7pm, Monday to Friday (except for public holidays). In certain cases, nonfolding bicycles may also be taken during rush hour in the opposite direction to the majority of travellers. Here is a brief overview of the rules as they stand. Circle, District, East London, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines: Non-folding bicycles are permitted on all sections outside peak times. Bakerloo Line: Non-folding bicycles may be taken between Queen’s Park and Harrow & Wealdstone in the morning peak and vice versa in the evening peak, and in both directions outside peak times. Central Line: Non-folding bicycles may be taken outside peak times in either direction between: White City and West Ruislip/Ealing Broadway Leyton and Epping Newbury Park/ Woodford and Hainault. Jubilee Line: Non-folding bicycles are permitted outside peak times between Finchley Road and Stanmore, and Canning Town and Stratford. Northern Line: Non-folding bicycles may be taken outside peak times between Edgware and Colindale, Hendon Central and Golders Green, and East Finchley and High Barnet/ Mill Hill East.
cycles on trains at peak times, and LCC is campaigning for better provision for cyclists on the rail network. The current restrictions change too frequently to be covered on this page, but A to B magazine (www.atob. org.uk/Bike_Rail.html) has a comprehensive list of train restrictions, and it’s updated regularly. You can pick up a leaflet on travelling with your bike at most railway stations, or download a guide from www.nationalrail.co.uk/ passenger_services. Folding cycles can normally be carried on any service. South West Trains has recently teamed up with Brompton to launching a new folding bicycle hire scheme – see page 5. On some services, you can take full-size cycles, but only during off-peak hours.
Piccadilly Line: Non-folding bicycles are allowed outside peak times between Barons Court and Hounslow West/Uxbridge, and Cockfosters and Oakwood. Victoria Line and Waterloo & City Line: Non-folding bicycles not allowed at any time. Docklands Light Railway and Croydon Tramlink: No non-folding bicycles. What else you need to know ◆ You cannot take cycles on moving escalators at any underground station. ◆ London Underground publishes a useful map called Bicycles on the Underground showing exactly where bikes can be taken. You can order this, or request further advice and up-to-date travel information from www.tfl.gov.uk by calling 020 7222 1234. Taking the train Many rail operators have banned
Taking a ferry A very pleasant way to cross the Thames is to take one a ferry. London River Services has a downloadable pack of maps, timetables and contacts for ferry services in London – see the river section of www.tfl.gov.uk or call 020 722 1234. Also call the operator of the service you are intending to use to make sure that bicycles are allowed.
MORE INFORMATION See also the ‘Travelling with your bicycle’ section in the advice area of www.lcc.org.uk for information on travelling with your bike outside London by ferry, coach and train.
I enjoy riding my bike in parks and along the river, but I’m not very keen on riding traffic. This stops me commuting to work. Can you provide me with some information on cycle training so I can overcome this fear? Many thanks. Trudy Sinclair, by email All the London boroughs offers free or subsidised cycle training to residents or those working or studying within their boundaries. The cycling section of
Transport for London’s website (www. tfl.gov.uk/cycling) has contact details for each borough. A qualified instructor can help you deal with and bypass traffic, learn shortcuts to work and give you advice on staying safe on the road. Some local trainers will come to your home or workplace, and many will provide a bike as well. Your local LCC group (see page 30 for contacts) can also give you detailed advice on training in your borough.
LCC also publishes a booklet called Cycle Sense. See the ‘Advice’ section of the website to download a free copy, or call the office for a hard copy version.
HOW TO SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS If you have a question on routes, campaigning, maintenance, safety or any other topic, send your question to londoncyclist@lcc.org.uk or write to the address on page 3, and the LC team will answer it for you.
Photo: Craig Zaduck via Flickr
The LC Bike Surgery
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 21
Apr Howto 21.indd 21
8/3/09 21:59:06
p22.indd 22
3/3/09 14:06:12
Technical
Workshops
Visit www.lcc.org.uk/info for more on bike maintenance. To list a workshop on this page, please email londoncyclist@lcc.org.uk
Want to know how to maintain your bike? Try a course or workshop near you Bexley What: Regular maintenance courses When: Call for dates At: Sidcup Cycle Centre, 142-146 Station Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 7AB Contact: 020 8300 8113 Bromley What: Hands-on beginners’ session. Bring your own bike. There are two courses: Basics (punctures, cleaning and lubricating); Brakes and Gears (tuning, cables, brake pads). A session on disc brakes may be run on demand Cost: £20 – includes a maintenance pack worth at least £9. When: Call for details At: Hayes Old Church School, Hayes, BR2 7BA Contact: Big Foot Bikes (020 8462 5004, roger@bigfootbikes.com) www.bigfootbikes.com Central London What: Camden Cycling Campaign runs regular courses covering punctures, brakes, chains, tuning gears and cleaning When: Call for details At: Velorution, 18 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 8BD Contact: Stefano (020 7435 0196, stefano@lamsam-casalotti.org.uk) What: Basic maintenance. Work on your own bike – no knowledge is assumed Cost: £72 (£66 for LCC members) When: Saturdays 10.30am-5pm At: Bikefix, 48 Lamb’s Conduit Street, WC1N 3LJ Contact: Patrick Field (www.londonschoolofcycling.co.uk, 020 7249 3779) Ealing What: Ealing Cycling Campaign runs ad-hoc courses throughout the year covering maintenance and repair Contact: See www.ealingcycling.org. uk or email info@ealingcycling.org.uk Greenwich What: Year-round maintenance classes by Greenwich Cyclists. Covers tyres and wheels; intermediate class covers brakes and gears. Bring your bike and parts Cost: £5 per two-hour class. See www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk When: Tuesday or Wednesday, 7.15pm-9pm. Call to confirm At: Armada Centre, Armada Court, 21 McMillan St, Deptford SE8 6PW
Contact: Julian Dobson (07771 692 344, 020 8463 0801, julian@jadobson.demon.co.uk) or see www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk Hackney What: Twice monthly two-hour workshops sponsored by Hackney Cycling Campaign. Work on your bike with advice from experts Cost: No charge – run by volunteers (donations to pay rent appreciated). Additional volunteers welcome When: 7pm-9pm on first and third Tuesday of the month At: The Kings Centre, Frampton Park Baptist Church, Frampton Park Rd, off Well Street, E9 7PQ Contact: Hackney Cycling Campaign (www.hackney-cyclists.org.uk), Adam (07940 121 513), Ross (rosscorben@blueyonder.co.uk) or Paul (paul.standeven@virgin.net) Hammersmith What: One-day cycle repair and maintenance workshops Cost: £40 (5% off for LCC members) When: First Thursday of every month and last Saturday of every month At: Emerald Centre, 2 Beadon Road, W6 0DA Contact: Gordon (07983 949 559, gordonk.pedalpower@hotmail.com) or Jon (07507 496 212) Islington What: Bicycle maintenance courses When: On demand At: Based in Islington but can travel Contact: Jonathan Edwards (07946 261 165, j.edwards530@ btinternet.com) What: 2.5-hour, self-help workshop Cost: £1 (50p unwaged) When: Fourth Wednesday of month (not August/December); 7pm-9.30pm At: Sunnyside Gardens, cnr Sunnyside and Hazellville roads, N19 Contact: Adrian (07810 211 902) Kingston What: Maintenance to help keep bikes in good order. Covers bike checks, brakes, punctures, gears, chains, bearings and transmission Cost: £50 When: Evening course: six Mondays 7pm-9pm from June 1 At: North Kingston Centre, Richmond Road, KT2 5PE Contact: Kingston Adult Education (adult.education@rbk.kingston.gov.uk, www.kingston.gov.uk/adulteducation, 020 8547 6700) or Rob (020 8546
8865, mail@kingstoncycling.org.uk). See also www.kingstoncycling.org.uk Lambeth What: Lambeth Cyclists’ workshops When: There are no plans for classes at the moment, but contact Janet Paske at janet.paske@gmail.com or on 07740 457 528 if you would like to be kept informed of any future developments What: Basic maintenance course Cost: £60 When: Call for dates At: Brixton Contact: Paul Lowe (020 7733 3070) www.cyclinginstructor.com Newham What: Workshop for Newham cyclists Cost: A donation to Cycle Club funds When: Saturdays, 9.30am-12pm during term time At: New City Primary School, New City Rd, Plaistow, E13 9PR Contact: Liz Bowgett (liz.bowgett@ btopenworld.com) Redbridge What: Redbridge Cycling Campaign’s four-week course covers basic maintenance (punctures, brakes, chain, cleaning, etc) Cost: £30 When: From April 29 Contact: Terry (07795 981 529, terence.hughes@btinternet.com) or Jim (jimdalton24@hotmail.com, 07949 883 747), or see www.redbridgelcc.org.uk Southwark What: Southwark Cyclists’ fourevening course includes maintenance and cleaning, punctures, cables, brakes, truing wheels, when to get professional help, and when to replace what. Uses On Your Bike’s workshop and professional mechanics. 10% off purchases Cost: £48 per course. Pay online via Paypal after confirming place When: Tuesdays. 6.30pm-8.30pm At: On Your Bike, 52-54 Tooley St, SE1 2SZ Contact: Barry (07905 889 005, info@southwarkcyclists.org.uk), or www.southwarkcyclists.org.uk What: Cycle Training UK’s one-day courses. Basic and intermediate; one-to-one or small group sessions; puncture masterclass Cost: £60/one-day course; £30/hour bespoke tuition; £20/puncture
masterclass. 5% off for LCC members. Subsidised training available for those living, working or studying in Ealing, Brent, Lambeth or the City When: Phone or check website At: CTUK, Unit 215, Building J 100 Clements Road, SE16 4DG Contact: Call 020 7231 6005 or check www.cycletraining.co.uk Sutton What: Basic bicycle maintenance class plus free Dr Bike cycle check Cost: £10 per head (family discounts) When: Phone for details At: Sutton West Centre, Robin Hood Lane, Sutton, SM1 2SD Contact: Chris Parry (020 8647 3584, cyclism@blueyonder.co.uk) or Shirley Quemby (020 8642 3720), or see www.cyclismsutton.org.uk Tower Hamlets What: Hands-on workshops with Tower Hamlets Wheelers Cost: Free. Donations welcome! When: Last Saturday of the month (except December); 11am-3pm At: Boxing Club, Limehouse Town Hall, 646 Commercial Rd E14 7HA Contact: Owen Pearson (07903 018 970, workshop@wheelers.org.uk) www.wheelers.org.uk/workshop Waltham Forest What: Maintain or assemble a bike. Bike donations very welcome Cost: £3. Tea/coffee provided When: The workshop (when staff available) opens 10.30am-3pm Saturdays except the first Saturday of the month (when there is a bike sale). Fridays it is open for volunteers only, 9am-4pm, to recondition bikes At: Council transport depot, Low Hall Depot, South Access Road, Walthamstow, E10 7A6. Stop at security for directions Contact: Christopher Rigby (christopher.rigby1@ntlworld.com, 07910 235 149) or call 07948 060 473. Wandsworth What: Five-hour one-on-one maintenance sessions offered by locally based independent bike specialist Cost: £75 At: Cycleworx, 20-30 Buckhold Road, SW18 4WW Contact: Call 07970 615 171 or email ben@cycleworx.co.uk
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 23
Apr Workshops23.indd 23
8/3/09 22:04:00
Product reviews Bike video cameras Why buy a video camera for your bicycle? Video hardware is becoming really affordable. And a decent home PC or Mac is now powerful enough to edit video using reasonably priced software (Pinnacle makes some good packages, which start at just £40. There are plenty of websites willing to host your video for free too: YouTube.com is an obvious example. In fact, all the ingredients are there for you to cook up some great home movies. You could film your favourite downhill run, or maybe a family ride along the coast, or you could make something more meaty such a cycle campaigning video, such as the ones at www.youtube.com/londoncycling. There are some great examples of cycle advocacy movies at www. streetfilms.org too, and this site even includes some good advice on how to put one together yourself. Don’t worry too much about achieving Spielberg-standard production values: just choose your message, get your first film made, learn from your mistakes, and don’t forget that you can have some fun along the way.
Vio POV1
Angel Eye Mini DVR
Flip Ultra
American company Vio has a great range of video cameras suitable for use on your bicycle. The POV1 (pictured above) is a lightweight camera, which attached firmly to our test helmet using one of the supplied brackets. The chunky wired control panel can be stowed in a backpack, with the unit being operating via a wireless remote control. The package comes in a handy carry-case, and there’s a 4GB SD card that’s good for over an hour’s recording at the highest 720 x 480 resolution. Once the unit is loaded with four AA batteries, you’re ready, simply pushing record to start filming, and don’t forget the control panel has a mic too. The MP4 video can be played back on the 3cm LCD screen, transferred to computer via USB, or piped direct to TV. The Vio POV is great-quality, easy to use, and weatherproof camera. £500, Vio (www.dogcamsport.com, 01726 891812)
The Mini DVR (below) system is most definitely the little brother to the POV1. It’s much smaller, with the main unit being only 4cm wide, and the camera only 6cm long. The instruction manual is a bit confusing, and appears to refer to a different camera attachment, but controls are simple that you’ll quickly master the on-screen menus via the 2in LCD screen. The important thing to realise is that a rocker button flicks between Record and Play modes. The unit is powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery, and there are USB 2.0 and AV jacks, so you can watch video on TV or transfer from the Mini SD card (up to 4GB) to your computer. Quality at maximum 640 x 480 is decent, and all in all, the Angel Eye is a powerful and useful little bike video-camera. £200 (www.dogcamsport.com, 01726 891812)
About the size of a large mobile phone, the Ultra only needs to be loaded with two AA batteries (it’s pretty powerhungry), and it’s ready to shoot 640 x 480 MP4 video, plus audio. The controls on the back include a red record button, along with buttons for volume, play, fast forward, rewind and delete. You can watch video on the unit’s small LCD, or transfer from the builtin Flash memory to computer via the retractable USB arm. True, the supplied handlebar bracket doesn’t keep the unit particularly steady on the move, and you have to hold the camera very still in your hand to avoid shake, but it’s still a fun option. £100, Flip (wwwflipvideo.co.uk)
24 April/May 2009 LONDON CYCLIST
Apr products.indd 24
9/3/09 19:40:04
Product reviews
...and other bits and pieces
Ledals LED pedals
Monkey Electric
Many of you night-ride all year round, so if you’re looking to improve visibility in a fun and practical way, check out these LED pedals. Activated by foot pressure, they’re not as grippy as BMX platforms, nor as light, but they do inspire fellow cyclists to chat to you at traffic lights. The glowing helmet used in our camera test (opposite page) is a sample from Halolux, and might make it into UK stores this year. It’s great for getting people to look at your camera. £25, Ledals (www.ledal.com, 07931 341 146)
These things are fun! They’re LED lights that you strap to your spokes using cable ties. Load them with three AA batteries, which last for a good three or four hours, and they’re ready to light up your world. When your wheels turn, the clever electronics create funky designs in your wheels like the one above. We rode them through wet and wintry weather with no problems. Visibility is outstanding from all angles, and they’re a great way to get noticed. £50, Monkey Electric (www.monkeylectric. com, 020 8980 7998)
Fish Without Meat T-shirts A quick glance at the Fish Without Meat website gets the mind boggling as to how many thousands of combinations of cuts (plenty for women, men and kids), colours (at least 20) and designs (over 300 with around 20 different themes, such as cycling, travel and nature) are possible. On the left, you can see some of the cute cycling-themed examples. No, they’re not cheap, but they’re well made and stylish too. There are caps, hoodies, and trousers as well. From £24, Fish Without Meat, (www.fishwithoutmeat.com)
5:10 Impact2 Low Five-ten is another brand associated with climbing, renowned for the grippiness of its rubber soles. And these biking shoes certainly don’t lack quantities the black stuff: the soles are knobbled and chunky, providing bags of grip in even the slippiest conditions. Sturdy uppers and a leak-proof tongue make these ideal for the gnarliest off-road or urban terrain. £80 (www.chainreactioncycles.com, 028 9335 2976)
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 25
Apr products.indd 25
9/3/09 19:40:42
p26.indd 26
3/3/09 14:11:01
LCC members’ pages
LCC members’ pages
You can contact the membership team on 020 7234 9310 or email membership@lcc.org.uk
These pages provide all you need to know about how to get the most out of your LCC membership BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP LCC is a campaigning charity significantly funded by your membership. We work to improve conditions for cyclists and to promote cycling throughout London.
INSURANCE & LEGAL Third-party insurance If you cause damage to a person or their property while cycling, they may make a claim against you. As a member of LCC, you are covered for up to £5 million. If such an incident occurs, phone the LCC office for immediate advice and assistance.
Free legal advice If you need any legal assistance on cycling-related issues, please phone the LCC office and we will put you in touch with a cyclistfriendly solicitor.
Theft and damage insurance The new LCC urban cycling theft and damage insurance comes with a benefit unique to LCC members. If your bike gets stolen, vandalised or accidentally damaged, there is up to £50 ‘getting you home’ cover. Theft insurance costs about 10% of the value of your bike. For a quote, see www.urbancyclinginsurance. co.uk or call 01514 279 529. Have your membership number to hand.
INFORMATION & CAMPAIGNING Local groups LCC has a local group in every borough, plus the City of London. Groups campaign on local cycling issues, and also organise events,
LCC’S VISION LCC’s vision is to make London a world-class cycling city STRATEGIC AIMS ■ To involve people from all communities in cycling ■ To improve the quality of life in London by increasing cycling ■ To bring about the best possible services for people who cycle or want to cycle in London ■ To be leaders in urban cycling
CONTACT LCC 2 Newhams Row London SE1 3UZ t: 020 7234 9310 f: 020 7234 9319 e: office@lcc.org.uk w: www.lcc.org.uk Contact the LCC Board: chair@lcc.org.uk
HOW TO HELP LCC GROW Spring membership offier Check out the Promotions & Offers section at www.lcc.org.uk/ membership to see the latest offers. The more you can help us build our membership, the greater our greater our campaigning voice, plus more cyclists get to enjoy the benefits of LCC membership. Ask a friend or colleague to call 020 7234 9310 and quote ‘recommend a friend’.
Gift membership Registered charity number: 1115789
meetings, workshops and rides. See page 32 to find out what your local group is up to.
Maps LCC, in partnership with Transport for London (TfL), has produced free cycle maps that cover all of London. These can be ordered via www.lcc.org.uk or by phoning TfL on 020 7222 1234.
London Cyclist magazine This magazine is sent to members every two months. It is packed with news, features, cycling tips, products news and all the latest on our campaigns. It has been voted the number one member benefit.
Who needs eBay? Members who have bikes or accessories to sell can advertise in London Cyclist free of charge – see page 35). Your short and concise ads should be emailed to londoncyclist@lcc.org.uk. Free business ads are not accepted.
A gift membership to LCC will enable your friend or relative to enjoy year-round benefits. You will also receive a limited edition LCC T-shirt (while stocks last) – keep for yourself or give it away as part of the gift. Call 020 7234 9310, and quote ‘gift membership’.
Volunteer with us Much of LCC’s work would not be possible without volunteers. Much of our membership, administration and campaigning work is carried out by volunteers – if you have any spare time and and would like to put it to good use, phone Alison on 020 7234 9310. LC also relies on voluntary contributions. See www.lcc.org.uk/londoncyclist
How to join LCC If you like LC but you are not a member, why not join the campaign to receive the magazine every two months? Members also receive other benefits listed on this page. You can join on 020 7234 9310 or via www.lcc.org.uk/join Turn the page to find out about more members’ discounts
Have you been involved in an incident on your bike? Contact our partners, Levenes Solicitors, for free legal advice:
020 8826 1329 www.cycleinjury.co.uk Kevin O’Sullivan, head of Levenes’ Cycle Injuries Department, regular London cyclist and LCC member says: “We have been successfully providing legal advice for LCC members for eight years and are proud to support their campaigning and provide this free cycling incident helpline for the members’ benefit.” Levenes are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and your case will be dealt with on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis.
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 27
Apr Members 27,28,29.indd 27
9/3/09 20:48:30
LCC members’ pages
LCC member discounts Ongoing benefits open only to members: Maintenance Cycle Training UK (CTUK) offers LCC members a 5% discount on bike maintenance training. Call Araxi Djian on 020 7232 4398. Breakdown cover Get 50% off membership of the Environmental Transport Association (ETA), a breakdown service for transport users who care about the environment. For details, phone the ETA on 0800 212 810 or see www.eta.co.uk. You will need to quote your LCC membership number and reference 1061-9001. Bike shops LCC members get discounts on bikes, accessories and servicing at the following bike shops in the capital. Remember to show your membership card before you make a purchase or book your service. MAIL ORDER / ONLINE 50Cycles Ltd (www.50cycles.com) Quote m’ship no. ■ ➔ Exceptions: not on second-hand or ex display; not in conjunction with other offers Cotswold Outdoor Quote ref 2115 at www.cotswoldoutdoor.com ♣ Evans www.evanscycles.com or 0870 600 0908 ▲ ✔ Loads Better Mail order. Suppliers of xtracycle and Kronan bikes (0845 8682459) ▲ ✔ Mon-Sat 9-5 Old Bicycle Trading Co Mail order only. Hub gears new and vintage parts (020 8306 0060) ● ✔ www.oldbiketrader.co.uk Outdoor Indoor Ltd Mail order clothing supplier. ● ✔ www.outdoorindoor.co.uk CENTRAL Action Bikes Dacre House 19 Dacre St SW1H 0DJ (020 7799 2233) ✔ ▲ Mon-Fri 8-8 Sat 9.30-5.30
Action Bikes 23-26 Embankment Place Northumberland Avenue WC2N 6NN (020 7930 2525) ✔ ▲ Mon-Fri 8-8 Bikefix 48 Lambs Conduit St WC1N 3LJ (020 7405 1218) ● ➔ Mon-Fri 8.30-7 Sat 10-5 Bikehut 3-4 Ave Maria Ln EC4M 7AQ (020 7332 4160) ▲ ✔ Mon-Fri 8-8 Sat 9-6 Sun10-5 Condor Ltd 51 Grays Inn Rd WC1X 8P (020 7269 6820) ● ✔ Mon-Tues Thurs-Fri 9-6 Weds 9-7.30 Sat 10-5 Cavendish Cycles 136 New Cavendish St W1W 6YD (020 7631 5060) ● ✔ Mon-Fri 9-6 Sat 10-5 Cotswold Outdoor 23/26 Piccadilly W1J 0DJ (020 7437 7399) ♣ (quote L2115 and show card) Mon-Fri 10-8, Sat, 10-6 Sun 11-5 CycleSurgery 3 Procter St Holborn WC1V 6DW (020 7269 7070) ▲ ✔ Mon/Weds/Fri 8.30-6 Tues/Thurs 8.30-7 Sat 10-5 Sun 11-5 Evans Cycles 1 Farringdon St EC4M 7LD (020 7248 2349) ▲ ✔ Incl servicing Mon-Fri 18-8 (Closed Thurs 11-12) Sat 9.30-6 Sun 11-5 Evans Cycles Cullum St EC3M 7JJ (020 7283 6750) ▲ ✔ Incl servicing Mon-Fri 8-8 (Closed Mon 11-12) Sat 9.30-6 Sun 12-5 Evans Cycles 51-52 Rathbone Pl W1T 1JP (020 7580 4107) ▲ ✔ Incl servicing Mon-Fri 8-8 (Closed Thurs 11-12) Sat 9-6 Sun 11-4 Evans Cycles 69 Grays Inn Rd WC1X 8TP (020 7430 1985) ▲ ✔ Incl servicing Mon-Fri 8-8 (Tues closed 11-12) Sat 9.30-6 Sun 12-5 Evans Cycles 178 High Holborn WC1V 7AA (020 7836 5585) ▲ ✔ Incl servicing Mon-Fri 8-8 (Tues closed 11-12) Sat 9.30-6 Sun 11-4 Fluid Cycles Mobile repairs and servicing in Underground zone 1 and the Docklands (020 7021 0742) ● ✔ (on servicing and repairs) Mon-Fri 8.30-6 Weekends by arrangement Paul’s Custom Cycles 38 Mount Pleasant WC1X (07960 987 887)
Many of these shops have email addresses and websites. For details, see www.lcc.org.uk/discounts
▲ 10-4 Mon-Sat 11-4 Sun Velorution 18 Great Titchfield St W1W 8BD (020 7637 4004) ● ✔ Mon-Fri 9-18.45 Sat 10.30-18.30 Also sells secondhand bikes EAST Bicycle Magic 4-6 Greatorex St E1 5NF (020 7375 2993) ■ ✔ Mon-Fri 9-6 Sat 10-5 Bike Yard East @ The Hackney City Farm 1a Goldsmiths Row, E2 8QA (07949 764 631) 5% off parts TuesFri 8-6.30 Sat-Sun 11-4.30 Brick Lane Bikes 118 Bethnal Green Rd, E2 6DG (020 7033 9053) ✔ MonFri 9-7Sat 11-7 Sun 11-6 Chainlink Cycle Centre 140 Hornchurch Rd RM11 1DP (01708 470 007) ■ ✔ Mon-Sat 9-6 Cotswold Outdoor Ground floor, St Clements House, Leyden St E1 7LL (020 7655 466) ♣ (quote ref L2115; show card) Mon-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5 CycleSurgery Brody House Strype St E1 7LQ (020 7375 3088) ▲ ✔ Mon/Weds/Fri 8.30-6 Tues/Thurs 8.30-7 Sat 10-5 Sun 10-4 CycleSurgery 12-13 Bishops Sq, E1 6EG (020 7392 8920) ▲ ✔ (excludes Marin bikes. Full SRP items only. Excludes Selfridges concession.) Mon-Sat 10-6 Sun 12-6 Ditchfields 792/794 High Rd Leyton E10 6AE (020 8539 2821) ▲ ✔ Not on promotional products. Mon-Sat 9.15-5.30 EA Cycles 783 Romford Rd, Manor Park, E12 5AN (020 8478 2540) 5% bikes; ■ ✔ 10% servicing Mon-Sat 9-6 Sun 10-4 Discounts not on promotional or sale items Evans Cycles The Cavern 1 Market St (Off Brushfield St) E1 6AA (020 7426 0391) ▲ ✔ Incl servicing MonFri 8-8 (Closed Thurs 11-12) Sat 9.30-6 Sun 12-6 Evans Cycles Unit B, Reuters Building, 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf E14 5EZ (0870 164 4037) ▲ ✔ Incl servicing Mon-Fri 8-8 Sat 9.30-6 Sun 12-6 Fluid Cycles Docklands
See ‘Central’ Heales Cycles 477 Hale End Rd Highams Park E4 9PT (020 8527 1592) ■ ➔ Mon-Fri 9-6 Sat 9-5.30 London Fields Cycles 281 Mare St E8 1PJ (020 8525 0077) ● ✔ Mon-Fri 8-6 Sat 10-6 Wharf Cycles 21-23 Westferry Rd, E14 8JH (020 7987 2255) ✔ Mon-Fri 8-7; Sat 10-5; Sun 11-4 NORTH Bike and Run 125 High Rd N2 8AG (020 8815 1845) ● ✔ Mon-Fri 9-6 Sat 9.30-5.30 Bike Mech The Castle Climbing Centre Green Lanes N4 2HA (07762 270 616) 10% discount on servicing only Mon-Fri 9-7, Sat 10-5 Bikes R Us Mobile repairs in north London (020 8882 8288, 07949 066 889) ● ✔ on servicing and most repairs Mon-Sat 9.30-5.30 CycleSurgery 70 Holloway Rd N7 8JG (020 7697 2848) ▲ ✔ Mon 9-6 Tues 9-7 Weds 8.30-6 Thurs 9-7 Sat 10-6 Sun 11-5 Cycle Store (The) 201 Woodhouse Rd Friern Barnet N12 9AY (020 8368 3001) ▲ ✔ Mon-Fri 9-6 (Closed Weds) Sat 9-5 Sun 11-3 Holloway Cycles 290 Holloway Road N7 6NJ (020 7700 6611) ▲ ✔ 10% servicing/labour Mon-Fri 8.30-6.30 Sat 9-6 Sun 11-5 Mosquito Bikes 123 Essex Rd N1 2SN (020 7226 8841/020 7226 8765) ● ✔ Mon-Fri 8.30-7 Sat 10-6 Sun (summer only) 11-4 S & S Cycles 29 Chapel Market N1 9EN (020 7278 1631) ● ✔ Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat 10-5.30 Sun 10-2.30 Shorter Rochford 27 Barnet Rd Potters Bar EN6 (01707 662 332) ▲ ✔ on RRP Mon-Fri 9-6 (Closed Weds) Sat 9-5 Shorter Rochford 65-67 Woodhouse Rd N12 (020 8445 9182) ▲ ✔ Mon-Sat 9-6, Weds 9-7 (Closed Thurs) Top Rider 210 Baker Street, Enfield EN1 (020 83638618) ✔ Closed Wed & Sun Mon-Sat 9-5.30
A
28 April/May 2009 LONDON CYCLIST
Apr Members 27,28,29.indd 28
9/3/09 20:19:01
LCC members’ pages
Many of these shops have email and websites. For details, see www.lcc.org.uk Two Wheels Good 165 Stoke Newington Church St N16 (020 7249 2200) ● ➔ Mon-Sat 8.30-6 Sun 11-5 Two Wheels Good 143 Crouch Hill N8 (020 8340 4284) ● ➔ Mon-Sat 8.30-6 NORTH-WEST Broadway Bikes 250 West Hendon Bwy NW9 6AG (020 8202 4671) ■ ✔ Mon-Sat 9.30-5.30, Sun 11-1 Broadway Bikes 5 York Pde NW9 6BE (020 8202 4671) ■ ✔ Mon-Sat 9.30-5.30, Sun 11-1 Chamberlaines 75-77 Kentish Town Rd NW1 8NY (020 7485 4488) ■ ✔ Includes shop discount Mon-Sat 8.30-6 Cycle King 451-455 Rayners Ln Pinner HA5 4ET (020 8868 6262) ■ ♣ Mon-Sat 9-6 Sun 9-4.30 Cycle King 173 Hillside Stonebridge NW10 8LL (020 8965 5544) ■ ♣ Mon-Sat 9-6 Sun 10-5 Cyclelife Mill Hill 8 Bittacy Hill NW7 1LB (020 8346 5784) ▲ ✔ Thur-Fri 9-5.30 Sat 9-5 Sun 10-3 Mon 9-5.30 CycleSurgery 44 Chalk Farm Rd NW1 8AJ (020 7485 1000) ▲ (except Marins) ✔ Mon/Weds/Fri 9-6 Tues/ Thurs 9-7 Sat 10-6 Sun 11-5 CycleSurgery Hampstead 275 West End Lane NW6 1QS (020 7431 4300) ▲ ✔ Mon/Weds/Fri 9-6 Tues/Thurs 9-7 Sat 10-6 Sun 11-5 Evans Cycles 240 Watford Way, NW4 4UB (0870 142 0108) ● ✔ Mon-Fri 8-8, Sat 9.30-6, Sun 11-5 Simpson’s Cycles 114-116 Malden Rd NW5 4BY (020 7485 1706) ▲✔ (Birdys ■) Mon-Fri 9-6 Sat 9-5.30 Sparks 5 Bank Buildings High St NW10 4LT (020 8838 5858) ●✔ MonSat 9.30-6 SOUTH Bikes Plus 429 Brighton Rd CR2 6EU (020 8763 1988) ▲✔ Mon-Sat 9-6 Cycle King 26-40 Brighton Rd CR2 6AA (020 8649 9002) ■ ♣ Mon-Sat 9-6 Sun 9-4.30 Evans Cycles 5 London Rd CR0 2RE (020 8667 1423) ▲ ✔ Incl servicing Mon-Fri 9-6 Thurs 9-8 (Closed Thurs 11-12) Sat 9.30-6 Sun 11-5 SOUTH-EAST Bigfoot Bikes 50 Hayes St BR2 7LD (020 8462 5004) ● ➔ Inc servicing; exc labour Tues-Sat 9-5.30 Bike Shop (The) 288-290 Lee High Rd SE13 5PJ (020 8852 6680) ▲ ✔ on items over £10 Mon-Fri 9-5.30 Sat 9-5 Bromley Bike Company 27 Widmore Rd BR1 1RW (020 8460 4852) ▲ ✔ Mon-Sat 9.30-5.30 Thurs 9-8
Comptoncycles.co.uk 23-25 Catford Hill SE6 4NU (020 8690 0141) ▲ ✔ Mon-Fri 9-6 Sat 9-5 Deens Garage 439 Croydon Rd BR3 3PP (020 8650 0630) ▲ ✔ Mon-Sat 8.30-5.30 Edwardes 221-225 Camberwell Rd SE5 0HG (020 7703 3676) ▲ ✔ MonSat 8.30-6 Evans Cycles 111-115 Waterloo Rd SE1 8UL (020 7928 2208) ▲ ✔ Incl servicing Mon-Fri 10-8 (Closed Thurs 11-12) Sat 9.30-6 Sun 11-5 Evans Cycles 77-81 The Cut SE1 8LL (020 7928 4785) ▲ ✔ Incl servicing Mon-Fri 8-8 (Closed Weds 11-12) Sat 9.30-6 Sun 11-5 Evans Cycles 6 Tooley St SE1 2SY (020 7403 4610) ▲ ✔ Incl servicing. Mon-Fri 8-8 (Closed Thurs 11-12) Sat 9.30-6 Sun 11-5 Herne Hill Bicycles 83 Norwood Rd SE24 9AA (020 8671 6900) ● ➔ Tues-Fri 9-6 Sat 10-5 (Closed Sun & Mon) London Recumbents Rangers Yard Dulwich Park College SE21 7BQ (8299 6636) ● ✔ Variable discount on bike hire. Mon-Sun 10-6 On Your Bike 52-54 Tooley St SE1 2SZ (020 7378 6669) ▲ ✔ Sat 10-6, Sun 11-5 Also has bike hire. Discounts don’t apply to sale items or cycle scheme bikes
ReCycling 110 Elephant Rd SE17 1LB (020 7703 7001) ▲✖ Only sells catalogue returns, renovated and secondhand bikes Robinsons Cycles 172 Jamaica Rd, SE16 4RT (020 7237 4679) ■ ✔ Mon-Sat 9.30-6; Thur 9.30-2pm Sidcup Cycle Centre 142-146 Station Rd DA15 7AB (020 8300 8113) ✔ Mon-Fri 9-5.30; Thurs 9-7; Sat 9-5 Witcomb Cycles 25 Tanners Hill, Deptford SE8 4PJ (020 8692 1734) ■ ✔ Mon closed; Tues, Wed, Fri 9.30-5; Thurs, Sat 9.30-4 Wilsons 32 Peckham Rd SE15 5EB (0207 639 1338) ▲✔ Mon-Fri 10-6; Sat 10-5 Xadventure Bikes 25-29 Perry Hill, SE23 2NE (020 8699 6768) ▲✔ Mon-Sat 9.30-5.30 Not on servicing SOUTH-WEST Action Bikes 221 The Broadway SW19 1SD (020 8540 0313) ▲ ✔ Action Bikes 437 Upper Richmond Rd SW14 7PJ ✔ (020 8876 5566) Mon-Sat 9-6 Sun 11-4 Bicycle Warehouse 214-216 Kingston Rd TW11 (020 8977 2925) ▲ ✔ 10% servicing Mon-Sat 9-5.30 Sun 10-4 Bonthrone Bikes/SBR 917-919 Fulham Rd, SW6 5HU (020 7731 5005) ● ✔ Mon-Fri 11-7; Thurs 11-8; Sat 10-6; Sun 12-5
Brixton Cycles 145 Stockwell Rd SW9 9TN (020 7733 6055) ● ✔ Mon-Wed & Fri-Sat 9-6 Thurs 9-7 Corridori Cycle Sport 203 Fir Tree Rd Epsom, KT17 3LB (01737 373 227) ▲ ✔ 9am-5.30pm Mon-Sat Cowley Security Locksmiths (Locks and key cutting) 146 Colne Rd TW2 6QS (020 8894 1212) ● ✔ Mon-Fri 8-5 Cycleworx 20-30 Buckhold Road SW18 4WW (07970 615 171) ✔ ▲ also 10% off servicing Cyclopedia 256 Fulham Rd SW10 9EL (020 7351 5776) ● ✔ Mon-Fri 8-8 Sat 9.30-6 Sun 10.30-5 Dialabike 30 Strutton Ground SWIP 2HR (020 7233 4224) ■ ✔ Mon-Fri 9.30-5.30 Evans Cycles 13-15 Jerdan Pl SW6 1BE (020 7384 5550) ▲ ✔ Incl servicing Mon-Fri 8am-8pm (Closed Mon 11-12) Sat 9.30am-6pm Sun 11am-5pm Evans Cycles Clapham Unit 2 65-79 Clapham High St SW4 7TG ▲ ✔ Mon-Fri 8-8 Sat 12-6 Sun 12-6 Evans Cycles 320-320b Vauxhall Bridge Rd SW1V 1AA (020 7976 6298) ▲ ✔ Incl servicing Mon-Fri 8-8 (Closed Tues 11-12) Sat 9.30-6 Sun 11-5 Evans Cycles 48 Richmond Rd KT2 5EE (020 8549 2559) ▲ ✔ Incl servicing Mon-Fri 9-6 Thurs 9-8 (Closed Thurs 11-12) Sat 9.30-6 Sun 10-4 Evans Cycles 167-173 Wandsworth High St SW18 4JB (020 8877 1878) ▲ ✔ Incl servicing Mon-Fri 8-8 (Closed Thurs 11-12) Sat 9.30-6 Sun 10-4 London Recumbents Staff Yard Battersea Park SW11 (020 7498 6543) ● ✔ off hire only. Open weekends and school holidays Luvbikes.com 175 Widmore Rd, BR1 3AX (020 8460 0433) ▲ ✔ Mon-Sat 9.30-6 Luciano Cycles 97-99 Battersea Rise SW11 1TW (020 7228 4279) ■ ✔ Mon-Sat 9-5.30 Sun 10-3.30 Mend-a-Bike 19 The Arches 33 Munster Rd SW6 4ER (020 7371 5867) ● ✔ Mon-Fri 9-7 Sat 9-6 Mike’s Bikes 27 Aberconway Rd SM4 5LN (020 8640 1088) ▲ ✔ Mon-Fri 8-5.30 Sat 9-4 Moore’s Cycles 61 London Rd TW1 3SZ (020 8744 0175) ▲ ✔ Mon, Sat 9-5.30; Tue-Fri 9-6; Sun 10-4 BIKES
ACCESSORIES
0%
●
✖
5%
■
➔
10%
▲
✔
15%
❋
♣
Moose Cycles 48 High St SW19 2BY (020 8544 9166) ● ✔ Mon-Fri 9.30-7 Pitfield Cycles 137 Kingston Rd KT3 3NX (020 8949 4632) ■ ➔ Mon-Sat 9-5.30 Prologue 232 Upper Richmond Rd SW14 8AG (020 8878 6266) ▲ ✔ 15% servicing Mon closed Wed 8-8 Tue/Thur-Fri 9-6 Sun 12-5 Discount applies to BH brand bikes only Psubliminal 17 Balham High St, SW12 9AJ (020 8772 0707) 5% off servicing. Tues-Fri 9-6.30 Thurs 9-7 Sat 9-5.30 Putney Cycles 337 Putney Bridge Rd, SW15 2PG (020 8785 3147) ✔ Mon-Fri 8-6.30 Sat 9-6 Sun 10-4 Siecle 789 Wandsworth Rd SW8 3JQ (020 7978 2345) ❋ ✖ (only to bikes) Mon-Fri 9.30-5.30 Sat 10-4 Smith Brothers 14 Church Rd SW19 5DL (020 8946 2270) ▲ Also has bike hire Mon-Sat 9.30-5.30 South Bank Cycles 194 Wandsworth Rd SW8 2JU (020 7622 3069) ● ➔ Mon-Sat 9-6 Stratton Cycles Ltd 101 East Hill SW18 2QB (020 8874 1381) ● ✔ Mon-Sat 9-6 Triandrun 53 Wimbledon Hill Rd SW19 7QW (020 8971 2065) ■ ✔ 10% labour/servicing WEST Action Bikes 101 Uxbridge Rd W12 8NL (020 8743 5265) ● ➔ Mon-Sat 9-6 Sun 10-4 Action Bikes 176 Chiswick High Rd W4 1PR (020 8994 1485) ● ➔ Mon-Sat 9-6 Sun 10-4 Bikewise 61 Swakeleys Rd UB10 8DQ (01895 675376) ■ ✔ Mon-Sat 9-5.30 Sun 10-2 Cyclopedia 262 Kensington High St W8 6ND (020 7603 7626) ● ✔ MonFri 8-8 Sat 9.30-6 Sun 10.30-5 Evans Cycles 548-550 Chiswick High Rd W4 5RG (0870 060 5489) ▲ ✔ Mon-Fri 8-8, Sat 9.30-6, Sun 11-5 Moore’s Cycles 3-5 St John’s Rd TW7 6NA (020 8560 7131) ▲✔ Mon, Sat 9-5.30; Tues-Fri 9-6; Sun 10-4 WIZZBIKE.com 113-114 High St TW8 8AT (020 8326 2819) ▲ ✔ Mon-Sat 9-6; Sun 11-5 Woolsey of Acton 281 Acton Ln W4 5DH (020 8994 6893) ▲ ✔ Mon-Fri 9.30-6.30 Sat 9.30-6 (Closed Wed) • Show your LCC card to claim your discount. • The discounts vary and are not negotiable. ● ➔ means no discount on a bicycle and 5% discount on parts and/or accessories. • Discounts don’t usually apply to special offers or sale items.
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 29
Apr Members 27,28,29.indd 29
9/3/09 20:20:53
Local groups News BARKING & DAGENHAM
Do keep an eye on www.stibasa.org.uk for rides and events coming up. Bygone Barking By Bike – our annual local history ride for Bike Week will be on June 16, starting from Barking Station at 7pm. This is the 10th time we’ve held this. It’s a nice easy ride, so a good opportunity to invite along friends and colleagues who perhaps haven’t had their bike out for a while – but please make sure their bike gets a bit of TLC before they come. Road works for East London Transit (ELT) phase 1a are underway, and it’s been something of a struggle getting the right to cycle established. Many elements of the design have been removed as part of Boris’s cost saving exercises and it so happens that this has removed elements that would have been detrimental to cyclists. I have been told that cycle access through Barking Town Centre where the route runs will be preserved, and there won’t be yet another attempt to ban it. One of the more infuriating elements has been the block off of Park Avenue at Fanshawe Avenue, which was made into a bus stop years ago. If ELT is not going to use this bus stop, then why can’t access be opened up for cycling? The council referred me to TfL and TfL referred me to the council – more of the same nonsense there. The earliest designs for ELT showed appalling ignorance of the existence – let alone the needs – of cyclists and it was despicable that the TfL bus people didn’t run their plans past their colleagues who deal with cycling. Blank looks all round when I mentioned to people that perhaps cycling should be somehow taken into account. B&D has not been hard hit by alllowing motorbikes in bus lanes as only relatively short stretches of bus lane on the A13 have been affected, and I’m guessing these are not the places most favoured by people cycling in or through the borough. Allowing motorbikes in bus lanes on more local roads would be a different consideration. Contact: Colin.Newman@stibasa.org.uk Website: www.stibasa.org.uk Blog: www.stibasa.blogspot.com Egroup: http://groups.google.com/group/stibasa2
Photos: Meade McCloughan, Orde Eliason
BARNET
In February we had our AGM and, as in previous years, there were no new volunteers for the committee. So presumably everyone thinks we’re doing just about OK, and hence the same old gang is still running the group. After the AGM, we had our annual auction of bits and pieces and recycled Xmas presents. Much less ‘stuff’ than usual, so we only raised £76 for group funds – must be the recession. The proposed massive redevelopment of Cricklewood/Brent Cross, with its major implications for cycling in and through that area, is situated in Barnet, but borders on the borough of Brent. It appears the latter council has voted to oppose the current planning application for the redevelopment. If you haven’t been to one of our monthly meetings do give it a try, we’ll be pleased to see you. Meetings: The last Thursday of the month, 8pm at Trinity Church Hall, Nether Street, N12 7NN Contact: Jeremy Parker (020 8440 9080) Website: www.barnetlcc.org
BRENT
The campaign for a better re-development of the Brent Cross Cricklewood area than is currently proposed achieved a victory in February when Brent Council’s planning committee voted to oppose the plans currently being considered by Barnet Council. This followed strong lobbying from Brent Cyclists, Sarah Teather MP, local councillors and others. If the current plans go through, it will mean a new spaghetti junction on the Brent-Barnet border, the A5 severed at Staples Corner, more traffic and some cycle paths to nowhere. On a related strategic issue, Brent Cyclists met with council officers to discuss the possibilities for better cycle crossings of the North Circular Road. There is goodwill on this but a lack of funding, so don’t hold your breath. A small improvement in permeability is under construction at Old Church Lane, Kingsbury: a two-way track to allow cyclists access from Blackbird Hill. We are pleased that this is a Brent Cyclists proposal that is being implemented. Meetings: 7.30pm (preceded by business meeting at 6.30pm), April 1, May 6 and June 3 at the Samaritans Centre, 1 Leopold Rd, NW10 9LN. Contact: Ben Tansley (07941 050161, coordinator@brentcyclists.org.uk) Website: www.brentcyclists.org.uk BROMLEY
With the encouragement of Bromley Cyclists, children’s cycling clubs are just starting in the borough. Bigfoot Go-Ride meets at Pickhurst Junior School on Saturdays from April 25, with a full summer term of activities for 15 children. Volunteers keep coming forward, so it is obvious that we have touched a need in the borough. A second Saturday club is about to begin in Penge, and several schools are expected to develop after-school clubs. Bromley Cyclists would like to assist the latter to become School Family Cycling Centres that display excellence of facilities and offerings. We see a specific role for us in developing family rides from these centres. Bromley Cyclists is the overall project manager of all of the above, administering grant funds. One of the most popular local rides, led by Bromley Cyclists, is the Tour de Penge, part of the Penge Festival. The ride proceeds up the Waterlink Way to Greenwich and return, this year on May 10. Last year there were 80 riders of all ages. We need experienced cyclists to act as ride leaders and marshals for all of the above. Meetings: 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of the month at Bromley College, London Road, Bromley BR1 1PE Contact: Charles Potter (07951 780869, coordinator@bromleycyclists.org) Website: www.bromleycyclists.org http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bromleycyclists CAMDEN
Our Annual General Meeting will be held on May 11. Jon Snow will be our guest speaker. The April meeting is on the third Monday, so as to avoid Easter. The endless saga of problems for cyclists around St Pancras Station continues. For a year, the sign from Goodsway said: ‘No left turn except cyclists and taxis’. Suddenly the cyclists exception was deleted... A proposed temporary
Camden Cyclists’ campaign for better cycle provisions around the new St Pancras station continues. This sign should mention taxis as well as cyclists. Meanwhile, the left-right arrows on road were not specified in a safety audit and fail to indicate that cyclists can go straight on.
solution has not yet been implemented. At a recent meeting, permeability for cyclists in the borough was discussed at length. If you have a pet hate for an obstacle to your ideal cycle route, then we want to hear from you and we will add it to our current list for the council to tackle. Following advice from Roland Stahel and suggestions from the committee, Jean has modified the website, making it more practical and appealing, but retaining the wealth of information it contains. You can find more on our website about items mentioned here, or register on our website to receive the our monthly e-bulletin. Meetings: April 20 and May 11 at Primrose Hill Community Association, 29 Hopkinsons Place, (off Fitzroy Rd) NW1 8TN Contact: Stefano Casalotti (020 7435 0196, stefano@lamsam-casalotti.org.uk) or Jean Dollimore (020 7485 5896, jean@dollimore.net) Website: www.camdencyclists.org.uk ENFIELD
Mostly good news to report. Plans for Bike Week are already afoot. This year Enfield Council is going to support not one, but two events: the third Enfield Festival of Cycling will be on June 21, while the other event will be a mass charity ride in support of the Nightingale Community Hospice Trust June 14. Please support it if you can – not only will it be an opportunity to raise funds for a much-loved local charity, but a good turnout will also provide very visible evidence that the people of Enfield are interested in cycling. Enfield Cycling Campaign will complement these council-run events with a programme of rides during Bike Week. Some other good news is that Enfield Cycling Campaign has been successful in convincing the council to set up a Cycle to Work scheme, which will give council employees tax-relief on the purchase of a bike. The council is currently negotiating with potential partners, with the intention of having a scheme up and running later in the year. Sustrans is working on the North Central London Greenways study for TfL, a project which aims to identify a network of Greenway walking and cycling routes across Enfield and Haringey. At time of going to press, the inital consultation period had ended. We are optimistic about this project coming to fruition. And, finally, those of you who use the Lee towpath regularly, please be aware that various sections of this route within Enfield will
30 April/May 2009 LONDON CYCLIST
Apr Borough 30,1,2,3 .indd 30
8/3/09 23:45:40
Local groups
See the ‘local groups’ section at www.lcc.org.uk for more contact information and news from your area
LOCAL GROUP PROFILE HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM CYCLISTS
be closed for parts of the spring and summer while electrical work is carried out – look out for yellow diversion signs. Meetings: The first Thursday of the month (April 2, 8pm, Winchmore Hill Cricket Club, Firs Lane, Winchmore Hill, N21 3ER; May 7, 8pm, King William IV pub (upstairs), 192 Hertford Rd, Edmonton N9 7HH. Contact: Richard Reeve (020 8363 2196, r.reeve@blueyonder.co.uk) Website: www.lccenfield.fsnet.co.uk Rides via www.edmontoncyclingclub.fsnet.co.uk
Relaxing to music at the GREENFEST
How to get involved Join the email group so you know what is happening, and head along to a monthly meeting – normally the first Tuesday of the month. The meetings are friendly and drift around different members’ homes. Rides are always popular and are a great way of meeting people – ideas and suggestions for new routes are welcome. The GREENFEST (June 14) is always in need of volunteer support. The coordinator, John Griffiths, is keen to hear from anyone wanting more information on any of the above. Contact Co-ordinator John Griffiths (john@truefeelings.com, 020 7371 1290/07789 095 748) or see www.hfcyclists.org.uk.
HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM
We are planning for the GREENFEST West London (see our group profile on these pages). Our group has been helping police with their enquiries into the sale of stolen bikes on eBay. We alerted the police to some suspicious activities at the end of February, and a covert operation led to the arrest of three people. Who knows what is happening at Westfield? The quality of the supposed cycle route through it is appalling. See our website for our rides, and if you are not on our email list and want to be, please contact the co-ordinator. Meetings: The first Tuesday of the month – see our website for details or call the co-ordinator Contact: John Griffiths (020 7371 1290, 07789 095 748, john@truefeelings.com) Website: www.hfcyclists.org.uk HAVERING
All the fun of the Enfield Festival of Cycling, which will return in 2008. It is just one Bike Week event that Enfield’s LCC group will support. For advice on how to get your local lgroup involved in Bike Week activities, see page 12.
The February Cycle Liaison Group Meeting commenced with viewing the Fiets video supplied by the Utrecht Province at the 2000 Netherlands Vélo Mondial Cycling Conference. It describes the work done to accommodate and support cycling in and around Utrecht and the new town of Houten. Although nine years old, facilities still appear way in advance of conditions here. During the meeting, news came that funding settlements had been received for several local projects, including: the Ingrebourne Valley Greenway; the Ivy Lodge Lane Link from Shepherd’s Hill, the A13 Slip Road, and Dagnam Park, nr Harold Hill, Phase three. There has also been an award of £20,000 from TfL for cycle stands and shelters. The installation of Stands in Romford Centre shall be the focus in the coming financial year. The number of bikes parked against the Public Art Sculpture in the Market
Place shows how much it’s needed. Central South Street has been considered unsuitable, but the existing low stands at the junction of South Street and Eastern Road shall be replaced by our preferred design. In 2009/10, officers shall take more seriously our request to angle the arrays of stands to the thoroughfare, rather than the habitual 90º orientation: this can reduce the footway width used by almost 30%. Send suggestions for parking locations outside Romford to Daniel Douglas. The Thames access Path across the Marshes is now complete. A proposal for a CRISP to examine the Eastbrookend Chase route to the A124 has received a positive response from Cllr Curtin, the Cabinet Member for Culture. The question of abrupt ramps to the new speed tables in Rainham’s 20mph zone was raised. It was pointed out that other locations have a smooth start to the ramps which do not trouble cyclists: we want consistency. Two inspection rides are to take place in lieu of Liaison Group Meetings this year in June and October. Cycling infrastructure shall be covered in two area committees: S Hornchurch and Rainham on April 1 and Romford on April 7 – please get along to lend support if you can. Lastly, congratulations to our LCC colleagues in neighbouring Redbridge who have received an award to support their Movers & Shakers project. Liaison Group Meeting: April 28. Please check in case of late postponement. Normal meetings: From 4pm in the ninth floor meeting room, Mercury House, Romford. Borough of Havering: Daniel Douglas, (01708 432850, daniel.douglas@havering.gov.uk) Havering Cycling Campaign: Bernie Curtis (01708 347 226, CurtisBernieS@aol.com) >>
Photos: Enfield Council (www.enfield.gov.uk/cycling)
The group thrived in the late ’90s but died down as members left – it relaunched in 2002. For the last six years, the group has organised GREENFEST West London, which has grown to become a significant event promoting cycling Travelling in style at the GREENFEST and green issues in the area. The group actively participates in CRISPs and has seen Oybike, a local bike rental scheme, launched in the borough. In the warmer months, rides are held, often along the Thames, to Richmond Park, or along the Grand Union canal. While 250 LCC members live in the borough, some 350 people are signed up to the group’s email group, and five to 10 make it along to monthly meetings. Campaigns The most important recent campaign has been the one to make the new Westfield shopping centre more cycle-friendly, though this, along with the campaign to make Shepherd’s Bush Green better for cyclists, has had little success. The group continues both campaigns. Another campaign involves a push to implement a 20mph limit on Hammersmith Bridge. Campaign succeses On Wandsworth Bridge, there used to be a major problem in the early evening with cars parking on the cycle track. A year-long campaign ended when parking police agreed to patrol the area. The GREENFEST has been a major success in bringing people together, and is run in cooperation with the council. A video of last year’s event can be seen at www.greenfest.org.uk.
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 31
Apr Borough 30,1,2,3 .indd 31
8/3/09 23:46:36
Local groups News HOUNSLOW
The Hounslow group is in need of a new coordinator. Anyone interested in this rewarding role should contact charlie@lcc.org.uk Website: www.lcc.org.uk > Local groups ISLINGTON
We presented evidence to Islington Council’s Sustainability Scrutiny Review Committee inquiry into ‘Improving Conditions for Cyclists’ in March. The overall aim of the inquiry was to ensure that the council is doing as much as it can to promote safer cycling, and to identify how the council can encourage more journeys to be made by bike. Six of our members will be doing cycle training soon, funded by a grant. Once trained, they will volunteer to do bike buddying and we hope to find a few local ‘movers and shakers’ who we can persuade to take up cycling. Our skilled treasurer, Anja Beinroth, has secured a second grant from the Cripplegate Foundation with which we are going to buy a couple of video cameras that can be mounted on bikes. We’ll use them to film areas of concern as part of our Road Danger Reduction campaign. If neighbouring groups would like to borrow them, get in touch. Further to our local group profile in the last LC, we now have proof that the second meeting of our group took place on July 7, 1976, so we pre-date LCC. Sadly, the minutes of this meeting sound all too familiar: poor road surfaces, careless drivers, etc. Meetings: 7.30pm on second Wednesday of the month (April 8 and May 13) at Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD Contact: Alison Dines (020 7226 7012, alisondines@clara.co.uk) Website: www.icag.org.uk
Photos: www.richmondccrides.blogspot.com
KINGSTON
The council is not replacing the cycling officer who left and has made the sustainable transport manager redundant. It will require more effort on our part to make sure that cycling schemes are developed and implemented and money intended for cycling gets spent appropriately. There has been news that two new routes across the Fairfield have support but no funding. The bridge at the end of King Charles Road is to get a cycle lane. If you use it and like it, let the councillors know. Lower Marsh Lane at last has a cycle counter on it to monitor cycle journeys. No news on motorcycles being allowed to use ASLs – it’s in TRL’s hands. Network Rail, with TfL funding, has built a new 72-place sheltered bike park at Kingston Station. It’s not in the most obvious location and is largely unused. They didn’t communicate with the council who have fiveyear-old plans (and cash) to put secure parking nearby. In 2008, 1,807 people in the borough were fined for driving while using a hand-held phone; up 80% from 2005. Looks like there’s still lots of work to do in 2009. Meetings: 8.30pm on April 14 and May 12 at the Waggon & Horses Pub, Surbiton Hill Road, KT6 4TW Contact: Rob James (020 8546 8865) Website: www.kingstoncycling.org.uk KENSINGTON & CHELSEA
Part of Kensington & Chelsea is within the
Mayor’s cycle hire scheme, which should be great news for many residents in the eastern parts of the borough. We have seen some of the locations, but these are to be confirmed, probably through the planning process. Watch out for news on our website. Joint meetings and rides with Westminster LCC group continue. We are planning joint events with the council, especially for Bike Week. Meetings: Tuesday, April 7 (with Westminster LCC group), 7pm, Heart of London Business Alliance, 53-54 Haymarket, SW1Y 4RP; Tuesday, May 5 (venue to be confirmed on website) Contact: Philip Loy (07960 026 450, philip_loy@yahoo.co.uk) Website: www.lcc.org.uk > Local Groups > Kensington & Chelsea LAMBETH
Our April meeting will be our AGM – please do come along to one of the main meetings of the year and learn about what Lambeth Cyclists does and the opportunities to become a little more involved in its activities. Guest speakers will be confirmed on our website and email group. Our meetings are open to all and friendly! Don’t forget our monthly Architecture Rides also – details on our website. Meetings: Third Tuesday of the month (April 21 and May 19), 7.30pm upstairs at The Priory Arms, 83 Lansdowne Way, SW8 2PB Contact: Philip Loy (020 8677 8624, lambeth_cyclists@hotmail.com) Website: www.lambethcyclists.org.uk REDBRIDGE
Join our campaign to get the great and the good on their bikes! We have been awarded a grant for the Movers and Shakers in Redbridge campaign. Letters of invitation are going out now, so if you know a suitable recipient, please say so. Also, let us know if you can help our cycle trainer, Chris Elliott, by offering ‘buddy’ support to our prospective Movers and Shakers, such as transport, loan of bikes, cycle maintenance assistance and general advice on cycling. The final event, a Movers and Shakers celebration ride and lunch, will be at Redbridge Cycling Centre on Saturday, June 6. Find out more at our AGM (see below). Events to support: Sikh Charity Bike Ride on Sunday, May 10, and Redbridge Green Fair on Sunday, May 24. Three weekends away to book: Streatley on Thames YH, May 15-17; Essex Churches Weekend at Saffron Walden YH September 11-13, and Douai Abbey, Berkshire, October 9-11. Our next maintenance workshop starts on April 29. Meetings: AGM on Friday April 24, 7pm, 32 Kings Avenue, Woodford Green; regular meeting, May 19 at 21 The Green, Wanstead House E11 (near Wanstead tube). Drinks in the bar afterwards. Contact: Gill James 020 8989 4898 gilljames@ btinternet.com and Chris Elliott 020 8989 6285 c.elliott@dsl.pipex.com Website: www.redbridgelcc.org.uk RICHMOND
The Smarter Travel team launch their two-and-ahalf-year year scheme on March 30. This scheme is designed to encourage the use of sustainable
Members out enjoying a Richmond Cycling Campaign ride
transport. We hope that this will include lots of cycling initiatives and we will be pushing LBRuT to make cycling a high priority. One scheme already planned is the bike buddy scheme. This will be starting in April and we hope it will be a success. There will be approximately 330 new bike parking stands installed in the borough over the coming year; we have given as much input to the council as we can. Locations include parks and recreation grounds and local shopping centres. Our policy meeting took place on February 23 and was very successful with lots of ideas about the forward strategy of the group. We will continue to discuss it and formulate our plans for the coming years. Get in touch if you want to be involved. LBRuT has finally arranged a Cycling Liaison Group meeting which is inviteonly. This was happening as LC went to press – check our blog for details. The initial meeting was to establish the purpose and strategy of the group. LBRuT adult cycle training courses are now taking bookings – do you know anyone who would benefit from training? Contact 020 8487 5131 or email safety-education@richmond. gov.uk. The courses are £15 and are great fun. One secondary school is hoping to start a cycle club which will include bike maintenance and training. They hope to get LCC funding, so we are helping them as much as we can. This is a changing time for cycling in Richmond and RCC hopes to start lots of projects and campaigns over the coming months. Some of these are going to be fun, so why not find out what we do and join in? For details of our rides, to take part in the campaign or just to say hello, come to a meeting (see below). Meetings: Second Monday of the month at The Ship Inn, Richmond, at 8pm Contact: info@rcc.myzen.co.uk, 07976 294626 Website: www.richmondlcc.co.uk General blog: http://richmondcc.blogspot.com Rides blog: http://richmondccrides.blogspot.com SOUTHWARK
In the springs of 2007 and 2008 Southwark Cyclists, ran a dozen Healthy Rides over successive Saturdays. The rides averaged over 20 riders and attracted mostly novices. This spring we’ve created six rides for the Southwark Silver Festival for the over-fiftysomethings. These will be easyish rides for active novices that will lead into a lots of other rides for all all summer. The Silver Festival has a publicity budget of £60,000 and jumping onto that bandwagon made a lot of sense. It’ll be interesting to compare recruitment and retention against the
32 April/May 2009 LONDON CYCLIST
Apr Borough 30,1,2,3 .indd 32
8/3/09 23:45:07
Local groups
JUNE/JULY DEADLINE: 6pm, Friday, May 1. Email news to boroughnews@lcc.org.uk – photos are welcome and will be published if space permits
last two spring series. And we soon got the council to take that picture of 90-year-olds in care-home chairs off the Silver Festival Active Lifestyle Changes website for the over-45s. Two weeks after, we easily sawed through a couple of feeble – already damaged – shiny silver Sheffields in seconds and realised that there was no British Standard for cycle parking. We were sat around a prework table early one morning with coffee and the St Martin’s Design Against Crime Unit, the Jill Dando Institute and the British Standards Institute. The new BS should be ready in 12 months or so, and will embrace locks too. And work to hugely improve workplace and domestic cycle parking standards through planning conditions goes on. The Greater London Assembly Scrutiny Committee will recommend much improved standards. The sooner the better – there’s a huge pipeline of new development on the way with outdated standards. Southwark Council was lucky. When it realised – because we told told it – that its new HQ at 160 Tooley Street (or PO Box 64529, London, SE1P 5LX as in the official address) has two snug railway arches right behind the building to grab for extra space. Other developers and their cycling employees won’t be so fortunate in their lovely new towers that have everything except cycle parking. And from February 23 without any consultation with local cyclists or Sustrans, Comex Developments closed off the Thames Path at Kings Stairs Gardens in Rotherhithe for 14 weeks to put a new house up. That period takes us precisely to May 31 when the Stroke Association starts its annual Thames Bridges Bike Ride right there. Work, as always, to do. But all over Southwark the 20mph zones keep going in and the Salisbury Row and Alscot Road Streets for People schemes are excellent as this and much more work done over past years suddenly and relentlessly starts to turn into reality. Meetings: 7pm-8.30pm, the second Wednesday of the month at Better Bankside Community Space, Great Guildford Street, SE1 0TF. Contact: Barry Mason (07905 889 005, info@southwarkcyclists.org.uk) Website: www.southwarkcyclists.org.uk SUTTON
At the Sutton Town Centre meeting, we upped the number of cycle stands to 73 and from three to six at each site. Stalls are to be put by ADSA’s blank wall. Long-term, Benhill Avenue will be buses only. The problem now is cars use High Street after 8pm and there are not enough traffic wardens. LCN+ will use High Street and Throwley Road will become a local route. There will be bench gates made of wooden sleepers (when closed they make a gate and when open they are two benches). Currently there is a bench gate in Bermondsey Square. The Cock junction will be a long table on A232 and Grove Road junction will become green/red phase traffic junction. High Street central marking remains except where pedestrians cross in volume (there it will be red bricked, eg M&S to St Nicholas Centre). The Connect 2 path from tramlink Waddon Marsh to Wandle Park is delayed as Barratts have yet to complete their housing development.
Meetings: The second Tuesday of the month (April 14 and May 12) at 8.30pm at the Robin Hood Pub by Robin Hood Lane/West Street junction Contact: Chris Parry (020 8647 3584, cyclism@blueyonder.co.uk) WANDSWORTH
The word is really spreading about our Movers and Shakers project. We were invited to give a presentation about it to Stephen Hammond, shadow transport minister, in Tooting – he showed a gratifying interest in its potential to get key decision-makers on their bikes and more cycle-friendly in general, and we’re certainly hoping he’ll get Boris knocking at our door. We going to Manchester in May to tell the CTC/Cyclenation conference all about it. It’s a great way to get the right people listening to us. Other news: we’re helping Emily de Nobrega, of Wandsworth Primary Care Trust, with cycle training sessions for families in response to the government’s ‘Change 4 Life’ scheme; we’ve got Wandsworth Parks Police coming to our April meeting (we would love everyone possible to turn up to impress them with the importance of our presence in the parks); and we’ve acquired a speed gun to help monitor speeding motorists/ motorcyclists on our streets – if you’d like to use it down your way, please get in touch. Meetings: The second Tuesday of each month (April 14 and May 12) Contact: Simon Merrett (020 8789 6639, coordinator@wandsworthcyclists.org.uk) Website: www.wandsworthcyclists.org.uk WESTMINSTER
Just as we thought Cycle Route Implementation Stakeholder Plans (CRISPs) were a thing of the past, Westminster has embarked on a further CRISP. This one covers a number of critical routes in the Mayfair, Soho and Marylebone areas. In order to achieve connectivity between routes, this may be a good idea. Cynics may consider the exercise simply to be a tactic to delay action. Only time will tell. Meetings: April 7, at 7pm at Heart of London Business Alliance, London House, 53-54 Haymarket, SW1Y 4RP Contact: Colin Wing (020 7828 1500, cyclist@westminstercyclists.org.uk) Website: www.westminstercyclists.org.uk Members’ adverts ◆ FOR SALE: Sakura electric bike, only 10 miles from new, designed to look like motor scooter, complete with fairing, indicators, locking box, mirrors. Cost £580 – but available for £290. Contact John Tate 020 8546 5511 (Kingston). ◆ FOR SALE: Road shoes Shimano MBT with cleats size 9. SPD-compatible pedals, secondhand, vgc £20 ono; cycle tyre pump, multi-valve compatible with bracket, £5; CatEye rear light with bracket, £3; CatEye compact rear safety light torch switch, £4; wired cycle computer, £5; knee & shins pads (large), £6; forearm & elbow pads (large) £4; Contact Paul 020 8675 4501.
OTHER LOCAL GROUP CONTACTS BEXLEY Contact: Frances Renton (01322 441 979, f.renton@gold.ac.uk) or Dave Reynolds (01322 525 481) CITY CYCLISTS Website: www.citycyclists.org.uk CROYDON Contact: info@croydon-lcc.org.uk Website: www.croydon-lcc.org.uk EALING Contact: David Lomas (020 8579 0805, david_lomas28@hotmail.com) Website: www.ealingcycling.org.uk GREENWICH Contact: Julian Dobson (07771 692 344) Website: www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk HACKNEY Contact: Trevor Parsons (020 7729 2273, info@hackney-cyclists.org.uk) Website: www.hackney-cyclists.org.uk HARINGEY Contact: Adam Coffman (adam@tao.org.uk) Website: www.lcc.org.uk > Local groups HARROW Website: www.lcc.org.uk > Local groups HILLINGDON Contact: Sarah James (020 8868 2912) or Steve Ayres (01895 230 953) LEWISHAM Contact: Ian or Paul (info@lewishamcyclists.net) Website: www.lewishamcyclists.net MERTON Contact: Richard Evans (020 8946 0912, info@mertoncyclists.org.uk) Website: www.mertoncyclists.org.uk NEWHAM Contact: Bernie McDonnell (07947 236 965) Website: www.lcc.org.uk > local groups TOWER HAMLETS WHEELERS Contact: Owen Pearson (07903 018 970, wheelers@towerhamletswheelers.org.uk) Website: www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk WALTHAM FOREST Contact: Robert Vaughan, (020 8520 8858, wfcycling@wfcycling.org.uk) Website: www.wfcycling.org.uk
◆ FOR SALE: Brand new red Ortlieb BackRoller Classic bike bag. Came in a pair, but only ever use one of them. The two were £70 – will sell unused one for £30. Please call 0797 407 6968, or email stturner77@ yahoo.co.uk. How to advertise Small, non-business ads are free to LCC members. Email londoncyclist@lcc.org.uk or write to the address on page 3, including your short advertisement, name, address and LCC membership number. The June/July issue deadline is 6pm, April 27. For larger advertisements, contact Anthon (020 7306 0300 ext 112 or lcc@mongoosemedia.com)
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 33
Apr Borough 30,1,2,3 .indd 33
8/3/09 23:38:33
p34.indd 34
8/3/09 23:22:13
Diary
Diary Rides & Events
For last-minute rides, contact your local group (details page 32) or see www.lcc.org.uk/rides
Your guide to events and rides that are open to all cyclists What you need to know about social rides Unless stated, train-assisted rides meet at the relevant ticket office. Lunch is at a pub or take sandwiches if you prefer. Don’t forget: water, lights, a spare inner tube and tools.
Armchair riding To keep up with late changes and extra information, subscribe to the London Riders email list. Send a message to lccrider-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Organisers To publicise your event, enter details onto the LCC database (www.lcc.org.uk/rides). To get events in the June/July issue, upload by noon, May 1, or email londoncyclist@lcc.org.uk
From Toulouse to Sète Few publishers do cycling guides better than the folk at Cicerone, and their latest release, Cycling the Canal du Midi by Declan Lyons (£12.95), is no exception. The guide follows each of the canal’s 240km from Toulouse to Sète, as well as the 37km Narbonne extension. Also covered are routes in the nearby hills for anyone wanting to take a diversion from the canal’s gentle towpaths.
Mapping Denmark Denmark is one of the most pleasant countries in Europe for the cyclist. Now, the Dansk Cyklist Forbund, the Danish cycling federation, has released a series of guides to make it easier than ever to enjoy a touring holiday. The English-language guides are broken down into Denmark’s eight regions, and each is accompanied by a comprehensive map. The series covers every cycle route in the country, alongside overviews and excellent local street maps of major cities and towns en route. Each regional guide is priced at £14.99 and available from Cordee (www. cordee.co.uk, (01455 611 185).
Exploring the Moors The title is a mouthful, so it’s appropriate, then, that there are enough rides in Tony Harker’s North York Moors Mountain Biking: Moorland Trails (£14.95, Vertebrate Publishing) to whet the appetite of any mountain biker. Some 21 routes from 10 to 77km in length are featured, and they cover all abilities. The guide is available from Cordee (www.cordee.co.uk, (01455 611 185).
RIDES AND EVENTS Wednesday, April 1 ◆ James’ Weekly Ride. Every Wednesday 10.30am from Interchange Studios, Haverstock Hill, NW3. 20-25 miles. Contact: James Brander (020 7267 3585) Friday, April 3 ◆ Spring Cycling Weekend in Sussex. Weekend of cycling with Tower Hamlets Wheelers. Contact: Caroline Fenton (07967 139 491, caroline@towerhamlets wheelers.org.uk) ◆ South London Critical Mass. Peckham Library 6.30pm Saturday, April 4 ◆ Dulwich Paragon Ride. Every Saturday. www.dulwichparagon.com Saturday, April 4 ◆ Viking Trail. 9am Bromley South Station. Contact: Steve (steve.watkin1@btinternet.com, 07748 655 201) Sunday, April 5 ◆ Bread Pudding Ride. 10.30am Kingston Market Place. Contact: John Dunn (johnedunn@ blueyonder.co.uk, 020 8397 1875) ◆ Windsor New River & Great Park Ride. 10am Richmond Station. Contact: Paul Luton (020 8977 4016, paul@ pluton.eclipse.co.uk) ◆ Alan’s Locks, Docks and One Smoking Lighthouse Ride. 9am at Southwark Needle or 10am at Cutty Sark Gardens. Contact: Barry (07905 889 0050 Wednesday, April 8 ◆ LCC retention evening. Help LCC with member mailout. Contact: Julie Tublin (julie@lcc. org.uk, 020 7234 9310 ext 215) Saturday, April 11 ◆ Easter Saturday Family Cycle Ride in Epping Forest. Contact: Epping Forest Visitor Centre (020 8508 0028) ◆ New Newham Ride. 10.30am underneath the 2012 Countdown Clock, Stratford Station. Contact: Bernard McDonnell (07947 236 965) Wednesday, April 15 ◆ LCC Social Night. See right Saturday, April 18 ◆ Silver Thames Ride. Meet 11am Southwark Park Cafe. Part of Southwark’s Silver Festival (see Southwark local group report page 32). Contact: Barry (07905 889 005) ◆ Morning Coffee at the Palace. 10.45am Mortlake Green, lower end. Contact: Paul Luton (020 8977 4016, paul@ pluton.eclipse.co.uk) ◆ Night Ride. 7pm John Ball Primary School. Ride through LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 35
Apr Diary.indd 35
8/3/09 22:27:22
Photos: BritainOnView
Diary
Shepardleas and Oxleas Woods. Return 9.30pm. Contact: Tom Crispin (020 8318 1004, mail@ britishschoolofcycling.com) Sunday, April 19 ◆ The City Farm. 11am John Ball Primary School or 11.30am Cutty Sark Gardens. Contact: Tom Crispin (020 8318 1004, mail@ britishschoolofcycling.com) ◆ Bread Pudding Spring Special. 10.30am and 2pm Kingston Market Place. Two half-day rides with Kingston Cycling Campaign. Contact: John Dunn (johnedunn@blueyonder. co.uk, 020 8397 1875) ◆ Silver Sunday at Dulwich College. Southwark Cyclists’ stall plus Dr Bike 10am-4pm. Rides at 11am and 2pm. Part of Southwark’s Silver Festival. Contact: Barry (07905 889 005) Monday, April 20 ◆ Bike to School Week. Until April 24 Thursday, April 23 ◆ Silver St George’s Day Afterworker. Meet 6.30pm Southwark Needle. Part of Southwark’s Silver Festival. Contact: Barry (07905 889 005) Friday, April 24 ◆ Critical Mass. 6pm National Film Theatre on South Bank. www.criticalmasslondon.org.uk ◆ ICAG Feeder Ride to Critical Mass. 6.15pm from Islington Town Hall. Contact: Chris Ashby (020 7609 5093) Sunday, April 26 ◆ Silver Locks, Docks... Meet 10am Southwark Needle and 11am Cutty Sark Gardens. Part of Southwark’s Silver Festival. Contact: Barry (07905 889 0050 Wednesday, April 29 ◆ Sylvan Southwark Ride. 10am Dulwich Park Cafe. Part of Southwark’s Silver Festival. Contact: Barry (07905 889 005) ◆ Midweek Ride. 7.30pm Kingston Market Place. Kingston Cycle Campaign ride. Contact: John Dunn (020 8397 1875, johnedunn@blueyonder.co.uk) Thursday, April 30 ◆ Surrey Canal Afterworker. 6.30pm Southwark Needle. Part of Southwark’s Silver Festival. Contact: Barry (07905 889 005) Friday, May 1 ◆ South London Critical Mass. See April 3 Saturday, May 2 ◆ New Newham Ride. See April 11 Sunday, May 3 ◆ Spring Wildflowers in the Surrey Hills. 10.30am Twickenham riverside by Eel
London bridges bike ride returns The ever popular Thames Bridges Bike Ride departs from King’s Stairs Gardens in Southwark on May 31. The ride, in aid of the Stroke Association, takes in 33 miles and 14 bridges. For details, see www.stroke.org. uk/thamesbridges. Organisers rely on the support of cyclists who are able to help volunteer
marshal the event. See the website or call 020 7566 0321 if you are able to help out.
On the art trail in Essex A Summer of Art is being held in Essex from May to September, with local artists exhibiting their work on 13 Art Trails throughout the county. The festival aims to allow visitors to appreciate the work of local artists in a natural environment. The trails include The Painter’s Trail, a 69-mile cycling route around the Dedham Vale, the area that provided inspiration for John Constable. There will also be The View Finder Trail by Michael Goodney, a 17.5-mile circular route around Colchester and along the river Colne. It will feature 10 works of art. For more information, see www.visitessex.com
National cycle route maps Maps of National Cycle Routes provide great inspiration for anyone wanting to explore the UK on two wheels. The North West Trail concentrates on a 202-mile circular route through Donegal, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Leitrim and Sligo in Northern Ireland, and Round The Forth covers the 134-mile National
Cycle Network route between Dunbar, Edinburgh, Stirling and Kirkcaldy. Meanwhile, the Celtic Trail – East covers Wales’ Taff Trail and The Valleys Cycle Network. All three maps are available from Sustrans (www.sustrans.org. uk, 0845 113 0065) or from Cordee (www.cordee.co.uk, 01455 611 185).
Bike Radar goes live
LCC’s social nights
BikeRadar Live, a bike festival billed as the UK’s largest mass-participation cycling event, will take place May 30-31 at Donington Park in Leicestershire. Weekend tickets (Friday to Sunday) are £25, while day tickets (Saturday or Sunday) are £15 (when booked in advance). On the gate, weekend tickets cost £30 and day tickets £18. See www.bikeradar.com for the full programme and to book tickets.
LCC’s monthly socials happen from 6.30pm on the third Wednesday of each month, with the event held in a different area of London each time (see www.lcc.org.uk for venue details). The evenings are open to all LCC members and those who want to find out more about the organisation. People who may not previously have considered getting involved can meet staff and active members to chat about LCC and cycling in general. For more details, call the LCC office (see page 27).
Pie Bridge. Contact: Paul Luton (paul@pluton.eclipse.co.uk, 020 8977 4016) Saturday, May 10 ◆ Tour de Penge. Led by Bromley Cyclists; part of Penge Festival. Volunteer ride leaders and marshals needed. Contact: Charles Potter (07951 780 869) ◆ Bread Pudding May Special. Two short Kingston rides (10.30am, 2pm. Contact: John Dunn (020 8397 1875, johnedunn@blueyonder.co.uk) Tuesday, May 12 ◆ LCC retention evening. See April 9 Saturday, May 16 ◆ Playtex MoonWalk 2009. Volunteer cyclists needed. www.walkthewalk.org ◆ Stately Houses of West London. 10.25am Twickenham rail station forecourt. Contact: Paul Luton (020 8977 4016, paul@pluton.eclipse.co.uk) ◆ Tilbury Ferry. 10am John Ball Primary School or 10.30am Cutty Sark Gardens. Contact: Tom Crispin (020 8318 1004, mail@ britishschoolofcycling.com) Sunday, May 17 ◆ City Slicker. 11am John Ball Primary School or 11.30am Cutty Sark Gardens. Contact: Tom Crispin (020 8318 1004, mail@ britishschoolofcycling.com) Wednesday, May 20 ◆ LCC Social Night. See left ◆ Midweek Ride. See April 29 Sunday, May 24 ◆ Redbridge Green Fair. Valentine’s Park, Ilford. www.rgf.org.uk ◆ Newham Cycling Day. On the Greenway. Contact: Bernard McDonnell (07947 236 965) ◆ Bread Pudding Challenge Ride. See April 5 Friday, May 29 ◆ Critical Mass. See April 24 ◆ ICAG Feeder Ride to Critical Mass. See April 24 Saturday, May 30 ◆ New Newham Ride. See April 11 Sunday, May 31 ◆ Thames Bridges Ride. See left PLANNING AHEAD Saturday, June 6 ◆ Smithfield Nocturne. www.nocturneseries.com Saturday, June 13 ◆ Bike Week. See page 12 Saturday, July 4 ◆ Tour de France. Until July 26. ◆ Dunwich Dynamo. Contact: Barry (07905 889 005)
36 April/May 2009 LONDON CYCLIST
Apr Diary.indd 36
8/3/09 22:27:41
The marketplace
The marketplace
To advertise on this page, please phone 020 7306 0300 ext.112 or email lcc@mongoosemedia.com 37_Marketplace.indd 37
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 37
3/3/09 14:13:50
Books ’n’ things Reviews Fine lines Extract from Tomorrow, We Ride by Jean Bobet During the summer holidays I knew complete happiness, because I could cycle to the exclusion of everything else. I finished the season in a blaze of glory: on 19 October I sealed my position as Junior Champion of the Rennes Cycling Club. I won the last race by a margin of one and a half minutes. Not as good as at Quédillac, but this time it was in Rennes, where informed observers were declaring that Jean Bobet would be an even better rider than Louison. Life was sweet. Except… Except that everything went wrong in 1948. Bizarrely – as I would only notice much later – even-numbered years have never gone well for me. Characterised by illness, accidents, or external events, my even seasons, though not complete write-offs, have been disappointing. In 1948, then, whether due to bravado or naïvete, or simply in order to follow my best friends, this dyed-in-the-wool arts student ventured onto the elementary maths course. It made me sweat the whole year, and it was only thanks to the excellence of my teachers (somehow I have always managed to have good teachers) that I passed my math’élem exams, as they called it then, this time more by the skin of my teeth than with distinction. My father had threatened to burn all my books if the school had deprived him of my success. It really would have been a nightmare scenario for a father whose other son, at the same moment, was sporting a yellow jersey and covering himself in glory in the Tour de France, where he was going head to head with the campionissimo Bartali. I took part in 20 races over the course of that year. I only notched up three wins, but – here, my notebooks ride to the rescue – I was runner-up four times. It was this consistency that earned me promotion to the next class, of ‘independent, third category’. I was still not satisfied, however, because my fate was not in my own hands, either at school or on the racing circuit. The overworked student, evidently, makes a tired cyclist. Things were not at all good. The rider was aggrieved that his parents had no idea of his good results at school, while his guardian, almost a surrogate parent, had no time for his sporting achievements. Between one world and the other there was mutual incomprehension. There would be passion one day, and melancholy the next. It was becoming hard to bear. Tomorrow, We Ride by Jean Bobet (£12.95, Mousehold Press) is available at good bookshops or direct from www.cordee.co.uk
The Hungry Cyclist, Tom Kevill-Davies (£7.99, HarperCollins) Putting a new twist on the travel tale genre, Essex-born touring cyclist Kevill-Davies rides from New York City to the backstreets of Rio – via the Andes and the Amazon – in search of the perfect meal. En route, he slaughters a guinea pig, eats moose burgers and scribbles down a recipe for beaver tail soup. The Hungry Cyclist is more than a memoir by a food-obsessed cyclist; it is an exploration of the evolution of different styles of food throughout the Americas. All made possible by the gentle pace Kevill-Davies’ bicycle afforded him. Lynette Eyb The Discovery Of France, Graham Robb (£9.99, Picador ) The history of the Tour de France is well documented, and it is covered again here in Graham Robb’s exceptional analysis of French history. But the truly wonderful passages in Robb’s book – the result of the author himself discovering the country on two wheels – describe how isolated the early occupiers of France were until the bicycle stretched horizons beyond village boundaries. The Discovery Of France is a simply wonderful read: it’s a travelogue crossed with a history book. What results is a truly interesting and accessible biography of the modern French state. Lynette Eyb Mountain Biking Trail Centres, Tom Fenton (£17.95, Vertebrate Publishing) Conceived in response to land access and other issues arising from mountain biking’s first bloom in the early 1990s, trail centres are large sections of forest engineered specifically for riding. Some argue these detract from the sport’s sense of adventure, but the counter argument reasons that the centres permit riders of all abilities to partake without presenting undue risk to themselves or their environment. The book assumes no prior knowledge of the sport and is written in a very clear fashion, giving tips on machines and equipment. Each ride includes a suitability/pros and cons section to ensure rides are tailored accordingly. Size prevents it from fitting in a pocket, but this is a minor detraction for an otherwise excellent guide. Michael Stenning And Did Those Feet: Walking Through 2000 Years of British and Irish History, Charlie Connelly (£12.99, Little, Brown) William Blake’s words used for title of this book can’t help but conjure up days gone by. And those are the inspiration for these journeys by foot around the British Isles, the author following in the footsteps of Boudica, Owain Glyndwr and Bonnie Prince Charlie, to name a few. Connelly’s overriding message to travellers is clear, and is one that cyclists can relate to on every level: get out of the confines of your car, smell the air, love the landscape, and even occasionally feel its pain. Connelly’s evangelical zeal for history, along with his narrative skill and genuine charm will have anyone who reads this planning all kinds of similar adventures. Mike Cavenett Traffic, Tom Vanderbilt (£12.99, Allen Lane) Humans are complex beings, and driving exemplifies this perfectly. Why if another driver is waiting for your parking space, do you take longer to leave? Is it true you’re more likely to crash on a straight motorway than a twisting A-road? Why might cyclists be more likely to be hit by a car when they’re riding on the pavement? At what speed do we lose the ability to make eye contact with fellow road users? There’s not space for the answers here, but Tom Vanderbilt addresses these questions and many more. Traffic is an authoritative and accessible insight into human behaviour on the roads from Denver to Delhi, a must for anyone tempted to venture out on two wheels or four. The author maintains an excellent road-related blog too, at www.howwedrive.com. Mike Cavenett
38 April/May 2009 LONDON CYCLIST
Apr Books38-9.indd 38
8/3/09 23:33:26
Book ’n’ things
Guides for women Bicycling For Women, Gale Bernhardt (£14, VeloPress) With more than 30 years’ experience on her CV, Bernhardt is well-placed to offer training advice to anyone from the American Olympic triathlon team down to novices. This is a manual for the rider who truly wants to get in shape. While pitched at women, it carries plenty of advice relevant to male cyclists as well (the only women-specific chapters are the ones on menstrual cycles and pregnancy – the rest would be of equal benefit to men looking to improve their fitness and nutrition. This is a thorough and authoritative manual. Lynette Eyb The Girl’s Guide To Action Sports, Jessica Eveleigh (£14.99, A&C Black) Jessica Eveleigh’s overview of five action sports – climbing, adventure racing, mountain biking, snowboarding and surfing – is an introductory guide intended to inspire women to get out of their comfort zones and indulge in activities otherwise regarded as male-dominated. Eveleigh herself is a mountain biker, adventure racer and surfer, so her book is designed to convince other women to follow her lead. It carries some useful advice to help ease new participants into the various disciplines, but this is completely overshadowed by a lightweight – almost novelty – look and feel. An underwhelming offering for a princely £14.99. Angela Moore
London books Where Have All The Bicycles Gone? Pol Sifter (£9.95, self-published) Mixed media artist Pol Sifter has released this “photographic homage to the enigma of the bikeless locks”. The photographs – all taken in London in October 2008 – put bike theft sharply into focus. The book is available at www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/566945. Lynette Eyb London: The Illustrated History, John Clark and Cathy Ross (£30, Museum Of London) This coffee-table tome was authored by the considerable talents at the Museum of London, and it’s a fascinating read. Several thousand years of our city’s history are presented in an enjoyable manner. Its accessibility owes a great deal to the vast number of excellent illustrations, maps and photographs, along with the fact that its subject matter is broken down into digestible chunks. From the first bridge across the Thames and the birth of the settlement, to terrorism and transport, there’s a great deal to capture your interest here. And yes, LCC gets a brief mention. Mike Cavenett LCC members can buy the book for £25 by calling 08700 707 717 and quoting ‘LC/London’ and the ISBN number: 9781846141256. The offer is subject to availability and open to UK residents only.
Children’s books Kenny & The Dragon, Tony DiTerlizzi (£7.99, Simon & Schuster) Older kids (8-12) will be captivated by this tale of adventure, with our hero, the book-loving outsider Kenny, fighting to save his dragon friend from a community sponsored slaying. In an old-fashioned story that captures the innocence of youth, Kenny arrives at each new chapter of his adventures – you guessed it – by bike. Lynette Eyb NB: All books are widely available in the UK unless otherwise noted. American books by Van der Plas Publications and Cycle Publishing featured may be difficult to find in some bookshops. They are, however, distributed in the UK by Orca Book Services (01202 665 432, orders@orcabookservices.co.uk). Books by Velopress and Mousehold Press are distributed by Cordee (01162 543 579, www.cordee.co.uk)
Backpedalling Ken Worpole Anybody who carries a folding bike on to the underground soon notices that other passengers tend to regard you as some kind of travelling illusionist or would-be circus artiste. Having agreed some time ago not to buy any more bikes, when one lent to a friend got stolen recently, I made amends by adding a folding bike to my collection. It is terrific. Why had I not done this years ago? Assembling and dismantling it on a station platform in a matter of seconds attracts a small crowd – one almost feels like passing the hat round. Now that I’ve joined the tribe of folders, I notice them everywhere, and often stop to discuss technical matters with other owners. It is now evident that the folding bike has come of age, both technically and commercially. The one I bought cost under £250 and so far has been as reliable and zippy around town or on country lanes as one could wish. Another benefit of folding bikes, which I hadn’t realised until I actually owned one, is that they are readily adaptable to fit other users. It is a very sociable machine, which can be scaled up or scaled down to accommodate nearly all other sizes of people. If every household had even only one folding bike, cycle use would treble within months I am sure. When I take it down at weekends to stay with my daughter’s family, including twin grand-children, then everybody wants to have a go, from six-year-olds to 60-year-olds. And they all can. During these weekends the bike is used by at least two others to pop down the shops or collect the children from school. Having already bought two sets of children’s bikes to match their growth rate, I belatedly realise that a folding bike each would have kept them going for years. What is more it is a much higher specification than the heavy steel rust-traps that pass for children’s bikes in the supermarkets and chainstores. Seven gears, mudguards, pannier rack, bell, footstand, bell – everything lightweight and easy to manoeuvre once assembled – what more is needed? While it is true that computers have changed the way people live in some ways, it is also the case that much of life is hardly different in its daily mechanics than it was a hundred years ago. The bicycle has now been in the forefront of the social and transport revolution now for over a hundred years, and remains so, socially and environmentally. Real design and technical innovation is about adaptability and flexibility – doing more with less. The folding bike not only brings back a little bit of theatre and sleight of hand into everyday life, but it renders all other transport systems doubly efficient too. Ken Worpole’s new book, Modern Hospice Design, will be published by Routledge in May. For more information on Ken and his work as a writer and environmentalist, please see www.worpole.net
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 39
Apr Books38-9.indd 39
8/3/09 23:33:47
p40.indd 40
3/3/09 14:34:28
My way
Grove Park to Eltham Chris Warrell’s commute wasn’t long enough, so he decided to double the distance of his journey by taking this long way round to work
parking spaces. Before I head down the hill, I carry on past the Royal Observatory to the statue of General Wolfe. There are some of the best views of London from this place, with the River Thames sweeping past. Directly opposite on the Isle of Dogs is Canary Wharf, down the hill is the National Maritime Museum and Greenwich University, to the right is the O2, and to the left you see a large expanse of London with the Gherkin and other buildings in the City prominent. On a clear day, you can see the Wembley Arch. Cycling through history Doubling back to The Avenue, I freewheel down the hill, and then have to merge with the traffic coming along Romney Road in the centre of Greenwich. From here I head up the timber ramp, past the Cutty Sark, round the entrance to the foot tunnel and join the Thames path (National Cycle Route 1). There is a lovely cycle path through the university grounds which avoids the narrow path on the river wall. After this, the route heads down Crane Street, past the Trafalgar and Yacht pubs. When the path opens out, the plain whitewashed wall of the old London underground power station and its coaling pier dominate the view, so that you can almost miss the tiny Trinity Hospital dating from 1616. Almost next door is a lovely pub, the Cutty Sark, dating from 1795. The path passes through various derelict plots of land, a boat repairers, and then along a wide section where you can sometimes
Above left: Chris gets ready to head out on his bike Above right: All Saints Church on Blackheath Below: An old weight restriction plate at Blackheath railway station
see cranes on crawler tracks unloading barges of sand or gravel. Then it’s back to the narrow path with sharp bends for the next mile. The home stretch The path around the O2 is very good, with separate wide pedestrian and cycle lanes. Past the Greenwich Yacht Club, it’s back to the industrial landscape with conveyor belts stretching out into the river for another sand and gravel plant. The Thames Barrier is where the path ends and you’re forced into the traffic of Woolwich Road. It’s only a short length and you’re soon back on the riverside again. The free ferry signals the end of the riverside for me, and I cut across the queue of traffic, across the roundabout and up John Wilson Street. It’s uphill in traffic all the way to Shooters Hill and, before I make it to Woolwich Common, I pass the impressive frontage of the old Royal Artillery Barracks. From there, it’s over the traffic lights by the old police station (now flats) and downhill to home.
ABOUT CHRIS WARRELL Chris Warrell has been cycling to work since he started working as a train driver with South Eastern seven years ago. He has been cycling since the age of six, and is a founder member of the South East London Meccano Club (www.selmec.org.uk). He is married to Cathy, with whom he has two daughters. THE JOURNEY Distance: 12.27 miles Time: 65 minutes Low point: The climb out of Woolwich in all that traffic High point: Literally! The view from the top of Greenwich Park
Photos: Chris Warrell
My normal route to work is only three miles along the South Circular between Eltham and Grove Park, and not at all interesting, unless you have a particular fascination with potholes. However, my New Year’s resolution was to do more cycling – six miles a day just wasn’t enough. My ride home has now been extended to 12 miles. Leaving the depot, the South Circular is crossed at a staggered junction and then it’s down Burnt Ash Hill, past Lee railway station and on towards Lee Green. Most vehicles want to turn left at the crossroads, but I go straight on along the quieter Lee Road and on to Blackheath. This road has a poor surface, with deep cracks all over it. Just before the roundabout is the refurbished red-bricked Blackheath Concert Halls dating from 1895, with the 1880s-built Blackheath Conservatoire next door. The road dips down past Blackheath station and up Tranquil Vale towards the heath itself. When they named the road, it was probably very peaceful, but now it’s part of a one-way system around the village, and it’s always busy. Carrying on up the hill, a right turn at a roundabout leads to a shared path across the heath. It can be quite windy here, and a good place for kite-flying. The A2, which bisects Blackheath, is crossed by a pelican crossing and then it’s straight ahead into Greenwich Park. There’s no through traffic when I cycle through, but you still have to watch out for cars reversing out of the
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 41
Apr My Way 45.indd 41
8/3/09 22:41:37
p42.indd 42
4/3/09 20:24:41
Outward Bound
An African odyssey The Tour d’Afrique is a cross-continent cycling expedition that left Cairo in January; it ends in Cape Town on May 9. Londoner Tom Hall will ride a 1000-mile stage from Victoria Falls to Windhoek from April 13-23
Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler takes on a stage), Malawi and Zambia before I pick up the baton. After my stretch it’s a mere 1075 miles to Cape Town. The Tour has its own charitable foundation which donates bicycles to communities en route. I’m raising funds for them. Before all that, though, there’s the small measure of getting in shape for a ride like this. It was obvious I’d need to follow the advice of Fausto Coppi, the legendary Italian cyclist, who when asked how to be a great rider, simply answered, “You must do three things – ride your bike, ride your bike, ride your bike.” Getting into shape North London is good place to get started: it has some steep climbs, especially the three routes up Highgate West Hill, Regent’s Park for intervals and, best of all, plenty of fast trains out to the northern Home Counties. By taking long rides from Elstree, Gerrard’s Cross, St Albans and Enfield Town, I’ve started to feel like that most mysterious of beasts, the proper cyclist, clad in ever more Lycra and thundering around country lanes. I’ve also become that most terrifying of creatures: the Cycling Bore. In the past I’ve been a Running Bore, and I remain a Football Bore, so this was an exciting development. I hoover up any books or websites that might offer suggestions. Ed Pavlenka’s The Long Distance Cycling
Handbook (Rodale, £12.99) has been useful, as has joining Audax UK (www.aukweb.net). For the uninitiated, Audax is a French term which describes a type of organised long-distance cycling which proves reliability and endurance rather than speed. Events are not races, but you do need to finish within a range of average speeds. The camaraderie on these rides is superb, and you’re only a few pedal rotations from a fellow Cycling Bore. During a recent 125-mile ride, I had a three-hour conversation about brake calipers. And if you think 125 miles is a long way, the ultimate Audax ride takes place this summer, the 875-mile LondonEdinburgh-London, which must be completed in four-and-a-half days. Africa ready and waiting So come April, a few more long rides and many shorter ones under my belt, I will box up my shiny new Condor Heritage and board a plane to Victoria Falls. The weather will be in the high twenties or low thirties, and we’ll be riding for 10 hours a day without a bendy bus or traffic light in sight. I’m sure, however, that after just a few hours under the burning African sun, I’ll be pining for some rainy Sunday night circuits of Regent’s Park. North Londoner Tom Hall is a senior editor at Lonely Planet. You can follow Lonely Planet’s Tour d’Afrique adventure at http://lptourafrique. wordpress.com
Photos: Lonely Planet
One rainy evening I hit a weak point. Another slog up City Road on the Brompton, the usual arguments with fellow cyclists at the Amwell Street lights, and what felt like the ninth consecutive drenching. To paraphrase Dr Johnson, this man was tired of London cycling. Salvation seemed to be at hand. Colleagues at Lonely Planet had been threatening to get a relay team together to take on this eightstage, 7,300 mile journey from one end of Africa to the other. Jobs, relationships and calf muscles could surely not withstand the whole 120day odyssey, but if we took a stage each, it might be a different story. Before common sense got the better of us, calls and emails had been exchanged and forms faxed to the Tour organisers. I would spend Easter riding my 1000-mile stage from Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, through Botswana and on to Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. The first seven days contain six centuries (rides of 100 miles) and one rest day. Our own Lonely Planet guide was an encouraging read: “Namibia is a desert country and totally unsuitable for a biking holiday ... Abandon any ideas you may have about a Botswana bicycle adventure. Distances are great and horizons are vast; the climate and landscapes are hot and dry; and even along major routes, water is scarce and villages are widely spaced.” As I write, my fellow Britishbased rider David Else is mountain biking through Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains on stage two of the Tour, dodging over-excited local kids attempting to jam sticks between the spokes of his back wheel. His is an 18-day stage from Khartoum in Sudan to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. He writes that the cyling is “bliss”, and that he enjoyed “a near-perfect African cycling day: smooth tar road, light traffic, good company, wind behind and verdant mountain scenery”. Arriving there from Cairo having followed the Nile into Sudan before turning east, the ride will go on through Kenya, Tanzania (where
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 43
Apr OB Africa 43.indd 43
8/3/09 22:24:02
Dispatches
Münster’s cycling solution The German city of Münster claims to be ‘the world’s most liveable city’. In this special report, David Arditti explains what London has to do if it wants to truly compete for such a title
Münster is a historic city in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany. The city has a population of 270,000, but is the centre of the Münsterland semi-urban area with a population of two million. Münster has been developing its environmental credentials and its image by striving to be the greenest city in Germany. Though the many parks, the excellent public transport and beautiful public open spaces are all manifestations of this claim on the title of ‘the world’s most liveable city’, the most obvious one is the cycling. Münster is Germany’s top cycling city, and the levels of cycling, up to 50% of journeys in the city centre, exceed even those achieved in The Netherlands. Münster started with a number of important advantages that have helped it become Germany’s cycling capital. It has the third largest university in Germany, so the large student population was always going to give cycling a big boost,
particularly as the city is flat. It is also compact and lends itself very much to cycling, and the mediaeval plan, with circular ring defences of the old city, has created ideal opportunities, which have been taken, to create linear parkland routes for walking and cycling.
A true cycling culture
Above: The parkland ring route around the old city
Below: The amazing scale of parking alongside a cycle track by the lake
come in an amazing variety of styles: sit-up-and-beg types, recumbents, load carriers, baby carriers, specially adapted and eccentric designs. They are parked, in huge numbers, everywhere, often with minimal or no security against theft. If I had to draw comparison between Münster and a British
The level of cycling in Münster and the extent of the cycling culture are staggering. It is not just young people; all sections of the population cycle, from young children to the elderly and disabled. They cycle mostly in their normal clothes: no helmets, no high-vis vests. Bikes are used for business, for deliveries, and as taxis. And bikes
44 April/May 2009 LONDON CYCLIST
Apr Dispatch Munster 44-7.indd 44
8/3/09 22:32:23
Dispatches
Far left: Typical cycle track alongside a suburban main road
Left: Cycle exception to a no entry
Below: By the lake a Fahrradstrasse, a track and a pedestrian-only path all run in parallel
city, I would choose Oxford or Cambridge, but the comparison would fall well short. The extent of the accommodation to cycling that has been achieved in Münster is far beyond anything I have seen in any British city. I spent a week cycling and walking around Münster, and came to the conclusion that there is a huge amount British town planners, transport engineers, politicians and, indeed, cycle campaigners could learn from experiencing this place. Münster has really made cycling work as the basic urban transport mode, and we need to understand on a technical level how they have done it.
the ‘cycling M25’ of Münster. It is wide and capacious to minimise cycle-pedestrian conflict, and where it crosses roads, it has priority or there are signals. 3. So-called Fahrradstrasse or bicycle streets. On these, motor vehicles are not banned, but they are held to a level necessary for access,, and cyclists are assumed to have priority, with no overtaking by motor vehicles. 4. One-way streets with cycle exceptions. These do not have marked cycle lanes, merely a sign at either end excluding cyclists from the one-way system. They are generally in the city centre, and the >
I observed that there are five basic modes of cycle provision in Münster, and I list them in what I perceive to be their order of importance in the network provision, though they are all important: 1. Cycle tracks alongside main roads. These are generally at pavement level, or at a level between the road and the pavement, but, vitally, they are almost always vertically separated from the carriageway, inside parking, if present, and inside bus lanes and stops. 2. Shared cycle and pedestrian paths through parks. The most important of these is the promenade, or ring, which runs around the mediaeval city where the moat once flowed, and forms
Right: Cyclists waiting at signals here have the choice of carriageway or track depending on manoeuvre
Photos: David Arditti
The nitty-gritty
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 45
Apr Dispatch Munster 44-7.indd 45
8/3/09 22:32:38
Dispatches
one-way system works to minimise motor traffic. 5. Shared cycle-pedestrian public spaces, such as squares in the old town. Again, motor vehicles are not totally excluded, but they have been minimised by good planning. These spaces tend to be cobbled, which holds down the speed of cyclists, making them less of a potential threat to pedestrians.
Things you don’t see It needs to be noted what there is not in Münster, in terms of what we are used to in the UK under the heading of ‘cycle facilities’. The UK concept of the ‘cycle route’ – a line on a map with no real protection for cyclists – simply does not exist. The cycling provision in Münster is very physical. There are generally no painted cycle lanes, and no buttons to press, either for pedestrians or cyclists. Cyclists are treated as a proper flow of traffic, integrated into signalised systems. There are generally not multiple levels of transport infrastructure, as beloved by British traffic engineers. Space is shared at surface level, and cyclists and pedestrians are not inconveniently forced up and down over bridges or through underpasses. Motor traffic is made to give way when necessary to give the sustainable modes enough priority. It is important not to get the impression that Münster is something approaching a car-free city. It is full of cars, lorries and buses doing the normal things you expect. Münster has bendy buses, which seem to cause absolutely no problem to cyclists, even where they share the same cobbled streets in the city centre. Surprisingly, there is not a lot of emphasis on cycle parking in Münster. Cycles tend to be parked anywhere, and generally people use bikes with stands. The level of security provided by the parking systems, where they do exist, is rather below what we are used to in London, with ‘wheelbender’ locks common. Cycle security is not the big concern in Münster that it is in London.
Keeping track It is important to explain how the cycle tracks alongside roads work, as here we see important differences between the German and UK cycle engineering. These
tracks are very important to the practicality of cycling in Münster. Because they are generally on main roads extending from the edge of the city centre right out to the suburbs, they provide straight, almost uninterrupted, efficient commuting routes. They in no way resemble the tortuous, twisty back-street cycle routes that UK transport planners tend to produce. The tracks are not shared space with pedestrians. There is a difference of surface and, if there is not a level difference, there may be a line of trees or street furniture placed along the boundary to clarify the situation. Though not specifically marked, the tracks are assumed to be one way in the direction of travel of the adjacent carriageway. This makes the cycle flows along these tracks logical and minimises conflicts. Where these flows cross sideroads, they either have priority, or there are signals. The way the signalling works is very important to the whole system. Bikes get a green at the same time as traffic in the carriageway moving in the same
This facility does not work: the entrance to the cycle track approaching the junction is blocked by queuing traffic
direction. Thus there is no loss of priority and no time penalty in using the tracks. Traffic turning across the cycle track must give way to cyclists (and pedestrians) even if that traffic has a green light. In other words, cyclists on the track are treated as a proper flow of traffic. This is a crucial difference between the German and British cycle track implementations. There would seem to be an important disadvantage in this system of one-way tracks. Although a right turn (the equivalent of our left turn) is easy – you just go round the corner on the track – doing a left turn (the equivalent of our right turn) is complicated. Staying on the tracks, you have to cross both branches of the cross-roads to continue on the correct side, generally giving way at two signals. I thought that this would prove annoying, but I found that, in practice, on a typical journey from the suburbs to the centre, you only have to do this once or twice. It seemed to be a price worth paying for the logic and consistency of such an efficient system.
46 April/May 2009 LONDON CYCLIST
Apr Dispatch Munster 44-7.indd 46
8/3/09 22:32:50
Dispatches
Where it goes wrong Things are not perfect for cyclists in Münster. I noted and photographed instances where provision did not work, or was inadequate. There are places where the cycle network fails in continuity, and one is dumped into streams of heavy traffic (which, it is worth noting, seemed better behaved towards cyclists than it would be in London). Sometimes, the semi-raised cycle tracks are used for car parking. Often the tracks seem narrower than would have been ideal, so making it difficult to overtake a slower cyclist, and sometimes pedestrians encroach on them (though a polite ting on the bell generally deals with that). Furthermore, the tiled surfacing that is used does not suit smallwheel bikes, and indeed you do not see these very much in Münster.
Adopting Continental systems These gripes pale into insignificance compared to what the authorities in Münster have got right for cycling. A frequent refrain you hear in
the UK when you talk about continental cycle provision is that “it can’t be done here as there is not enough space on the roads”. London Mayor Boris Johnson himself made this argument in an article in LC last year. To me, this is total nonsense. The continental cities like Münster that have made a big thing of cycling are generally old cities where there is less street space than in London. The space has just been used much better. Another incorrect claim often heard in the UK is that the cycling success in these places is “something to do with the war”. Again, this is nonsense. Münster was badly damaged in the war, and has had to be largely rebuilt, but the cycling infrastructure dates from the last two decades, and is nothing to do with post-war reconstruction. It has been fitted into a city that was not built for it. To create it has been a modern policy decision, and the cycling culture in Münster is new, not a preserved tradition. The general philosophy of cycle provision in Münster is patently
different from that in the UK. It is one of a combination of separation of the flows on main roads with taming and restricting the motor traffic on minor roads and in dense centres. There is thus little need for the ‘assertive’ style of with-traffic vehicular cycling that is generally recommended to cyclists in the UK, and, indeed, often seen here as the only possible model for urban cycling. The German system appears far more suited to encouraging children, old people, the relatively unfit, the disabled, and women – the groups who are severely under-represented in cycling in the UK – to cycle. This is not the least of the reasons why I think we should look at the Münster model very closely. In Münster they have really created a cycling city. They have stopped making the old excuses about why it cannot work, and have just gone ahead and done it. They have lived up to their boast of being “the world’s most liveable city”. David Arditti is a musician, writer and secretary of Brent Cyclists
Photos: David Arditti
Cycling is important to tourism in Münster: this is an advertisement for the next city tour by bike
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 47
Apr Dispatch Munster 44-7.indd 47
8/3/09 22:33:06
p48.indd 48
3/3/09 14:39:27
Dispatches
Textbook cycling growth Cycling is becoming everyday transportation on campus at the University of South Carolina in the United States, says Joey Holleman
parking services. The numbers have risen from about 250 a year during 2004-06 to more than 500 this year. “A lot of the people on my floor (at Capstone) didn’t bring cars (to campus) because of the price of gas,” freshman Will Reade said. “My classes are all over campus. If I didn’t have a bike, I don’t know how I’d get to class on time.” Reade appreciates that USC installed a security camera over the bike racks outside Capstone, where bike thefts have been a problem. Like Corbett, he would like more racks both at his residence hall and near classrooms. Derrick Huggins, USC’s director of parking services, said staffers walk the campus every couple of weeks to see which bike racks are being used and where bikes are locked to trees or light poles because racks aren’t available. One of the challenges is making bike racks aesthetically acceptable,
especially in the historic core of the campus. You won’t find racks on the interior part of the historic ‘Horseshoe’, but there are racks behind some of the Horseshoe buildings. The other challenge is financial. It costs $500 or more, depending on the style, to buy and install permanent racks, Huggins said. Geology professor Alicia Wilson, another member of the early USCycle group, is delighted to run into other cyclists frequently on her daily commute to her office. “This fall I’ve seen just a huge increase,” she said. “I think it has something to do with gas prices. But once you get people on a bike a few times, they say, ‘Hey, I can do that.’” This article first appeared The State newspaper, Columbia, South Carolina, and is reproduced here with permission.
A cyclist takes a ride through campus near the University of South Carolina in Columbia (USC). More than 500 new permits for bikes were issued last year at USC
Among the many bikes parked at USC, freshman Allen Thompkin finds his and prepares to head out
© 2008 The State (Columbia, S.C. Photos: Gerry Melendez/The State
Bikes litter the landscape outside Capstone residence hall at the University of South Carolina. Mountain bikes, racing bikes, cruisers, even a couple of BMX-style. There were 48 bikes and hardly any empty slots in the five metal racks near the hall on a recent Monday afternoon. Seven more bikes were locked to trees. One bike frame with no wheels was plopped down next to some bushes. Capstone’s side yard offered evidence of USC’s effort to encourage students to ride bikes. So far the effort is a roaring success. Despite adding 80 new bike racks on campus in the past three years, USC can’t keep up with the demand. “It’s hard to find a spot over on Main Street (at the physical science complex),” junior Wayne Corbett said. “It seems like all of the racks are always full.” For the core group of bike enthusiasts who started USCycle in 2000, that’s a wonderful problem. They wanted to improve cycling infrastructure on campus and encourage more students and staffers to ride bikes. Their effort got a boost in 2002 when Andrew Sorensen, an avid cyclist, was named school president. He insisted USC include bike infrastructure in its master plan. The renovation of the Wheat Street corridor through campus now includes bike lanes. Anyone with a school ID can check out a bike at the parking services office from 8am-3pm for free. Showers are available for commuting bike riders at the school’s West Quad residence hall. But the changes that seem to have the most impact are the increased availability of bike racks and the rise in gas prices. “I ride my bike on campus,” said Ben Conrood, a landscape architect for the school and one of the early USCycle members. “I used to never see many others. Now I’m running into people (on bikes) when I stop at street lights.” The school hasn’t done a student survey to gauge bike use, but one telling statistic is the number of students registering their bikes with
LONDON CYCLIST April/May 2009 49
Apr Dispatch uni 49 .indd 49
8/3/09 22:45:00
Interview
My bike & I Dave Gorman
Photo: Dave Gorman
The writer and comedian chats to LC about learning to ride and his favourite parts of London What sort of bike do you ride? When I was living in a fourth floor flat I had a Brompton so I could hoik it up the stairs. They are brilliant. Now I have a ground floor door and I use a ‘normal’ bike ... I guess it’s a hybrid. The Brompton is on loan to a friend. Do you remember the first time you rode a bike? When I was a kid cycling was what gave you your first independence – it was what meant you could head off by yourself and not have to ask your parents for a lift. Thinking about it, that also means it was a degree of independence for my parents, which explains why they were so keen for us to learn. Stabilisers were never an option – it was strictly grazed-knees-and-try-again. I have a twin brother, so we were taught at the same time. We just went up and down our street with our parents holding the saddles and then letting go. I’m sure they just lied and told us that we’d been riding without their assistance in order to give us confidence. Do you think you’re a good cyclist? I think I’m relatively good. I think you have to take responsibility for your own safety – I see people cycling with headphones and think they’re crazy ... I want to hear everything as well as see it all. Eye contact is the most important thing for me – never assume anyone has seen you. If I’m going across Old Street roundabout, say, I’ll know that the cars know I’m there because I’ll know who’s looked me in the eye. How long have you been riding in London? I’ve cycled ever since I lived in London because I was cycling when I lived in Manchester. Cycling has become my main way of getting. That started a couple of years ago during a long edit where I was in Soho every day from 10am, often until 10pm. On the tube you try to shut the journey out and you end up shutting your brain down. On a bike you have to be completely aware of your surroundings so your brain is active, working out whose car door might open, and even though you’re thinking about the ride, I find that by the end of the journey some creative has popped up from nowhere. Tell us about your favourite route in London. There are loads. I sometimes go out at one in the morning when I’ve been writing late as it gets the cobwebs out and helps me to sleep. I live in Bethnal Green and there are some good cycle paths besides Cable Street in Whitechapel that take you out to the Isle of Dogs. I often head out that way and through the Greenwich foot tunnel. I don’t often stick to the same route – I like to head down unknown roads to see what I find. My favourite night-time excursion took me out to the Isle of Dogs, round the perimeter of it, and out to Woolwich. Then it was across the Thames via the foot tunnel, back along the river to Greenwich, back across the Thames and then home. The Regents Canal is very nice and there’s a good stretch of the Thames past Westminster and out to Battersea that I enjoy. If I have time I’ll do a big loop that goes off out to the Lea Valley and back. Have you ridden in any other countries? I often hire a bike when I’m away. In San Francisco I cycled over the Golden Gate Bridge and into a town called Sausalito. That was absolutely fabulous. It’s a steep hill down into Sausalito and you don’t have to
cycle back up it because you can get a ferry back to San Francisco instead. How many bikes have you had stolen? One. That was in Manchester 10 years ago. I use three different locks and try to park my bike near other more desirable and less secure models if I can. Do you prefer riding alone or with others? Definitely alone. I want to go at my own pace and I want to let my mind wander. I did do the London to Brighton ride for the British Heart Foundation and I loved the sense of community, but while I liked the crowd, I didn’t want a cycling companion. Do you often try to convert others to two wheels? Not especially. Because I’ve turned up somewhere on a bike or because I’m carrying a helmet I sometimes find people ask and then I will recommend it and can get quite evangelical, but I’d hate to go on at people who weren’t interested. I think it’s the best way of getting around a city but you have to have confidence to do it. If someone’s thinking about it and your positivity helps persuade them, that’s all well and good, but I’d hate to be responsible for someone cycling if they weren’t really ready for it. Did you ever want to be Lance Armstrong? No. I’ve never been remotely interested in cycling as a sport and Sheryl Crow’s not really my type. Any cycling jokes to share with us? Afraid not. I don’t know any jokes at all.
On his Flickr page, Dave Gorman describes himself as “a professional writer and performer, an amateur rockbalancer and hobbyist photographer. I ride a bike and play poker too”. This photograph is one of several bike-related shots on the site.
ABOUT DAVE GORMAN Dave Gorman hosts Radio 4’s Genius, which has now been filmed for BBC2. Gorman started performing stand-up in 1990, and went on to star in a series of successful shows, including Reasons To Be Cheerful, Are You Dave Gorman? and Dave Gorman’s Googlewhack Adventure. A new edition of America Unchained, his book about his journey across the States (which was also made into a film), was released in February. See www.davegorman.com
50 April/May 2009 LONDON CYCLIST
Apr MyBike Gorman 50.indd 50
8/3/09 22:48:48
p51.indd 51
3/3/09 14:40:23
p52.indd 52
3/3/09 14:41:41