Notes from Wheelers Meeting held on 12 November 2003
at Oxford House, Derbyshire Street E2
Present:
Owen Pearson (chair), Tom Brenan (minutes), Gary Cummins, Carol Gray, Keith Jones, Steve Bradley, Steve Collins
Apologies: Caroline Fenton, Dave Allison, Alex Brenan
1. Introductions
Carol was introduced to everyone.
2. Actions from last meeting, 8 October 2003
Owen not yet done a business card template.
All other outstanding matters to be covered in following items.
3. Finances
Gary agreed to be the third bank account signatory.
The Community Chest funders are due a project report in November.
ACTIONS:
• Owen to check on Community Chest report requirements.
3. Newsletter, Media & Website
Newsletter:
Carol was introduced as the new Wheelers newsletter editor. Steve (Bradley) will carry out the page layout and photocopying. A discussion was held regarding Carol's role as editor and the contents of the next issue which will be included in Dec/Jan mailout of London Cyclist.
ACTIONS:
• Carol and Steve to produce newsletter.
4. Borough Traffic Schemes
Cable Street:
Drawings of the proposed extenstion to the two-way cycle track on Cable Street between Cannon Street Road and Watney Street were discussed in detail. Overall the scheme looks good with the removal of alot of street furniture clutter plus what looks like will be an improved street lighting setup. Specific problems to highlight in reply to LBTH consultation agreed as follows:
- Width of 2.0m is bare minimum for two-way cycle track. This is a busy route and so will request track to be widened but are aware of a severe width restriction at the Cannon Street Road junction and also to a lesser extent from Shadwell station to Watney Street.
- Request stop line to replace current give-way line on Watney Street at junction with Cable Street. This is the most dangerous junction on Cable Street and every method possible should be employed to reduce the speed vehicles emerge from Watney Street.
- Signposts located on the edge of track to be requested to be moved back, especially if track isn't widened.
It was also noted that the cycle track has been given priority across the Watney Street junction - unlike at the junctions along the existing two-way track.
With regard to the priority scheme on the existing two-way track it was agreed to finally produce a reply to LBTH's report (http://www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk/campaigns/cablest_briefing_note_may03.html). All are invited to pass on their comments to Owen/Gary.
ACTIONS:
• Owen pass on THW's response to cycle track plans.
• Gary to compile responses to LBTH report on existing Cable Street priority scheme.
6. Campaigns
Bikes on DLR
Discussed letter by Jon Idle to send to DLR to raise the issue of the carriage of bikes on the DLR trains. It was thought an addition to the letter suggesting a trial period of allowing bikes to be carried on a section of the railway (e.g. Westferry-Beckton, West India Quay-Stratford) might be a good idea. Also a specific request for bikes to be allowed between Island Gardens and Greenwich stations especially out of hours of the tunnel lift service. Finally, advice from the LCC's Cycle Parking & Carriage working group would be sought before sending letter jointly from THW, Greenwich and Newham groups.
ACTIONS:
• Owen to discuss with Jon and LCC CPC working group.
7. Bike Buddy & Cycle Training Scheme
Despite little publicity, people are still finding out about the scheme and joining up. Difficult to ensure that scheme members actually take up the offer of the cycle training as it relies on them doing their own booking.
Failed to hold a 'stall' at Brick Lane on 2 November but agreed to go for it again on Sunday 23 November. Will hand out a specific buddy scheme flyer plus postcards, maps etc.
Post meeting note: buddy scheme poster still needed.
ACTIONS:
• Owen to produce flyer.
• Keith et al to organise 23 November stall.
• Any volunteer(s) to produce poster?
8. Workshop & Bike Re-Cycling
Workshop:
October's workshop was well attended.
Gary will be holding a dynamo fitting session at the 29 November workshop.
It was agreed not to hold a workshop on 27 December.
Next workshop on 29 November.
ACTIONS:
• Gary to organise dynamo class.
Bike Re-Cycling:
Another bike has been sold to a bike buddy scheme member. Carol mentioned that she has a bike that could be suitable for donating to the scheme.
ACTIONS:
• Dave, Caroline and Owen to continue pairing up bikes with buddy scheme members.
9. Rides & Socials
New Year's social:
Date set as Wednesday, 21 January 2004. Venue to be decided. Invite card to be sent out to THW members in first week of January.
ACTIONS:
• Gary and/or Keith to check out their venue suggestions.
Rides:
15 November ride cancelled. Full details of the upcoming rides in the Rides/Events section on the website.
10. Volunteer Recuitment
Volunteer Action Tower Hamlets and Women's Volunteer Network both could assist in the supply of volunteers to help the Wheelers activities. It was felt this could be useful especially for the general admin tasks but generally specific interest/participation in cycling would be needed by the volunteer. It could also be good at bringing other groups in contact with cycling.
ACTIONS:
• Owen to get more information from these groups and find out the possibilities.
11. AOB
• Tom announced that he would be standing down as secretary as was leaving London. All thanked him for his help in this role for the past six months and wished himself and Alex good luck on their travels. ACTION: Owen to ask for a volunteer for secretary post (must be LCC member).
• Transport 2000 are organising a National Day of Action on Traffic Speed on 1 December. Decided no time to organise something but fully support it.
• Gary asked if anyone would be interested in a week's cycling holiday in Scotland next year - will email the group to gauge interest.
• Steve B suggested a Wheelers entry into the Etape du Tour next July.
The meeting closed at 9:00pm and all headed off to the Camden, Bethnal Green Road.
Next meeting: 7.00pm, 10 December, venue tba.
| 
