Back to previous issue Forward to next issue
MCC News, Issue 21, April / May 2002
Look out for these new cycling maps
Cycling in Merton map is now available at cycle shops in libraries and from Merton Civic Centre, it includes routes through Merton that are numbered as part of national cycle routes, proposed cycle routes and those that are not yet completed.
Cycling by Train is an invaluable aid to the commuter cyclist as well as those who plan to transport their bikes by train to holiday destinations. It is a quick guide to the cycle-carrying policies of each individual rail company across the country. Produced by Brompton Bicycle Ltd, it is available from them at Kew Bridge Distribution Centre, Lionel Road, Brentford TW8 9QR.
Local Elections 2nd May
If your local councillor comes knocking at the door be sure to express your views on cycling in Merton.
We need- more cycle paths;
better maintenance of existing paths;
improved cycle parking at Wimbledon Station.
Wandle Valley Way Sustrans have conducted detailed user surveys on the existing route near Merton Abbey Mills and encouraging results have led to work to implement routes through Ravensbury Park and south of Middleton Road.
Merton Cycle Survey will soon be underway. Mike and Jean Curry applied for the lottery grant to cover the costs of designing and alalysing the results of the survey. The aim of the survey is to assess the number of people who have bikes in Merton, how often they ride and where they ride their bikes. Information will also be gathered on people who do not ride bikes and find out what puts them off cycling. The questionnaire will be available in local libraries, schools, bike shops and sports centres. We will also be handing out questionnaires at a number of train stations in the borough. There will be a number of prizes to be won for returning the freepost survey to LCC. So look out for the survey during June, July and August 2002 and give your views on cycling in Merton.
Merton Cycling Campaign Annual General Meeting
Friday 3rd May 7.30pm
South Wimbledon Community Centre
72 Haydons Road, SW19
Please come along, meet other cyclists, put forward your views on cycling in or through Merton, find out what Merton Cycling Campaign is doing for you. Agenda here
Need a new cycle pump?
Look out for a new design by Julian Peck of Jesmond, Newcastle who scooped top prize at the Spirit of Innovation awards in Sunderland last June. No push this new pump is operated by a pull-cord, held in place by the foot and looks like a compact camera. Julian remarked "The human body is naturally good at lifting, and with this you use just one hand. You can use it standing up and without bending down, so its much easier especially for older cyclists." The pump is likely to retail at £20 25 and is being made in Taiwan.
Get fit, get to know your local cycle paths and meet new people on relaxed Sunday rides.
Come and cycle with us on our family Sunday cycle rides. Last Sunday of every month. Meeting at Wimbledon Station 10.30 am. All are welcome.
Sunday 31st March
Sunday 28th April
Sunday 26th May
On Sunday 24th February, Nick Fox led a gentle ride through the backstreets of Mitcham, stopping at Tamworth Rec. Ground, across the Common to a very hospitable pub lunch - tables were rearranged and the barmaid even took some photographs for us! We returned to Wimbledon via the Wandle, through Ravensbury Park and Morden Hall Park. Nick was accompanied by Lucy and Christopher (aged 7 and riding his own bike!); Ian with Rio on a child seat, Gerry with Callum on a child seat, Ann and Josephine. Come and join us next month, we are a very friendly bunch. More info here
Come and meet us at our monthly meetings, next one is Wednesday 10th April at 8.00 pm.
Campaigning Issues
if you cycle any of these routes and have views to express, please contact us:
Croydon Road/Carshalton Road Roundabout Following the fatal incident where a cyclist was trapped on the inside of a large, left-turning lorry on the A236 MCC have made proposals for junction improvement. There are also proposals for partial bus (or bus/cycle) lanes along the A236. MCC have advised that improvements to both the main Mitcham/Croydon route along the A236 and the quieter route via Commonside East should both be pursued. What are your views?
Morden Hall Road London Borough of Merton intend to spend some Transport for London bus priority money on off road shared pavement/cycle tracks along sections of this road, there are a number of options including a possible extension running up Aberconway Road towards Morden Centre. As this area has good pavement width it would seem well suited to shared pedestrian/cycle use. What do you think?
Wimbledon Town Centre The bus lane down Wimbledon Hill should be in next years budget. We are still pushing for better cycle parking facilities at the station. Sustrans has been working closely with SW Trains and TfL along with cycling and walking groups and public consultation on proposals should happen soon.