Tower Hamlets Wheelers
NEWS RELEASE 11 February 2003
For immediate release
Ref THW04CentralLine110203
Cyclists accompany Central Line Tube users on their bikes
The Tower Hamlets Wheelers (1) and Redbridge London Cycling Campaign have
tempted former Central Line users on to their bikes by providing a
'bicycling bus' cycle convoy during the current Central Line closure.
The cycling groups are demonstrating that public transport users can switch
to bicycles if public transport is not up to the job. With the current
Central Line and Waterloo & City line out of action, and with congestion
charging starting on Monday next week (17th), the groups are showing people
that cycling is a realistic option.
Tower Hamlets cyclist Colin Waters, who has lead the ten-plus convoy from
Mile End today and yesterday (and all this week), says:
"Public transport isn't the only option that car drivers have once the
congestion charge kicks in.
"Today and yesterday we showed that people who normally use the Central Line
can try the cycling option instead. One new cyclist even started from
Wanstead.
"We are fully supportive of public transport as a way of relieving
congestion but people who are dreading being squashed into train and Tube
carriages do have another choice: cycle to work, get fit at the same time
and save loads of money."
Wheelers Co-ordinator Owen Pearson says: "We just don't believe Ken
Livingstone when he claims that three quarters of people who will leave
their cars due to the congestion charge will switch to buses. We think they
are more likely to try the Tube, which is currently not a practical option
on two of the most busy lines. So we are helping people get on their bikes
instead."
Yesterday the convoy started from Wanstead tube station at 7:55 a.m. and
travelled via Mile End, Bank and other Central Line stops along mainly back
streets and quiet London Cycle Network (2) routes to Marble Arch for 9:10
a.m. The convoy will be repeated every day this week, with Newham London
Cycling Campaign joining from Stratford on Thursday and Friday.
New Wanstead cyclist George Okunega (3) was accompanied to his workplace in
Tower Hill by Redbridge LCC yesterday, joining with the Tower Hamlets
Wheelers 'Bus' convoy at Mile End.
"I haven't ridden a bike for 15 years, and I'm still defrosting!" he said
last night after cycling back. "It was a good day - I'm not easily scared by
the traffic, although some cars come far too close. There are a lot of crazy
drivers and I'm not sure whether drivers of big vehicles can always see you.
But I really enjoyed cycling and I will be doing it again on Thursday.
"My colleague Martin Harris has been convincing me to take up cycling again
for the past two or three months. He gave me some excellent advice on
clothes to wear and lights to buy.
"I've realised that cycling is much quicker than taking the replacement
buses or the W14 from Leytonstone to change and take the C2C overground
train from Barking to Fenchurch street, which is currently taking me easily
2 hours to get to work. It only took me 45 minutes to cycle back. I didn't
know there was a shower on my floor at work, and security didn't know where
the keys to the lockers were! I took far too much stuff with me (shower gel
etc.) but I am learning how to deal with cycling in instead of taking public
transport. It is also helping me give up smoking."
Today three new cyclists joined the Tower Hamlets Wheelers at Mile End. (4)
Lucy Beacon (5) lives in Mile End and works in Kensington. "I heard about
the bicycling bus convoy on the radio (6) and wanted to join in," she says.
"I cycle sometimes already but want to find some quiet routes. So this was
an ideal opportunity."
Damien Devaney (7) lives in Bethnal Green and works in Victoria for a health
charity. "I started cycling a couple of weeks ago when the Central Line
closed after the derailment. It only takes me about half an hour to cycle to
Victoria - it's much quicker by bike."
Angela (8) lives in Mile End and is cycling the whole route of the convoy
to Marble Arch where she works at a casino. "I'm borrowing a bike and I
don't think it fits me, but I'm giving it a go because my journey on the
Tube is a nightmare. It's great that experienced local cyclists are lending
a helping hand with finding a nice back street route. I wouldn't attempt it
if it wasn't for the group putting on the 'bus' convoy. You'll have to ask
me how I feel tomorrow!"
The Tower Hamlets Wheelers, together with the rest of the London
Cycling Campaign groups across London, are providing a 'bike buddy' service
once the congestion charge starts, where experienced local cyclists can be
paired with new/returning cyclists for advice, journey planning, moral
support and confidence during journeys as the experienced cyclist
accompanies them. (Please see news release THW02congestioncharge040203,
available from the Wheelers website if you do not already have it.)
The Wheelers are also producing a T-shirt for cyclists to wear to remind
drivers about the cycling option. Stating "Cycles Free" the funky orange and
green design incorporates the congestion charge 'C' painted on roads leading
into London's central zone. (9)
ENDS
For more details please contact Alix Stredwick 07903 606 330
Notes
(1) The Tower Hamlets Wheelers is the local cycle action group in the east
London Borough of Tower Hamlets, campaigning for better cycling facilities
and encouraging more people to cycle - for health, the environment and for
London. The Wheelers are affiliated to the London Cycling Campaign, the
largest urban cycling campaign in the world.
(2) The London Cycle Network was conceived as network of routes that are
easy and safe enough for a 12 year old child to navigate. The budget for the
network was threatened in 2001 and now it is named LCN+ and is concentrating
on key strategic cycle commuter routes.
(3) George can be contacted at g_okunega@yahoo.com
(4) all the new cyclists from today (11/02/03) are in their early twenties
(5) Lucy can be contacted at lucybeacon@hotmail.com
(6) Yesterday (10/02/03) the Wheelers were featured on BBC Radio London
(formerly GLR), BBC Radio Essex and Sunrise Radio (the largest independent
national Asian station)
(7) Damien can be contacted on 07980 545 689
(8) please contact colin@towerhamletswheelers.org.uk 07799 537 504 for
Angela's contact details
(9) The t-shirt can be viewed at www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk/cc-tshirt
Tower Hamlets Wheelers
wheelers@towerhamletswheelers.org.uk
www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk
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