Notes from Wheelers Meeting held on 11 December 2002
at Sundial Centre, Shipton Street E1
Present: Alix Stredwick, Alex Leighton-Goodall, Owen Pearson, Martin Harris
Apologies: Gary Cummins, Colin Waters, Tom Brenan (met in pub later)
1. Introductions
No intros necessary.
2. Actions from last meeting, 13 November
All actions completed except:
4. Aldgate Gyratory: all actions to do
5. Congestion Charging: actions 1, 2, 3 to do. T-shirt: on-going
6. Formal constitution: action 3 to do.
8. Open letter to Oona King MP: to do
3. Group Constitution & Equal Opportunities Policy
Both documents were discussed at length. Amendments were made to the drafts and the final versions unanimously approved to be adopted with immediate effect.
4. Awards for All
Alix gave an overview of the "Making an application to the Awards for All scheme" workshop she recently attended. With the constitution now in place and adhered to Wheelers can now apply to this scheme. Alix is basing the group's application on her previous cycle training and buddying project proposal. It was also noted that although only one application is permitted from each group/organisation there will be nothing to stop Wheelers helping other groups/organisations submitting applications for cycling based projects which we can be involved with.
ACTION
- Alix to submit draft application for approval at January meeting.
5. Cable Street accident stats
Martin had asked LBTH cycling officer Lyndal Peters if he could have a copy of the above. Only a brief discussion was held as unfortunately Martin's copies were still at his workplace. It was noted though that many accidents have taken place at the Shadwell tube station junction. It was suggested that after the priority issues on the raised track section are resolved we need to move into a "phase 2" of getting the rest of this route improved.
6. Congestion Charge issues
Zone 26: Old Bethnal Green (West)
The maps/drawings of the traffic calming proposals for this area of the congestion charge zone boundary were shown and discussed. Priority changes to one-way are proposed for several streets notably Columbia Road (a sign posted cycle route) and Gosset Road (an advisory cycle route). It was agreed as there was absolutely no provision for cyclists to travel "against the flow" in these proposals they would be objected to.
ACTION
- Owen to email the group to ask for letter writing and to respond to the LBTH consultants.
T-shirt
Background: Wheelers to produce a slogan/logo T-shirt highlighting cycling as a way to avoid the congestion charge and also with the aim of raising funds for the group.
Alix has asked LCC's London Cyclist magazine whether they would be interested in running an article (free advert) about this idea. Post meeting note: A positive reply has been received by the editor.
Alix had researched costs from a couple of t-shirt printing companies. There was much discussion on what to offer as the t-shirt e.g. organic cotton, long-sleeved option. It was agreed (minute taker note: I think!) that we would only be able to afford to provide one option.
The design of the t-shirt still needs to be done. Post meeting note: Bharat who had offered to carry out the design at the last meeting has so far been unable to find time to do so. Alix has asked someone else to produce some ideas.
ACTION
- Alix to do a quick survey with the egroup on what they would be prepared to buy and for how much.
7. Gripes Survey
Tom had submitted an overview of the topics sent in to our "cycling concerns in Tower Hamlets" survery over the last year. The recurring theme was that of potholes/road surfaces.
ACTION
- Owen and Tom to prepare a submission of the full list to LBTH.
8. New Year Social
It was agreed we should hold a social i.e. evening meal, early in January, hopefully repeating last year's successful get-together. Date was agreed to be Wednesday, 22 January. Venue to be decided but requirements would be: location fairly central in the borough, bike parking, vegetarian options.
We would also repeat publicising the event with a Wheelers New Year card sent out in the first week of January.
ACTION
- Everyone: Decide on a venue.
- Gary to design a card, Owen to liaise with him and to arrange members address labels from LCC.
9. Newsletter
Alix had nothing specific to report but wanted to remind everyone that contributions to the newsletter by any Wheelers are always welcome. Owen asked for it to be noted that the newsletter just keeps on getting better and better!
10. Any other business
- An appeal for ride ideas and dates should be made.
Action: All
- Venue for next meeting on 8 January to be decided as Sundial Centre not available.
Action: Owen
- Alix suggested Wheelers join "Streets for People" (membership £5), a campaign of Transport 2000 and also the London Thames Gateway Forum (free). All agreed.
Action: Alix
The meeting closed late at 9.15pm and all headed off to the Crown, corner of Grove Road & Old Ford Road where Keith, Tom and Drew joined us for a fine end to the evening.
Next meeting: 7.00pm, 8 January, venue tba.
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