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MCC News, Issue 32, Oct / Nov 2004

Pedestrian Crossings in Morden

From the message below, it looks like we've hit the buffers on this one unless anyone has any bright ideas about what we can do next to pursue this...?

"This is similar to the staggered crossing opposite Wimbledon Station where as you all know TfL is investing over £1m in an "exemplary" town centre scheme to facilitate access and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists... surely such a scheme should not contain such compromises? We campaigned to get that changed to straight across too, without success. Once again motor traffic is prioritised.

"A recently published report by Danish planner Jan Gehl, commissioned by TfL 'Towards a Fine City for People', recommends that road crossings for cyclists and pedestrians should not be staggered. They should go straight across. However it seems that when it comes to practical application on the ground, there is always some exceptional reason why the new principles cannot be applied.

"Mayor Ken personally endorsed the Gehl report. I read in Local Transport Today (1 July issue) that TfL announced at the report launch event that the findings will "have a major influence on policy... it is intended that the guidance will be used in all road maintenance and new development projects" Richard Evans

TIPS

Did you have an old shoes box? What will you do with it? Use it to store your bike tools, spare tubes, repair kits, etc., in the shoes box. Neat, tidy and simple!

PPP Ride

Merton Cycling Campaign's family bike ride rode out east to Crystal Palace Park in June.  A circuitous route was ably led by Ian McElvenny (with Rio on the back of the tandem) out towards Penge, managing to avoid all major inclines - to the relief of all.

A pleasurable picnic was enjoyed and we had a walk round the dinosaur enclosure before heading in a more direct direction down the hills! Future rides are on the last Sunday of every month beginning at Wimbledon Station at 10.30.

Come and join us. Johanna Morley

London ’Toon

I entered a London 'Toon competition and the picture above was in the exhibition of the 'Best of Entries' at the London 'Toon Gallery in the London Trocadero which is located in a delightful location outside the entrance to the Piccadilly Underground Gents Lavatory. The Exhibition finished at the end of May. My entry was not one of the winners, which were displayed on Underground Trains. I think mine was a bit too anti-Tube. Hugh Morgan

With thanks to Hugh for kindly allowing his artwork to be used for this MCC Newsletter. His Cycletoons appear regularly in London Cyclist magazine.

Cycling is 'best buy' for obesity

The Health Select Committee has give unqualified support to more cycling as the best way to beat the UK's growing obesity crisis. In a thorough examination of the causes and solutions for obesity, the committee states:

"If the Government were to achieve its target of trebling cycling in the period 2000-2010... that might achieve more in the fight against obesity than any individual measure we recommend within this report."

The Select Committee calls upon the Government to take 'serious measures' to boost cycling, suggesting segregated cycle lanes as one approach. It also says that the Department of Health should have a strategic input into transport policy. The Treasury should provide fiscal incentives for people to undertake active travel.

According to the Select Committee, obese children could become the first generation to die before their parents. www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmhealth.htm

CCN News

Back to School

Free bikes for teachers

Richmond Council's 'Pool Bike' Scheme, supported by Cannondale Bikes, is providing 36 free bikes for teachers at borough schools. The Borough is keen to ensure that teachers are not left out of its ongoing School Travel Plan initiative.

More cash for cycle parking at London schools

Transport for London announced a further £650,000 for cycle parking at sixty London schools and colleges. This will create an extra 1,800 cycle parking spaces. www.tfl.gov.uk CycleDigest