Merton Borough News 1996
The plans are laid for Merton's north-south route (Sutton to Wandsworth via Wimbledon) and installation could begin as early as next spring. It all hinges on the DoT supporting the LCN with more than just fine words from the likes of Steven Norris; we can't live on fresh air alone, as the saying goes, SO HAND OVER THE CASH!
As you read this, the funding for the above route (along with all other LCN routes planned for 1996/7) is due to be announced, and Merton for one will not be happy with anything less than the full award of £250,000. It sounds a lot, until you compare it with the £6 million being forked out on just one junction "improvement" by Wimbledon Station.
Which brings us to Wimbledon Cycle Station - our scheme for a continental-style attended cycle parking facility to replace the present woefully inadequate provision. To fund this project, LCC(M) is leading a joint bid (with the local authority and SW Trains) for a portion of the DoT "Cycle Challenge" £2 million (detailed on page 8 of the Oct/Nov issue of LC). Wimbledon Cycle Station unquestionably meets all the key requirements to merit some of this lolly, so, once again Mr Norris: HAND OVER THE CASH!
December is a big month then, as we await the outcome of both these bids. It is, of course, also the month of our Xmas lunch ride (see rides page in this mag for details). The ride is short, the lunch is long, the ale is real, and the company is fab… see you there.
History repeats itself in Merton: two years ago this column was expressing concerns that the local authority would not spend its TPP allocation by the end of the financial year; two weeks ago I was writing to the Chair of Planning on the same matter.
The whole TPP procedure seems to be a bit of a farcical merry-go-round from our perspective: bids submitted to DoT in July; DoT offers half what was bid for six months later; local authorities struggle to spend even that sum in the time available. We find it hard to believe in any real political will (at all levels) to just get on and build the LCN -
at the current rate of construction it won't be finished for another 30 years... How many cyclists' lives will that cost?
Yes, in case you are wondering, I did get out the wrong side of bed today. And the letter from DoT announcing that our own bid for funding for Wimbledon Cycle Station has been turned down did not help. Still, it was such a good idea, we'll get it up and running without the department's money. DoT, who needs it?
April/May
Spring at last! And things are looking up, from the all-time low point reported in last issue. So what goes down? Well - Hovis or no Hovis - we have a packed bike week programme to look forward to; and a new bike shop in Wimbledon is showing an interest in taking on our Wimbledon Cycle Station plans. This year's route implementation, including two major junction schemes, is on schedule; and it is gratifying to see that the new `definitive map' of LCN routes in the borough takes on board much of our input at quarterly pow-wows with borough planners.
Finally, an alliance of CTC, Bicycle Association and DoT has produced a new glossy booklet offering guidance on planning for cyclists - illustrated by Merton's very own Hugh Morgan (who also does the brilliant Cycletoons in this magazine). It contains yet more fine words from the minister - yes! - another foreword by Steven Norris! Sooner or later he must surely start backing up some of these statements with equally fine deeds - may I suggest, for starters, a switch of funds from Newbury by-pass to LCN...
Bike Week Merton is here - and to celebrate the council is putting on a display of all things cycling throughout the week in the foyer of the Civic Centre. Cycling, and all its associated joys and benefits, exposed to all.
At the time of writing we are hoping to get another mayor's ride of the ground. This year our mayor is disabled, so we will be borrowing a Duet Wheelchair (thanks to Nigel Frost of London Recumbents). The ride will raise money for asthma sufferers, whose plight is so obviously worsened by society's excessive dependence on the motor car.
Many other Merton Bike Week events - hope to see you there!
Cycling is the only comfortable way to get about at the moment - I am writing this in the middle of a heatwave. No doubt by the time you read it summer will be over, the Gulf Stream will have altered course, and I'll be fitting ice tyres to cope with the paradoxically colder temperatures brought on by global warming.
We go on doing our best in Merton to link such issues with excessive car mileage, and get people onto bikes. We even had our disabled Mayor doing the five-mile challenge on a tandem wheelchair bike! Local bike shops too are doing their bit - no fewer than three have recently agreed to 10% discounts for LCC members. See discounts page for details.
Some members have asked me why we don't do a separate Merton newsletter. I'd love to do it but don't have time. Any budding journalists out there? Please call!
October/November
Excellent news! £400,000 for the Wandle Trail, to be shared between Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth! In Merton it will mainly be spent on four new `Toucan' cycle crossings, where the route crosses main roads. Otherwise, the route is already in existence and simply needs better signposting and some clearance of undergrowth - as observed on a pleasant day's ride along it with our borough cycling officer recently. Thanks for the consultation, Peter!
The other good news this summer has been the government's National Cycle Strategy, with its headline target to double cycle use by 2002. We'll be making sure that Peter and other LBM officers and members have seen it, especially as they are currently drawing up our Local Agenda 21 document.
Targets are essential elements of such documents - and if the national target is good enough for Sir George at the DoT, it ought to be good enough for Peter at LBM!