east london cyclist
EAST LONDON CYCLIST LOCAL CYCLING NEWS & UPDATES March 2016 www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk @thwheelers Tower Hamlets Wheelers
It’s all go in 2016 as we keep ourselves busy responding to consultations, strategies and new initiatives to make Tower Hamlets a friendlier, safer place for cycling.
Upcoming Events Monthly Meeting Wednesday 9 March – 7:30pm
Most recently we have been campaigning to support plans by London Borough Tower Hamlets (LBTH) to update and improve the liveability of Cable Street. LBTH are aiming to improve the pedestrian and cycle environment along Cable Street by implementing a filtered permeability scheme in the area. Wheelers’ are in support of the scheme as we see the many benefits it could bring to the area. From a reduction in rat running, to increasing cycling capacity, we are keen to see this scheme implemented. We created a quick online feedback form, and took to leafleting along the route to raise awareness of the scheme and urge local users to pledge their support. We look forward to updating you on our progress shortly. We have also been busy working on the upcoming LCC campaign - Sign for Cycling. Keep a look out for updates as our plans develop over the next few weeks.
Our monthly meeting to discuss various projects within the borough. From workshops, to consultations to upcoming rides - varied agenda and all very welcome.
Bicycle Maintenance Workshop Saturday 19 March – 11am Hands on workshop with Dr Bike available if you need any help.
AGM April date to be announced Committee elections and invited speaker. More details at wheelers.org.uk/diary
Life as a new trustee Wheelers’ very own Terry Patterson was recently elected as LCC trustee. We catch up with Terry for the low down on life in the new role. ‘I was really honoured to be elected as a trustee for this great charity. These days, after the downfall of Kids Company, you realise just what a responsibility it is - but the great thing is, it is teamwork - there are 10 of us, all with different skills and interests, and everyone contributes their ideas and knowledge. I'm very interested in increasing and diversifying the membership, so the Board have got me working on this, in a small subgroup. We have some proposals that we think might work and will be asking groups to trial these and give feedback. I'm a huge Twitter addict and my travels there have led me to some great cycling bloggers- but also some nasty public spats. I'm really concerned about the image of cycling in the media, so that's another area I'm looking at with colleagues. And I know that compared to many groups, we are living the dream here in Tower Hamlets! Not 1 but 2 superhighways! I wanted to find out what it was like campaigning in outer boroughs, so I've visited a couple of LCC meetings and I hope to go to more in future. To anyone who is thinking about becoming a trustee- go for it! LCC needs the widest possible representation on the Board and you will get a warm welcome as well as loads of support. If you want to find out more and have a chat do get in touch at [email protected]. Happy cycling.’
Victory for residents and cyclists in Limehouse It may be a small patch of land, but it's a massive victory for Limehouse residents and those who use the CS3 here. This small green space on Branch Road has been fenced off for years but thanks to the support from Tower Hamlets Wheelers and other community groups in Limehouse – in particular the Limehouse Community Forum – this land has retained its status as an asset of community value. It is now protected from the threatened development which could have closed the CS3 and blighted Limehouse for years with polluting and congestion causing lorries. A well deserved victory for all those involved in the campaign to keep it.
Photo credit: The Wharf/ Beth Allcock
Dr Bike’s Top Tips Finally for this newsletter we have our top tip from Dr Bike. ‘Now that winter is over, it’s time to clean and service your bike. Buy some water soluble de-greaser and clean your bike thoroughly with warm water. Use wooden coffee stirrers to remove any stubborn dirt.’ After the bike is clean, why not bring it to the Wheelers’ workshop (next one on Saturday 19 March) for a service?
It’s all go in 2016 as we keep ourselves busy responding to consultations, strategies and new initiatives to make Tower Hamlets a friendlier, safer place for cycling.
Upcoming Events Monthly Meeting Wednesday 9 March – 7:30pm
Most recently we have been campaigning to support plans by London Borough Tower Hamlets (LBTH) to update and improve the liveability of Cable Street. LBTH are aiming to improve the pedestrian and cycle environment along Cable Street by implementing a filtered permeability scheme in the area. Wheelers’ are in support of the scheme as we see the many benefits it could bring to the area. From a reduction in rat running, to increasing cycling capacity, we are keen to see this scheme implemented. We created a quick online feedback form, and took to leafleting along the route to raise awareness of the scheme and urge local users to pledge their support. We look forward to updating you on our progress shortly. We have also been busy working on the upcoming LCC campaign - Sign for Cycling. Keep a look out for updates as our plans develop over the next few weeks.
Our monthly meeting to discuss various projects within the borough. From workshops, to consultations to upcoming rides - varied agenda and all very welcome.
Bicycle Maintenance Workshop Saturday 19 March – 11am Hands on workshop with Dr Bike available if you need any help.
AGM April date to be announced Committee elections and invited speaker. More details at wheelers.org.uk/diary
Life as a new trustee Wheelers’ very own Terry Patterson was recently elected as LCC trustee. We catch up with Terry for the low down on life in the new role. ‘I was really honoured to be elected as a trustee for this great charity. These days, after the downfall of Kids Company, you realise just what a responsibility it is - but the great thing is, it is teamwork - there are 10 of us, all with different skills and interests, and everyone contributes their ideas and knowledge. I'm very interested in increasing and diversifying the membership, so the Board have got me working on this, in a small subgroup. We have some proposals that we think might work and will be asking groups to trial these and give feedback. I'm a huge Twitter addict and my travels there have led me to some great cycling bloggers- but also some nasty public spats. I'm really concerned about the image of cycling in the media, so that's another area I'm looking at with colleagues. And I know that compared to many groups, we are living the dream here in Tower Hamlets! Not 1 but 2 superhighways! I wanted to find out what it was like campaigning in outer boroughs, so I've visited a couple of LCC meetings and I hope to go to more in future. To anyone who is thinking about becoming a trustee- go for it! LCC needs the widest possible representation on the Board and you will get a warm welcome as well as loads of support. If you want to find out more and have a chat do get in touch at [email protected]. Happy cycling.’
Victory for residents and cyclists in Limehouse It may be a small patch of land, but it's a massive victory for Limehouse residents and those who use the CS3 here. This small green space on Branch Road has been fenced off for years but thanks to the support from Tower Hamlets Wheelers and other community groups in Limehouse – in particular the Limehouse Community Forum – this land has retained its status as an asset of community value. It is now protected from the threatened development which could have closed the CS3 and blighted Limehouse for years with polluting and congestion causing lorries. A well deserved victory for all those involved in the campaign to keep it.
Photo credit: The Wharf/ Beth Allcock
Dr Bike’s Top Tips Finally for this newsletter we have our top tip from Dr Bike. ‘Now that winter is over, it’s time to clean and service your bike. Buy some water soluble de-greaser and clean your bike thoroughly with warm water. Use wooden coffee stirrers to remove any stubborn dirt.’ After the bike is clean, why not bring it to the Wheelers’ workshop (next one on Saturday 19 March) for a service?
