ISLINGTON CYCLIST The newsletter of the Islington Cyclists' Action Group L011d!Oi1 Cycling Campaign !GAG ls the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign Issue 58 Gea.ri·n·g·.•..u. P..· t.·.·.·.·-.·o··..r:. a b ig.ger Islington Bike Week Following last year's successful National Bike Week, ICAG is preparing to run an expanded programme for 2006. We'll be repeating our popular Biodiversity Bike .Ride in partnership with the Islington Ecology Centre and running a second Bike Breakfast together with Islington Council. The end of the workingweek is marked with a returnofour.'Cool Down' even\at a new location and two new rides are added. Missing this year is the ride to Bikefest in Trafalgar Square as that event has beer\ cancelled. The full list is below: for more information about. events across ·. London and nationwide visit: W: www.bikeweek.org.Uk Last year's Bike Breakfast -visited by the Mayor of Islington· Join us as we take a two.wheeled · leisurely tour of the borough's wildlife hotspots and picturesque . parks to discover some of their hidden secrets as we ride through Islington's green corridors. cheride will cater for all levels and abilities and is done at a gentle pace. Not suitable for younger children. Bring a bike and refreshments For more details contact the Ecology Centre on 020.7354 516_2 June/July 2006 For more information contact Alison Oines on 020 7226 7012 Cyclists' Cool Down Friday 23 June, 5.30 to 7.30 pm Cyclists' Cool Down at the junction of Rock Street and St Thomas Road, close to Finsbury Park station N4. Meet fellow cycling conm,uters for fruit cocktails and snacks to wind down after work... For more inforrnation contact AlisonPines O[l 020 7226 7012 ·. ·.-- . HistorfcN01'1:11,Lpt:1don ,;ide ·· ·· Saturday i4 Jvile, 2 to S pm· Historic North London Ride, staris and finishes at th_e cycle park by Finsbury Park Station. Explore some of No,ih London's histor{on this genliy paced ride. for more details contact Steplien Taylor on 020 7263 7373 !cittle gr¥eh R.ic!e . ·.. Si.mct.iy 25 Jurie, 9:45 am • DrJ/ e.' L;'.•••··• ,•: :.s:,;s:.·.•:.•A•: : .,: Saturday 17 June/12to!\prn·:• Dr Bike at N1 Centre, between Upper Street and Liverpool Road, N1. Come for a free bike check and information about cycling locally, including free cycle maps. For more information contact Alison Oines on 020 7226 7012 Biodiv rsitfBikeRid!L ·.·....· SaturdilyA7.:lurte,.2to 5pm•·. Biodiversity Bike Ride, starts and finishes at the Islington Ecology Centre, Drayton Park N5. ·GY/ilisfs' BrealJing ..up br ;eer cer1t at•li-fofif\fexiffrqfi\'iC6lebrookeR9wto.,· •. entrii'Jr ci,""::r '>•"· /,.• "' Loncloh'.'Yet Councillor ox . . . · · be restricted to pedestrians and continues to boast that Islington is cyclists only to improve safety. Anda If you cycle along any of these roads a cycle-friendly borough. new pedestrian crossing is urgently and would like to see changes, please needed. get in touch with the ICAG Co- C?uncil c1.it5ful1 i g._.for ICAG's stall at Angel Canal Festival on 4 September (above) attracted huge interest, with many enquiries from people interested in taking up cycling. Hundreds of cycle maps, leaflets and LCC advice booklets were given out. We also had a presence at the annual Gillespie Park Festival in Highbury a week later - our 'bike doctors' carried out many repairs while our information and advice stall was busy. Thanks to the all the ICAG volunteers who gave their time to help out at these events. London Cycling Campaign has set up a special working group on the 2012 Olympics following London's successful bid for the games. The working group's aim is to ensure· both that the venues are fully . accessible to cyclists, and that cycle­ friendly infrastructure is left behind afterwards. With London's transport infrastructure overloaded, the games are a great opportunity to encourage sustainable modes of travel. Although there are no venues in Islington, the borough will be affected due to its proximity to key sites in central London, the Lea Valley and Docklands. Please geUntouchwiththe ICAG Co- .-- d:i iki. §t% 6cifp#kY or lfyou have views abbU! wnat lCC. should be campaigning for as the 2012 games approach. anti4heftmeasures•. Islington may have the highest level of bike theft in London, but it seems the Council is not interested in tackling the problem. Despite a strong plea from ICAG (as reported in the last Islington Cyclist), the Council has declined to ask the Mayor of London to fund an anti-theft campaign. In previous budget bids, the Council won £11,000 of funding, although transport officers actually failed to spend £8,000 of this in 2004-05! Now the anti-theft budget line has disappeared altogether from Islington's transport spending plan. ..·.. angJaihf aio cir1, cy¢1 tr.iinih9 ·· ·•· · ICAG also asked Islington Council to submit a much stronger bid on cycle training - we asked Islington to bid to the Mayor for £150,000 a year. This followed Hackney Council's successful bid for £168,000 last year. We also pointed out that the Mayor has agreed an extra £55,000 of funds for cycle training for every borough, over and above existing provision. Amazingly, Islington spending bid is seeking just £50,000 - in other words, Islington Council is not even bothering to take up all the additional allocation it is entitled to from the Mayor. The result of this incompetence. is that the vast majority of school children in the borough of Islington will continue to go without cycle training. If you share ICAG's concern about the Council's poor performance on training and bike theft, please get in touch with the Executive member responsible, Councillor Bridget Fox. C: Bridget Fox . 'T:·02b7527'3Q43ES·· E: bridgetfox@islingt n.gov u.k Descriptim1: Easy-paced rides of around 30 miles Dates: every Sunday fortnight Start: 10.10 a.m. Finish: 5-6 p.m. Place: Finsbury Part< overland station Contact: Sue Telephone: 020 7729 5409 r-mil@@(r)@•M UJ Place: Sunnyside Ecology Gardens corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise) Dates: Wed 26 Oct, Wed 23 Nov Time: 7 - 9.30 p.m. Cost: £1 (S0p unwaged) per session towards costs Contact: Adrian Williams Telephone: 07810 211 902 l@ii,ll•11UDM11i44ilft& If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, come along to the ICAG monthly meeting. Place: Islington Town Hall Dates: Wed 12 Oct, Wed 9 Nov Time: 7.30-9.30 p.m. Contact: Andrew Cornwell Telephone: 020 7359 6680 Agenda items for meetings should reach Andrew Cornwell by the Saturday before the meeting. l@Md3u6hlC1i•M• If you wish to discuss any of the topics covered in Islington Cyclist in more detail then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? If you would like to participate, send an email to: If you've enjoyed reading this issue of Islington Cyclist - but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do to be added to the circulation list is send an email to: E: islingtoncyclist­ subscribe@yahoogroups.com ldtlitmtltttfflfttfflMal!tti(r) Please send any articles and images to: E: dean.!eiqh@btconnect.com Many thanks to all contributors to this 1: 11_ews_lett_er. . pean, .Leigh,(Eqitqr) -.· ' biishediby •. ··.·· '., 2 ; . ICAG, 12 Liberia· Road, London;·Ns 'ijR (c)Islington Cyclists' Action Group 2005 Issue 53 ISLINGTON CYCLIST The newsletter of the Islington Cyclists' Action Group London Cycling Campaign ICAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign August/ September 2005 Bike Week 2005 in Islington was a great success, with numbers attending at three out of four of events up significantly on last year. Highlight of the week was the annual Cyclists' Breakfast, where 140 cycle commuters stopped off to enjoy coffee, tea and cakes. We were joined by no less than three local politicians - Mayor of Islington Councillor Jonathan Dearth, who took his turn to serve breakfasts, MP for Islington South Emily Thornberry, and Executive Councillor George Allan. All arrived on their bikes. With three workshop stands in operation and four 'bike doctors' on call, our Dr Bike event at the N1 Shopping Centre was able to cope with record numbers. 50 bikes were checked or repaired, and nearly 1,000 maps, leaflets and booklets were given out at the information stall. The Biodiversity Bike Ride, run as a partnership between ICAG and the Islington Ecology Centre, saw a 20 per cent increase in numbers. Our second family ride to Bikefest in Trafalgar Square was also popular. ICAGthanks.lslington Council, the N1 Shopping Centre, and our many volunteer helpers for their time and support. ICAG has issued a highly critical response to Islington Council's draft Sustainable Transport Strategy which sets out a ten year plan running through to 2016. Despite election commitments by Islington's ruling Liberal Democrats to fully implement the LCC's Cycling Manifesto for London, the draft Council strategy fails to deliver on seven out of the ten manifesto topics. In particular, the commitments on cycle training and cycle parking are very weak. No budget is allocated to combat cycle theft, even though more bikes are stolen in the borough than anywhere else in London. The ICAG response also highlights the Council's failure to re-allocate road space to pedestrians and cyclists, and its lack of commitment to develop routes along waterways and 'green corridors'. Amazingly, the draft strategy suggests that the Council will not use enforcement powers to prevent parking in cycle lanes. The Islington strategy has to be approved by Mayor Ken Livingstone. Because of the weakness of the Islington plan, the ICAG July meeting took a decision to approach the Mayor and ask for his veto if the cycling parts are not improved. If you have not yet seen a copy of the ICAG response to the Council, please contact the Co-ordinator. C: Andrew Cornwell T: 020 7359 6680 E: andrew,cornwell@virgin.net Picture: David Love Top-class professional racing returns to London on Sunday 4 September as the final stage of the Tour of Britain is held on the streets of Westminster. The riders will complete 45 laps of a course taking in Parliament Square, Whitehall and Embankment. Once again ICAG is organising a ride to the event. Depart at 2pm for the short trip to Trafalgar Square, with a return journey about 5prn. The picture above was taken during ICAG's first Cycle Audit Day held in June. Taken in St John Street EC1, it shows a freshly implemented 'cycle lane' measuring just 62 cm wide. Not only is this a strong contender for the narrowest lane ever recorded in the borough, it also scores highly in the contest for the biggest waste of council taxpayers' money. The St John Street 'improvements' were among a dozen traffic schemes visited by ICAG auditors Doug Angus, Alison Dines and Andrew Cornwell. The audit report will be available to members shortly and it will also be sent to Transport for London and Islington Councillors. Massive investment needed.on cycle parking Islington Council's plans to remove large quantities of 'street clutter' pose a threat to cycling, ICAG has said. With few cycle stands compared to other boroughs, most cyclists use signposts and railings to park their bikes. The Council's 'A1 Borough' plan could wipe out thousands of parking opportunities. Massive investment will be needed to compensate - ICAG is calling on the Council to spend £125,000 a year for the next four years on new cycle parking. This is a fivefold increase on the current level. It is also equivalent to putting in one new cycle stand every working day. Money also needs to be spent on providing secure parking facilities and on continuing theft awareness campaigns - £20,000 every year is our proposal. In the 2004-05 financial year, Islington failed to spend £8,000 allocated for these purposes. Mayor Ken Livingstone's proposal to extend the Congestion Charge zone westwards is supported by ICAG - but the latest version of the scheme has a sting in the tail. The Mayor is now proposing to cut half an hour off the evening charging times, bringing forward the end of charging to 6pm from 6.30pm. ICAG's response to consultation on the extension has warned that this may have a negative impact on cycling by bringing more cars onto the streets during the evening rush hour. This would undo some of the positive benefits of the Congestion Charge, which has contributed to London's record growth in cycle trips. The western extension of the charging zone to Kensington & Chelsea and the remainder of Westminster has . now been delayed until WOT. I!IUrtl§#:MhtWrJ•.filht Description: Easy-paced rides of around 30 miles Dates: every Sunday fortnight Start: 10.10 a.m. Finish: 5-6 p.m. Place: Finsbury Park overland station Contact: Sue Telephone: 020 7729 5409 Place: Sunnyside Ecology Gardens corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise) Dates: Wed 28 Sept, Wed 26 October Time: 7 - 9.30 p.m. Cost: £1 (Sop unwaged) per session towards costs Contact: Adrian Williams Telephone: 07810 211 902 If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, come along to the ICAG monthly meeting. Place: Islington Town Hall Dates: Wed 10 August, Wed 14 Sept Time: 7.30-9.30 p.m. Contact: Andrew Cornwell Telephone: 020 7359 6680 Agenda items for meetings should reach Andrew Cornwell by the Saturday before the meeting. If you wish to discuss any of the topics covered in Islington Cyclist in more detail then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? If you would like to participate, send an email to: E: icaq-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Islington C cllst ti Email , If you've enjoyed reading this issue of Islington Cyclist - but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do to be added to the circulation list is send an email to: E: islinqtoncyclist­ subscribe@yahooqroups.com Contribute to Islington C clist - Please send any articles and images to: E: dean.leigh@btconoect.com Many thanks to all contributors to this newsletter. Dean Leigh (Editor) Publish d by:. ICAG, 12 Liberia Road, London, NS 1JR (c)Islington Cyclists' Action Group 2005 Issue 52 ISLINGTON CYCLIST The newsletter of the Islington Cyclists' Action Group London Cycling Campaign ICAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign June/ July 2005 As reported in the last Islington Cyclist, relations between ICAG and .sati1i:J y·•11·.Jun.e ! f J ! ( iEf \icyiFx off'!\i.riQ ftae••· \;)'. µR yi12 JJne f{icl \6; jkeff)St.,in Trafalgar Square, · oerattft'9m lsHngt9n· TClV!ln• Han, 2 i)nJ, Escoµ¢dride,.spitabli, for all ages. Tue,iday 14.June 6,11"byqlistf·Elnf 1r_ ;:i '.9ffl\Sn:th rn?inJhi.···••···· li,liJJ. tl/Q91"ei'ln apd chapeiMatK ( ....· @rEl[ ;(lqcJJ:i):lilsJkElike,•an interactive wiitai\ w :1iinvif1jpi• i / ; http:// .lbc.org. k '.· --'.-'' ,, ,,_· _- httt:i:)l w.bikeweek.orq.uk Threats to block a popular cycle route at Kingsbury Road in the Mildmay area have been lifted following ICAG intervention. Islington Council had planned to install barriers to prevent cars and motorcycles crossing the bridge at Kingsbury Road outside the gates of a local school. These would have restricted cycle access on an LCN+ route. However following a joint site visit by ICAG reps and Council engineers, cycle access will now be maintained as part of a temporary scheme to prevent illegal car movements across the bridge. A longer term scheme will be needed at this location, so if you cycle through the area, please make your views known to the ICAG Co-ordinator: C: Andrew Cornwell T: 020 7359 6680 E: andrew.cornwell@virgin.net There was a huge turnout for the 11th anniversary of Critical Mass in April - including record numbers on the ICAG feeder ride from Islington. With hundreds of riders on the road, and a police escort clearing the traffic, the monthly Critical Mass rides are a unique way to travel around central London and a great way for us all to raise the profile of cycling. Why not join us on a future ride? Next rides: Friday 24 June, Friday 29 July, Friday 26 August Time and place: Depart from outside Islington Town Hall, Upper Street N1, at 6.15pm sharp. A draft report from Transport for London is proposing major changes along the A201 corridor from Kings Cross to Blackfriars Bridge. In the Islington section, which covers Kings Cross Road and Farringdon Road, TfL has recognised the route is currently unpleasant for cyclists. Potential improvements include: • A new cycle lane for southbound riders along Penton Rise • Remodelling of the Margery Street/ Lloyd Baker Street fiveways junction • New cycle lanes and Advanced Stop Lines on the approaches to the Rosebery Avenue junction • A review of parking and loading facilities along the route with a view to reducing them if possible. ICAG together with Camden Cycling Campaign has been involved in the report's production as part of the CRISP study process. We will be submitting more feedback to TfL before the final version is published. One issue we will be highlighting is lack of cycle parking along this route. If you have any views about other possible improvements on the A201; please get in touch. ICAG has successfully bid for funding from the Islington Community Futures fund, run by Groundwork Camden & Islington. The £700 grant will be used to fund ICAG information stalls and leaflets at summer festivals in Islington, including Bike Week, the Angel Canal Festival and the Gillespie Park festival. Meanwhile Islington Council is providing £1,000 towards the cost of Bike W13ek events, which will be mainly spent on publicity materials. 1110ttl§i4Mi(r)tl•ffl\¥ Description: Easy-paced rides of around 30 miles Dates: every Sunday fortnight Start: 10.10 a.m. Finish: 5-6 p.m. Place: Finsbury Park overland station Contact: Slle Telephone: 020 7729 5409 C cle Worksho Dates Place: Sunnyside Ecology Gardens corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise) Dates: Wed 22 June, Wed 27 July Time: 7 - 9.30 p.m. Cost: £1 (50p unwaged) per session towards costs Contact: Adrian Williams Telephone: 07810 211 902 ICAG monthly meeting If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, come along to the !CAG monthly meeting. Place: Islington Town Hall Dates: Wed 8 June, Wed 13 July . Time: 7.30-9.3.0 p.m. Contact: Andrew Cornwell Telephone: 020 7359 6680 Agenda items for meetings should reach Andrew Cornwell by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email Grou If you wish to discuss any of the topics covered in Islington Cyclist in more detail then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? If you would like to participate, send an email to: E: icag-subscribe@yahooqroups.com Islington C clist b Email If you1ve enjoyed reading this issue of . Islington Cyclist - but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do to be added to the circulation list is send an email to: = islingtoncyclist­ subscribe@yahooqroups.com Contribute to lslin ton Cyclist Please send any articles and images to: E: dean.leigh@btconnect.com Many thanks to all contributors to this newsletter. Dean Leigh (Editor) Published by: ICAG, 12 Liberia Road, London, NS !JR (c)lslfngton Cyclists' Action Group 2005 ISLINGTON CYCLIST The newsletter of the Islington Cyclists' Action Group London Cycling Campaign ICAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign Issue 51 ICAG has called on Islington Council and Transport for London to make major improvements at the Archway without delay. In particular, the dangerous gyratory system needs to be replaced with a road layout that 1s friendlier to cyclists and pedestrians. The new ICAG policy, adopted at last month's AGM, calls for replacement of the present system, using alternative plans drawn up by the Islington Society and the Highgate Society as a basis. This would involve closing one arm of the roundabout. Other key demands for Archway made by the meeting include: • provision of secure bike parking at Archway station, along the lines used at Walthamstow and Finsbury Park stations; • all new housing and business developments to have adequate cycle parking in accordance with London Cycling Campaign standards; • a northbound cycle lane to be created on Highgate Hill; • pedestrian improvements. Islington Council is due to start public consultation on a Planning Brief for the Archway area soon, but ICAG is worried that transport improvements may be postponed for years while the fate of buildings such as the Archway Tower is decided. For more information, or to make your views known, contact: C: Keith Macfarlane T: 020 7272 9522 E: keithmac@unisonfree.net Islington Council's failure to deliver positive changes for cyclists has led to ICAG deciding to boycott regular liaison meetings with traffic engineers. Instead, representatives of ICAG and national cycling organisation CTC called for an urgent meeting with senior Councillors to discuss a long list of problems. The meeting with Executive Councillors Bridget Fox and George Allc1n, as well as senior Islington transport managers, has now . led to some positive results. Councillor Fox confirmed that it is · Council policy to maintain cycle access at all locations - this has been a particular concern with roads being blocked in several cases last year. The Council's Head of Engineering, Mehmet Mazhar, will work with ICAG on a review of recent traffic schemes, so that remedial measures can be carried out where past works have been unfriendly to cyclists. Islington has pledged to improve its performance on cycle training and will look at starting adult training in the next financial year. The Council has also admitted it can do better on cycle theft and will try to recover £8,000 of funding it failed to spend last year. £3,000 will be spent immediately on publicity measures. April / May 2005 As the General Election approaches, ICAG has written to all candidates in the two Islington constituencies asking them to support cycling and sustainable transport measures. All political parties are being asked to endorse the 10-point Cycling Manifesto for London, drawn up by the LCC. Backing is also requested for the Cyclists' Manifesto prepared by CTC, the national organisation. This calls for more funding for cycle training and promotion, removal of VAT from bicycles and cycling services, better traffic laws and policing, and a duty on local councils to deliver 'quality cycle networks'. All Islington candidates have also been offered the chance to meet with ICAG's Management Committee to explain what they would do personally for cycling if elected to the House of Commons. Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn has promised to continue to work to assist cyclists. Jeremy was guest speaker at ICAG's Annual General Meeting in March, where he took part in a long question and answer session with around 20 members. The MP, one of the few cyclists in the House of Commons, told the meeting that parental and teacher attitudes to cycling needed to be changed, and more training provided. He was critical of the cycle route network, particularly of lanes that ended at junctions. An example was the dangerous lane on Blackfriars Bridge that needed to be removed. He also called on employers to provide better changing and storage facilities, and for councils to do more on cycle parking. In answer to ICAG members' questions, Jeremy has agreed: • to consider tabling a parliamentary motion on bike lighting, to ensure new bikes must be sold with lights; • · to investigate the precise legal position with the London Local Authorities Bill, which could give councils the power to remove bikes chained to railings and street furniture; • to take up the issue of the National Cycling Strategy Board, which has been wound up without a replacement body or budget being created. -•.'l."!":"P"'Ali1".1"'1". ..f..Cf·-.-Cl"d"\iSiii Next rides: Friday 29 April, Friday 27 May, Friday 24 June.Depart from outside Islington Town Hall, Upper Street N1, at 6.15pm sharp. Islington Council's poor record on cycle training will come under scrutiny on 14 April when the subject is raised at the high-level Transport Liaison Group (TLG) meeting. The TLG brings together Council and Transport for London managers with transport stakeholders including bus and tube companies, emergency services, pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist organisations. ICAG will give a short presentation setting out best practice from other boroughs that Islington could follow. This will include adult cycle training, confidence building rides and bike buddy schemes - none of which are offered in Islington at the moment. A major improvement in school-based training is also needed. ICAG has been unable to obtain figures for the numbers of pupils trained, but is it believed to be less than 100 a year. Our campaign on cycle training is being run jointly with Islington Living Streets, the pedestrians body. If you have views on urrent cycle training provision in Islington, or if you can suggest ways in which it can be improved, please get in touch as soon as possible. C: John Ackers T: 020 7690 7263 E: john.ackers@mail.com Islington Council has confirmed it will produce a dedicated cycling action plan, following an ICAG request. The action plan will form part of the Council's Local Implementation Plan for transport, being drawn up to satisfy the Mayor of London. Transport Planning Manager (and cyclist) Eric Manners will visit ICAG's monthly meeting on Wednesday 11 May to explain more about the plan and take questions from members. Dates: Sun 3 April, Sun 17 April, Sun 1 May. Sun 15 May, Sun 29 May Start: 10.10 a.m. Finish: 5-6 p.m. Place: Finsbury Park overland station Contact: Sue Telephone: 020 7729 5409 C cle Workshop Dates Place: Sunnyside Ecology Gardens corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise) Dates: Wed 27 April, Wed 25 May Time: 7 - 9.30 p.m. Cost: £1 (SOp unwaged) per session towards costs contact: Adrian Williams Telephone: 07810 211 902 ICAG monthly meeting If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, come along to the ICAG monthly meeting. Place: Islington Town Hall Dates: Wed 13 April, Wed 11 May Time: 7.30-9.30 p.m. Contact: Andrew Cornwell Telephone: 020 7359 6680 Agenda items for meetings should reach Andrew Cornwell by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email Group If you wish to discuss any of the topics covered in Islington Cyclist in more detail then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? If you would like to participate, send an email to: E: icag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Islington C clist b Email If you've enjoyed reading this issue of Islington Cyclist - but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do to be added to the circulation list is send an email to: E: lslinqtoncyclist­ subscribe@yahoogroups.com Contribute to Islington Cyclist Please send any articles and images to: E: dean.leigh@btconnect.com Many thanks to all contributors to this newsletter. Dean Leigh (Editor) Published by: ICAG, 12 Liberia Road, London, NS llR (c)Islington Cyclists' Action Group 2005 ISLINGTON CYCLIST The newsletter of the Islington Cyclists' Action Group Londo111 Cycling Campaign ICAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign Issue 50 Months of pressure from ICAG has led Islington Council to withdraw its controversial plans for a IY;o-way cycle track at the busy Colebrooke Row - City Road junction. ICAG, together with Hackney LCC, had warned the proposed design would increase risks to cyclists. Instead works will now take place to move the existing small island in Colebrooke Row forward to the City Road junction. A new pedestrian crossing over City Road - backed by ICAG - will help to reduce conflicts bew;een cyclists and pedestrian and improve road safety. The result is not ideal - Islington Council has stated that it will not accept our alternative proposal to close this end of Colebrooke Row to all but pedestrians and cyclists. ICAG will be keeping up the pressure for a long-term solution covering the entire Colebrooke - City Road - Goswell Road - Owen Street cycle crossing. The crossing is already the busiest cycle facility in the borough of Islington and usage is expected to grow further as cycling becomes more popular. Works at the City Road junction are expected to last until the end of February. An ICAG member managed to speak directly to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir John Stevens, on a Radio London phone-in just before Christmas. The issue of attacks on cyclists in some parts of Islington was raised and Sir John was asked to deploy more police patrols in these 'hotspot' areas. There has been a quick response from Islington Police and it is now likely that there will be a specific focus on attacks against cyclists as part of a broader campaign against street robbery. It is vital that attacks and intimidation are reported to the police to help them deploy their resources effectively. ICAG will be developing an online reporting system to assist this. ICAG's first constitution was adopted unanimously at our January meeting. The aim of the document is not to create more bureaucracy, but to give us the chance to apply for new funding - most grant-makers require a written constitution. The new arrangements will also help to promote more accountable decision-making. Our first Annual General Meeting will be held on 9 March, when a new seven person Management Committee will be elected, responsible to the membership. Details of the AGM are given in the next column. February/March 2005 At the same time ICAG has agreed a new Equal Opportunities policy, in line with other LCC borough groups. Copies of both the Constitution and Equal Opportunities policy are available from the Co-ordinator, see box below for contact details. A'rfrfµ l•.-• - -hertil.••-M i:iUrig• wiiafr --·:c-·-'... ; . -·, - IG;A.Ginvites au membersto our first Annual GeneralMeeting. · · Wilen and where; Wedne clayQMarch, 7,30pm,_i;lt ..· . lslim1tgri}ci1NnHall,-_lJpper Street 1: A0 11 a: 'I. ir CEll\iei\nnuafR.eport,.. } T&fJ iv1•Ar1nual Ad o r1ts'. tiJc\iohJf new- an iern o(_·- -. Goin/rjJttie/compr:islng: :· · ( b - ;di ator(¢hiit) • :fri:iasµrer . • s cretaty • _ . • . Four other members 4. Aiiniipetl;i;;pe. urs;in·e•.ss. Jere: 2.drt9n•MP•(l$1io tofi.Nor!fo}·. ope ofttje . eenest 9ycnsJs in R?fiiartJe. t,v."nl_speak .n !ion l­ cycliP9• 11!l tmnsport policy., . . bi1r\#, H4i!1, ks 11> 'e&¢ !·.·..•. f'dr rri f iritorrnaficip.p[iiJs OQt1ti t:" cii:\ndreWbofowe11_·· 1r;"r,2bifs 11aeao··· i t!\i'.;bfnili11($v1r;iri, 1(> rvi.1ke ygµr vi,W knowno11 Archw$y Plans to redevelop Archway are now gearing up. ICAG is seeking to draw up a list of possible improvements for cyclists, so that we can influence Islington Council and Transport for London's plans. Your views about what could be done to improve the area for cyclists are wanted. We are also looking for volunteers to work with local community groups campaigning on the redevelopment issue. ICAG members who live in the area and can help, please contact: C: Keith Macfarlane T: 020 7272 9522 E: keithmac@unisonfree.net Congestion charging in central London has helped to bring about a record increase in numbers of cyclists. On this basis ICAG has decided to support London Mayor Ken Livingstone's proposed increase in the charge from £5 to £8 a day. Last year ICAG gave it's backing to the extension of the charging zone to large parts of Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea. If you have never experienced the famous Critical Mass cycle ride, now is the time to do so. Throughout 2005 ICAG will be organising feeder rides to Critical Mass, departing from Islington to the main start at the South Bank Centre under Waterloo Bridge. With hundreds of riders on the road, and a police escort clearing the traffic, the monthly Critical Mass rides are a unique way to travel around central London and a great way for us all to raise the profile of cycling. Next rides: Friday 25 February, Friday 25 March, Friday 29 April. Time and place: Depart from outside Islington Town Hall, Upper Street N1, at 6.15pm sharp. Plans by Islington Council to place railings across the Seven Stations cycle route at Wilmington Square (off Rosebery Avenue) have been dropped following an ICAG campaign. A video study was carried out at the site after an ICAG request, showing that cyclists using the Square outnumbered motorbikes by three to one. The aim of the railings was to prevent motorbike access - but they would also have forced cyclists to dismount. · The Council will now consult with residents on an alternative solution involving bollards. Signs to ban motorbikes are also proposed. Thanks to all members who wrote to Councillor Bridget Fox on this issue. U!i0t4§i44ii:ffl@0M(¥ Description: Easy-paced rides of around 30 miles Dates: every Sunday fortnight Start: 10.10 a.m. Finish: 5-6 p.m. Place: Finsbury Park overland station Contact: Sue Telephone: 020 7729 5409 Place: Sunnyside Ecology Gardens corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellvllle Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise) Dates: Wed 23 February, Wed 23 March Time: 7 - 9.30 p.m. Cost: £1 (S0p unwaged) per session towards costs Contact: Adrian WIiiiams Telephone: 07810 211 902 If you've something to say about cycling In Islington, or just want to listen, come along to the ICAG monthly meeting. Place: Islington Town Hall Dates: Wed 9 February, Wed 13 April Time: 7.30-9.30 p.m. Contact: Andrew Cornwell Telephone: 020 7359 6680 Agenda items for meetings should reach Andrew Cornwell by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email Group - • --- c- - _-- If you wish to discuss any of the topics covered in Islington Cyclist in more detail then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? If you would like to participate, send an email to: E: (cag-subscrfbe@yahoogroups.com Islington Cyclist If Email - :c"--- .- If you've enjoyed reading this issue of Islington Cyclist - but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do to be added to th circulatlon list Is send an email to: E: lslinqtoncycllst­ subsc[lbe@yahoogroups.com Contribute to lslirt ton Cyclist-:._ -- Please send any articles and Images to: E: deanJelgh@btconnect.com Many thanks to all contributors to this newsletter. Dean Leigh (Editor) Published by: ICAG, 12 Liberia Road, London, NS llR (c)Islington Cyclists' Action Group 2005 Issue 49 ISLINGTON CYCLIST The newsletter of the Islington Cyclists' Action Group Lo11do11 Cycling campaign ICAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign December 2004/January 2005 ICAG is continuing to oppose Islington Council's controversial plans for the Colebrooke Row/ City Road junction, probably the most heavily used cycle facility in the borough. In late October the Council warned it would press ahead with a scheme to install a two-way cycle track in Colebrooke Row, a new pedestrian crossing and changes to the central island between City Road and Goswell Road. While ICAG has welcomed the pedestrian crossing, we are concerned that the proposed cycle track is so poorly designed that it will increase risks to cyclists. Already there has been one death at this location. Only a direct appeal by ICAG to Council Leader Steve Hilchins managed to postpone the start of works, and as this newsletter went to press a further meeting with Council engineers was due to take place. We have had coverage of our opposition to the scheme in the Islington Gazette, Islington Tribune and High & I. The latter headlined its report 'Safety plan is actually more dangerous - cyclists despair over busy junction'. Our alternative proposal, to close the City Road end of Colebrooke Row to motor vehicles because of the high numbers of cyclists using the route, has been backed by Hackney LCC and by CTC, the national cycling organisation. Bike theft soari;:; in Islington Latest figures from the Metropolitan Police show that Islington is now the worst affected borough in London for cycle theft. In 2003 1,896 bikes were reported stolen - nearly double the figure for 2002. While part of the increase is due to greater numbers of bikes on the roads, there have also been reports of organised gangs of thieves operating in the Angel area. As previously mentioned in Islington Cyclist another hotspot for theft is outside Highbury Pool. For more information about how to keep you bike safe from thieves, visit the LCC website where you can download a copy of the booklet 'Bicycle security- lock it or lose it!' W: http://www.lcc.org.uk l4 ijgµr:¢pij ijJtjJ y IJ J .[ ' JtlJ1 jrKtiji,}ii'iu Islington Labour Party has asked for ICAG's input into their review of parking policies in the borough - a source of huge controversy in the local press. In reply, the last members' meeting re-affirmed our policy of backing controlled parking zones throughout the borough - and keeping these as small as possible to discourage people from using their cars for short journeys which could be made by cycling or walking. We have also asked Labour to back a huge expansion of on-street cycle stands, in line with the recent growth in cycling. More public cycle parking needs to be 'secure', as with the scheme at Walthamstow Station and the plans for Finsbury Park station. And more residential cycle parking needs to be provided, as lack of home storage space for bikes is a problem for many people. New·constitutiQIJ,a,$ ICAG grows Last month's members' meeting discussed the need for ICAG to adopt a written constitution, in line with other borough groups of the London Cycling Campaign. In particular, if we are to attract funding from grant-makers, a constitution is needed. Our draft document sets out the objectives of ICAG and contains provision for the election of a Management Committee and the holding of an Annual General Meeting. We are also about to put in place our first equal opportunities policy, again in line with the policy of LCC as a whole. A discussion on both the equal opportunities policy and the proposed constitution will take place at the next members' meeting on Wednesday 8 December (Islington Town Hall, 7.30pm). If any ICAG member would like a copy of either draft document, please contact the Co-ordinator C: Andrew Cornwell T: 020 7359 6680 E: andrew.cornwell@virgin.net Since the last Islington Cyclist there have been a few attacks on cyclists on cycle routes running through Islington, although there does not seem to be a pattern as in the past. The police advice to cyclists is: 1. Ride with others when you can. 2 If you see a group of likely lads change course if you can. 3. Do not try to tackle attackers for the sake of personal possessions. 4. If you are a witness to, or a victim of, an attack call 999 immediately. These incidents are rare and often opportunist so no need to worry, just be alert and aware. Description: Easy-paced rides of around 30 miles Date: every Sunday fortnight Start: 10.10 a.m. Finish: 5-6 p.m. Place: Finsbury P rk overland station Contact: Sue Telephone: 020 7729 5409 Place: Sunnyside Ecology Gardens corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville·Rd, N19 (off Hornsey Rise) Date: 4th Wednesday of each month (except August and December) Time: 7 - 9.30 p.m. Cost: £1 (S0p unwaged) per session towards costs Contact: Adrian Williams Telephone: 07810 211 902 If you've something to say about cycling in Isllngton, or just want to listen, come along to the ICAG monthly meeting. Place: Islington Town Hall Date: 2nd Wednesday of every montt1 Time: 7.30-9.30 p.m. Contact: Andrew Cornwell Telephone: 020 7359 6680 Agenda Items for meetings should reach Andrew Cornwell by the Saturday before the meeting. Hffi.(c)i§ufi!il§t•W• If you wish to discuss any of the topics covered in Islington Cyclist In more detail then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? If you would like to participate, send an email to: E: jcag-subscrlbe@yahoogroups.com 1$11,l•ii•i,i@MIM3/4anFII If you've enjoyed reading this Issue of Islington Cyclist - but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do to be added to the circulation 11st is send an email to: E: lslingtoocyclist­ subscribe@yahooqroups.corn W(r)M(r)@Mmihiht M,ifflrffl Please send any articles and Images to: E: dean.leiqh@btconnect.com Many thanks to all contributors to this newsletter and to Carl Lomas of Camelot Courier Training for photocopying. Dean Leigh (Editor) Published by: · ICAG, 12 Liberia Road, London, NS 1JR (c)Islington Cyclists' Action Group 2004 Issue 48 October/November 2004 Thousands of spectators lined the route, many of whom had travelled to the race by bike. It is hoped the Tour of Britain - and the ICAG ride to it - will now become regular fixtures on London's streets. The number of London Cycling Campaign members in Islington (all automatically members of ICAG) rose to 663 in August. This makes ICAG the third largest LCC borough group in London, behind Hackney with just over 800 members and Lambeth with 720. If you know someone who cycles and would like to join, why not suggest they visit the LCC website where they can sign up online at W: http://www.lcc.org.uk ICAG has welcomed a new initiative led by environmental charity Groundwork to tackle anti-social behaviour against cyclists. The pilot project is running this autumn in trouble spots either side of Essex Road where youths have often attacked or verbally abused cyclists. Activities A programme of activities led by youth workers will include bicycle skills training, bike maintenance sessions. There will also be trips around London to try out different kinds of bikes such as mountain bikes and recumbents. Can you help this project? Building closer relationships between young people and cyclists is vital to this initiative. Groundwork and ICAG are looking for members to get involved as follows: People to help the heritage side of the project. People to be involved in Dr Bike and provide the necessary bike maintenance skills. People (women are definitely needed) to form a steering group to take forward youth involvement within Islington. If you can offer your time or skills to this important project, please contact: C: Phil Pyatt at Groundwork T: 020 7239 1396 E: Phil.Pyatt@groundwork.org.uk Re-shaping lslkgton's streets It has been a busy time for engineering issues, with cor:c:,:iation documents arriving from Islington Council on an almost daily basis. In the last couple of months ICAG has commented on Safer Routes to School schemes, controlled parking reviews, lorry bans, changes to cycle cut-throughs and traffic calming. Colebrooke Row plans rejected We are still locked in battle with the Council over the important cycle facility at Colebrooke Row-City Road. The Council's latest plans for Colebrooke Row were rejected by ICAG in August, as they were basically little different from the previous inadequate scheme. We did, though, welcome the proposal for a new pedestrian crossing, which could help reduce cyclist-pedestrian conflict. The views of ICAG members who cycle around Islington are vital in helping us respond effectively to such consultations. Thanks to all those who have commented recently, but we need more input. The best way to keep up to date with changes is to subscribe to our email list where details of new traffic and cycle schemes are posted. To join the ICAG Email Group send an email to: E: icag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Home Service for Bikes reaches the parts bike shops don't, either because you can't get there, or they can't book you in for a while. I meet you at a convenient time.and place and can repair punctures, replace spokes, change brake blocks and cables, service and lube, install accessories etc. I try to respond within 24 hours covering all of Islington and Hackney or up to 5 miles from Essex Road. I charge just £5 for a call out, and £1O an hour once it's agreed what I do. Contact: C: Jonathan Edwards T: 020 7704 1884 M: 07946 261165 Alastair's expedition Lacking inspiration in the traffic­ clogged streets of London? Then come to October's ICAG meeting and hear Islington cyclist Alastair Fallon present the story of his epic South American cycle ride. The 5200km solo ride through Chile was just one of his several expeditions... The meeting is at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13 October at Islington Town Hall, Upper Street. There is bike parking outside, and refreshments will be served - a good chance to get together with other ICAG members if you have not been to a meeting for a while. A tragic incident at the end of August has once again focused attention on the dangers of cycling in Essex Road. Hulya Turkmen, an Islington resident who cycles every day to work in Hackney, was in collision with a lorry at the junction of Essex Road and Balls Pond Road, and suffered severe injuries. At the request of Hulya's work colleagues, Islington and Hackney cyclists held a short demonstration at the junction. We were joined by many members of the Turkish community showing their solidarity with Hulya. A banner was unfurled in the centre of the road stating "No more accidents - more bike lanes". Later that evening the monthly Critical Mass ride, comprising over 250 cyclists from all around London, rode through Upper Street and Essex Road to occupy the junction. ICAG has formally requested a review of the safety of the junction, where there have also been incidents involving pedestrians and motorists. The roads are under the control of Islington Council, and we hope to make detailed proposals for cycle improvements to them. If you have suggestions for safety improvements in the Essex Road and Balls Pond Road area, please contact: C: Andrew Cornwell T: 020 7359 6680 E: andrew.cornwell@virgin.net Description: Easy-paced rides of around 30 miles Date: every Sunday fortnight Start: 10.10 a.m. Finish: 5-6 p.m. Place: Finsbury Park overland station Contact: Sue Telephone: 020 7729 5409 C cle Workshop Dates Place: Sunnyside Ecology Gardens corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise) Date: 4th Wednesday of each month (except August and December) Time: 7 - 9.30 p.m. Cost: £1 (50p unwaged) per session towards costs Contact: Adrian Williams Telephone: 07810 211 902 ICAG monthly meeting If you've something to say aboot cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, come along to the ICAG monthly meeting. Place: Islington Town Hall Date: 2nd Wednesday of every month Time: 7.30-9.30 p,m. Contact: Andrew Cornwell Telephone: 020 7359 6680 Agenda items for meetings should reach Andrew Cornwell by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email Group If you wish to discuss any of the topics covered in Islington Cyclist in more detail then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The list enables subscribers to receive news promptly and the opportunity to give and receive feedback. If you would like to participate, send an email to: E: icaq-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Islington C clist by Email If you've enjoyed reading this issue of Islington Cyclist - but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do to be added to the circulation list is send an email to: E: islingtoncyclist­ subscribe@yahoogroups.com Contribute to lslin ton C clist Please send any articles and images to: E: dean.leigh@btconnect.com Many thanks to all contributors to this newsletter. www.couriertraininq.co.uk for photocopying. Dean Leigh (Editor) Published by: ICAG, 12 Liberia Road, London, NS 1JR (c)Islington Cyclists' Action Group 2004 Bike Week success raises cycling profile Hundreds of Islington cyclists joined in a series of successful Bike Week events in June. With five events mounted by ICAG, this was the biggest Bike Week celebration locally for several years. Ride to Bikefest Cyclists of all ages joined ICAG's Bike Week ride from Islington Town Hall to Trafalgar Square, where they visited the Bikefest event organised by Transport for London. Commuter challenge Islington Council also got involved, organising a 'Commuter Challenge' to highlight the benefits of cycling to work. Cyclists took the first three places in the 'race' from Finsbury Park to Finsbury Square, ahead of car, tube, train and bus travellers. ICAG member Tom Bogdanowicz (seen above centre at the end of the annual MPs bike ride), described as a 'grandfather on a folding bike' received the winning prize from Councillor George Allan. Cool down We also repeated last year's popular 'Cool Down' event, organised jointly with our colleagues in Hackney LCC. The number of people stopping on their way home from work at the entrance to Clissold Park to enjoy fruit cocktails, snacks and massage was up about 10 per cent on 2003. Bike breakfast Over 100 cyclists stopped for a free breakfast at our traditional City Road location, enjoying coffees, tea and cakes. Hundreds more passing cycle commuters helped themselves to free cycle guides and maps. Dr Bike A prime location in the N1 Shopping Centre saw record custom for 'Dr Bike' - over 35 people were given maintenance checks and repairs in a five-hour period.There was huge interest in our leaflet stall from shoppers. Our thanks to all lCAG volunteers for their help, and to Islington Council for their financial support for local Bike Week events. For more reports about Bike Week, and for advance information about next year's events, visit: W: http://www.bikeweek.orq.uk Making progress at Highbury Corner Our lobbying of Islington Council over the lack of cycle facilities at Highbury Corner is starting to pay off. The Council has now committed to making improvements for cyclists as part of the new long-term plans for redeveloping the area. Following ICAG criticism of the lack of access for northbound cyclists into Highbury Fields from the roundabout, the Council has agreed to investigate putting in a contraflow cycle lane outside Barclays Bank. A bid for funding for this scheme will go to Transport for London (TfL} for the next financial year. We have also had positive feedback from TfL and from the Highbury Fields Association, which represents local residents. other good news is that Islington will look at improving cycle access into Corsica Street. The Council has also agreed to seek secure bike parking within the redeveloped Highbury & Islington station. The next stage is now a review of the roundabout at Highbury Corner by TfL. ICAG would like to hear members' views - should the gyratory system be replaced by a crossroads, for example? Or could improvements be made for cyclists while keeping present road layout? Please contact the ICAG Co-ordinator, Andrew Cornwell, with your views: T: 020 7359 6680 E: andrew.cornwell@virqin.net Cycling in Islington - have your say Once again all London boroughs are being rated on their performance when it comes to delivering cycling improvements. The English Regional Cycling Development Team is seeking comments about Islington Council, which will then go to the National Cycling Strategy Board. Last year's report painted a picture which some local cyclists felt was far too rosy - partly this was because the authors didn't ask us for our views. ICAG would like to hear your opinions about how well Islington Council is doing. In particular, are there cycle schemes that could have been implemented better? Are Islington's transport policies really cycle-friendly? Should more be done to provide cycle training? By providing direct comparisons between councils, this kind of performance review can really make a difference in focusing the minds of councillors and council officers on cycling. So please send your comments as soon as possible to Alison Dines: T: 020 7226 7012 E: alisondines@clara.co.uk Bike parking - new locations wanted Is there somewhere in Islington where you would like to see new cycle stands installed? The Council has an ongoing programme of putting in new parking facilities and has asked ICAG for details of locations. Please contact Andrew Cornwell: T: 020 7359 6680 E: andrew.cornwell@virqin.net Council bids for £1.2 million for cycling Islington Council is asking Transport for London nearly £1.2 million for new cycle facilities for the next financial year 2004-05. According to the Borough Spending Plan, £400,000 is for local route improvements, mainly ones put forward by ICAG. Another £703,000 is being requested for London-wide LCN+ routes running through the borough. Islington is also seeking £65,000 to continue cycle training programmes and to put in new cycle parking. ICAG's annual negotiations with the Council over the Borough Spending Plan are still tricky. We were refused the chance to see the Plan before it went to press, even though the Council claims to be consulting closely with us when developing it. And for the second year running, the Council has managed to spell our name wrongly throughout the document! ICAG website back online After a long time without a dedicated website ICAG is now back online, thanks to the efforts of the London Cycling Campaigns volunteer webteam members. You can visit the ICAG website by going to the London Cycling Campaign website at: W: http://www.lcc.orq.uk At the top of the homepage there is a drop-down menu titled "To Borough Groups". Select "Islington" from this menu and you will be taken directly to our site. The ICAG site can be added to your bookmarks from that page. Any technical problems or suggestions please email: E: webteam@lcc.org.uk l!JUbi¥ik4411$tti1tls\i¥ 11 Easy-paced rides: of around 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight. Meet at 10.10 a.m. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5-6 p.m. For more details, contact Sue (020 7729 5409). Cycle Workshop Dates Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: comer of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, Nl9 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 - 9.30 p.m. Contact Adrian Williams (07810 211 902). £1 (50p unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates ICAG meets at Islington Town Hall: on the 2nd Wednesday of every month 7.30-9.30 p.m. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Agenda items for meetings should reach Andrew Cornwell (020 7359 6680) by the Saturday before the meeting. -··· ICAG Email List If you can't wait for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The 1ist gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give' feedback and - we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you would like to join, send an email to icag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we'll set you up. Islington Cyclist by Email IF YOU'VE ENJOYED reading this issue of Islington Cyclist- but don't live in the borough and so don't get 3. paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do, is send an email to islingtoncyclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the circulation list. Many thanks to all contributors, Dean Leigh - Editor Issue 46 June/July 2004 Commuting Challenge puts cycling in spotlight Islington will play host to a full programme of cycling events as part of Bike Week, which runs from 12 to 20 June this year. The highest profile media event will be a 'Commuting Challenge' organised by Islington Council in partnership with ICAG. Departing from Finsbury Park during the rush-hour, commuters will compete to reach Finsbury Square in the City using various modes of transport including bicycle, bus and car. It will be interesting to see whether the bike is still fastest in the age of congestion charging. The Challenge takes place on Monday 14 June. Other events organised by ICAG are: Dr Bike Saturday 12 June. A chance to get any mechanical problems checked out by our maintenance experts - at the N1 Shopping Centre, between Upper Street and Liverpool Road, from 12 noon to 5 pm. Ride to Bikefest in the Square Sunday 13 June. We will ride together to this major cycling festival to be held in Trafalgar Square. Fully escorted ride suitable for all ages. Depart from Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, at 2 pm for a 30-45 minute ride. Cyclists' Breakfast Wednesday 16 June. Our annual breakfast takes place as usual at the junction of City Road, Goswell Road and Colebrooke Row. Food and hot and cold refreshments available for all passing cyclists from 7.30 am to 9.30 am. For updates on Bike Week events, and to see details of events across London, visit the LCC website: Assembly candidates unite to back cycling manifesto Cyclists in Islington have welcomed all-party backing for two-wheeled travel as the London Assembly election campaign hots up. Candidates for the North East London constituency from the four main parties have put aside their differences to endorse LCC's 'Cycling Manifesto for London'. ICAG contacted the candidates to ask them to sign up to the ten point plan - which includes providing safe cycle parking in every Islington school within two years, a standard speed limit of 20mph for residential streets and a programme to reallocate road space to cycling and walking. Islington Councillor Terry Stacy (Liberal Democrat) and Jon Nott from the Greens both gave their full backing to the manifesto. They were joined by Jennette Arnold on behalf of the Labour Party. Conservative candidate Andrew Baff also offered his support for better cycling facilities, endorsing eight of the ten points in the LCC manifesto. Voting for the London Assembly takes place on 1O June, together with elections for the Mayor of London and the European Parliament. If you would like a copy of the candidates' full responses to ICAG's questionnaire, please contact Andrew Cornwell: T: 020 7359 6680 E: andrew.cornwell@virgin.net Highbury Corner lack of access 'unacceptable' says ICAG Major changes could be on the way at Highbury Corner according to Islington Council which consulted ICAG last month on redevelopment plans. Potentially these include removing the · present roundabout and rebuilding Highbury & Islington station. In reply we told the Council that our top priority was improving northbound access into Highbury Fields. At the moment it is legally impossible to cycle north from Highbury Corner - a situation described by ICAG as 'unaccsiptable' on a heavily used cycle route. 'This could easily, and cheaply, be rectified by the provision of a contraflow cycle lane, using space created by removing the current clutter of street furniture outside Barclays Bank, much of which is redundant,' says the ICAG response. We are also asking for: • Full access for cyclists in both directions between Corsica Street and St Paul's Road. • Safe, segregated cycle access through any newly created junction. • Secure cycle parking at the redeveloped Highbury & Islington station. The full text of our response is available from the ICAG Co-ordinator: T: 020 7359 6680 E: andrew.cornwell@virgin.net W: http://www.lcc.org.uk New funding bid takes radical approach ICAG has asked Islington to back several new facilities when the Council bids for funding for cycle schemes in the 2005-06 financial year. Following consultation with members, our Co-ordinator and Treasurer met with the Council in mid-May to present our proposals for the annual Borough Spending Plan. Our submission calls for the many proposals that were not funded by Transport for London last year to be considered again - these are local cycie improvements across the borough identified by ICAG members in 2003. We are also asking for five new schemes to be funded: 1. Northbound access to Highbury Fields at Highbury Corner via a contraflow cycle lane. 2. A new cycle track in the north part of St John Street between Owen Street and Skinner Street. 3. Improvements in Packington Street and Packington Square to help develop the route to the City via Shepherdess Walk and Bunhill Row. 4. A feasibility study on cycle access through the Islington Canal Tunnel either by boat or using a 'floating towpath'. 5. A residential on-street cycle parking scheme using re­ allocated car parking space, as a pilot project. Many thanks to all members who contributed to the development of our proposals on the e list and at our April and May meetings. To join the ICAG e list and keep up with new cycle scheme developments in Islington send an email to: E: icag-subscribe@yahooqroups.com The good, the bad and the ugly... Since the last newsletter, Islington Council engineers have been busy...but not always to the liking of cyclists! Good On the positive side, the Council did agree our modifications to their original proposals for changes to the chicanes in Marlborough Road, N19. These are now being implemented, and should result in a safe facility that cyclists will actually use. Bad Meanwhile at City Road, the Council has so far declined to accept our argument in favour of closing the Colebrooke Row exit to vehicles. Instead, without any warning, a set of temporary plastic barriers has appeared, causing consternation to the hundreds of cyclists who use the junction. We have protested to the Councillor responsible, Keith Sharp: E: keith.sharp@islington.gov.uk Ugly After many months working constructively with traffic engineers on the Barnsbury-Hackney cycle route, we were dismayed that the Council suddenly decided to block this with metal barriers at Richmond Grove, just behind the Town Hall. Again, there was no consultation with ICAG. The idea is to prevent motorcyclists using this shared cycle and pedestrian path - but several members have reported that motorbikes continue to pass through the barriers, while cyclists and pedestrians are inconvenienced. We have written to Councillor Bridget Fox to complain: E: bridqet.fox@islinqton.qov.uk I!JUW i44ii,m ti•$(¥ Easy-paced rides: of around 30 fillies nm every Sunday fortnight. Meet at 10.10 a.m. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5-6p.m. For more details, contact Sue (020 7729 5409). Cycle Workshop Dates Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazcllville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 -9.30 p.m. Contact Adrian Williams (078 IO 211 902). £1 (50p unwaged) per session towards costs. Meetin Dates ICAG meets at Islington Town Hall: on the 2nd Wednesday of every month 7.30-9.30 p.m. If you 'vc something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Agenda items for meetings should reach Andrew Cornwell (020 7359 6680) by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG E!Jlail List If you can't wait for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The list gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give feedback and - we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you Would like to join, send an email to icag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we'll set you up. lslin ton Cyclist by Email IF YOU'VE ENJOYED reading this issue of Islington Cyclist - but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do, is send an email to islingtoncyclist subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the circulation list. Many thanks to all contributors, Dean Leigh - Editor --'? JCAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning 011 cycling issues in lsli11gto11 and providing a local focus for LCC members. LCC members in /sii11gton are automatically members of !CAG. • Issue 45 April/May 2004 Currently, the segregated track has Police offer free security marking With cycle theft still a major problem in Islington, local police are offering free security marking for 1,000 bikes. The Alpha Dot scheme is available through four Islington cycle shops: Mosquito Bikes, 123 Essex Road S&S Cycles, 29 Chapel Market Cycle Surgery, 70 Holloway Road Holloway Cycles, 302 Holloway Road According to the police, stolen bikes are often recovered, but they can have difficulty establishing ownership. This means either that the rightful owners cannot be traced, or that not enough evidence is available to return bikes to their owners. In some cases, lack of evidence has allowed thieves to retain stolen bikes even when owners have tracked them down and alerted police. The Alpha Dot system solves these . problems by marking each bicycle with a unique 8 digit code contained in hundreds of microdots. Police officers on patrol are being issued with Alpha Dot readers. Marking takes only a few minutes. Cycle shop staff will mark your bike with tiny microdots and then complete a registration form, which will be filed at Islington Police Station: Cyclists should bring some form of ID with them. The kits include deterrent stickers warning that cycles have been marked and registered. ICAG urges members to take advantage of this free scheme - if it is successful, the police may offer more funding in future years. New coordinator steps in At last month's members' meeting Andrew Cornwell took over as ICAG's new coordinator. Many thanks to Alison Dines, who worked very hard to fill this role for three years, and to Keith Macfarlane who has been acting coordinator since the end of last year. Contact Andrew at: T: 020 7359 6680 E: andrew.cornwell@virgin.net The first four LCC and London Cyclists' Trust are publishing twelve information booklets, the first four are out now. The titles are: Transporting Your Bicycle Cycling with children What to do if you are involved in a collision Bicycle Security- lock it or lose ill Interested? Pick up copies from the North Library, Manor Gardens T: 020 7527 7840 Also downloadable from the Guidance section at: W: http://www.lcc.org.uk Seven Stations Route funding confirmed Islington Council will get £315,000 from Transport for London to continue work on the Seven Stations route in 2004-05. reached the junction of St John Street and Skinner Street, and the route will now be developed east towards Bunhill Row and the Old Street area. ICAG has already presented some detailed comments on the latest plans to the Council and we will continue to lobby to make sure cyclists' needs are properly taken into account. Regular updates on the project will also be posted on our email list. To subscribe, send an email to: E: icag-subscribe@yahoo.groups.com ICAG backs congestion charge extension The March meeting also decided to support the extension of the Congestion Charging Zone westwards into the rest of Westminster and to Kensington & Chelsea. It was pointed out that the Congestion Charge had helped to increase numbers cycling, reduce pollution and relieve congestion. Safety was also improved with overall cycle casualties down. ICAG's support for extending the charge is conditional on Transport for London putting in more of the features that accompanied the introduction of the original charging area - new bus lanes, traffic calming, road closures and of course major improvements to cycle routes. For a copy of our response to the Mayor's consultation, contact Andrew Cornwell T: 020 7359 6680 E: andrew.cornwell@virgin.net Help wanted for cycle workshops After many years running ICAG's monthly cycle maintenance workshops, Gavin Killip is moving to Oxford to take up a new job. ICAG thanks Gavin for all his hard work. The workshops will continue, but we are now looking for volunteers with a basic knowledge of maintenance and repairs to help continue this essential service to local cyclists. Adrian Williams, who has been working with Gavin, will be on hand to guide newcomers. If you can help out please contact Adrian at: T: 07810 211 902 E: ARWilliams@postmaster.co.uk A genuine offer from the Met.... Eddie Stevens, a policeman based at Islington Police Station, has offered to do some training for ICAG members - a sort of 'cycling proficiency plus'. He would hope to offer a half-day course with a mixture of hints and tips at a base (a school playground or a council hard surfaced football pitch) and then continued out on the road. 3 out of 12 ICAG members at the last meeting were interested - any others? It would be a weekend morning or afternoon and probably not until well into the spring/summer. Please contact Keith Macfarlane at: T: 020 7272 9522. E: keithmac@unisonfree.net Cyclists say no to motorbikes ICAG's March members' meeting discussed the controversial plans to allow motorcycles to travel in bus lanes. Transport for London has been carrying out some experimental schemes that allow this, but no final decision has been taken. Members voted unanimously against allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes, and by a clear majority against allowing them to use Advanced Stop Lines. City Road crossing latest Council plans for the crucial Colebrooke Row/City Road junction have been revised following ICAG's earlier concerns. The Council is proposing a short segregated track in Colebrooke Row, as well as measures to stop vehicles making an illegal left turn from City Road into the path of oncoming cyclists. However, we are still not entirely happy with the proposals. Due to the sheer numbers of cyclists using the junction at peak hours, there is a danger that northbound cyclists may be pushed into the path of southbound traffic exiting Colebrooke Row. Conditions are equally poor for pedestrians, with inadequate footpath space and on the Colebrooke Row side no crossing indicator. Would it better to close Colebrooke Row to traffic altogether? The latest plans for this and other schemes throughout Islington can be seen on the Council's website at W: http://www.islington.gov.uk From the home page click on: Environment & Conservation > Traffic & Transportation > Cycle Schemes. If you have any comments on Colebrooke Row, or would like more information, contact Andrew Cornwell on: T: 020 7359 6680 E: andrew.cornwell@virgin.net Easy-paced rides: of around 30 miles nm every Sunday fortnight. Meet at I 0. 10 a.m. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5-6 p.m. For more details, contact Sue (020 7729 5409). Cycle Workshop Dates Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: comer of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, Nl 9 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 -9.30 p.m. Contact Gavin Killip (020 7607 1950). £1 (50p unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates ICAG meets at Islington Town Hall: on the 2nd Wednesday of every month 7.30-9.30 p.m. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Agenda items for meetings should reach Andrew Cornwell (020 7359 6680) by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email List If you can't wait for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The list gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give feedback and - we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you would like to join, send an email to icag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we'll set you up. Islington Cyclist by Email IF YOU'VE ENJOYED reading this issue of Islington Cyclist - but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do, is send an email to islingtoncyclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will· be automatically added to the circulation list. Many thanks to an contributors, Dean Leigh - Editor :IJIICAG is thelslington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues ill Islington and providing a local focus for LCC members. LCC,members in Isling/on are automatically members of JCAG, ' Issue 42 October/November 2003 Police meet ICAG Inspector Bruce Martin, who is responsible for suppression of "street robbery" In Islington, attended the October ICAG monthly meeting. Inspector Bruce Martin runs a team of 28 officers, he has at his disposal 6 officers trained and equipped for cycle patrol. The purpose of his attendance was twofold: 1. To bring us up to date on their fight against street crime. 2. To listen to our concerns and respond with advice. 1. The .fight against street crime a. What have they done so far? A. These 6 officers were deployed during the summer around the Upper Street area and were extremely effective against "street robbery". The same·officers were also deployed in the some of the estates that are known for "street robbery", the result there was not so successful. Apparently as soon as the estate gangs became aware that these cyclists were police they came under attack themselves. A decisive Incident was when scooter riders actually rode straight at them putting the officers in a risk situation beyond that which is considered acceptable by police health and safety guidelines. The officers were removed from estate patrol. This may be reinstated when there are enough officers to send 4 instead of 2 at a time into estates on cycles. There are still cycle officers patrolling main roads 2 or 3 days per week. Some of the known scooter thieves were targeted.during the summer by home visits and where possible action was taken. Unfortunately many of the perpetrators are below the legal age for various types of prosecution. Q. What are they currently doing? A. Various methods have been tried to tackle scooter attacks, some more successful than others. Last year we heard of an operation using lightweight motorcycles, which was quite successful, however the department actually had to hire these bikes and could only continue until the money allocated to the project was gone. Due to incidents where lltlgation has taken place where chased scooter riders have been Injured it is now · · poliey not to pursue scooter thieves. Techniques that have proved effective are where particular individuals and families have been identified as a main source of this crime the local authority can get involved. The worst offenders can be banned from certain areas and in the worst cases if living in authority housing can be evicted. Inspector Martin stated that he had personally visited the homes of many of the worst perpetrators and in some cases had the desired effect. Where there are cases of gangs of kids attacking cyclists or throwing missiles all the police cari do Is send a car, the kids scarper, but return as soon as they have gone. Q. What will they do in the future? A. Currently the cycles used are £1200 each and were paid for by the council; the kit required is £500, comes out of kit fund and is not standard issue. This means that the numbers of officers able to patrol on cycles is limited, however many are keen to do so and Inspector Martin and his colleagues have been actively seeking ways to move forward with cycle patrols. The old cycle training course was a 1-day course, however a new course copied from a visit to a USA police cycle team is.a 4-day course. It is difficult to ta e officers out of action to do this cours but the next generation of officers at Hendon will be able to. 2. Concerns and advice Q. The question that was asked in various ways is what exactly should cyclists do as victims of attacks, robbery or attempts at either. A. Inspector Martin advised us that if we are the victims of an attack and there is a strong chance that the perpetrators could be caught by immediate police action, that we should ring 999. If this is not feasible then the incident should be reported to the police at the earliest opportunity either by ringing the Islington Police Station on: T: 020 77041212 . j W: http://www.met.pollce,uk/ It is the Community Contkct Officer for the area in which the incipent took place that needs to know. so that the information can be used to build up a picture of what is happening in the area. other advice is what should be common sense. I • Try and ride i pairs at night Avoid known hot spots Do not keep valuables in detachable panniers Summary The police are low on resources and the have to make difficult decisions. "Attacks and robberies on cyclists" are recorded as "attacks" and "robberies". We thank Inspector Martin for his attendance and advice. I Meeting with Council Engineers Members of ICAG meet regularly (usually every 6-8 weeks) with several of the engineers who are responsible for the cycling schemes around the borough & as a result of this we've been able to have a greater input into their plans. Some of these plans are now on the council website & we welcome your feedback on them. (They are in pdf format so you need Adobe Acrobat reader which I think Is available from the website). Go to www.islington.gov.uk & then click on Environment & Conservation on the left, then Traffic & Transportation & then Cycle Schemes. In the North Section is a plan to improve the chicanes for cyclists in Marlborough & Hatchard Roads; in the South Section are proposals for crossing Cannonbury Road to/from Braes Street & in the West Section is a plan for crossing Upper Street to/from Barnsbury Road. If you have any comments on these plans and/or you'd like to get involved in our meetings with the council please contact Alison Dines T: 020 7503 9536 E: alisondines@clara.co.uk Islington Council Staff Travel Survey and Green Travel Plan In May 2003, Islington Council carried out a survey to determine staff travel habits. 912 of the approximately 6000 staff completed the survey, which was._ mainly distributed via the Council's · Intranet. Nearly 59% of staff indicated that they normally use public transport as their main from of travel to and from work, and another 13.1% normally walk, while only 16.3% said they drive to and from work. In terms of cycling, 7.6% said they cycle to and from work as their main mode, and 12.9% of staff said that they cycle at least part of the way to or from work on a regular basis (traveling the majority of the distance by another mode). While the overall results of the survey are quite positive, it seems there is good scope to increase the proportion of staff that cycle to work by improving end-of-trip facilities in Council buildings and increasing promotion of cycling. The Council is also expanding its bicycle pool to promote cycle use for business trips. The Council's new Green Travel Plan, published and launched in September, includes a number of related measures to be implemented during 2004 and 2005. The full results of the survey are included in the Council's new Green Travel Plan, which can be downloaded from: http://www.islington.qov.uk/greentravel The focus of the plan is the 66 actions to promote greener modes of travel for staff commute trips, business trips and visitor trips. Eric Manners Islington Council's Green Travel Officer Tel 020 7527 2771, Email eric.manners@isllngton.gov.uk Are speed humps a good idea? The transport committee is gauging Londoner's views on whether speed humps should be built or removed. Witnesses will be questioned on 11 December and a report will be published in February 2004. In parts of the three boroughs I represent road humps have become a real hot potato. My postbag is full of concerns from south Islington residents in particular, although a lot of this stems from the chaos caused by the badly managed implementation. I have already raised with the Mayor concerns about how Transport for London money has been spent in Islington. There seems to be no logic to which type of road hump goes where - including over freshly painted cycle routes. Any residents who want to contribute to the committee's work can send comments to me and I will raise . them with TfL and the committee as appropriate. Meg Hillier (Greater London Assembly member representing London North East - includes Islington) writes a Monthly Report, this is from October's edition. T: 020 7983 4369/4400/4412 F: 020 7983 5564 E: meghi/lier@london.gov.uk f!i1Uliiltil41.;Jl/ •titf I I Easy paced 'rides: of arouhd 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight. I I Meet at 10.10 a.m. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! i Return to Finsbury: Par is usually between 5-6p.m. ' i · For more details, contact Sue (020 7729 5409), Cycle Workshop Dates Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: comer of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 -9,30 p.m. Contact Gavin Killip (020 76071950). £1 (50p unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates I. . ICAG meets at Islington Town Hall: on the 2nd Wednesday of every mo th 7.30-9.30 p.m. If you've something to say·. about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Agenda iltems for meetings should reach Alison Dines (020 7226 5427) by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email List If you can't wait for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to the !CAG email list? The list gives us the ability tO get news to you promptly. It also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give feedback and - we hope - come up with their own i eas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. I If you would like to join, Send an email to icag-subscribe@yaho?.groupsllcom and we'll set you up, I . Islington Cyclist by Email I I IF YOU'VE ENJOYED rea ng this issue of Islington Cyclist - but don't live in the borough and so don't get. a paper cop}' - you can now receive our newsletter efectronically. A11 you need to do, is send an email to islingtoncyclist-subsc be@yahoogroups.com and you will be automalica!ly added to the circulation list. · 1 : Many thanks to all contributors, Dean Leigh - Editor r JCAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus for LCC members. LCC members in Islington are automatically members of ICAG. Issue 41 August/September 2003 could be like once they are freed from Car Free Day 22nd September 2003. How will Islington participate? The choice is yours. For Car Free Day this year the London Borough of Islington has support from TFL, including £10,000, to organise something on either: Sunday i1 st September A small-scale road-closure in a fairly public place near shops and suchlike. Sunday appears to be TFL's preferred day, as it won't involve disruptions to weekday commuter traffic. Or Monday 22nd September A small-scale road-closure near a school, university or community centre. Monday is of course the official European Car Free Day, so it would be nice to go with that if possible. TFL have stated that they would not consider closing any major "red route" roads on the Monday, and possibly not on the Sundl!Y either-. Since LBI will not be closing off the entire borough centre to car traffic, they're not sure that there is any major benefit to having the event on a weekday, as traffic will always be able to get around the small road closure. So, it will be basically a promotional event, rather than a mass-modal-shift exercise. It could be that the weekend is a better time for this, as more people will be able to visit the temporarily pedestrianised area to see what roads the car and returned to the people. The following are locations that have been suggested so far Cross Street (Sunday) Northampton Square (Monday) Beresford Rd (Mqnday) Conewood St (Monday) ' Engelfield Rd (M nday) Amwell St (either) Finsbury Square (either) What do you think? Which day and what type of event would you prefer? Do you like any of these possible locations? Are there other locations that could be closed on either day, or what kinds of events and activities should be held in the car-free space? Please contact C: Eric Manners (Green Travel Officer) T: 020 7527 2771 E: eric.manners@islington.gov.uk New Police Chief Superintendent In Islington ICAG has written to Islington's new police commander Barry Norman to make sure he's aware of the various attacks on cyclists that have happened around the borough. A new street crime unit has been set up & we need to ensure that tackling these incidents is high on their agenda. Beresford Road and Petherton Road junction roundabout - NS The council safety scheme team is looking at altering the roundabout at this junction & has proposed doing away with the cycle lane that currently runs round the outside of the roundabout. Instead the proposal is to widen the central island to make vehicles slow down so they use the roundabout rather than shooting straight across as they tend to at the moment. This suggestion was supported at the recent ICAG meeting with the proposal that traffic calming & cycle symbols on the roads should also be included. If you have any comments please contact C: Alison Dines T: 020 7503 9536 E: alisondines@clara.co.uk Bike Week Success! Many thanks to everyone who helped ICAG in June with another successful Bike Week. Several rides explored various sites of Islington, our breakfast was blessed with great weather and our collaborative evening venture with Hackney was most enjoyable, despite a brief downpour! We recruited some new members to LCC and even new faces to our meeting! This year we had some welcome financial support from the borough, which included advertisements for our events in the local press. All in all a great success! It's been a year now since the final touches were made to possibly the most heavily used junction for cyclists in the borough. A junction already heavily used by motor vehicles and increasingly used by pedestrians. Shown above being blocked by a parked bus, with the cyclists being forced to use the pedestrian crossing, yes ... it's the Owen Street crossing. After a successful campaign by ICAG this important section cycle route was saved from possible demise. Both Islington council and the developers of the land between Goswell Road and St. John Street kept a small cut what is pavement, and stop collisions at the blind corner? 2. Will the LBI finally make an effort to determine ownership of the central area so that improvements can be made, perhaps cycle parking. Section between Central area and Colebrook Row 1. Are we happy with the timing of the traffic lights; they seem to strongly favour the motorists and don't tell pedestrian when to cross. 2. The facilities for pedestrians to cross here are poor often causing confusion and potential accidents with cyclists. What do you think? ICAG would like to hear from you. Please email your views to the ICAG egroup for further discussion at: E: icag@yahoogroups.com To subscribe see ICAG Email list in the column opposite. (or post views to the newsletter editor) EASY PACED RIDES of around 30 miks run every Sunday fortnight. Meet at 10.10 a.m. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5 -6 p.m. For more details, ontact Sue (7729 5409). Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazcllvillc Rd, Nl 9 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 -9.30 p.m. Contact Gavin Killip (7607 1950). £1 (SOp unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates ICAG meets at Islin'gton Town Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of ever month 7.30 9.30 p.m. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Agenda items for meetings should reach Alison Dines (0207 9}.\}, 1if'1&/ by the through open for both pedestrians and cyclists. Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email List Apart from being internationally famous for its annual bicycle breakfast event what's the big deal, we won didn't we? Well yes, we won the battle to keep the route open, but can it be improved. Here are a few questions: Section between Goswell Road and St. John Street 1. Do cyclists really need the shared pavement, the pedestrians that were forced to "go around" no longer do and there is definitely conflict. 2. Could cyclist use the small private road instead, and be in a better position to cross to the central area, perhaps with a yellow grid to deter light jumping motorists. Section between Goswell Road and City Road (Central area) LCN+ Priority Strategic Route NE5 8 local cyclists meet on 12th July to ride this route, which the council will be working on this year. It was a very useful exercise & we'll be discussing our comments with borough traffic engineers later in the month. The route from west on Camden border of York Way is: Brewery Rd, R down Caledonlan Rd, Linto Offord Rd, R into Thornhill Rd, L into Bewdley St & Islington Park St & Canonbury Lane around Canonbury Sq In Canonbury Pl, R into Willowbridge Rd, L In Arran Walk, R Into Ashby Grove & across Essex Rd Into Elmore St, L into Cleveland Rd & R In Northchurch Rd into Hackney. If this Is a route to you use regularly & you have some comments on it please let me know. Alison Dines Tel: 020 7503 9536 or alisondlnes@clara.co.uk IF YOU CAN'T WAIT for the next issue of Isli11gto11 Cyclist then why not subscribe to the JCAG email list? The list gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also prpvides suhscrihcrs with the opportunity to give feedback and- we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you would like to join, send an email to icag subscribc@yahoogroups.com and we'll set you up. Islington Cyclist by Email IF YOU'VE ENJOYED. reading this Issue of Islington Cyclist- but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy- you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do, is send an email to islingtoncyclisl•subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the circulation list. Many thanks to all contributors, Dean Leigh 1. Could the pavement be lowered to clear! define what is c cie route and Ple1tre send any letters, 11rticles, clauifi,·d ads, photos, c,irtoons, artwork etc. to dean.leigh@btcormect.comor wrile lo: /he Editor, l:din,i:ton Cyclist, 13a B,n ft,rd Road, f/ighbury, N5 2HS. l'horrxopyili,;: by Camelot Courier Tmilring www.couriertmining.co.11k (c) lslil1,:to11 Cyclists' Acli0/1 Group 2002 I' !CAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus for LCC members. ) LCC members in Islington are auton(aticaliy members of JCAG. Issue 40 June/July 2003 Bike Week 2003 - 14th to 22nd June II Bike Week 2003 Bike Week, incorporating Bike2Work, is focussed on promoting local events and rides; some rides are to raise funds for charity. Most Bike Week events are free to enter and open to ALL cyclists. , On this page see some of the Islington events or check: http://www.bikeweek.orq.uk Or http://www.lcc.orq.uk/news/events2.asp Bikes, Bugs, Birds and Other Wildlife Date: 14-June Time: 1pm Place: Islington Ecology Centre Veranda, north end of Drayton Park, N5 Bring picnic lunch and hear about Gillespie Park, Islington's premier nature reserve. Then ride north to Parkland Walk and finish in the hidden Barnsbury Wood. A leisurely 6 mile ride, suitable for families. Contact: Chris Ashby T: 020 7609 5093 E: icag lcc@yahoo.co.uk Ride to BikeFest & Camden Green Fair Date: 15-June Time: 11.40am Place: Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, N1. Meet ICAG, the Islington branch of LCC for a ride to the BikeFest & Camden Green Fair. Contact: Alison Dines T: 020 7503 9536 E: icag lcc@yahoo.co.uk Cycle Commuting Cocktails Date 17-June Time: 5.30pm till 8.00pm Place: Junction of Collins Road and Green Lanes, N5 (SW corner of Clissold Park) Meet fellow cyclists for fruit cocktails, snacks, music and good company to wind down after work Contact: Marian T: 0795 0285344 l-'Tl.. 'tu ] E: tantimar@hotmail.com Cyclists' Breakfast Date: 18-June Time: 7.30am till 9.30am Event description: Free tea, coffee and bagels and a bike check. Meeting place: Junction of Colebrook Row and City Road/Goswell Road, N1 Contact: Alison Dines T: 020 7503 9536 E: icag lcc@yahoo.co.uk Eccentricycle Islington Date: 22-June Time: 12 noon Place: Sadlers Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, N1. Event description: Tour the off-beat, unknown and un-noticed in and around Islington. Not more than 20 miles or so. Stops for refreshments and/or bring your own picnic. Suitable for families but not solo children. Contact: Jonathan Edwards T: 020 7704 1884 E: icag lcc@yahoo.co.uk ICAG Working with Islington Council From: Alison Dines Do you find yourself getting frustrated by what the council hasn't done around the borough for cyclists? / Why does the road from Islington Green into Essex Road say "No entry" instead of "No entry - except cyclists"? Why is the new traffic calming along Madras Place so cycle-unfriendly? What can be done to stop cars parking on the cycle lane which emerges from under the railway bridge on Homsey Road? These were just a few of the issues raised when some ICAG members met with council officers recently. If you'd like to get involved with our liaison with the council or do a site visit with them on new schemes that are being proposed, please get in touch with: C: Alison Dines T: 020 7503 9536 E: alisondines@clara.co.uk Sunnyside Gardens Festival The Sunnyside festival will be on Sunday July 27'h_ It will be held at Sunnyside Gardens, Hazel/ville Road, N19 and in Elthorne Park. As usual ICAG will be having a stall and Dr Bike at this fun family event, we hope to see you there! For more information call: T: 020 7272 3522 The National Health B.U.G! From Kevin Bond Following in the footsteps of other London Trusts, staff at three of Camden and Islington's' NHS Trusts have set up a Bicycle Users Group. The group has already held two meetings and already has over 40 people on its mail list. The group will be promoting cycling as a way of getting to work and using bikes at work. They also plan to campaign for more cycle friendly policies within the Trusts. They will also be working towards further improving facilities for staff who cycle to work, providing help and advice with route planning and safety. The groups hopes to soon·affiliate with LCC. ' The group has been asked to act as consultants for a new Green transport policy being developed for the new gate Wing development. With Bike Week quickly approaching, the BUG has decided to plan a publicity/promotional event at the St Pancras Hospital site. This is in its planning stage at the moment but will act as an official launch for the group. If anyone is interested in helping with this event, would like to know more about the group, or would like to offer help and advice to this new initiative, please contact either: C: Kevin Bond T: 020 7281 7842 E: Kevin.Bond@candi.nhs.uk C: Simon Ward T: 020 7445 8438 E: Simon.Ward@candi.nhs.uk 1!HUti§ i§§,i,iGGJ•EBit-1 EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight. Meet at 10.10 a.m. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Rai!card or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5 -6 p.m. For more details, contact Sue (7729 5409). @14&11 Nm(r),M·i•EiiitIii 111111 I Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, N 19 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 -9.30 p.m. Contact Gavin Killip (7607 1950). £1 (50p unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates ICAG meets at Islington Town Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of every month 7.30-9.30 p.m. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Agenda items for meetings should reach Alison Dines (0207 226 5427) by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email List IF YOU CAN'T WAIT for the next issue of Isli11gto11 Cyclist then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The list gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give feedback and - we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you would like to join, send an email to icag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we'll set you up. Islington Cyclist by Email IF YOU'VE ENJOYED reading this issue of Islington Cyclist- but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do, is send an email to islingtoncyclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the circulation list. Many thanks to all contributors, Dean Leigh -- ICAG: is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus for LCC members. )' LCC members in Islington are automatically members of !GAG. . Issue 39 April/May 2003 Groundwork Cycle Recycle Project From Julian Jacobs Cycle-Recycle was organised by the regeneration charity Groundwork in Islington to help young people from a disadvantaged neighbourhood learn about bike safety and maintenance. The project gave the participants a chance to learn new skills as well as raising awareness of sustainable transport. 16 young people from the Almorah Youth Centre in Islington (mainly 10- 14 ear olds) participated in 5 sessions during half-term week in February 2003. Groundwork's Team Manager Steve Thomas said: "Cycle-Recycle gives young people a chance o build their very own bike, it's educational and helps raise awareness of greener transport methods and it's also great fun". Funding came from the London Cycling Campaign, the Islington Community Environmental Scheme and the Environmental Action Fund. For more details from Groundwork Camden & Islington contact: Julian Jacobs (Marketing Manager) T: 020 7239 1283 General Enquiries T: 020 7278 1514 W: http://www.groundwork.org.uk/ camden-islington London City Car Club operated by Smart Moves Ltd From Robin Latimer Smart Moves Ltd. operates pay-as­ you-drive city car clubs. The largest car club operator in Britain, it has been appointed to set up and operate London City Car Clubs in 7 London Boroughs, including Islington. Smart Moves is currently planning where the first cars in Islington will be located and expects to have a car available in Islington in early 2003. One possible site might be near the Manor Gardens Centre, but suggestions for alternative sites would be welcome. For more information about Smart Moves Ltd contact: Dan Taylor T: 0870 7652922 E: dan@smartmoves.co.uk or Robin Latimer T: 020 7281 1779 E: rlatimer@fish.co.uk Or visit Smart Moves website: W: http://www.smartmoves.co.uk Liaison with Islington Council From Alison Dines Thank you to all those who contributed to our discussions with Pip Howson Pip has been working for the council for the last six months on cycling schemes. Although Pip's contract has now ended, her presence has reactivated our somewhat moribund channels of communication with the council. We will be continuing the regular monthly meetings with other members of the transport team. Animal Aid and Advice Dog Show Sunday 1st June 12-5pm Highbury Fields Along with other environmental and animal welfare groups ICAG will be having a stall at this local event so please support it if you can. Further details from: Doreen Rolph T: 020 7607 1723 The Regenerating Mildmay Transport Committee (RMTC) From Lis Dale Regenerating Mildmay is a community led partnership working to improve the Mildmay ward in social and economic terms. They hold open forum meetings on a bimonthly basis for residents to voice their concerns and identify ways to implement change in the area. Recently it was decided to set up a theme group specifically to address transport issues in the ward so RMTC was formed by local people in order to shape the transport policy for local Mildmay users. For further details please contact Lis Dale (Mildmay Regeneration Officer) T: 020 7241 4345 E: regenera@ regeneratingmildmay.org.uk Bike Week 14th - 22nd June From Alison Dines Just to wet your appetite, the following events are being planned locally:- Eccentricycle Islington - a tour of the off-beat, unknown and un-noticed in and around Islington A feeder ride to Bikefest & Camden Green Fair in St James Gardens, Drummond St NW1 A cycle ride to some of the borough's green spaces And as ever, our cyclists' breakfast at the Colebrook Row junction with City Road. Full details in the next newsletter. For more information or if you'd like to get involved contact: Alison Dines T: 020 7503 9536 E: alisondines@clara.co.uk EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles 1u11 every Sunday fortnight. Meet at I 0.10 a.m. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Rai!card or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5 - 6 p.m. For more details, contact Sue /7729 5409). Sunnyside Ecology Gan.lens: corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazcllville Rd, N19 (off Hornscy Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 · 9.J0 p.m. Contact Ga\·in Kil lip (7(i07 19.50) £ I (S0p unwaged) per session towurds costs. Meeting Dates ICAG meets at Islington Town Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of every month 7.30-9.30 p.m. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Agenda items for meetings should reach Alison Dines (0207 226 5427) by the Saturday before the meeting, ICAG Email List Mosquito Bikes to loan test bikes Know someone who's thinking of cycling but wants a trial go before buying a bike? Mosquito Bikes at 123 Essex Road, N1 is running a scheme so people can try a decent commuter bike for a week before committing to buy it. Purchase a hybrid Marin Larkspur (gents or ladies model) and then trial one for a week. If you decide against it you get your money back and if you like it you take possession of a new one. For more details contact Mosquito on 7226 884118765. I IF YOU CAN'T WAIT for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The list gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give feedback and·- we hope-·· come up with their own ide:.is for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you would like to join, send an email to icag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we'll set you up. 101I,t·B·I,1513(r) I·Ni§116ijI IF YOU'VE ENJOYED reading this issue of Islington Cyclist--· but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do, is send an email to is!ingtoncyc I I st su bscribelf ,yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the circulat10n list. :Vlany thanks to all contributors. Dean Leigh If JCAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus for LCC members. LCC members in Islington are automatically members of ICAG. Issue 38 Safe Cycling Courses Run By Islington Council From Alison Dines Februa /March 200 Audit Islington Cycle Routes From Alison Dines The Islington Labour Group Cyclists have done a couple of safety audits on the borough's cycle routes over the last 6 months, looking at existing cycle facilities and problems. Their reports have been forwarded to the council & other interested groups. The next one is arranged for 10.30am on Saturday 15th March, meeting at the entrance to Whittington Park on Holloway Road. All cyclists are welcome. For more information contact Councillor Catherine West T: 020 7527 3114 (daytime message only) E: Catherine.West@islington.gov.uk Friends Of Regents Canal. Dufing 2002 five Safe Cycling Courses were held at Islington Green School. There were four standard courses for children in Year 6 & an advanced course for childrens in Years 7 &8. The courses were free & information about them was sent to every primary & secondary school in the borough, as well as being advertised in the local press & public buildings. In all 19 schools were represented & 55 children attended the standard courses & 15 the advanced course. Another course is being organised for this coming half-term. If you have children at an Islington school, or know people who do, or are otherwise involved in local schools, please encourage them to take up the training. The borough can also install free secure cycle parking at its schools. Contact Liz Wathen T: 020 7527 2612 E: Liz.Wathen@islingtfon.gov.uk From Alison Dines Next meeting on 26th Feb 2003 at 7pm. To be held at All Saints Church, Carnegie Street N1. Contact Andrew Bedford T: 020 7359 6419 Borough Spending Plan (BSP) From Alison Dines Each year Islington Council (LBI) prepares a Borough Spending Plan (BSP) which is its bid_to Transport for London (TfL) for funding for transport related schemes & initiatives. There's been a breakthrough this year, thanks to Pip Howson working at LBI, and we've been asked for our suggestions on improving cycling in Islington well in advance! Some that we've already made (mainly via this list) are being actioned soon (see my other e-mail) & others (see below) are being considered for incorporation into the BSP 2004-5 & we need to keep coming up with more. Unfortunately the main roads in the borough such Holloway Road & Upper Street are under TfL not LBJ control so funding is not available for them' through the BSP. However more liaison is happening between LBJ & TfL as a result of the issues we've raised. It is easier for LBJ if we make suggestions as per the 4 area committees in the borough (North, South, East & West) examples below: Area Committee EAST (east of Holloway Road & bounded by Tollington Way/St Paul's Road/Ball's Pond Road) 1. Grosvenor Avenue/Newington Green Rd: review cycle lane 2. Grosvenor Avenue/Highbury Grove: review cycle safety 3. Highbury Place & Fieldway Crescent: shared use track 4. Newington Green Road/Mildmay Grove: review cycle safety re: table 5. Kelross Passage: consider shared use 6. Northampton Park/St Paul's Rd /Wallace Rd: consider cycle access over closure 7. Elmore Street/Cleveland Road /Northchurch Road: review cycle safety 8. Wallace Road/St Paul's Road: safe access Area Committee SOUTH (south of Pentonville Road/Essex Road/St Paul's Road/Ball's Pond Road) 1. Gt Percy St/Kings Cross Road: two­ way cycle lanes 2. Banner St: allow 2 way cycling to avoid Chiswell St 3. Fortune St/Whitecross St: allow 2 way cycling to avoid Chiswell St Area Committee NORTH (north of Tollington Way/Camden Rd/Parkhurst Rd) 1. Homsey Road/Seven Sisters Road: reinstate right turn for southbound cyclists 2. Marlborough Road: review traffic calming in respect to cycle safety Area Committee WEST (west of Holloway Road bounded by Camden Rd/Parkhurst Rd/Pentonville Road/Essex Road) None Please e-mail any more suggestions and this list too, to Pip.Howson: E: Pip.Howson@islington.gov.uk It needn't just be schemes on roads we've also suggested adult cycle ' training and having a space in the bor?ugh dedicated to community cycle maintenance. The more ideas we suggest the more likely it is that some of them will be taken up. For clarification of the area committees, see LBl's website: http:!/www.islington.gov.uk/services/s ervices.asp?sectionid=1580 Or search under "cycle". Or go to services > environment > traffic&transportation > cycle team There you will find information about what's being done currently. 11l1lt4fui44,i•ffl(r)'•tBiM EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight. Meet at 10.10 a.m. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5-6 p.m. For more details, contact Sue (7729 5409). Cycle Workshop Dates Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 -9.30 p.m. Contact Gavin Killip (7607 1950). £1 (SOp unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates ICAG meets at Islington Town Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of every month 7.30-9.30 p.m. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Agenda items for meetings should reach Alison Dines (0207 226 5427) by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email List IF YOU CAN'T WAIT for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The list gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give feedback and - we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you would like to join, send an email to icag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we11I set you up. Islington Cyclist by Email IF YOU'VE ENJOYED reading this issue of Islington Cyclist - but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do, is send an email to islingtoncyclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the circulation list. Many thanks to all contributors, Dean Leigh ,U ICAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus for LCC members. LCC members in Islington are automatically members of!CAG. Jssue 37 December/January 2002/3 Traffic reduction schemes From Doug Angus The Council Executive meeting of 31 October approved the recommendations from the Local Area Committees for Traffic Reduction Schemes to alleviate effects of the Congestion Charging Scheme. The recommendations were based on responses to consultation documents for the East Canonbury, West Canonbury and St. Peter's areas. The items that potentially most impact cyclists are: East Canonbury: Implementation of a 20 mph zone. Islington Green: The creation of a pedestrian priority area on the northern arm of Islington Green. St Mary's: Implementation of a traffic calming scheme and consultation with local residents to see if they want a 20 mph zone. Reversal of the one way system in Gaskin Street. To make Shillingford Street one way southbound. To make Florence Street one way northbound south of Hawes Street. St Peter's: Implementation of width restrictions with zebra crossings. West Canonbury: Implementation of a 20 mph zone. Introduction of a no­ entry into Canonbury Grove from Canonbury Road and a measure to restrict traffic from turning right out of Canonbury Grove into Canonbury Road. Introduction of a no-entry into Compton Road from St Paul's Road. The banning of the right turn from Newington Green Road into St Paul's Place. These schemes are subject to further street by street consultation with local residents and businesses, further consultation with the police, emergency services and other statutory bodies on the detailed design. TfL also needs to agree the funding of the schemes. All schemes will be monitored after they have been in place for six months, and a monitoring report will be presented to the relevant Local Area Committees. Good news for cyclists From Adrian Williams This is a recorded message from Islington Borough Police Bullseye system, providing information about what is happening in your area. A number of cyclists were subjected to robberies last year, particularly as the clocks went back and the nights got longer. The offences were mainly on the south of the borough close to the city area. A number of cyclists were knocked of their bikes and suspects then stole the cyclist's valuables. We have worked hard to identify the patterns of these offences and will be getting local police officers out on bikes to protect cyclists. It is extremely pleasing to be able to say that the purchase of the bikes we will be using was made possible by our relationships with local partner organisations and the Business Design Centre in particular. This represents another tactic we have deployed in our fight to drive down street crime and respond to the concerns of local people. Cycle lane in Skinner Street, N1 From Alison Dines A recent comment card from LBI says "There is a potential area of conflict on the mandatory cycle lane on Skinner Street with both parked cars & through traffic. We propose to alter the existing layout of the mandatory cycle lanes to allow for a segregated cycle lane & to re-site the existing parking bays outside of the cycle lane. This proposal is intended to remove areas of conflict without losing any of the parking facilities or utilising any of the existing footway." Comments are needed by 6th Dec 2002. If you would like a copy of the card and map please contact Pip with your postal address: T: 7527 2785 E: pip.howson@islington.gov.uk Congestion Charging (starts 17th Feb 2003) From Alison Dines Got any ideas on how the LCC & us locally can make the most of the introduction of the congestion charge? Possible ideas include mass leafleting, commuter rides, publicity t-shirts, a media event...but more ideas are very welcome. Please contact Alison Dines: T: 7226 5427. E: alisondines@clara.co.uk LCC Community Cycling Project Awards From Alison Dines In the summer Groundwork Camden & Islington received an LCC Community Cycling Project Award for a local project. Known as Cycle Recycle it is an opportunity for up to 20 disadvantaged young people, aged 11-16 years, to attend workshops & be taught how to repair and maintain their bicycle. Those that do not own bicycles are given ones that have been recovered by :the police. The original venue has been changed and the 5 4-hour sessions are now going to take place at the Almorah Centre Youth Club near Essex Road over the February half-term next year For more information on Groundwork Camden & Islington visit: T: 020 7278 1514 Website: http://www. groundwork.org.uk{camden-isiington Two new LCC working groups From Alison Dines LCC has developed a campaign in partnership with Transport for London which deals with the interactions between heavy goods vehicles (HGV's) and pedestrians. For cyclists the message is "Stay alive, don't cut inside lorries" and the message to HGV drivers is 'Watch out for cyclists, they are often difficult for you to see". Part of the campaign is targeting HGV drivers through publicity leaflets and covers for their tachographs (the device that records driver hours), and part is targeted at current cyclists. Look out for the leaflets locally and many thanks to Fiona, Anne, Alastair, Clare & Julia for offering to distribute them around the borough. Regents Canal From Chris Ashby There is more friction between the canal's diverse users than you'd imagine. The extent of the problems came to light at a well-attended Friends of Regents Canal meeting on October 30th. Various topics were discussed such as the development at City Road Basin, landscaping and lighting works at Thornhill Bridge and Treaty Street, the canal's biodiversity action plan, litter, and problems with long stay and unauthorised moorings. Two items were controversial and provoked strong views, locking of the canal towpath gates at night and the proposed widening of the towpath. Despite the canal clearly being of regional importance, some residents consider it to be their own local resource and are strongly opposed to using the canal for commuting by bike. British Waterways are generally supportive of mixed usage providing everyone behaves responsibly. Cyclists using the towpath are legally required to display a permit which is available free of charge as follows: P: 01923 201120 E: enquiries.hq@britishwaterways.co.uk Website: http://www.britishwaterways .co.uk{site/Applyforacyclingpermit%25 5F519.asp For more of Chris's report visit: http://www.lcc.org.uk/you_and_lcc/ branches/Islington/index.asp ICAG Xmas social event From/GAG Please join for a Christmas drink at the Calthorpe Arms on Grays Inn Road (at the corner of Wren St) on Tuesday 10th Dec from 6.30pm onwards. Snack food provided, cash bar. 0/'Je know it's not actually in Islington but it was most reasonable option & it does great Youngs beer!) EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight. Meet at 10.10 a.m. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5-6 p.m. For more details, contact Sue (7729 5409). Cycle Workshop Dates Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazel!ville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 -9.30 p.m. Contact Gavin Killip (76071950). £1 (50p unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates ICAG meets at Islington Town Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of every month 7.30-9.30 p.m. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Agenda items for meetings should reach Alison Dines (0207 226 5427) by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email List IF YOU CAN'T WAIT for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The list gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give feedback and - we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you would like to join. send an email to icag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we'Il set you up. Islington Cyclist by Email IF YOU'VE ENJOYED reading this issue of Islington Cyclist - but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do, is send an email to islingtoncyclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the circulation list. Many thanks to all contributors and may you all enjoy celebrating the end of this year and the start of next. - Dean Leigh Please send any letters, articles, classified ads, photos, cartoons, artwork etc. to dean.leigh@btconnect.com or write to: The Editor. Islington Cyclist, 13a Beresford Road, Highbury, N5 2HS. Photocopying by (and many thanks to) Carl Lomas of Camelot Courier Training. www.couriertraining.co.uk (c) Islington Cyclists' Action Group 2002 · ICAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus for LCC members. LCC members in Islington are automatically members of!CAG. Issue 36 October/November 2002 Round Table Update From Doug Angus The first item at tliis month's Sustainable Transport Round Table (STRT) was to discuss the future role of the STRT itself. Amendments were made to the draft terms of reference. These need to be ratified and then they can be published. The second item was the London Plan. The London Mayor is required to produce a spatial development strategy to replace the regional planning advice for London. The London Plan is out for public consultation on the draft version. All comments need to be returned to the Mayor before the end of September and Islington Council will be making a response. The Council is broadly supportive of the London Plan, the issues it has with the transport provisions are: • There is a 15% reduction target for motor traffic, but no targets for increasing cycling or walking. • Parking spaces per dwelling or commercial development are less stringent than currently used in Islington. • No mention is made of car-free housing. • There are no additional transport infrastructure plans to support the predicted population increases in London. The draft London Plan is at: http://www.london.gov.uk/approoVmay or/strategies/sds/index.jsp LBI Cycle Training Group From Julia Williams 1. An evaluation report is being prepared from responses by parents and pupils on the cycle proficiency courses given by LBI in the summer school holidays. The report will be presented to the original working group at their proposed October 2002 meeting. 2. The summer courses were successful but the response was not as good as had been hoped despite adverts and editorial in the local papers. Originally the plan was to run the 3 weeks/6 courses planned this summer - 29 July, 5 August, 12 August but due to lack of response the courses on offer had been reduced to 3 over 2 weeks and were attended by approximately 40 youngsters. 3. The youngsters achieved a 100% pass rate and in many cases parents came to watch and gave positive feedback. Councillor Bridget Fox also attended and the Metropolitan Police were very supportive with Officers helping to deliver the training. 4. For the next series, letters are going out in September 2002 to parents & schools for Year 6 pupils and the courses will also be advertised in health centres and leisure centres. LBI were planning to offer 1 week/2 courses during the October 2002 half term break. As well as aiming primarily for Year 6, LBI are considering running courses for secondary school children in Years 7 & 8 next summer and they are also looking into running courses on Saturdays. This is part of a verbal report given by Liz Wathen (Road Safety Officer, LBI) at ICAG meeting on 11th September 2002 Council appoints acting cycling officer From John Ackers Following our lobbying, Islington Council has taken a small step towards creating a post for a full time cycling officer that rides a bike. Islington has appointed Pip Howson (pip.howson@islington.gov.uk), as full time project manager to deliver the · London Cycling Network Plus program in Islington and spend the allocated budget. It is a temporary, six month post but it could be extended. Her position is funded by the LCN, however she has also been asked to improve the relationship with ICAG and she is to be ICAG's first point of contact. She's getting a bike soon. At the 11th September meeting, Ms Howson outlined her vision of cycling in Islington. She explained that we weren't in competition with Amsterdam (and later explained that we were unable to compete) and that safety was her primary responsibility. She argued that although cycling injuries on places like Upper Street and Highbury Corner were high, there was little that could be done because these were Red Routes and under TfL control. She wants to set modest goals; she didn't want to strive for goals that could not be met. And she wants to have regular monthly meetings with us. There were questions at the end. When asked about whether there was any political support for radical cycling improvements in Islington, she told us that cycling was high up the agenda in Southwark where she had previously worked because of the support of key councillors in the borough. Continued over Council appoints acting cycling officer Continued from previous page Even a temporary assignment of an acting cycling officer is better than nothing. However this temporary post appears to have been created not to improve the lot of cyclists but to expedite the implementation of the LCN. What is clear is that while other boroughs, notably Camden, treat their local cycling campaigning group almost as a partner; Islington still treats ICAG merely as an end of the line consultee. As Gavin Klllip has pointed out "we need to be clear about our demands, both in terms of policy and implementation (e.g. in terms of routes); if we don't ask for a radical program, we won't get one", The International Cycle Show From Alison Dines The International Cycle Show is taking place at the Business Design Centre on Upper Street 26-29th September & a few ICAG volunteers will be helping out on the LCC stand. For more details about the show visit: http://www.cycleshow.co.uk or ring the ticket hotline on: T: 0870 733 1022 Quote LCC to get a reduction on advanced tickets (£8 instead of £10). Traffic reduction schemes From Doug Angus Consultation documents for 3 traffic reduction schemes should have been sent out to residents and businesses by the time you read this The schemes are for East Canonbury, West Canonbury and the St. Peter's Area and are designed to alleviate the impacts of the Congestion Charging Scheme, The documents will also be published on the consultation pages of the council website at: http://www.islington.gov.uk/community /community.asp'./sectionid=920 Cyclist and HGV Safety Campaign From Alison Dines LCC has developed a campaign in partnership with Transport for London which deals with the interactions between heavy goods vehicles (HGV's) and pedestrians. For cyclists the message is "Stay alive, don't cut inside lorries" and the message to HGV drivers is 'Watch out for cyclists, they are often difficult for you to see". Part of the campaign is targeting HGV drivers through publicity leaflets and covers for their tachographs (the device that records driver hours), and part is targeted at current cyclists. Look out for the leaflets locally and many thanks to Fiona, Anne, Alastair, Clare & Julia for offering to distribute them around the borough. Festival highlights From Alison Dines Very many thanks to everyone who gave up some of their free time this summer and helped out on the stalls that ICAG had at various local festivals. We could be found giving out advice, information & the new free maps in Highbury Fields, Sunnyside Gardens & Gillespie Park. We also fixed a few punctures, did some other minor repairs and generally raised our profile within the local community, as well as further afield when we combined forces with Hackney LCC and had a stall at Finfest in Finsbury Park. 1MOtii§i4411;mttl•tiii(r) EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight. Meet at 10.10 am. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5-6 p.rn. For more details, contact Sue (7729 5409). Cycle Workshop Dates Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: comer of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 -9.30 p.m. Contact Gavin Killip (7607 1950). £1 (50p unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates ICAG meets at Islington Town Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of every month 7.30-9.30 p.m. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Agenda items for meetings should reach Alison Dines (0207 226 5427) by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email List IF YOU CAN'T WAIT for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The list gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give feedback and - we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you would like to join, send an email to icag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we'll set you up. Islington Cyclist by Email IF YOU'VE ENJOYED reading this issue of Islington Cyclist - but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do, is send an email to islingtoncyclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the circulation list. Many thanks to all contributors and to Keith Macfarlane for standing in last issue while I was away• Dean Leigh Please send any letters, articles, classified ads, photos, cartoons, artwork etc. to dean.leigh@btconnect.com or write to: The Editor, Islington Cyclist, 13a Beresford Road, Highbury, N5 2HS. . Photocopying by (and many thanks to) Carl Lomas of Camelot Courier Training. www.couriertraining.co,uk (c)Islington Cyclists' Action Group 2002 · !CAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus for LCC members. ). LCC members in Jsli11gton are automatically members of!CAG. Issue 35 August/September 2002 Bike Week in Islington The local group organised various events around (and beyond) the borough and the week got better and better after a rather damp start. Our stall at the Celebrating Children festival on Highbury Fields suffered a little with the weather but we succeeded in getting the message across that cycling is an all-ability activity and we cheered up several children by mending their punctures! The jumble sale attracted quite a bit of interest and we had requests for the event to be repeated. Our cyclists' breakfast was popular as ever. This year was the first time for a while that we organised some rides during Bike Week and our thanks go to Jonathan Edwards and Bob Hare who led them, especially Bob for providing a very comprehensive history of the New River. We do hope that you were able to enjoy some of what Bike Week had to offer and very many thanks go to all those who took part and made all our events such a success. From Alison Dines Patagonia Cycle Challenge 28 February - 9 March 2003 The World University Service, a charity that works in aid of education in the UK and the Developing World is organizing a trip to one of the world's most spectacular national parks. This challenge will take you to an area of outstanding beauty and offers an unforgettable experience. By taking part and raising sponsorship money for the charity, you will make a difference to the lives of some of the poorest children throughout the world. If you want further information, please phone Oliver Kemp on 0207426 5826 or email: oliver.kemp@wusuk.org LCC Awards Do you know of any good quality measures for cyclists that have been put in over the last year in Islington? Every year the LCC makes awards for good quality new schemes, and now is the time for nominations. The deadline is 21 August, and winners will be announced at the LCC's annual meeting in November. The idea behind the awards is to reward good work and encourage more. The winners in recent years have included councils, agencies and companies doing their bit for cycling - such as Tate Modem for cycle parking facilities and the London Borough of Lewisham for their section of the Waterlink Way. Islington Council continues to lag behind other boroughs, but nominations can be for other kinds of organisations - not just local authorities. So, if you know of a company or community group who has made a positive impact for cyclists in the last twelve months, now is the time to let LCC know. Categories for awards are: Best cycle route - i.e. a substantial stretch taking cyclists from A to B Best individual facility - e.g. a cycle crossing of a main road Most effective complementary activity - e.g. Bicycle Users Group that supports and encourages cyclists at work or a map that highlights cycle routes Most cycle-friendly new building development - in terms of access for bikes, secure storage, and measures to reduce the dominance of motor traffic Nominations are reviewed by a group of LCC activists from across London against a set of clear criteria. Further details can be found on the LCC website at www.lcc.orq.uk From Gavin Ki/lip MBE for ICAG Member Carl Lomas, boss of Camelot Courier Training and long time supporter of LCC, was awarded an MBE in the Golden Jubilee Queens Birthday List for services to training in the courier industry. Carl has been involved in training all forms of London couriers from pedal bike to motorcycle and van for ten years and his efforts were fundamental in putting together an NVQ qualification for couriers. Carl has printed this newsletter since the second issue and we think that should have been part of the citationI More details at www.couriertraining.co.uk From Doug Angus Bike Stolen If anyone sees the bike below please contact David Baister on 020 7609 7339 as it was stolen from his garage in Pembroke Street N1 in late June (by forced entry). Red Trek 700 hybrid, large men's 23 inch frame, with leather Brooks saddle secured with cable lock, straight handle bars, twist grip gears, toe clips, topeak rack, bottle cage and Abus granite U-lock attached, no mudguards. It is a 1997 model, frame numberWTUI04741N. Any information gratefully received. Gillespie Park Festival We have been invited to have a stall at this enjoyable local event on Sunday 8 September 2pm-5pm. If anyone would like to help on the stall please contact Alison Dines at: T: 020 7226 5427 E: alisondines@clara.co.uk Round Table ICAG was invited to join the Islington Sustainable Round Table and I duly attended a meeting as our representative. The Round Table brings together various local organisations; at the meeting this included the Islington Society, the motorcycle lobby, the Pedestrians Association and the council (both councillors and officers). With the recent restructuring of the council, the future role of the Round Table and its relationship to the council is under discussion and has not yet been agreed. This gives us the opportunity to be in at the re­ launch of the new version. Most of the meeting consisted of a presentation from Gary Griffiths who runs the council's Parking and Enforcement. He painted a picture of an organisation that had not moved on much since 1994 when Islington took over the responsibility for parking enforcement on borough roads. Over the last two years efforts have been made to bring the service up to modem standards..For example, all the parking meters in Islington have been removed and replaced with pay and display machines. From September, the number of parking enforcement operatives will be doubled. The next Round Table meeting is in September and the proposed agenda items are Car Clubs and the London Plan. From Doug Angus Maps If you've been using the new free cycling maps - London Cycle Guides - and you'd like to give some feedback - go ahead on feedback@lcc.org.uk. We will be reviewing the maps that include Islington (Nos 5 & 10) soon, probably at our September or October meeting, so if you would like to be involved please contact Alison Dines T: 020 7226 5427 E: alisondines@clara.co.uk Local Developments The Homsey Lane Association is leading a campaign for traffic calming on Homsey Lane. Plans are at an early stage at the moment & and if you are interested in getting involved, please contact Richard Tayler­ richarddottayler@hotmail.com. Phone number 020 8348 1817 Do you live, or go through, the Amwell Triangle? The council have consulted on four options, but people are free to make other suggestions. The consultation document is at hhtp://www.islington.gov.uk/pdf/consul ation/Amwell.pdf or contact LBJ · Transport & Design Group on 020 7527 2776. The plans are out for putting a motorcycle barrier on the Willow Bridge mode filter (=car barrier!). If the railings are too close together, there will be continual conflict between cyclists and pedestrians at this point. The residents are very supportive as motorcyclists are annoying them by using the bridge and speeding up Willow Bridge Road. If you live in or go through this area, contact Tony Smedley at the council - 020 7527 2825 or tony.smedley@islington.gov.uk for more details. Petherton Road Some time ago the borough had a scheme to put cycle lanes along Petherton Rd to join Wallace Road to Stoke Newington. The locals howled about loss of car parking space and the borough altered the scheme to put the cycle route along Highbury New Park, a longer route. It was suggested that the cycle route could become a track along the central grass in Petherton Road. Greenspace (LBI) is putting a surfaced path along the length of the grass as part of the project to open up the New River Walk. The new path is supposed to be 1.5m wide, which is the width of a one-way cycle path so it is no good for joint use. No doubt more cyclists will use it and annoy the pedestrians. Nothing much we can do here - any ideas? From Adrian Williams I10ti§ k44ii@11111ffil¥1 EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight. Meet at 10.10 a.m. at Finsbury Park ovedand station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best :friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5-6 p.m. For more details, contact Sue (7729 5409). Cycle Workshop Dates Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: comer of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, Nl9 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 -9.30 p.m. Contact Gavin Killip (7607 1950). £1 (50p unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates ICAG meets at Islington Town Hall on the second Wednesday of each month 7.30- 9.30pm. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along, Agenda items for meetings should reach Alison Dines (0207 226 5427) by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email List IF YOU CAN'T WAIT for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The list gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give feedback and - we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you would like to join, send an email to icag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we'll set you up. Islington Cyclist by Email IF YOU'VE ENJOYED reading this issue of Islington Cyclist- but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do is send an email to islingtoncyclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the circulation list. Thanks to all contributors- Keith Macfarlane Please send any letters, articles. classified ads, photos, cartoons. artwork etc. lo dean.leigh@btconnect.com or write to: The Editor. Islington Cyclist. /3a Beresford Road. Jlighbury, N51HS. Photocopying by (and many !hanks to) Carl l,omas of Camelot Courier Training. ·O Islington Cyclists' Action Group 2001 If JCAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus for LCC members. LCC members in Islington are automatically members of ICAG. Issue 34 Jun/Jul 2002 Bike Week Edition - 15th to 23rd June 2002 (See reverse for details) Bike Week 2002 From Dean Leigh This year's Bike Week runs from 15 to 23'd June and there's a choice of 137 free events in London! The theme of the week is Bike2Work and has the support of London Mayor Ken Livingstone who says "it's an enjoyable and social way for people to try cycling in London". See the back page of this newsletter for a list of events in Islington. C: LCC office T: 020 7928 2318 E: office@lcc.org.uk Community Cycling Projects Awards FromLCC Do you, or someone you know, work with a community group who needs some money to set up a small scale cycling project? For instance does your group need some cycle training, secure cycle parking or a pool bike to use. The LCC are looking for such applications, awards of between £500 and £2000 are available but the closing date is Friday 28th June 2002. C: Paula Smith (LCC office) T: 020 7928 2318 E: paulas@lcc.org.uk Canal Towpath Consultation From Adrian Williams Islington and Camden Groundwork have contacted us about the canal towpath between York Way & the Islington tunnel. They would like to consult with us and Camden LCC about what improvements can be made to the path. If you would like to get involved in this please contact Alison Dines C: Alison Dines T: 020 7226 5427 E: icag_lcc@yahoo.co.uk Sponsored Bike-Ride From Michael Ellman We are organising a sponsored bike­ ride in aid of Liberty and the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture on Saturday 13 July. "Ride the Rodings" will be a gentle ride of not more than 50 miles through the quiet lanes and picturesque villages of Central Essex from Chelmsford to Epping. Anyone who's interested, please contact me. C: Michael Ellman E: Micellman@aol.com Cyclist Death From Adrian Williams Source: Islington Gazette, Thu 23rd May (p3). Carmel Perry, 45, died of multiple injuries after a collision with a tipper lorry just before 9am on Friday at the junction of Copenhagen St and Caledonian Rd. Carmel was a resident of Farleigh Road, N16, and worked for the RNIB. The police are appealing for witnesses. Cycles for Asylum Seekers From Paul Standeven Cycles for Asylum Seeker has supplied over 130 repaired second­ hand bikes to asylum seekers It has been based free of charge at Hackney City Farm but with the current financial problems they are now having to ask for rent. This is too much for the project pay so, I am in urgent need of work space. Can anyone make useful suggestions? C: Paul Standeven E: paul.standeven@virgin.net Historical New River Bike Ride Sat 29th June 12noon Meet outside Sadlers Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN A relaxed 35 mile meander to explore the course & history of the New River (constructed in the time of Shakespeare and Raleigh to bring 'sweete water' to London) to its source near Hertford. End the day with a madrigal concert by Great Amwell Pool at 9pm & train back to Liverpool Street. Bring refreshments or purchase on route. C: Bob Hare T: 020 8348 2710 E: rhare@gn.apc.org Celebrating Children Festival Sun 9th June 12 noon to 4pm Highbury Fields, N5 Fun family festival to raise awareness of local services for children with special educational needs. BBQ and refreshments, stalls, animals, dancing, live music, bike check, cycling obstacle course & treasure hunt. C: Alison Dines T: 020 7226 5427 E: icag_lcc@yahoo.co.uk Bike Jumble Sale Sat 15th June 2pm to 4pm Freightliners Farm, Sheringham Road, N7 A great opportunity to find that vital part for your bike or clear out those components you no longer need! Rent a table £5 for individuals, £25 for trade, must book in advance. C: Jonathan Edwards T: 020 7704 1884 E: icag_lcc@yahoo.co.uk Tyndale Trio Tue 18th June 8.30am to 1pm William Tyndale School, Sable Street, Nt (near Town Hall, Upper Street) Bike Week, Don't Choke London & Road Safety Week at William Tyndale School with information stands, bike check, cycle training & competitions. C: Miles Duckworth T: 020 7527 2001 E: Miles.Duckworth@islington.gov.uk Cyclists' Breakfast Wed 19th June 7.30am to 9.30am Junction of Colebrook Row & City Road/Goswell Road, N1 Free tea, coffee & bagels & bike check. C: Alison Dines T: 020 7226 5427 E: icag_lcc@yahoo.co.uk FAMILY BIKE RIDE Sun 23rd June 11am Meet at the cafe in Victoria Park, E9 Mostly off-road ride for families through Victoria Park to the Isle of Dogs, about 10 miles round trip. No unaccompanied children under 12 years old. C: Jonathan Edwards T: 020 7704 1884 E: icag_lcc@yahoo.co.uk More information online: across the UK: ,http://www.bikeweek.orq.uk in London: ,http:/fwww.lcc.org.uk in Islington: http://www.lcc.orq.uk/branches/lslinqton i!Uitifui44,i ,fflti 11ff1i41 EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight. Meet at 10.10 a.m. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5-6p.m. Formore details, contact Sue (7729 5409). Cycle Workshop Dates Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazel!ville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 - 9.30 p.m. Contact Gavin Killip (7607 1950). £1 (50p unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates ICAG meets at Islington Town Ha11 on the 2nd Wednesday of every month 7.30-9.30 p.m. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Agenda items for meetings should reach Alison Dines (0207 226 5427) by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email List IF YOU CAN'T WAIT for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The list gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give feedback and - we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you wou]d like to join, send an email to icag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we11l set you up. Islington Cyclist by Email IF YOU'VE ENJOYED reading this issue of Islington Cyclist - but don1t live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. I All you need to do, is send an email to islingtoncyclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the circulation list. Many thanks to all contributors - Dean Leigh 118,!1 /C-lG is 1/Je /sli11gw11 group of the Lo111011 Cycling Campaign, campaigning 011 cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus/or LCC members. 'jl! LCC members in Js!i11gto11 are auromaflcally members of!CAG. Issue 33 Apr/May 2002 quality installation has been carried Owen Street From Gavin Ki/lip Anyone who has used the Owen Street cycle path recently will know that it is finally open and that our good friends, the highways engineers, have put a traffic light post right in the middle of the northbound cycle lane! I have emailed a photo of the offending post to Gary Ward at TfL along with the following request to sort it out: Dear Mr Ward, I don't know if you remember me? I'm a member of the Islington branch of the London Cycling Campaign, and we talked a few months ago about the cycle crossing of Goswell Road and City Road, just east of the Angel Junction. If you don't know about it already, I would like to bring your attention to a hazardous traffic light post at the north end of the Owen Street cycle path, where the cycle route crosses Goswell Road. The attached photo, taken last week, shows the problem: the traffic light post is right in the middle of the cycle lane. It seems ironic that such a poor out on the ground, while TfL is making very welcome policy statements about the need for high quality cycle facilities in London. With a peak flow rate of some 240 cyclists per hour, the Owen Street cycle lane is a key link in the London Cycle Network in north London. I received a swift reply from the man at TFL (see below). Dear Mr. Killip, I agree the location of the traffic signal will cause difficulty to cyclists using this route. I am now arranging a meeting with our traffic signals people to arrange for this signal to be relocated. I will keep you informed of the progress. Regards Gary Ward North Central Area Team Transport for London - Street Management From Dean Leigh At this same crossing a few weeks ago I ended up flat on my face in the middle of the road, and several bemused pedestrians. The reason, a large pothole with a lump of concrete in the middle of it. I could not stop or avoid it as I had other cyclists on my right and pedestrians on my left. I was not hurt, well only my pride, and my bike was not damaged. I decided I should report the hole anyway. I rang Islington town hall and asked who I should contact, I was given these numbers: Report Holes - 020 7527 4841 Accidents- 020 7527 2217 If anyone sees improvements, please email the ICAG Egroup with details. Duncan Glasse inquest From Adrian Williams According to the Camden New Journal last week the inquest took place at Poplar (nearly a year after the death). According to the Islington Gazette this week it took place at St Pancras Court. I telephoned St Pancras to confirm. They organised it but it took place at Poplar Coroners Court. I regret that I have missed it but, having heard most of the court appearances and read the press reports, it appears that nothing new came out at the inquest. Verdict: accidental death. The inquest on Jane Francis, killed last October at Clerkenwell Road and Farringdon Rd junction is still not fixed. Local Elections Thursday 2nd May From Alison Dines This provides a prime opportunity for us to target future local decision makers! As an individual you can write to prospective candidates & ask them where they stand on cycling issues or talk to them at any local neighbour or community forum they're attending. If you have any ideas on what this group can do, please contact me: Alison Dines Telephone: 7226 5427 Email: alisondines@clara.co.uk Bike Week 2002 15th-23rd June From Alison Dines Events so far include a ride along the New River discovering the histo,y of this 17th centu,y water supply for London, with a concert at the end of the day near Hertford; a family ride along the Sustrans route starting in Victoria Park E9; and possibly a bicycle jumble sale. Also of course our ever popular cyclists' breakfast! We'd still love some ideas, especially if anyone can think of a novel Bike to Work event & offers of help of the day. Full details to be announced soon but please get in touch with me if you'd like to be involved. Alison Dines Telephone: 7226 5427 Email: alisondines@clara.co.uk Bypassing the tunnel From Alison Dines TFL has increased its funding for "green corridor'' routes and, in conjunction with British Waterways, improvements will be made to some sections of the Regents Canal towpath to transform the environment for both walkers and cyclists. In Islington the canal goes into a tunnel at Danbu,y Street N1 and therefore a bypass route is needed to enable canal users to continue their journey at street level and re-join the canal near Caledonian Road (from the east to west perspective!). A proposal for this route was made by Rik Andrew of LCC's Parks & Canal Group and two ICAG members, John Milsom and Alastair Fallon, who have now cycled that route and suggested some modifications. There will be a site visit soon with an engineer from LBI to see what's needed & how the existing facilities can be improved or modified, the crossing of Upper Street being the key issue. We'll keep you updated on developments. IfflHt4§i44ii(r)G11FiM EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles run eveiy Sunday fortnight. Meet at 10.10 a.m. at FinsbUJ)' Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to''borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5-6 p.m. For more details, contact Sue (7729 5409). Cycle Workshop Dates Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: comer of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, NI9 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 9.30 p.m. Contact GavinKillip (7607 1950). £1 (50p unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates ICAG meets at Islington Town Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of eveiy month 7.30-9.30pm. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen. please come along. Agenda items for meetings should reach Alison Dines (0207 226 5427) by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email List IF YOU CAN'T WAIT for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The list gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give feedback and - we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you would like to join, send an email to 1cag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we'll set you up. Islington Cyclist by Email IF YOU'VE ENJOYED reading this issue of Islington Cyclist - but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do, is send an email to islingtoncyclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the circulation list. Many thanks to all contributors - Dean Leigh · JCAG is the [s[i11gton group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus for LCC members. LCC members in Islington are automatically members of!CAG. Issue 32 Feb/Mar 2002 Congestion Charging From Doug Angus As part of the Mayor's Congestion Charging scheme over £100 million pounds has been earmarked for projects to minimise the effects of its introduction. Maps of the proposals are on the Transport for London Street Management website at: http://www.streetmanagement.org.uk Those for Islington include: traffic calming and environmental improvements for Barnsbury, Canonbury and the Amwell Street and St. Peter's areas controlled parking zones for Tufnell Park and Archway • signalisation and pedestrian improvements at the Old Street roundabout. The Barnsbury scheme went out to consultation with the residents who favoured a 20 mph zone and traffic calming measures as opposed to road closures. The Environment and Conservation Committee, who are responsible for traffic management in Islington, will decide which scheme they think is best for the Barnsbury area on 21st February. An LCC group representing the boroughs within or bordering the Congestion Charging zone have had an initial meeting to discuss a common set of improvements that we would like to see within and adjacent to the zone. A follow up meeting is planned for early February. LCC Website back online For those that have been wondering, the LCC website is now back online, updates and fully functioning at: http://www.lcc.org.uk j!J,it(r)i44,i•fflrJ•tlii¥l EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight. Meet at 10.10 am. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5-6p.m. For more details, contact Sue (7729 5409). Cycle Workshop Dates Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: comer of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 - 9.30 p.m. Contact Gavin Killip (7607 1950). £1 (50p unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates ICAG meets at Islington Town Hal1 on the second Wednesday of every month. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Agenda items . for meetings should reach Alison Dines (0207 226 5427) by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email List IF YOU CAN'T WAIT for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The list gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give feedback and - we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you would like to join, send an email to icag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we11l set you up. Islington Cyclist by Email IF YOU'VE ENJOYED reading this issue of Islington Cyclist- but don't live in the borough and so don1t get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do, is send an email to islingtoncyclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the circulation list. Many thanks to all contributors - Dean Leigh II' JCAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus for LCC members. LCC members in Islington are automatically members of ICAG. Issue 31 Ins and Outs at Finsbury Park From Gavin Ki/lip Plans for the regeneration of Finsbury Park centre on a major overhaul of the station and its frontage, Station Place. London Buses had a proposal to double the area of the bus station providing parking for five buses as well as set-down and pick-up points. There was no provision for cyclists in these first proposals. Cyclists from Islington, Haringey and Hackney did a cycle count one mild Thursday in early October, revealing a number of issues that had not been taken into consideration before. Firstly, the greatest volume of cycles was along Seven Sisters Road. Almost all the discussions had been about Stroud Green Road because it is part of the London Cycle Network, but no thought had been given to cyclists using routes other than the LCN. Secondly, lots of cyclists do illegal manoeuvres around the Finsbury Park gyratory system, and for fairly obvious reasons. Cycling twenty metres along a pavement saves 200 metres of congestion and pollution. Many people take the law into their own hands and take the pavement option. This is not to say that pavement cycling is OK - in my view, it isn't - but it does reveal how poorly any gyratory system caters for cyclists. Dec/Jan 2002 Thirdly, there was no easy access to the station for cyclists, yet the survey in October showed that people really do want to take their bike to the station as part of a longer journey. Finsbury Park is the most important interchange in London outside Zone 1, a gateway to points north towards Peterborough and Cambridge, as well as to two tube lines into central London. ICAG AGM From Alison Dines The ICAG Annual General Meeting will take place at the Town Hall on Wed 9th January 2002. We will be adopting our new constitution and electing officers, before getting on with our usual business. If you'd like more information please contact Alison Dines by: phone: 7226 5427 Duncan Glasse case From Adrian Williams Several police officers and witnesses turned up at Highbury Magistrates Court on 2oth expecting a trial to take all day but it didn't because the defendant changed his plea to guilty. The defendant is said to have changed his solicitor. He has obviously taken advice that it is silly to plead not guilty to driving without due care while pleading guilty to leaving the scene and failing to report to a police station within 24 hrs. Those two offences can be punished by imprisonment whereas dwdc cannot. The prosecution's summary of the facts includes that the defendant said he did not see the cyclist before the crash. After he stopped with Duncan Glasse under his car he panicked and ran off, after his passenger had run off. With guilty pleas to five offences the previous offences were considered. I have previously said there was a suspicion of Class A drugs involved. The defendant has previously been jailed for 4 years for supplying heroin and is possibly still within the unexpired part of a previous sentence. The district judge called for reports and the main penalty is expected to be announced on Tuesday Dec 18th. The judge imposed an immediate driving ban for 1B months and the defendant remains on unconditional bail. i!HUti€ik44iiiltUl•ffit4--l EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight. Meet at 10.10 a.rn. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usual1y between 5-6 p.m. For more details, contact Sue (7729 5409). LB14clla hMii•i•i•fuii11I II Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: corner of Sunnyside Rd and Haze11ville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 -9.30 p.m. Contact Gavin Killip (7607 1950). £1 (S0p unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates ICAG meets at Islington Town Hall on the second Wednesday of every month. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Agenda items for meetings should reach Alison Dines (0207 226 5427) by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email List IF YOU CAN'T WAIT for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The list gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give feedback and - we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you would like to join, send an email to i cag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we11l set you up. Islin ton C clist b Email IF YOU'VE ENJOYED reading this issue of l slington Cyclist- but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do, is send an email to islingtoncyclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the Circulation list. · ICAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus for LCC members. , LCC members in Islington are automatically members ofICAG. Issue 30 Oct/Nov 2001 Car Free Day From Dean Leigh Want to be involved in cycling safety in Islington? From Alison Dines Islington's new road safety officer, Liz Wathen, approached ICAG last month asking to meet us and wanting to hear our opinions on provision of school cycle training in the borough. She, and her assistant road safety officer, Erin Cooper, attended the September ICAG meeting and many issues were discussed. Liz would like to meet again with us soon so we can be involved as the borough plans its road safety strategy, especially for local schools but hopefully also to include adult cycle training too. Are you a parent or teacher in the borough, or simply keen to help increase cycle safety locally? Would you like to join the group to meet Liz? Please contact me asap on: 020 7226 5427 or email: alisondines@clara.co.uk so we can arrange a further meeting. Old Street Roundabout From Alison Dines Plans are being proposed to make Old Street roundabout safer. 11 is hoped that ICAG will receive a copy of the proposals so that they can be discussed at our meeting in November. We'll keep you posted. Raising cycling issues locally From Alison Dines We've been told that we're not vocal enough & that cycling issues don't feature in the local councillors postbox enough to get us a higher profile. Please help increase local awareness of what needs to be done by contacting your local councilor about the issues you feel strongly about. If you're not sure who that is look at http://www.islington.gov.uk or ring the Town Hall on 020 7527 2000 & let us know what response you get! Gavin enjoys a car free Tower Bridge Despite the fact that Islington did not have a closed street of its own in the borough, an intrepid band set out at midday from Highbury Corner to make the most of Car Free Day 2001. With some people heading straight for Tower Bridge, some of the Islington cyclists paid a visit to neighbouring Hackney. Accompanied by a very loud "Elvis" on the back of a recumbent they joined the Hackney group for the ride to the main event. Upon arrival at Tower Bridge a most impressive site greeted the riders, not only was the bridge closed to traffic but along the full length were bands, dancers, stalls selling food and cycle accessories and representatives of the many organisations that made the event possible. At 2.00 p.m. Ken Livingstone made a welcome appearance and speech that was cheered heartily by the crowd. He then got in a cycle taxi to join the procession of floats, dancers and cyclists that made the whole day a great success. Well done to everyone that organised and participated, it was a day London can be proud of. Need a babysitter so you can attend an ICAG meeting? From Alison Dines If you'd like to get more involved with the group locally but have young children or are caring for others that makes evenings difficult perhaps we can help! We can't offer to find a babysitter but are happy to give you some money towards the cost of using one. If you'd like to take us up on this please contact Alison Dines on: 020 7226 5427 or email: alisondines@clara.co.uk Gillespie Park Festival 2001 From Alison Dines On the 9th of September ICAG, once again, had a successful stand at the popular local festival & made some new contacts. Thanks to the generosity of Mosquito Bikes, who donated some great raffle prizes, we also achieved some fund­ raising as well. 1st prize, a £50 voucher to spend at the new Mosquito Bikes shop in Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park was won by Sarah Taylor 2nd prize, a compact 26 piece toolkit was won by Patrick O'Dwyer (aged 7) 3rd prize, a compact 21 piece toolkit was won by Nuala Ryan 4th prize, a set of reflective armbands was won by Polly Sinclair Many thanks again to Mosquito Bikes, all the ICAG members who helped on the stall and all the punters who supported us! Fire Station tool thefts From Adrian Williams Some months ago I put a message on the ICAG email list (icag­ subscribe@yahoogroups.com to subscribe) about petty thieves taking tools from fire stations while the staff are out on a call and doors are left open.This subject has come up again in the Islington Gazette (2oth Sept). The story now is that young people are taking the tools, particularly boltcroppers, from the lockers on fire engines while at a fire and the small fires may even be started deliberately to get a fire engine to turn up with theft in mina. The Islington station officer says it is a growing problem across London and fire officers are concerned about loss of tools when they need them in a hurry. The bit of interest on this list is "We think they're probably being used to get cycle locks off or to get into buildings..." Time to upgrade your locks? Duncan Glasse case From Adrian Williams As advised earlier the court case of the driver who killed Duncan Glasse was resumed on Thurs 20th Sept at Highbury Magistrates Court. The defendant is charged with five offences and entered pleas this time. He pleads guilty to: • leaving the scene of the collision • failing to report the collision within 24 hours • driving with no insurance • driving not in accordance with his licence The defendant pleads not guilty to driving without due care. The police officer assisting the victim's partner suggests that the Crown Prosecution Service could have dropped that charge and proceeded on the other four if the partner and others had ncit kept attending and . writing to the CPS. As it is, the case on the careless driving charge now goes to a full trial, expected to be on Tues, 20th Nov, 2001 with a pre-trial review on Thurs, 18th Oct. (Both at Highbury Mag Crt) An interesting feature of this case is that the partner has seen witness statements including the defendant's. The CPS regards witness statements as sub judice but the police release copies to relatives/partner in a case with a death. The defendant is believed to have only a hazy view of his responsibilities as a car driver. He apparently believes that if a cyclist and a driver are approaching a narrow gap on a road the cyclist should wait for the car or move onto the pavement. l!t0ttl#ii4§,l;!Ptti•th(44 EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight. L . _ _ :,--1,.. 0 c.l- · ' '> S Meet at 10,10 am. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5-6p.m. For more details, contact Sue (7729 5409). Cycle Workshop Dates Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 - 9.30 p.m. Ccntact Gavin Killip (7607 1950). £1 (50p unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates ICAG eets at Islington Town Hall on the second Wednesday of every month. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Agenda items for meetings should reach Alison Dines (0207 226 5427) by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email List IF YOU CAN'T WAIT for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The list gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give feedback and - we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you would like to join, send an email to icag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we11l set you up. Islington Cyclist by Email IF YOU'VE ENJOYED reading this issue of Islington Cyclist - but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do, is send an email to islingtoncyclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the circulation list. 18,:11 /CAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus for LCC members. LCC members in Islington are automatically members of ICAG. Issue 29 Aug/Sept 2001 bouncy castles laid on for kids. A Council update From Doug Angus ICAG was approached at our bike breakfast by a consultant brought in by the council to help produce Islington's Interim Local Implementation Plan (!LIP). In coming years the !LIP will become the Local Implementation Plan which explains how Islington will implement the relevant parts of The Mayor's Transport Strategy. It's of interest to cyclists because the council lays out its plans for cycling measures for 2002/03 for which it requires funding. At a subsequent meeting with the council we were asked to comment on the ILIP, but decided not to do so. There were two reasons for this: Firstly, we only had 6 days from the receipt of the document to providing our comments. For a voluntary group this amount of time is inadequate. Secondly, we didn't believe that our comments in the past had been properly addressed and that words in these documents don't always appear as facilities on the streets. We've asked that the references to ICAG's involvement in the production of the ILIP and working with the council be removed. So where do we go now? The council is trying to recruit an officer to deal with cycling issues. We have asked to look at the job description in order to provide feedback. Once a cycling officer is in post, we believe it would be worth re-starting the council liaison meetings. Until then, we believe our time can be more fruitfully spent working through other avenues. Car free day From Doug Angus Last year the UK, including some London Boroughs participated for the first time in Car Free Day. This is held annually on 22 September and we were hoping that this year Islington would participate. To qualify for a Car Free Day event a road needs to be closed to motorised traffic thus allowing the liberated space to be used, for example, for a festival. Islington had hoped to join forces with the boroughs of Camden and Haringey to hold an event around Pond's Square and Dartmouth Park Hill. Unfortunately, both boroughs pulled out of Pond's Square due to opposition from the resident's association leaving the Islington side of Dartmouth Park Hill. One side of a road would not make for an effective event space and it's now too late to organise an alternative. So lslingtonians will have to wait until 22 September 2002 to possibly experience a Car Free Day event in our borough. Finfest From Gavin Ki/lip Finsbury Park was the venue for Finfest on Saturday 14th July - an event organised by the Finsbury Park Partnership, the body managing the regeneration of the Finsbury Park area with £25million of government money over 7 years. A host of stalls clustered round a live music stage with five number of bike-related attractions were also there. ICAG had a stall with the usual mix of useful information and merchandise, and we provided a free bike check service with the welcome assistance of a mechanic from Two Wheels Good on Crouch Hill. Jonathan Edwards came with his trishaw and gave people sedate rides around the park, while Patrick Field supplied the afternoon's soundtrack with his solar-powered sound system on the back of a four-wheeled bike. Cycle Training Ltd were also there to give people taster sessions of their training programme for safer road­ riding. Owen Street From Gavin Ki/lip Remember the rumpus we caused in 1998 when the Owen Street cycle path was obstructed by metal railings? Now that the building work is almost complete, we are trying to ensure that the reinstated facilities for cyclists are at least as good as what we had before. We have approached the council, the developer and Transport for London, and we will be putting the case for a straight run across City Road and Goswell Road without having to wait at the red lights. We will also be raising the problem of gridlocked traffic blocking the crossings for cyclists. Arsenal From Gavin Ki/lip Arsenal Football Club have submitted new plans for their 60,000-seater stadium and associated development of the existing stadium and new council depot on Eden Grove. The new plans are substantially the same as the first proposal, although they are now saying that Holloway Road and Caledonian Road tube stations would remain open on match days. ICAG had seven objections to the original plans on the grounds that the scale of the development and proposed car parking provision would generate too much traffic on already congested inner urban roads. We will be saying the same thing again, taking into account the small changes in detail. For more information contact Arsenal's consultants: Hepher Dixon - 020 7353 0202 or email arsenalonthemove@hepherdixon.co.uk For an overview of issues raised by a range of loca.I people, seethe websit!;! of thelslington1Stadi.um Community.··· · Alliance at: http://www.RedCard,org.uk Gillespie Park Festival Sunday 9th September 2001 2 • 6pm In Gillespie Park Entrance through the Ecology Centre, 191 Drayton Park N5 or from Gillespie Road, N5 both by Arsenal tube Once again ICAG will being having a stall in this very popular local event. If you would like to help on the stand please let me know. Or if you've been meaning to come along to one our events to meet other ICAG members & haven't managed to yet...why not take this opportunity! Look forward to seeing you there! North London Cycle Map Project From Alison Dines The LCC has funding from Transport for London to help TfL produce some cycling maps. Having updated the central London map they will also be doing a new one of north London. They would like our help in recommending routes within the borough that are not recognised cycle routes or part of the LCN but that we use & feel would be helpful, especially for a more cautious user e.g. someone laden with shopping or a bike carrying a child. If you use a route that you think would be suitable and/or you'd like to get involved with this project (which may have quite a tight deadline) please let me know. Alison Dines Tel: 020 7226 5427 e-mail: alisondines@clara.co.uk Lapsed Lcc·rriembers From LCC Office Like to help remind Islington people that their LCC membership has lapsed?! If so, LCC will be doing a ring-round of lapsed members on Tues 4th September 6-9pm and would appreciate our help. Please contact Duncan Exley at the LCC office on:' 020-7928-6112 or email duncane@lcc.org.uk ICAG Festival Of Cycling Apology by Dean Leigh (Editor) Due to lack of space in this newsletter I have posted text and pictures at: www.lcc.org.Uk/branches/Islington/ i!IOtl€U44il;@t1•tiB4 EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight. Meet at 10.10 am. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5 -6 p.m. For more details, contact Sue (7729 5409). Cycle Workshop Dates Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 - 9.30 p.m. Contact Gavin Killip (7607 1950). £1 (SOp unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates ICAG meets at Islington Town Hall on the second Wednesday of every month. If you've something to say about·cyclihg in Islington, or just want to listen, please co·me along. Agehda items for meetings shquld reach Alison Dines (0207 226 5427) by the Saturday before the meeting. · ICAG Email List IF YOU CAN'T WAIT for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to _the ICAG email list? · The list gives us the ability to get news· to you promptly. lt also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give feedback and - we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you would like to join, send an email to icag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we'll set you up. Islington Cyclist by Email IF YOU'VE ENJOYED reading this issue of Islington Cyclist- but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. AJI you need to do, is send an email to islingtoncyclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the circlllation list. Please send any letters, articles, classified ads, photos, cartoons, artwork etc, to dean.leigh@btconnect.com or write to: The Editor, Islington Cyclist, 13a Beresford Road, Highbury, N5 2HS. Photocopying by Camelot Courier Training. (c) Islington Cyclists' Action Group 2001 -)-. ILCCACGmisemthbeerIs in Itsolningtonuparoef athuetoLmoantdicoanllCyycerr/1C::a; :f·:Jampmg· nmg on cycl·mg issues in Islington and providinga focal focus for LCC members. Issue 28 Pathways to the Future From Alison Dines London 21 Sustainability Network Conference Saturday 9 June 2001 10am to 4pm Goldsmiths College, Lewisham. The London 21 Sustainability Network ("London 21") is a network of people and organisations engaged in Local Agenda 21 or other sustainability initiatives in London. For details see their website at: www.london21.org or contact London 21 Conference Organiser, Clo Sustainable London Trust, 7 Chamberlain Street, NW1 BXB Velo-city 2001 From Alison Dines Velo-city 2001 the world's biggest cycle planning conference in Edinburgh & Glasgow 17-21 Sept 2001. For more details contact: Erl Wilkie Tel: 0141 287 9039 Or see their website at: www.velo-city2001.org Cyclist death at Dartmouth Park Hill. From Adrian Williams put messages about the fatal collision on 15th Feb on the ICAG email list and in the last Islington Cyclist saying there was no report in the Islington Gazette. No one in ICAG corrected me. Perhaps no one on this list reads the paper, but read on. June/July 200 I where and is thus typical of reports of cycle collisions in local papers. The IG and H&I usually carry a report of the inquest on any deceased cyclist in Islington but there may be no follow-up for injury cases. It is a matter of experience to me that inquest reports in newspapers are also inadequate. The only way you/we find out what happened is to take a morning off work and attend the inquest to hear all the details. Dangerous Driving. From Adrian Williams The Islington Gazette of 17th May (p4) carries a report of a court case (Snaresbrook) about a plainclothes police officer riding a bicycle in Islington Park St when he was allegedly on the receiving end of dangerous driving. After he pointed this out to the driver the driver obstructed him on the road, and went beyond abuse to grabbing him round the neck. In court the driver (from Tottenham) denied every1hing and was acquitted of all offences. This report is good on details compared to the cycle collision reports but ii leaves me wondering.... if a police officer on a bike can't convince a jury of dangerous driving what chance have we got? IIJOttl§ij44ii(r)ttl•tU¥ EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight. Meet at l0.10 a.m. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbwy Park is usually between 5-6p.m. For more details, contact Sue (7729 5409). Cycle Workshop Dates Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise). 4tl1 weds of each month (except August and December). 7 -9.30 p.m. Contact Gavin Killip (7607 1950). £l (50p unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates ICAG meets at Islington Town Hall on the second Wednesday of every month. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Agenda items for meetings should reach Alison Dines (0207 226 5427) by the Saturday before the meeting. ICAG Email List IF YOU CAN'T WAIT for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The list gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also provides subscribers with the opportunity to give feedback and - we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cycling up the agenda in Islington. If you would like to join, send an email to icag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we'll set you up. Islington Cyclist by Email IF YOU'VE ENJOYED reading this issue of Islingto11 Cyclist - but don't live in the borough and so don't get a paper copy - you can now receive our newsletter electronically. All you need to do, is send an email to islingtoncyclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the circulation list. -- ICAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus for LCC members. LCC members in Islington are automatically members of ICAG. Issue 27 April/May 2001 Cyclist Death From Adrian Williams On February 15th at 8-40 am Duncan Glasse, aged 47 from Dalmeny Road, was struck from behind by a car while cycling up Dartmouth Park Hill. The car then hit a stationary car and the two occupants ran off. The cyclist died next day in the Royal Free Hospital. The driver later reported to a police station and was bailed. The inquest will take place at St Pancras Coroner's Crt after police investigations are complete. This information is taken from the Camden New Journal and the Highbury & Islington Express. The Islington Gazette has not reported this death. There has been more information in the CNJ with a focus on the lack of traffic calming on this road which is a boundary between Camden and Islington. Traffic calming is expected to start soon. Update From Dean Leigh Source: Islington Gazette Thursday 22nd March 2001 An article in this issue reports that roads on the Islington side of Dartmouth Park Hill may soon have a 20 mph speed limit to bring them in line with roads on the Camden side of the hill. Labour Councillor Janet Burgess has written to Islington Council to try to persuade it to reduce the speed limit on its side of the hill City Cyclist From Doug Angus The LCC City group has had its second meeting and is now looking at cycle parking (or lack of it) in the City and route planning, especially connecting up facilities already in place. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who cycle to/through the City on a regular basis and what your suggestions are. Please email them to: lcccity-owner@yahoogroups.com with your name and your borough or send them to: LCC City Group c/o London Cycling Campaign 228 Great Guildford Business Square 30 Great Guildford Street London SE1 OHS. The next City meeting will be on: 20 April at 12:30 venue Iba, all welcome. Get Stuffed From Doug Angus It's been scientifically proven that the Islington Cyclist stuffing takes 2 person hours. This gives: No. of Stuffing Result ?eorle time 1 2 hours misery 2 1 hour satisfaction 3 40 mins pleasure 4 30 mins joy 4+ 120/4+ mins overkill So as you can see, about 3 people is probably the optimal number per stuffing which at 6 stuffings/year gives 18 person-stuffings. Thus if we had a small pool of 6 to 9 people to call on each person would only be needed 2 or 3 times per year for 40 or fewer minutes of effort. Not a lot to ask really. Could you be one of that group? The newsletter stuffing is every two months at LCC's office, just south of Southwark Bridge. The great thing is, you don't need to know anything about cycling or campaigning but can still perform a useful role. So if you do have a couple of hours a year to spare please email: icag-lcc@yahoo.co.uk· or ring Doug on.7354 5832 Festival of Cycling, 16 - 24 June From Gavin Ki/lip The annual nationwide cycling jamboree is in the third week of June. ICAG are planning two events. The ever-popular Bike Breakfast will take place at the Colebrooke Row crossing of City Road on Wednesday · 20 June from 7.30 am with free hot drinks and buns for cyclists and a free maintenance check for your bike. ICAG are also organising a Midsummer Bike Festival from 2 - 6 p.m. on Saturday 16 June at the Islington Ecology Centre on Gillespie Park. There will be bike maintenance, obstacle course, family rides on quiet streets and off-road, stalls, refreshments, live music and much more. For more information or if you would like to volunteer to help on the day, please call Gavin on 7607 1950. Junctions Campaign update From Gavin Ki/lip It was almost too cold to count straight when we did the traffic count at Highbury Corner in February. But eight hardy souls turned out to do the work, and the preliminary number­ crunching has been done. Anyone who uses Highbury Place may be interested to know that 29% of all vehicles on this stretch of road were bikes There is lots of demand for high quality cycle facilities, but the sad truth is that the cycle route simply ends at the roundabout. Highbury Corner in general seems to be a popular route for commuters, with far more people heading into central London in the morning than going north. A small minority of cyclists take to the pavement in order to avoid the roundabout altogether. These facts and figures will be included in a report over the coming months to present as strong a case as possible for improvements. If you would like to add your comments on Highbury Corner or on the other targeted junction (Holloway Road{Tollington Road/Camden Road/Caledonian Road), please contact: Gavin on 7607 1950. Arsenal Football Club's proposals From Gavin Ki/lip ICAG has joined the Islington Stadium Community Alliance. The Islington Stadium Community Alliance is a loose affiliation of community groups, businesses and individuals opposed to Arsenal Football Club's plans for a new stadium, conference centre, hotels, shops, flats, restaurants. The objections are not about football, they're about massive over­ development of an already congested inner urban area. For the latest news, look at ISCA's informative website: www.redcard.org.uk or contact Gavin on 7607 1950. General ICAG Enquiries We've set up a new email address for general ICAG enquiries: icag_lcc@yahoo.co.uk If you have the old address in your address book, please change it now as the old address will be closed shortly. i!liitl€U44ii•fflrl•IDt¥l EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight. Meet at 10.10 a.m. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5-6 p.m. For more details, contact Sue (7729 5409). @J4tlici•hiffi,M•i•ffii¥111 Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: comer of Sunnyside Rd and Haze!lville Rd, Nl9 (off Homsey Rise). 4th weds of each month (except August and December). 7 -9.30 p.m. Contact Gavin Killip (7607 1950). £1 (50p unwaged) per session towards costs. Meeting Dates IJ'h ks<- .kc,,,_)._ e,..,us lanos. cycio lanes and pedeslrlans Extending CPZs ln!rodu<:<1 workplace parklo tevl•• lnlroduw "moesl!on cha1111na :== = = ==:== ==::==r-1-1 ?Supl)Ort ¦ oppose DNotther sponses from car owning households, you find that support in all categories is lower than for non car owning households, but that the seven points still have the support of 64% or more or respondents. On congestion charging, there are 44% in favour, 40% opposed and 16% who neither support or oppose. In conclusion, Steven said that the results pro­ vide a mandate for the transport strategy and once Islington Cycling Forum THE INAUGURAL MEETING of the Isling­ ton Cycling Forwn took place at the Islington Ecology Centre on 19 January. Intended as a way of bringing together a wide range of peo­ ple interested in cycling issues, the meeting was generally judged to be a success, as engi­ neers, educationalists, local politicians, cam­ paigners, the police and road safety officers swapped news, ideas and telephone numbers. The Forum was first mooted by Jeremy Cor­ byn MP at last summer's launch of ICAG's manifesto. It was obvious then that lots of peo­ ple are working on cycling issues locally, but they don't always know about what other peo­ ple are doing. The Forum is intended as a six­ monthly meeting for anyone with an interest in cycling in Islington. The first session had an agenda set by the participants. It began with a debate on broad issues such as how best to promote cycling and the achievability (or otherwise) of national targets for increasing the numbers of bicycle journeys. From there, the talk homed in on specific local projects, such as the walking bus at Yerbury Primary School and how to get more cycle parking instaIIed. Overall, the meeting avoided the trap of be­ ing just a talking shop. Agreed actions in­ cluded looking at trying to get lottery funding for bike maintenance and/or cycling profi­ ciency under the New Opportunities Fund's Out of School Hours programme; co­ ordinating re-use of unwanted parts from bike shops in Paul Standeven's Cycles for Koso­ vans project, which has grown from strength to strength in recent months. JCAG volunteers again offered to help the Council do systematic cycle counts as part of a longer-term goal to get more funding for cy­ cling (if you can't measure increases in cycle numbers, you don't get funding; if you don't have base-line data, you can't measure in­ creases). If you wish to attend the next Forum meetirig (provisional date: 16 May) or if you just want to find out more, please call Gavin on 020 7607 1950. Response to LCN Report AS REPORTED in the last issue of Islington Cyclist, ICAG has a copy of consultants Oscar Faber's report on four of the London Cycle Network (LCN) routes in Islington. The report was provided by the LCN project manager who had commissioned consultants to undertake a quality audit of the LCN in each of the London boroughs. ICAG wishes to respond to the document and have decided to ride each of the four routes before our next meeting on 11 February. If you would like to assist in this process please contact the following to make arrange­ ments: John Ackers (020 7690 7263) for LCN route 7, Crouch End (Hazelville Rd) to Smithfield (St. John St) Alison Dines (020 7226 5427) for the LCN route Finsbury Park (St. Thomas's Road) to Camden Town (Market Rd) . David Solomon (020 7275 7985) for LCN route 6, Crouch End (Hatchard Rd) to Camden Town (Hungerford Rd) (Note: LCN route 8, Dalston (Northchurch Road) to Clerkenwell (Margery St), has al­ ready been reviewed.) Seven Stations Link THE SEVEN STATIONS Link (SSL) is a proposed cycle route connecting 7 rail termini. Islington Council has produced plans for its section between King's Cross and Liverpool Street which have gone out to public consulta­ tion. Representatives of ICAG, Hackney and Camden groups all attended a recent exhibition of the proposed route at Finsbury Library and provided feedback to Project Centre consult­ ants who have designed Islington's section of the route. The SSL is the brainchild of the Camden Cy­ cling Campaign and more details of the whole route can be found on its web site at www.greengas.u-net.com/SevenStns.html Inquest On Deceased Cyclist THE LATEST cyclist killed in Islington is believed to have been Pinches Grossman killed at the junction of Farringdon Rd and Clerken­ well Rd on 28 January 1999. The inquest took place on 1 November and reports appeared in both local papers on 4 and 5 November. This report adds extra detail heard at the inquest. The cyclist lived in N4 (not LB!) and rode to work regularly. He was on a lunchtime trip with destination never specified. The lorry driver got lost south of the river, came north by accident and had difficulty finding a place to turn around legally. He decided to tum left at this junction and the front of the lorry crushed the cyclist. Massive head and internal injuries were not detailed in court to spare the relatives in attendance. Witnesses contradicted each other about which side of the lorry the cyclist was on. It seems obvious to us as observers, and was accepted by the court, that he was on the near­ side and was intending to go straight on. How exactly he was hit and dragged under the lony will never be known. The usual discussions about the mirrors on the lorry took place with talk of a blind spot and the difficulty of the driver looking ahead and to both sides at once. The driver was accepted to be turning slowly in a lorry that was in good working order (as tested by the Police at East Finchley). The cyclist was over 30 and the driver was over 40. Both were believed to be in good health and not impaired by drink or drugs. Weather was good and there were no extra factors at the site apart from scaffolding on a building which obstructed visibility in some directions but was not judged to have influ­ enced this collision. Two witnesses said the cyclist was standing on the pedals while trying to push himself away from the lorry. The driver is not due to be prosecuted for any offence relating to this incident and there is no apparent new lesson to be learnt. Yet another cyclist was killed in the way that most die in central London, run over by a large ve­ hicle turning left. Verdict: accidental death. Cycles for Kosovans By Paul Standeven SINCE APRIL last year I have been running the 'Cycles for Kosovans1 project. So far, I have repaired about 110 bikes, with some assis­ tance, for giving to Kosovan asylum-seekers in the UK. The project was inspired by the suffering of people expelled with great violence from their homeland, and who, under current UK legisla­ tion, receive food vouchers but very little money. The current storage space must be cleared by 10 February, due to renovations, Replacement storage is urgently needed and also transport to move bikes. A cycle trailer would also be useful for col­ lecting parts. If you can help, please contact me on 020 7690 7134. Covered Parking IF YOU SEE a car with a tarpaulin over it, it may not just be an owner protecting their vehi­ cle. It could be an illegal parking stratagem. One such car has been in an important cycle lane in Skinner Street, Finsbury, leaving cy­ clists to swerve dangerously into fast-moving motor traffic. Drivers are using this tactic because, legally, a parking attendant may not lift the cover with­ out taking the precaution of having a witness present to confirm that no damage is caused. The witness has to be someone other than the parking attendant. Understandably, this is labour intensive so some drivers are using the tactic to park where they should not, thinking that they are safe because of the organisation necessary for a combined parking enforcement visit. If you see a shrouded vehicle where it should not be ring the Parking Service on 020 7477 2390 or fax them on 020 7251 4435. More Bike Parking - but where? THERE CAN BE few things more annoying than when you get to your destination and find that there is nowhere to lock your bike. Islington Council can put in about 150 cycle stands a year but would like you to tell them where to locate them. Let us know where you would like see cycle parking facilities in the future and we will pass the details on. Our contact details are at the bottom of this page. Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: corner of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, N19 (off Homsey Rise). 23. February and 22 March, 7-9.30 p.m. Contact Gavin Killip on 020 7607 1950. £1 (50p unwaged) per session towards costs. Stop Press: A new maintenance course is being run for the first time this year at Islington Ecology Centre, intended for those who want to learn more about how the bicycle works and how to keep it running smoothly. For details, contact Sarah Tibbatts on 020 7354 5162. l...ittle Green Ride Dates EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight - 13 and 27 February, 12, and 26 March. Meet at 10.IO a.m. at Finsbury Park overland station. Don't forget your Network Railcard or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5-6 p.m. For more details, contact Sue on 020 7729 5409. Meeting Dates ICAG MEETS monthly at Islington Town Hall. The next two meetings are 9 February and 8 March from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Agenda items for ICAG's monthly meetings are assembled by David Solomon. Any item that you wish to raise should reach him by the Saturday before the meeting either by e-mail (solomon@mth.kcl.ac.uk) or at his home telephone number (020 7275 7985). Please include your name and the approxi­ mate time that you think will suffice for dis­ cussion of the item. A very brief explanation of any relevant background to the item and your contact number/address would also help, if they are not already obvious. ICAG Email l...ist IF YOU CAN'T WAIT for the next issue of Islington Cyclist then why not subscribe to the ICAG email list? The list gives us the ability to get news to you promptly. It also gives subscribers the opportunity to give feedback and - we hope - come up with their own ideas for moving cy­ cling up the agenda in Islington. If you would like to join, send an email to icag@precise-ltd.demon.co.uk with your name and LCC membership number for verification purposes and we'll set you up. Please send any letters, articles, classified ads, photos, cartoons, artwork etc. to icag@precise-ltddemon.co.uk or fax 020 7354 5832 or write to: The Editor, Islington Cyclist, 68 St. Peter's Street NI 8JS. Photocopying by Carl Lomas of Camelot Courier Training. (c) Islington Cyclists' Action Group 2000 ........a, /( AG is the Jslington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Jslington and providing a localfocusfor LCC members. LCC members in Islington are automatically members of ICAG. Issue 19 December 1999/January 2000 -\...Ot1nc1·1. r-:_onsu.1.+.1· ng on R-- nrounh Tr..!.:..l.l.n..c..:..n,.n...r..l. ...t.r.at.o.,.n., ,.,, ISLINGTON COUNCIL has recently launched I leaflet and pre-paid questionnaire. This leaflet I the Council's 24 hour answer phone hotline on Making rhe Connections- its transpo1i plan for is supposed to have been dehvered to all 020 7477 2806. . the Borough. This sets out the transporl slralegy fur lhe nexl ten ! The original date for retummg 4 steps to give your tramport views with I minute's effort: lhe 4ut:sliomiaire was 30 Novt:m years with the emphasis on sustainability - clearly of great interest to cyclists, as cycling is the second most sustainable transport mode after walking and the most J. Do you have the Making the Connections /eajlet/ Jfyes go to 3, 2. Cull 020 7477 2806 (24 huur unswer phum:) now lu gel u cupy. 3. Put 12 ticks on the pre-paid questionnaire. 4. Post the comvleted auestionnaire . ber, but this has now been ex­ tended to 10 December. The questionnaire needs only 12 ticks so please complete and re­ turn it. A minute of your time now energy efficient. The Council are consulting alt residents and businesses in the Borough on the stratee-v via a Council Workshop By Claire Caj}rey ARGUABLY CYCLING should be at the forefront of any transport policy, in reality this is not always the case. A few others and I have hit this reaiity after a meeting with the Councii concerning ihe Interim Transport Plan men­ tioned in the last newsletter. So I suppose I should enlighten you as to why I hav ·this view of reality. Well, by 2012 cycling should comprise 10% of the total num­ ber of journeys in the Borough. This was our first bone of contention; is this realistic? These figures need to be broken down in to yearly targets that are achievable. With actual policies to implement these airy fairy numbers. The yearly target arrived at was about a 1% in­ crease every year. The main thing that came up was that we needed to have an jdea of what the current figures are in terms of cycling journeys. What is needed is a series of cycle counts, with which we will definitely need your help. Please let us know if you can assist. The other part of the discussion centred on Liemunslratiun prujei;ts, fur example Nags Head. This project \Vas mentioned in the last newsletter with a certain amount of disdain. The art of diplomacy was used to pass on our concerns to the Council. Given this, we tried to widen the scope to include the improvements from Archway to the Angel. If any of you have burning issues concerning this route I would encourae-e vou to ioin us at one of the meet­ ings, or let ·someo e know who will be attend­ ing the meeting. Any input is gratefully re­ ceived as we do have illusions towards democ­ racy. Finally. we broached cyclir1g black spots in the Roro 1gh. Ra,sically, we passed on a long list to the engineer, so keep your fingers crossed if you infonned me of a black spot. households in Islington but there appear to have been some problems with the distribution. If you have not received a copy please phone There is still time for you to pass on ariy black spots on your regular trips, I am still accepting any areas that you think as a cyclist are prob­ lematic. Moreover, if there have been any im­ provements do let me know. Please contact Claire Caffrey on the ICAG email list or ms_c_caffrey@hotmai!.com or by phone on 020 7607 1349. LCN Consultants Report IN RECENT MEETINGS with Council Offi­ cers, ICAG representatives had been critical about the quality of the existing cycle routes. We had asked questions about the min.imrnn standards of a route before it could be declared to be officially part of the LCN. The LCN design manual obviously sets some standards but it appears to give the designer a lot of lati­ tude. So we were rather surprised when the Coun­ cil announced that four of Islington's cycle routes were being quality audited by consult­ ants Oscar Faber. We now have a copy of that report and it identifies a large number of problems with all four routes. On LCN ruuk 7, Cruuch EnU lu Smilhiid,precise-lld.demon.co.uk orfat OJ 7 I 354 5832 or write to: 71U! Editor, Islington ('ye/isl, 68 St. Peter's ,\'tree/NI R.IS Photocopying hy Carl /,omas of Camelot Courier 1i·aining. (c) Islington Cyclists' Action Group 1999 I' J.CAG is the }sling/on group of the London ()Y:ling Campaign, campaigning on qc/ing issues in Islington and providing a localfOcusfor LCC members. LCC members in Islington are automatically members q/lCAU Issue 15 April/May 1999 Bid for £millions to Regenerate Finsbury Park ISL!NGTON, HACKNEY AND HARINGEY Councils are joining forces in a bid for £25 million of government money to boost the economic, social and physical fabric of Fins bury Park over seven years. Transport is one of twelve broad themes that may be funded under the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) and initial plans are to spend £3.5 million on transport issues. This part of the bid is being co-ordinated by Islington Council's Steven Wood, who spoke at ICAG's regular meeting in March. The overall objective is to reduce private motor traffic, whilst improving the lot of pe­ destrians, bus passengers and cyclists. Some specific ideas have been put forward on how to achieve this but the proposal is still at the con­ sultation stage. A central plank of the bid is to close Station Place to motor traffic, including the many buses which currently use it. The agency in charge of bus routes in the capital, the Traffic Director for London (TOIL), has agreed in principle to the closure, and is funding a study into road traffic reduction in the wider area. A key question to resolve is how to manage movements around the main junction of Seven Sisters Road and Stroud Green Road/ Blackstock Road. Other ideas so far include a pedestrian/cycle link across Seven Sisters Road to open up an off-road route between Gillespie Park (Arse­ nal) and Highgate, using the Parkland Way. Activists in Hackney have proposals for a Cycle Culture Centre, housing a number of projects, such as recycling spare parts, training people with learning dinicullies in bike main­ tenance and promoting local tourism. Bus route 29 would be up for some improvements and cycle storage at Finsbury Park station could be made a lot better. It has been suggested that the Seven Sis­ ters/follington Way one-way system could be put back to two-way operation, at least for buses and cyclists, but part of the one-way falls outside the SRB area, which might be a stum­ bling block. Nothing has been decided yet, but firmer proposals will have to be put together in the next few weeks. ICAG continues to provide input in collaboration with colleagues in Hack­ ney and Haringey. Do let us know if you have any bright ideas. More Missiles OUR RECENT ARTICLES on airguo hazards have prompted yet more responses. Sebastian Lucas writes: I read in issue #14 Oliver Jones' piece. 1 re­ call a few years ago being hit on my helmet by a small piece of wood when cycling north up Calcdonian Rd. I am sure it came from the block of Oats on the right, just beyond the Co­ penhagen St crossroad. More worrying, a colleague of mine at UCII was definitely hit by an airgun pellet whilst cycling up Wharton St one evening in the curly 1990s. He needed surgery to have it removed frl)m the neck (it just missed his carotid ar­ tery). If I recall, the police could not find enough evidence to prosecute anyone. Adrian Williams r Ui.:rs more advice on dealing with allacks: The problem for cyclists is the same as for anyone else. The first decision is whether you have time to do anything immediately or are in such a hurry that you want to keep going and ignore it. If you decide to stop and investigate you will need to give a description of what happened with place, time and date. I assume readers of this newssheet are adults who arc capable of carrying paper and a pen. (You would need the same for recording details of vehicle collisions.) The first urgent require­ ment is to get an independent witness if possi­ ble and record their details. Aller that you can try to lind out exactly what was done, by whom, from where and make your notes. It might appear foolhardy to stay in the area when missiles are being directed at you and you have to assess that at the time. The coun­ ter-argument is that most of these attacks arc carried out by young males who know very well that they arc <1Cti11g illegally and danger­ ously. If the victim shows signs of noting their activity for reference they will hide themselves fast. If they persist with an attack with missiles you arc justified in calling 999, otherwise you can report it later, as soon as possible. In the rarer and more serious case of an at1ack at short range by groups of people there is no general advice that can be given. You will need to decide quickly if you can outrun them on your bike, abandon your bike and run away, fight your way out or talk/shout your way out. Don't think it doesn't happen; the local papers on I I/ 12 February had reports of an attack causing injury in the Old St area. Use safety glasses on your eyes. A helmet on your head is more use against blows from other people than vehicles. Padded clothing helps in winter and you may need to use a pannier or backpack to ward off blows. Swinging a chain and lock has been known to frighten off yobs. Good luck. (You may never experience it.) Question Answered ICAG CO-ORDINATOR, Gavin Killip, raised the issue of how cuts in Islington Council will allCct cycling provision in the borough. Herc is the response from the Chair of the Environ­ ment, Leisure & Transport Committee. The question: "I note with concern that the post of Cycling Ofticer is to be lost amid the significant reduc­ tion in the number of staff in the Trame De­ partment. Is Islington planning any new struc­ tures or new initiatives to rnsure that the pro­ motion of cycling and the provision of facili­ ties for cyclists docs not simply fall off the Council's agenda?" The answer from Councillor Michael Boye­ Anawomah: "While scarce resources will need to be care­ fully targeted, appropriate and adequate tech­ nical support for the development of cycling initiatives will be sustained from within a new Transport Policy Team. Among initiatives is the launch of a new Cy­ cle Strategy document early in the spring which will identify targets for increasing cy­ cling in the borough and proposals to audit existing routes used by cyclists. Also, the Council is bidding for further funding thb year from the Cycle Network Budget Manager to complete more of Cycle Route 8 and next year, besides completion or Route 8, will also be bidding for funds to commence Cycle Route 7. All future traffic management schemes will, as part of the routine design process, be subject to an audit to ensure that wherever practical suitable provision is made for cyclists." (Note: Cycle Route 7 runs along Mildmay Grove and Northampton Park. The section referred to for completion of Cycle Route 8 is Beresford Terrace via Wallace Road to St. Pauls Road.) Owen Street Update AS REPORTED in the last issue, the situation ut Owen Street continues to be dillicult. ICAG has raised concerns about the safety of the new scheme, which is still flawed, even though ihe metal barriers have been removed. Bikes and walkers are to arrive at a boltle­ ncck precisely where site traffic emerges from behind the hoarding - anything from 20 to 35 lorry movements a day. We will continue to apply pressure to reverse the decision preventing sile access from Uos­ well Road. And, in the meantime, we will be lobbying to make the safety arrangements as workable as possible within the flawed scheme. Pothole Reporting - Errata THE CORRECT NUMBER for reporting pot­ holes and defective street lamps in Islington is 0171 477 2674 for roads the Council is respon­ sible for. We still haven't yet confirmed the number for the main roads: Archway Rd, Holloway Rd, Upper St, City Rd and Pentonville Rd come under a maintenance contract awarded to a company called Mouchel. Virtual Velocipedestrians DO YOU HAVE access to email or the web? Would you like to be more involved in your local LCC group without moving from your computer? ff the answer to these questions is yes then you may be interested in the proposal to start an ICAG email list. The list will be set up using the service at www.cgroups.com It has been used success fully by other LCC groups including our neighbours in Hackney. ll allows a subscriber to send a message lo all other subscribers in the email group without having to maintain each address in your own address book. You also have control over how you receive messages, fr>r example, you could choose to look at postings on the web site rather than receive them by email. Only sub­ scribers will be able to look at web postings as this will be a private group. The email list will be discussed at the next ICAG meeting and we hope to have it op rat ing by the end of April. Jf you want to join, send an email to icag@precise-ltd.demon.co.uk with your name and LCC membership number for verification purposes and we'll keep you informed ofprog ress, Islington The London Planning Advisory Committee (LPAC) has issued a consultation document on a Strategy for Road Trame Redu<.:tion in Lon­ don which includes a target to reduce traffic in Islington by 35% by 2005. The document can be accessed from LPAC's website at www.lpac.gov,uk/rt-adv.html or for a hard copy ring O171 222 2244 ext. 214 or email lpac@lpac.;.gov.uk Comments on !he documl!nl arc lo be re­ ceived by JI March. WORKSHOP SESSIONS are re-starting al Islington Ecology Centre a11er the winter break. With the lengthening days and warmer weather why not give your bike a treat and learn how to get it back to tip-lop condition, There arc two sessions a month in dillCrent parts of the borough so you're spoilt for choice: Islington Ecology Centre: corner of Drayton Park and Gillespie Road, NS. 6 April and 5 May, 7 - 9 p.m. Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: corner of Sun­ nyside Rd and I lazcllvillc Rd, N 19 (off I lorn­ scy Rbe). 28 April and 26 May, 7 - 9.30 p.m. Costs for any session: £I (50p unwaged) to­ wards costs. 18tliti§k4§;1$tl11tiit¥ EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight - 11 and 25 April, 9 and 23 May, Mccl al 10.15 a.rn. at Finsbury Park station. Don't forget your South East network card or to 'borrow' a ride on your hcsl friend's I Return to Finsbury Park is usually b twc..:11 5-6 p.m. For more details, contrn.:t Sue on 0171 729 5409. ICAG MEETS monthly at the Town I lall. The next two meetings arc 14 April and 12 May from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. If you've something to say about cycling in Islington, or just want to listen, please come along. Got Something Say? WELL WHY not use this blank column to talk about cycle-related maHcrs? Contact details for articles etc, arc at the bottom of this page. Please send any letters, urlicles, cfu,\·sijic:d ads, photos, carloom, artworX etc. to ieag(aipreci.\'(•-lid.demon,.:o.11/.. or fax OI 7 I .154 5101 rir write to: The Hditor, Islington Cyclist, 68 St. Peter's .\'tree/NI HJ,\'. /1Jwtocupri11g by Ciwl I ouu,s 1!f'( '0111('/11/ Courif'r 'frai11i11g ,1 lsfi11gto11 < )di.11.1·' :kli1111 Uroup /1}1}') · }CAO is the Islington group (lflhe /,om/on <)'clinR ({1mpaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a Jocalfocusfor LCC members, LCC memhers in Islington are aulomatical(l' memhcrs r?f /CAG. Issue 14 February/March 1999 Owen Street latest SINCE OUR LAST newsletter, the dust has been settling on a heavy autumn's campaigning on the closure of Owen Street, near the Angel. After the episode with the barricades in Sep­ tember, and then the route being re-opened, the news 1his time is not so positive. ·1·11c developer, (irovcworld, got pla1111i11g permission for their development in January and the Highways Agency have decided that traffic on Goswell Road cannot be held up by construction lorries parking on the road. The cycle route is therefore going to be closed olT again, so that 20 to 35 lorries a day can use it for access. The narrow pathway to one side wiJI be re­ served for cyclists, with pedestrians diverted through the nearby park. It won't be as bad as September's 'urban assaull course' (we hope), but it falls a long way short of decent provi­ sion. Connict between bikes and walkers seems very likely. The worst bit is where the bikes and pedes­ trians come out from behind the hoarding round the building site - emerging right into the path of exiting construction lorries. Even though there arc serious :mfoty issues nt !he St John Street end of Owen Strecl, it seems that the risk of injury to cyclists, pedestrians and wheelchair users has been deemed a risk worth taking. We will be working with the Council and the developer to try and minimise the danger of people getting hit by big trucks where the road narrows and the diverted cyc1e route emerges, unseen, into their pnth. We hove ulrcndy sug gested that the hoarding at this point should be replaced by a metal grille, so that lorry drivers can at least see who is there. If you do use the route, please take extra care when the diversion is up and running. The last thing we want is to be telling the powers that be 'we told you so\ Islington Cuts Cycling Officer THE TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT at Islington Council is to lose 30% of its staff and the post of Cycling Officer will be no more. Such is the effect of major cuts in Islington Council. The Traffic Department is responsible for the Lon­ don Cycle Network (LCN) in Islington, as well as working on other issues like developing a Cycle Strategy for the borough. At the same time as we heard the news about these cuts, unconfirmed reports indicate that the budget for the LCN in Islington next year is to be substantially more than this ,year. The obvious question is how are they going to im­ plement an increased programme of works with fewer people? Morale and productivity levels are said to be very low at the moment as almost all officers in !he TralTic Dcparlment arc having to apply for their own job:-; over the next few months. JCAG has argued against this cut, but with £50 million worth of savings to find over four years, there was always a chance that Isling­ ton's axe would fall on the jobs affecting cy­ cling provision. The situation is difficult and we are ad­ dressing how best to deal with it. One sugges­ tion is for ICAG volunteers to become more active in helping implement lslington's work programme, by doing cycle counts and other basic research, so that the best use can be made of the resources available. The full effect of the cuts won't be known for a few months yet. Watch this space for more news. Finally, it comes as no surprise that the cur­ rent Cycling Officer, Tony Bowen, has decided to move on. After four years at lsJington, he is going lo work for London Trnnsporl from mid- 1.,ebruary. "Cycling Heroes" ICAG WAS RECOGNISED for its efforts in the end of year issue of the Highbury & Is­ lington Express. Its Diary section had a" ... list of heroes ... who have hit the headlines in 1998." Under the sub-heading Campaigners was "Islington Cyclists' Action Group whose dem­ onstrations and petitions assured the re­ opening of the Owen Street cycle route." Many thanks lo all those who signed the pe­ tition, wrote letters and supported the Critical Mass. Help Green Islington NHS VOLUNTEERS, PLEASE, to liaise with the 3 hospitals serving Islington: the Whittington, Moorfields Eye and St Bartholomew's. A Green Travel Guide for the NHS was launched at the Whittington in December: Ilea/thy Transport Toolkit --· A Guide to Re­ ducing Car trips to NHS Facilities. Despite pious aspirations, the NHS has been short on action for some years. Members fa­ miliar with the workings of the NHS are needed to liaise regularly with executives in order to try to get things done as opposed to just talked about. Please ring Leo on 0171 252 3852. Mildmay Rep Needed ICAG NEEDS to be represented on the Mild­ may Forum (an Islington Council Neighbour­ hood Forum) and its Trame and Environment Sub-Group. It covers important cycle routes and we need to have a vote and voice in their consideration of cycle route plans. Its boundaries are above St Pauls Road and Green Lanes to Highbury Fields and part of Highbury New Park and Petherton Road, Anyone living in the area who could attend the occasional meetings: and keep an eye on things for !CAO, please ring Leo on 0171 251 3852. Schools Liaison Help Needed I IEI.P IS NlmDED from members with spe­ cialised interests. People are needed to liaise with the physical education teachers at Islington Borough secon­ dary schools: Central Foundation, Finsbury; Highbury Fields Girls; Highbury Grove; Islington Green; Holloway Boys; Mt. Carmel; St. Aloysius and the former George Orwell, Finsbury Park, now the Arts and Media Col­ lege. This is to try to arrange for students to take part in the Little Green Ride or similar, There seems to be a cut off point for bike riding for children. Bikes seem to be regarded as toys and are used by children for only short dis­ tances around where they live. As they leave school and go to work they do not realise that they could ride longer distances to work in many cases. We want to see if we can encourage older children to go on longer rides so that when they go to work they could go by bike. If interested please ring Leo on 0171-251 3852. Hackney Happenings THE LOCAL LCC group in Hackney has been in touch with ICAG regarding the proposal to return Shorcditch High Street to two-way working. Hackney Council are actively planning tem­ porary arrangements to relurn to two-way op­ eration, The problem is that Islington Council have objected, thinking that this traffic reduc­ tion measure will increase traffic across the border, Islington Council are also blocking the City's plans to widen the ring of plastic - plans backed by everybody else involved in Tower 1 lmnlcts and J lackncy. We have agreed to send ICAG representa­ tives to the next Hackney cyclists meeting to discuss these issues together with the South­ gate Road cycle crossing, the Seven Sisters route and Finsbury Park and the latest nc:ws on Owen Street (many Hackneyites use this route). Police Group Meeting MEMBERS MAY have seen the report in the llighbury & isling/on 1.Xpress on 4 December about Paul Standeven and a road rage incident last year when he suffered injury and damage to his bike in I lighbury Grove. The paper had picked it up from an agenda item of the Police and Community Consultative Group (PCCG) meeting, At the meeting, a senior police oJlkcr gave general miswers to hl>w un irn.:idcnt of this seriousness could have prnmpted so lilllc o11i­ cial action. In private discussion Paul was given advice on obtaining details required to pursue a private claim against the motorist, if he cun still be traced. We are also trying to pursue the possibility of action against motorists who park on cross­ hatched centres of roads marked as cycle routes. Without literally obstructing the road they reduce the width of the roadway available to cyclists and drivers trying to overtake. That leads to cyclists feeling intimidated and re­ duces the effbctivcness of the cycle route. Cur­ rent examples are Barnsbury Road and High­ bury New Park. If anyone wanls any issues raised at the PCCG, in relation to cycling in Islington, con­ tact Adrian Williams at 56 ilighbury Grove. NS 2Afl, 0171 226 4894(h), 0171 477 4057(w), or arwilJiums(glpostmuslcr.co.uk Incoming Fire OLIVER JONES CONTACTED Islington L)'clisl afler reading the article in the last issue by Adrian Williams aboul air gun hazards while cycling: "Sometime in the spring I was cycling along the Caledonian Road when something whizzed past me and whacked into a parked car I was passing. There was a dent in the car door which would seem to imply something about Lhe sizl! of a grap!.!, but the road was too busy and too littered with debris for me to be able to do a proper search and frankly l dido'I want to hang around when someone was firing things. I assumed al the time that it was probably fired by a catapult from someone in a house overlooking the scene, because of the size and speed. It scared the livfog daylights out of me. If it had hit me I would have been seriously injured. I didn't report it as it seemed impossi­ ble to prove. What should one do in such cir­ cumstances?" Has anyone had similar experiences? What did you do? Contact Islington Cyclist and let us know-details al the botlom of the page. (c) cle Wonl, photos, cartoons, artwork etc. lo icag( Wrilc lo your MP (Chris Smith or Jeremy Corbyn) praising the White Paper and urge him to support early legislation. If you drive a car, mention this. Write to your locul ( '01111dllors express­ ing your support for the White Paper and that you wish to sec measures outlined imple­ mented quickly. Islington Council could do with the revenue from workplace parking! The white paper runs to 170 pages and costs £16.50 from the Stationery Office in Kingsway. Alternatively it's free to download from lhc DETR web site at www.detr.gov.uk/itwp/index.htm The full LCC briefing note on the white pa­ per is ;ivailahlc at www.lcc.org.uk/lcc Wonderful Websites CAMDEN CYCLING Campaign launched their website in early July and jolly fine it is too. You'll find it at www.grccngas.u-net.com/ with amongst other things, infonnc1tion on the Seven Slalions I ,ink ( 'ydc Roule, a prnpmml to link seven major rail stations between Pad­ dington and Liverpool Street via Marylebone, Euston and the three stations at King's Cross. LCC in Hackney have an excellent site at www.hackney-cyclists.org.uk/ and with Harin­ gey Cycling Campaign's site at www.leevalley.eo.uk/hcc/home.html it seems we are surrounded by web-wise Local Groups. This natmally leads to the question as to why ICAG don't have one. Answer: lack of time and expertise. If you have some of the things we currently lack and you'd be interested in launching ICAG into cyberspace and keeping us in orbit please email icag@precise­ lld.dcmon.co.uk LCC CTC - 2 become 1? Tl IE ISSUE of London C.-).dl.\'I magazine that comes with this newsletter contains news of the proposed amalgamation of the London Cycling Campaign and CTC. In order fbr the amalgamation to proceed, the members of both organisations will need to endorse the proposals. LCC members will have this opportunity to vote on a motion at this year's I.CC AGM on IO October. Borough Co-ordinators were briefed on 14 July on the discussions so far. The briefing was followed hy a lively debate on key points rnised by the Co-ordinators. Furlhcr discussion at local group level was encouraged. lf you wish to take pm1 in the discussions, please come to the next ICAG meeting at 7.30 p.m. at Islington Town flall on 12 August. (c) cle Workshpp Dates Islington Ecology Centre: comer of Drayton Park and Gillespie Road, N5. 5 August and 2 September, 7 - 9 p.m. Snnny:-ddu Rl·olo y <:nrden1': comer of Sun­ nyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, Nl9 (off Hom­ sey Rise). 23 September, 7 - 9.30 p.m. (Note: there is no workshop in August) Costs for any session: £1 (50p unwaged) to­ wards costs. I.Little Green Ride Dates EASY-PACED RIDES of around 30 miles run every Sunday fortnight - 16 and 30 August, 13 and 27 September. Meet at I 0.15 a.m. at Finsbury Park station. Don't forget your South East network card or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5-6 p.m. For more details, contact Sue on 0171 729 5409 (not before 11:00 a.m. on Saturday). Meetin Dates ICAG MEETS monthly at the Town Hall. The next two meetings are 12 August and 9 September from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. 1f you've something to say about cycling in Islington please come along. Please send any fellers, articles, cla.\w(/ied ad\·, photos, cartoons, artwork elc. lo icag@precise-ltd.demon.co.uk or fax OJ 7 I 354 5832 or write to: 71,e /:.'ditor, Jslin ton ( )1disl, 68 ,\'t. /'<'fer 's ,\'/reef NI !US.. /'holoeopying hy Carl /,omas qf Camelol Courier 1i·ai1#ng. (c) Islington Cyclists' Action Group 1998 J(',,f(; is !he l.1·/ing/011 gro1111 o(flw l,mu/1111 ( )'din,.-:_ ( 'am11aig11, cm111wil{ni11g on c:1•clinJ!, issues in Islington am/ prm•idinR a localfocm (nr /,('(' memhers. /,( '(' memhers ill lsli11gto11 Or/' 1111fomr1tical(1' memlwrs o(/( 'A( i · Issue I 0 June/Jul 1998 1111 e 1I111 t Bike Breakfast As part of National Bike Week, ICAG is pleased to announce the following events that are running during Bike Week in Islington Wednesday 10 June, from 7.30 a.m. Free muffins for anyone who arrives by bike, plus the chance to get your bike looked over by a mechanic from Mosquito Bikes while you're waiting for your muffin to cool down. Junction of City Road and Colebrooke Row. Thanks to Canadian Muffin Co and Mosquito Bikes. Young Persons' Bike Festival Whittington Park, N19 (off Holloway Road), Saturday 13 June, 2 - 5 p.m. A jamboree of bicycling for families and young people, with pedal-powered sound system, bike safety checks, safe riding train­ ing, stalls, refreshments, and a gentle ride to finish off the day. Clive 0171 278 6601. Maintenance Workshops RECORD NUMBERS of people have been coming to the workshop al Islington Ecology Centre, and some much needed experts have volunteered to help out. The original venue - Sunnyside Ecology Gardens continues lo operate as well and will be advertised in the Islington Wildlife Diary alongside the session at Gillespie Park. As lots of people have found, fixing your bike on your own in the kitchen isn't half as much fun! Volunteer experts are still needed, so that some of the regulars can have a break now and then! If you know your way round the me­ chanics of a hike - and you fancy lhc challenge of explaining it to someone else - then please call Gavin on O171 263 0369. Finally, thanks to David Baister for engrav­ ing 'IC/\Cr' on all our tools and lo Peter (Hass for oflCring to do the same. Sunnyside Ecology Gardens: comer of Sunnyside Rd and Hazellville Rd, Nl9 (off Homsey Rise). 4th Wednesday of each month, 7 - 9.30 p.m. NB the 4th Wednesday isn't al­ ways the LAST Wednesday. Islington Ecology Centre: comer of Dray­ ton Park and Gillespie Road, NS. 1'1 Wednes­ day of each month, 7 - 9 p.m. Costs for any session: £1 ()Op unwaged) to­ wards costs. A1 Red Route !CAO ARR CURRENTLY compiling com­ ments and suggestions regarding cycle provi­ sion ~ and how it could be improved - along the parlkularly nasty /\ 1 Red Route as it passes through Islington. This stretch stc1rts at the Angel, goes along Upper Street to High­ bury Corner and then continues ur the I lollo­ wny nornl cndillJ-'. :11 flw nolorious Archwa_v Roundabout. Commitment to cyclists is part of the Red Route strategy - the ollicial leaflet states: "The new I ,ondon Cycle Nctwork oflcn crosses the Red Routes. Special measures for cyclists include advisory cycle routes, cycle tracks and lanes, advanced cycle stop lines at junctions and signals, slrnkgically placed at crossing points." We will pass !he t.:nmpiled suggestions onto Islington Council, who have been asked to comment by the Traflic Director for London. Please send your thoughts and ideas to: ICAG c/o Emily, 497B llolloway Road, London N 19 4DD, or e-mail IC AG@em-m.demon.co.uk. One Cheer for the Cycle Routes by Gavin Ki/lip THE BICYCLE doesn't pollute, doesn't con­ gest roads, gets from A to B quicker than car, bus or tuhe. makes a positive contribution to the health or the rider and costs little lo run and maintain compared to the price of a Travel­ card. So let's have more cycle routes what could he wrong with 1hal? Well, quilc a lot nctually. They make life easier for cyclists whose jour­ ney happens to run along them and they may play a part in attracting some less confident cyclists to have a go. For that they should be praised. The trouble is that they cover only a tiny proportion of journeys. If you want to go to the Nag's I lead, for instance, you have no choice but to go along a trunk road for some of the journey, constantly at risk from speeding traffic and over-stressed. impatient motorists. The truth is that a local authority is simply unable to tackle the full scale of the problem alone. A recent survey hy the London Cycling Campaign asked people what their major rea­ sons were for not cycling. Fear of motor lrnnic came top. with air pollution second. It is more difficult to tackle these issues than to lay some green tarmac along a road; the green tarmnc gets laid, h111 the more intrnctahle problem remains the same. I low precisely do we intend to lure people out of their cars? There are no easy answers, but with the Road Traffic Reduction Bill voted through in the House of Commons and a "yes" vote from the referendum on a Greater London Authority, the time is as good as it has ever been to try and lacklc the underlying problem. Cleaner, more affordable puh!ic transport would ccr tainly help, but it would be foolish to ignore the potent attraction of cars as symbols of prestige and freedom. So, one cheer for the cycle route: a well­ intentioned but hopelessly inadequate response to the issues. Cyclists shouldn't have lo give up the roads l{)r a third-rate network of cycle routes. The greater prize is to make city living less dangerous, polluted, congested and gencr­ nll_y s!lcssliil for nil people hy lnrhling !he nwny-hcmlcd monster ol' trallic clrnos. Bicy­ cles will he just one part of that hrightcr future. Forums for Cycling? ISLINGTON COUNCIL decentralised its mmrngcmcnt of housing, social services, and environmental health over ten years ago. Since then it has reduced the number of local unils by stages from 24 to 11, partly to save money and partly to address complaints of poor serv­ ice. Each of the local units is called a neighbour­ hood and has an associated forum which meets regularly in the local offices. These are publi­ cised via adverts in iocal newspapers and in the Council's own leanets delivered to all households. The shapes of these areas look odd on a map but there is a reason for it. The neighbour­ hoods (since 1995) match the structure of wards used for electing councillors and it would require a boundary commission to change those. As an example of neighbourhoods try the following. Highbury Vale consists of the Gil­ lespie and Quadrant Wards and is between Finsbury Park and Aberdeen Lane. Nags I-lead Neighbourhood consists of Highbury and Sus­ sex Wards and stretches from Marlborough Rd to Highbury Place and from Holloway Rd to Finsbury Park. Mildmay Neighbourhood stretches from Highbury Place to the edge of the borough near Kingsland lligh St. (Those names arc still open to change since the last reorganisation.) The Forums have consultative status for the Council and a small amount of money to spend. Local people can raise an issue through their forum and expect Councillors or officers to have to consider it. They can also comment on local proposals from the Council. So, what has this got to do with cycling in Islington? In March 1998 an attempt was started in the Nags I-lead Forum to eliminate the advisory cycle route along Church Path through 1-lighhury Fields. The complainants were a couple, representing the llighhury Fields Association, who live in Highbury Place where the path starts, They objected to danger to pedestrians, particularly infants at the after­ noon nursery on the Fields, and the intrusive nature of a green surface on the cycle path. fhey suggest a cycle route along Highhury Grove instead. Anyone who rides along Church Path at pre sent (April) might think they have succeeded. The path has recently been resurfaced and all markings on the path have been covered up. We are assured they will be replaced and with u coloured surface on the cycle side. This wns the first bit of shared path in London and was intended to help cyclists stay off 1-Iighbury Grove when riding to Highbury Comer. This ( 'hurch Pnth is on the ho11ndnry or Nng !lead and Highbury Vale Neighbourhoods. The complainants live just in Mildmay Neighbour­ hood and were not entitled to vote at Nags I lead Forum when the issue was discussed. They are car owners and have connections to the Labour Party. They know the local struca lures and how to influence the Council. They arc reported to be trying to check the legal validity of the original action to make the path open for joint use. We need to be aware of the actions of the Forums when they impinge on cycle use in Islington. In this case we have first hand re­ ports from sympathetic contacts. We have no doubt that Church Path will re­ main for joint use and cyclists must be advised to be wary of pedestrians in the area, but what about all the other cycle facilities in Islington? The number is expanding slowly and the active ICAG members can't be aware of everything all the time. If anyone else hears of issues like this being raised at any Forum or tenants' or residents' associations or at amenity groups, please let us know as we may be able to arrange for some­ one to attend a meeting and put our case. If you are already active at a Forum or prea pared to monitor their agenda please let us know of any cycle-related matters which rea quire a response. Chiltern/Herts Rides THE RIDES run every Sunday fortnight - 24 May, 7 and 21 June, 5 and 19 July, 2 August. Meet at I 0.15 a.m. at Finsbury Park station. Don't forget your South East network card or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5-6 p.m. For more details, contact Sue on O171 729 5409. Meetin Dates ICAO'S MEETS monthly nt the Town I!all. The next two meetings are 8 June and 8 July from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m, If you've something to say about cycling in Islington please come along. /'lease .\·end any fellers, artides, classified adv, photos, cartoons, artwork etc. to icag@precise-ltd.demu11.cu.t1k or fax OJ 71 154 5812 or write to: The T-.,ditor, Islington Cyclist, 68 St. Peter's Street NI 8./S.. Photocopying hy Carl Lomas a/Camelot Courier Training. (c) Islington Cyclists' Action Group /998 ICAG is the lslinglrm group qftlte /,ondmt ()'Cling Campaign, campaigning 011 l:vcling issues in Islington and providing a localfocusfor lCC member,'/, LCC members in Islington are a11tomatically members of K'AG. Diagonal Parking Banned ISLINGTON COUNCIi, has banned diagonal parking in the new Barnsbury controlled park­ ing zone. ICAG has now asked for 22 more streets in the borough with similar parking provision to be examined. Leo Chapman, ICAO secretary, has been trying for some years to find a way to get it prohibited: "I've had drivers backing out blindly into me a numhcr of times including two occasions outside the Town Hall where senior Council officers park diagonally". Leo found an unexpected ally in lhe £ire bri­ gade where seconds count in a rescue, Islington Brigade Commander, Richard Nichol, explained that ladders are not put over parked cars. The crews have to place the 5 metre ladders on to the footpath to get access to a buildints windows. He showed the Council and the police that diagonally parked cars do not line up at a uni­ form angle hindering lhe movement of fire­ fighting equipment. It catches on protruding mirrors and hoses can snag under wheels with potentially lethal consequences. It is easier to get equipment between pnrnllcl-parkcd cars. Environment Commiltee Chair, Andrew Bosi, has asked the London rire and Civil Defence Authority for a definitive ruling on diagonal parking for the whole of London. It may be on its way out in the capital. Islington Routes THE BOROUGH Cycling Officer, Tony Bo­ wen, , has provided an update on the progress of the London Cycle Network in Islington: Cycle Route l: The route is being upgraded through Highbury Fields with additional sign­ ing and lining. Cycle Route 8: The northern section (Beres­ ford Terrace via Highbury New Park to Collins Road) is to be implemented this year - the works have already commenced. The southern section (Beresford Terrace via Wallace Road to St Pauls Road) will be progressed next financial year. Cycle Route 2: Drayton Park is to be upgraded with coloured textured surfacing. Cycle Route 3: An advisory cycle lane along Ecclesboume Road, Elmore Street and Not1h­ church Street will be implemented with addi­ tional signing nnd lining. And in the Press... A digest taken from the Highbury & Islington /!.\press and the Islington over the last couple of months. Both of Islington's MP's - Jeremy Corbyn and Chris Smith - voted in favour of the Traf­ fic Reduction Bill... Jeremy Corbyn took the chance to hit out at Mercedes-driving mobile­ phone-clutching one-person-one-car commut­ ers clogging Islington's roads and adding to local asthma levels: "Such drivers are ignoring the fact that they are creating a vast amount of pollution and waste as they perambulate down to the City to park in a very expensive under­ ground car park financed by the rest ofus" A report by the Henley Centre showed !hat Islington is one of the least likely borough, in London to attract new businesses. One of th, main reasons cited is poor environmental con• ditions. Islington Council claimed that poth(,l ''. weren't their fault, but that of the utility ct•i,1- panies that dig up the borough's roads. A new report Urban Exodus revealed that in the sample year (1991) around 17 per cent of Islington's population moved out to the coun­ try. In general, Greater London's exodus rate is double that of other metropolitan areas such as Manchester. Parking attendants are calling for police protection afler two 'road rage attacks', in one of which a female attendant was run down after she had served a motorist with a ticket. He ran over both her feet, hit her left leg and left her lying in the gutter, Michael Palin (chairman of Transport 2000 and proud owner of a Mercedes 190) gave an Islington Society lecture where he spoke against Islington congestion and car dcrcnd­ ence: 0When Robert Louis Stevenson said the great thing is to move, he can't have envis,, ;l'd the M2511 The Finsbury-based Stroke Association organising its third sponsored Thames Bridge·• Bike Ride on Sunday 17 May, covering miles from Tower Bridge to Bushy Park, taking in 15 bridges on the way, It costs £IO ,o enter; call 0171 566 0300 for more details, Postcard from... Amsterdam hy Gtll'ill Kiliip STUMBLING OUT of Centraal Station into the bright spring sunshine, three trams an-ived hl"lilll' you 1·1111111 sny 'inlL'grnktl trnm:pnrl pol­ icy'. Tl c light glinted off the canal, and lhc tall narrow buildings seemed to smile down on the trundling throng of cyclists. Amsterdam - wel­ come to bicycle heaven. It's nn article of faith among British cycle campaigners that Holland is pretty s011ed. So how true is it? Is llolland really all il's cracked up tn be? The following is a totally st1bjcctivc impression ... Crossing the road felt like a major lrnmrd. Cyclists seem to come Ill you from every side, with a bewildering variety of kerbs, lanes, lines and tram tracks. Everyone seemed to know where to go, though, and I imagine I could figure it out if I stayed for longer than a week­ end. The next thing I noticed about the bicy­ cles is the speed. Everyone seems to trundle along at a pace I would personally find frus­ trating, being a fully paid-up member of the 'keep up wi1h the trallic and assert yourself' school of 1.ondnn cycling. But it was not jus1 the bikes: everything seemed to keep going at a steady, safe speed. London seemed like a whirl of stop-go stop madness in comparison when I got hnck. I Imm, food for thought. or course, there arc still plenty of cars on the streets, with tt1xis chasing trams down the dou­ ble tram tracks that run down the centre of many main roads. Out when the tram stops, so do the taxis - there simply isn't space lo get round, and the central tram/taxi lane has a kerb on either side. It really does seem to work - make it impossible for people lo nip in front, or switch lanes without warning, and suddenly the whole traffic scene is comparatively gentle. There's some subtle psychology going on - similar to the situation in London where a motorist stuck behind a bus will ollen just sit and wait, even though the road ahead of the bus is clear. The same motorist stuck behind any vehicle which can been seen past would get impatient very quickly - whether it's a bike or another car. What seems to make everyone's blood boil is the idea that there would be a way forward if only '11ml idiol' got out of lhe way. Whether it's true or not doesn't necessarily matter - if people think it's worth a try squeezing past, some of them will have a go. With potentially fo111I rcsult.<1. Lastly, the question of road space. Bicycles seem to travel freely in both directions on all streets. Buses and trams run two-way down the middle of the road, not next to the kerb. This means that, where the mediaeval streets are too narrow, it's the private cars that are margi­ nalised, with one-way flow. The Dutch seem to have taken the idea h1 hi:art of establishing a pecking order of ro.1 J · users, and assigning road space accordingl) Bikes, pedestrians and public transport simply take precedence over cars. And the funny thing is it nc111ally keeps everything moving more s1nootl1ly, cars included. Steep Hill Route Alternative Tl IE STEEP Huddleston Rond hill cnn be avoided on Cycle Route 5, by cutting through the Hilldrop Estate. This 1nkcs one on to Oalmeny Avenue with a gentler incline. The estate entrance is deceptive, so look for the sign 'Saxonby Court' on Hilldrop Road. There is a more obvious entrance further up, but it leads nowhere. Cycle Route 5 runs from Hatchard Road near Archway to Hungerford Road and then on tu Camden. Engraving Services Sought IC'AG is slowly building up a tool-kit for i1; hike maintenance workshop{s). In order to avoid confusion about whosl spanner is whose, we would like to mark our own by engraving 'lCAG' on them. If you can help, please call Gavin on 0171 263 0369(h)or0181 871 4647 (w). Send ICAG an Email YOU CAN now contact ICAG by email. So if you have any queries or comments about the local campaign or this newsletter then please send them to: icag@precise-ltd.dcmon.co.uk Meetin Dates ICAG'S MEETING dates are to change in May from the 2nd Wednesday of each month tn the 2nd Monday. Thus the next two are 8 April and 11 Ma) from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. at the Town Hall. We hope that a change in day may enable-­ more members lo attend the monthly mcctinf. Please .w•nd am• lt'ft('rs, llrtidc.\·, cfassf(icd ll(l , photos, cartoons, artworl,. etc. lo ka}..>(mpre<.:i, e-ltd.de11 011. o.1 o,:.(ax Ol71 54 583: or.wr le I< : The Editor, Islington ( 'ye/isl, fill St. Peter's Street Nl 8.IS.. l'holocopying by ( 'art Lomas of Camelot ( ouner Jrammg. (c) lslmgton Cychsts Actwn Group 1998 IC'AG is Jhe Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus for LCC members. LCC members in Islington are automatically members of ICAG. Issue 8 February/March 1998 Council Officers on Bikes A JOINT RIDE with Islington Council's Cy­ cling Olliccr Tony Bowen, collenguc Mnrgnrct Matthews and ICAG representatives took place in late November. This was a follow-up to their attendance at the previous ICAG meeting. The ride started outside the Council','! oflices at 222 Upper Street and headed south towards the Angel - a baptis\11 of fire for our Council cyclists! We continued down St. John Street to look at the infamous 'tennis court' route. This is where the cycle lone is constontly interrupted by metered parking spaces. The green tarmac stops at each space and continues ftom the other side causing any cyclist using it to con­ tinually pull out to get round the parked cars. This cycle lane serves no useful purpose what­ soever. The ride turned around and headed back up St. John's Street and turning right into Owen Street picked up the olT-road cycle path that takes you across Goswell Road and City Road, A good facility for avoiding the Angel junc­ tion, but marred by the three sets of unsyn­ chronised traffic lights in quick succession. We followed Cycle Route J along Cole­ brooke Row, through residential streets, over New North Road until we reached the borough boundary with Hackney at Southgate Road. This route is lightly trafficked and does not require a dedicated cycle lane. Some factors to look for in making such back-street routes a success are adequate signage, direct, rather than roundabout routing and to pass though or close to places that people want to get to - such as shops or leisure facilities. The ride then headed back to Upper Street hnving looked nt some of the good and bud cycling facilities in Islington. We agreed to meet again when the milder weather returns and continue our 'view from in one and a half times as much and car occu­ pants take in up to three times as much. The worst places for pollution are the centre lanes of busy multi-lane roads because the pollutants form a 'tunnel' down the middle of the road. We don't have many big multi-lane roads in Islington, but this would apply to cy­ clists when turning right fonn the widest parts of Upper Street or llollowny Road or riding round the inside of the Archway or Highbury Corner roundabouts. This infonnation has been available before from Greenpeace - but possibly not as detailed or well publicised, It shows yet another health advantage of cycling compared to riding in cars. It is worth giving this subject publicity. The sight of cyclists using facemasks to protect themselves from pollution is one of the factors which make the population at large think cy­ cling is risky. Feel free to tell people they don't need face­ masks. People who use them either have a particular problem with some pollutants and have to use them all the time or they are pos­ ers, trying to give a macho image. If you use a facemask and see the dirt on it, agreed, there is a lot of dirt in London's air. That affects us all and can only be solved by traffic reduction, For a quick solution get out of London. If you want to use a facemask to make a po­ litical statement you would do better to use the mask while riding in motor vehicles but not use it while cycling and tell people why you do that. At present we put people olT by using facemasks. More Workshop Sessions DUE TO THE success of the self-help cycle mnintennnce workshops at Sunnyside Com­ munity Gardens, ICAG are pleased to an­ nounce that more workshops will be starting at the Ecology Centre in Drayton Park on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. The first workshop will be held on I April, followed by 6 May and J June. Workshops at Sunnyside Community Gar­ dens will continue as normal on the 4th Wednesday of the month i.e. 25 February, 25 March, 22 April and 27 May. The Ecology Cenh·e Is In Drayton Park, the entrance is not far from Arsenal tube station. Sunnyside Community Gardens is on the corner of Sunnyside Road and Hazel/ville RoadN/9. Local Bike Ride BOB GILBERT of the Ecology Centre in Drayton Park has kindly agreed to run a local bike ride along the route of Hackney Brook. This will be an evening ride in the ligbter nights of early to mid May. Watch this space for more details. Bob has a tremendous knowledge of our area covering historical, social and environmental matters. This was evident during the excellent ride he led along the route of the New River in Islington as part last year's Bike Week. the saddle' in another part of the borough. Who Needs Facemasks? by Adrian Williams AT THE END of November '97 there was national press publicity for a report from the Institute for Environmentnl Policy which gives the results of tests for intake of air pollution while on a roadway. It shows that pedestrians and cyclists near the kerb take in the< least. Bus passengers take ICAG are seeking some help to liaise with the press. As with all ICAG roles this one Is flexible, but could Involve preparing press releases, monitoring local press coverage of cycling-related matters and writing a bi-monthly article of up to 200 words for the London Cyclist Borough News. If anyone has these skills, or would like to acquire them, then please contact Doug on 354 5832 for more details. I Plant a Tree-·- Ride your Bike ROfl GILflERT cordially invites all cyclists to come nnd help him and other volunlccrs on a local tree-planting day on Sunday 8 March, Mt•ct at the Erolnbry Centre in Drayton Park at 10 n.m., bring your own sandwiches and boots; hot drinks, tools and gloves provided. Bob will design the day over 3 dlflcrent local sites so that there will be some cycling in bew tween all the "hard work"! Bob says we mighl be lucky and be joined by some regular volun­ teers who bring their own drums for a sing­ song at the end! Please try and support our local pn jects there is plenty or scope for us to work together for mutual benefit. Telephone the Ecology Centre to confirm ntkudam:c on 0171 ]54 5162 Chiltern/Harts Ride Dates CIIILTERN/IIERTS Rll>ES urc rnnning every Sunday fortnight - I and 15 Fchrunry. I, 15 and 29 Marc.11 and also on Easter Sunday, 12 April. Meet at 10.15 a.111. al Finsbury Park station for the 111..'0 u.m. or lhcrcnbouts trnin to Stevenage. Don't forget your South East network card or to 'borrow' a ride on your best friend's! The rides are a good day out and set at a pace that can be managed by all. There are some ups and downs, (hills we mean) but a good pub lunch and good company are always the highlights. Return to Finsbury Park is usually between 5 - 6 p.m. for more details, contact Sue on 0171 729 5409. Postcard from ... Tasmania /,y Gav/11 Ki/lip THE FIRST THING I noticed from the plane window as we came in to land at Hobart was the looming hulk of Mount Wellington (1200111) dominating the city. It's a town of about I 00,000 people with a mountain the size of Ben Nevis on the doorstep, but with the difference that a road winds its way right to the top. My sister and I went up in a hire car, but we went past about a dozen cyclists doing the dght mile slog nt a constnnt grndicnt of one in ten or steeper. Puts Highgate Hill in perspec­ tive! This was a walking holiday, with the crown­ ing glory on Christmas Dny of the most 11nrnz­ ing views from Tasmania's highest peak, two days hard walk from the nearest road. Dolerite cliffs and mountains carved by glaciers stuck u1, out of the alpine scrub, home to wombnts1 wallabies, parrots and three species of snake - 1111 deadly poisonous. Hobart was holding a wine and food festival, in contrast to the endless mountain ranges in the World Heritage Area. Not only did they re­ cycle as much glass and metal as possible, they even sent used cutlery (made of biodegradable corn starch) to the Council rnent. The festival was being patrolled by two cycle cops - self-declared 'social butterflies' who were doing a wonderful job of chatting to any­ one and everyone. Bicycles meant they could get right in amongst the crowd, although the pleasure at seeing police officers on bikes was tempered by the sight of pistols at their belts... It's an island of surprises, but with a dark and gruesome past. From the time of Britain's first convict transportations, Australia has seen inany outrages against aboriginal people, and nowhere more so than in Tasmania. As one taxi driver put it, Tasmania is perhaps the only place where a group of people have committed genocide and got away with it completely scot­ free. Pothole Alert ASSISTANT CYCLING Officer Margaret Matthews is the person to ring when you come across potholes or poor road surfaces espe­ cially on bike routes. She can be contacted on 0171 477 2785 during oflice hours. Meetin Dates ICAG'S MEETINGS are held at the Town Hall on the 2•• Wednesday of each month. The next two are 11 Februaury and 11 March from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. Please send any letters, articles, classified ads, photos, cartoons, arhJ!ork etc. to The Editor, Islington Cyclist, 68 St. Peter's Street NI BJS or Jax 017J 354 5832. Text files on 31/2" PCfonnatteddisks appreciated. Photocopying by Carl Lomas of Camelot Courier Training. (c) Islington Cyclists' Action Group 1997 /CAO is Jhe Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus/or LCC members. LCC members in Islington are automatically members of /CAG. Issue 7 December! 997/January 1998 Memorial Ride Chiltern-Herts riders wished to visit the site where John was killed, so eighteen riders as­ sembled at Paddington station on 16 November to take the train to Didcot Parkway. The ride quickly cleared the new housing estate in Didcot, that didn't exist on the map we were using, and headed north, through the countryside, towards Oxford. It was an extremely mild day for the time of year, with the surreal experience of riding along a country lane with autumnal leaves floating thickly down and settling in drifts over hedgerows and verges. As we pulled up ut the junction where John was hit, the mood of the party became sombre. A memorial was created from a bicycle wheel and a small rose bush planted in front of it. Mementoes und flowers were woven in the spokes; an oboe was played. Forty bulbs were planted round the junction - one for each of John's 40 years; people stood in quiet contemplation, some hugging each other for comfort. Then it was up the hill to the Old Red Lion, just beyond Garsington, for lunch before set­ ting off for Didcot and home. Rides to continue The Chiltern-Herts rides will be continuing as no doubt John would wish. They will be led by one of the ride regulars. The riders assemble at I 0.00 a.m. at Finsbury Park railway station every other Sunday. Forthcoming dates are 7' and 21 December, 4 and 18 January und I February. Jf you want more details, please contact Sue on 01717295409. ' Experience from Jround the (;K :md abroad shows '.hat good au2iity facilities attract more c,,·clists. :1nd poor quaiity are hardly ever usc:J. · If we can help get this message across, then maybe \Ve'II see a higher percentage of cycle routes worthy of the name in the future. Let's help consign the ·cyclists dismount' sign to the recycling bin of history where it belongs. Watch i:his space. The Trials of the Treasurer by A/isr;,n Dines WHEN I became treasurer of ICAG earlier this year I found a Girobank account that hadn't been used for years, containing the princely sum of £30.45! Access to the money was via a cheque book, bearing an ICAG address that no one was fa­ miliar with and which needed the signature of one of three named signatories. By great good 0 fortune one of these, Chris Ashby, is still a member of ICAG, but the whereabouts of the other two were unclear. With the help of Chris I tracked down Tina Cox to Brighton and her name was substituted for mine on the account. However, the third signatory, Charlotte Harding, has eluded me! The bank accepted a copy of our newsletter as evidence that John Billeter had become ICAG co-ordinator and he was made the third signatory. Very sadly the third signatory will now have to change again. At the beginning of each year the LCC gives a grant to its local groups. This year it com­ prised a flat sum of £65 plus 65p per member as of l January 1997. ICAG had 510 members at that date, so was entitled to £396.50, but as ,)ur budget proposal was nowhere near that big we were given £200 with the proviso that the rest was available if necessary. The regular expenditure agreed at the ICAG meetings is for the monthly hire of the bicycle maintenance workshop, photocopying the newsletter and supplying London Cyclist magazine to 9 Islington libraries. One-off items have included the Bike Week cyclists' breakfast and stalls at local festivals and fairs. Production of a welcome letter for new, local members of the LCC will incur some expense, but, in addition to the grant, LCC will pay for the postage of two mailshots a year to all ICAG members. At the next ICAG meeting - 10 December at the Town Hall - we will be discussing 1998's budget submission, so please come along and bring your ideas on how our LCC grant can be used most effectively for campaigning and to encourage new members. Workshop is a Winner by Doug Angus I MENTIONED to Gavin, our workshop or­ ganiser, that I'd acquired a bent front de­ railleur and could the self-help cycle mainte­ nance workshop help me help myself. "We don't do bending", he said with a grin. "You better bring a new one, in case we need to replace it!"' Lnricterred. I arrived t Sunn side Com­ munit:• CiJ.rdens to find :hs? cssion in full swing. f was surprised. given :h.1t it was a dark. chilly October night, to find a dozen or so cy­ clists with bikes requiring some tender loving care. Henry already had his bike uµside down with the chain off. He'd set offfuliy prepared with a new chain to replace the worn one on his bike when it snapped less than 200 metres from his flat in Green Lanes, Harringay. A forty minute push brought him and his bike to the workshop and the joys of the chain link extractor from Gavin's extensive tool kit. This little device is placed on the chain and screwed in against a rivet thus allowing the chain to be broken and threaded through derailleurs. It was a fiddly job, but we persevered and successfully re-joined the chain, only to find it was too long when running from the small chainwheel at the front to the smallest wheel at the back. Another application of the extractor and the chain was off again in order to remove two more links. It was sti11 too long when re­ fitted. so we took out another nvo chain links to complete the job. Meanwhile Lesley had brought her bike in with a defective back brake. With Adrian's help the brake cable was tightened and the rear brake brought back into operation. Adrian also noticed that the saddle was set slightly too high. A spanner on the seat post bolt quickly remedied that. My bent front derailleur? The crude applica­ tion of a pair of pliers re-aligned it and a quick ride showed all gears to be functioning prop­ erly. It struck me that the workshop provided a sense of community and turned what can be a time consuming, lonely chore into more of a social event. I'd recommend it to anyone with a sick cycle. Why not come along? The workshops are on the 4th Wednesday of each month at Sunnyside Community Gardens on the corner of Sunnyside Road and Hazellville Road NI9. The next workshop will be on 28 January (there won't be one in De­ cember as most people are otherwise engaged on Christmas Eve.) Donations of £1 (or 50p if low income) from attendees cover the cost of venue hire. Write There - Write Now With the Government's apparent recognition of the need for an integrated transport system, there is a danger that funds currently allocated to cycling in London could be lost Money for the London Cycle Network (LCN) is allocated to London Boroughs after annual bidding to central Government This money is ring-fenced for cycling use. Many of us have reservations about the quality of the LCN implemented thus far, but to lose it would mean having to fight for the cyclists' share out of a general transport fund. We want to see funding of the LCN continue with improvements in what is delivered. Please ·write to your :'\lP (Chris Smith or Jeremy Corbyn) and tell him why you tl\,11k it is important to fund the LC . Cycle Trainers Wanted! ISLINGTON COUNCIL are looking for rnlun­ teer cyclists to help with Road Safety training for schoolchildren and adults. Who can do it? Any adult who can ride a bike. How much time does it take? An hour or two on a light spring or summer evening. What skills do I need? "N'one - training will be given. All you need is the willingness to lend a hand. How much do I get paid? Uncertain Jt the moment, but you'd get expenses and maybe a volunteer wage. Why would anyone want to do it? Might help save someone's life. Looks good on a CV un­ der Hobbies and Other lnterests. There's nothing good on the telly any\1.ray. InteresTed? Phone the Road Satety Officer, Michelle Wais for a chat with no obligation: 0171477 2565. Postcard from ... Rio de Janeiro by Alison Dines IN SEPTEMBER I was invited to attend a conference in Rio de Janeiro, through my work. Imagine my delight to find that the venue for the meeting was a hotel on the Co­ pacabana beach and that I could just see the top of Sugar Loaf mountain from my room! As I wasn't there for very long I only visited the main tourist attractions and downtown area, but kept an eye out for local cyclists. The roads in Rio can be fast and frightening and I didn't see many cyclists using them! However, a wide cycle track runs along the road at the edge of the wonderful beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema and on Sundays these roads are closed to traffic, allowing a marvellous pedestrian and cyclist free for all. The residents of Rio, cariocas, are certainly, body conscious and into fitness - with the'?( bicycle being an integral part of this. There is.,." a large lake, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freifas, jusf ik; behind the coast in Rio around which is a cycle 1ftic and jogging track with distance markers at'., ;W regular intervals. You can hire bicycles he 4 ifff. or go water skiing on the lagoa. _:·:;?\f I didn't have a chance to find out if the Rio,, iK3/4: equivalent of the LCC exists and although I,;t)i would love to go back to the city, from my;;{}I} brief glimpse it didn't appear to be a cycling_ * · haven! {' Meeting Dates ICAG'S MEETINGS are held at the TownJgdg Hall on the 200 Wednesday of each month. ,,,d,i The next two are 10 December and 14 Janu'.· Sj ary from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. Please send any fetters, articles, classified ads, photos, cartoons, artwork etc. to The Editor, lsli gton y list, 68 I. Peter's Ire / NI_ 8JS or Jax 0171 354 5832. Text files on 31/2" PC/ormalted disks appreciated. Photocopying by Carl Lomas of Camelot Couner Trammg. 0 Islmgton Cyclim Achon Group /997 JCAG is the Islington group of the London Cycling Campaign, campaigning on cycling issues in Islington and providing a local focus for LCC members. LCC members in Jslington are automatically members of ICAG. Issue 6 October/November 1997 Picnics and Rounders on Hampstead Heath A NEW EVENT for the summer - repeated twice during August - came up with mixed results. On the first, sun-soaked evening, six people arrived at the bandstand by the Highgate Road entrance to the Heath, After sharing some very tasty picnic items (Leo's home-made bread proved a high point), the evening seemed more .conducive to strolling up to the top of Parlia­ ment Hill te watch the sunse rather than playing rounde,s.: s·eCQpd time around, the rain started coming down in Sheets at about 6 o'clock, so we went for the alternative option in the Bull and Last at 7.30. Turnout was low - only two people braved the rain - but the pub's very superior bar snacks still went down a treat. As the nights start drawing in, the rounders bats go back in the cupboard till next year, and the bike lights come out. Where did} put that battery charger? Carpeted Cycle Lanes Cheaper T .£44 PI;:R square metre the green gravel use.d for 'cyCle _.lanes is more than twice the price of o'd quality Axminster carpet. Transport Sub-Committee IT WAS ABOUT 10 p.m. on a Wednesday night, when most sane people are contemplat­ ing baths, books and beds, that I realised that without really knowing it I had become an activist writes Usman Khan. Six months ago I had gone along to my first ICAG meeting and now here I was asking a 'point of infonnation' (at least that is what I was told by the committee clerk I had asked) at a meeting of the Islington Borough Council's Transport Sub-Committee, of which I had be­ come the official ICAG nominated (non­ voting) co-opted member. My first meeting was thankfully short lasting a little under three hours and finishing just before 1J p.m. I had given up on the previous meeting as an 'observer' - I saw no end to a meeting that sailed through the Midnight hour with consummate ease. The range of subjects discussed at the Trans­ port Sub (into the short hand already!) range from the high-profile such as the closure to traffic of Liverpool Road, through the optimis­ tic with a series of wish lists with titles such as Transport Plans for the New Millennium, to the apparently obscure Policy Approach to Traffic Calming. With nearly all the issues on the agenda one could easily make a statement about how 'the needs of Islington cyclists need wonder if the real breakthrough will only come about through a mood change amongst Offi­ cers and Councillors brought about by, amongst other things, cyclists in Islington making their presence felt. Either way I will endeavour to keep you informed of develop­ ments. Logo Competition Results A GRAND TOTAL of seven people called the logo competition number to vote for one of three designs put forward by ICAG members. In a result which mimics the worst traditions of one-party states the world over, the winner got 100% of the vote! It was though, a genuine result in the case of the !CAG logo... Thank you to the seven who rang in - and thank you to the three who submitted designs. We hope everyone likes the winning entry, or at least can Jive with it. But like it or not, the new logo stands. Democracy - don't you just love it?! Meeting Dates ICAG'S MEETINGS are held at the Town Hall on the 2"' Wednesday of each month. The next two are 8 October and IZ Novem­ ber from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. Leo Chapman, who found this out, says that of course we should all be pressing for our lanes to be carpeted! There'd be no more bumpy rides. Our scarce Government grants would go twice as far. He also found out from Tannac that red gravel is only a fifth of the price of the 'Deep Chrome Green' material. Additionally, if a new road is being built red to be taken into account'. However, I think the Council­ lors who vote and the Officers who advise soon develop a deaf ear to such a broken record ap­ NollZ,..TH IS'"LfNGiToN BICYC..LE MAINTENA vvORKS • S£LF-ti.&LF • ALL \NELC.011'\E, NO E.Xf"efl..lGH r-.le: .sArt...Y 'metal• can be used for depth so the mainte­ nance is minimal. Use of the green stuff is not compulsory. The Traffic Director for London says that he intends to use green surfacing on all new cycle lanes and "would support its use by local authorities". Unfortunately, the London Cy­ cling Campaign recommends its use too, probably not realising the cost. We need to see about this. The green surfacing soon darkens compared proach. As such I tried to keep my pointed interjections to a minimum. Yet a presence on the Transport Sub­ Committee has its uses in tenns of infonnation and a drip drip approach to forwarding the WHERE: WHEN: CONTACT: FR1&:NOl.."'1 •11:>Xf'l;ft'TS' Fo ADYIC:.&" rft>lll.T" o £1 (t"or) P6A. S'&S$IOM TOUtlAftDS COSTr Sunnyside Community Gardens Corner of Sunnyside Road & Hazellville Road, N19 4th Wednesday of the month, 7-9.30 p.m. Gavin Killip 01712630369 with red gravel. Islington has used red on the cycle lanes in Drayton Park but is following recommendations to use green at present. needs of cyclists in the Borough, but I NEXT SESSIONS: 22 October & 26 November Next copy deadline: Saturday 22 November Please send any letters, articles, classified ads, photos, cartoons, artwork etc. to The Editor, Islington Cyclist, 68 St. Peter's Street NI 8JS or fax 0171 354 5832. Text.files on 31/2" PC formatted disks appreciated. Photocopying by Carl Lomas of Camelot Courier Training. (c) Islington Cyclists' Action Group 1997 Packington 'Moat' Filled THE CYCLE ROUTE from the City into Packington Square has recently been repaired. The ten-inch wide mt on the north side of the canal bridge was there for a long time, filling with water and grass and looking more like a moat than a cycle route. Even though it had been reported, no action was taken for months, as the Highways people couldn't say whether it was a borough road or an estate road. Thanks go to Michelle in the Packington Estate office for getting it sorted out by talking to the right person in the council's Highways department. Site Visit Report: Stoke Newington to Canonbury ICAG'.S_ USMAN KHAN recently went on a site ·visit with two council officers, looI,Jng a_t_plans for cycling facilities to link Stoke Newington Church Street with Canonbury and routes southwards. An 8am start meant that there were streams of cycle commuters coming across the junction in question. The test would be to see where these cyclists went - and especially whether or not they rode along Highbury New Park, the road where the council plans to put in cycle facilities. The ICAG argument goes like this: if routes can be made to follow the 'desire lines' of cyclists themselves, th_en that serves th needs of cyclists:better than someone picking a ·route fairly arbitrarily and guessing/ hoping/assmning that people will use it. All the cyclists that morning came across Ur; junction as if they were heading for the proposed cycle route, but they then all took a short cut down a pedestrian alley. None of them used Highbury New Park at all. ICAG conclude from this that the Highbury New Park proposal does not meet cyclists' needs. Observation and gut feeling suggest that a better option might be to put traffic-calming measures at the top and bottom of Petherton Road. Ideally, the right-hand tum from Green Lanes into Petherton Road would be made safer. This is what ICAG plans to tell the Council. If you use this route regularly, why not let Islington's Cycling Officer know what you think? Write to Tony Bowen, Cycling Officer, Islington Council, 122 Upper Street, NJ JYA. Please send a copy of any lellerslreplies to ICAG do LCC. The Ride of My Life An occasional column profiling regular Islington cyclists. Philippa Major is a medical researcher at St Thomas' Hospital. Her daily ride to work takes her from home near the Holloway Odeon to Waterloo. What route do you take to 1-vork? Holloway Road, Liverpool Road, St John Street, round Smithfield Market onto Faningdon Road, over Blackfriars Bridge and along the South Bank. Do you use any cycle routes? The only bit of cycle lane I encounter is about 1/2 a mile on the southern end of St John Street and it always has a comprehensive covering of parked cars and scaffolding - very helpful ... What are the best and worst parts of your journey? The daily terror is crossing two lanes of traffic over Blackfriars Biidge, ready to turn down the South Bank. Perhaps this is the adrenaline rush I need before a day at work. However, the views across the river, whatever its mood, make this the best bit too. Any chance of a shower when you get to work? NO. But hopefully the new BUG (bicycle users group) will get some results, and better lock up facilities would help too. Finally, what are your reasons for riding a·· bike to work? It always takes 35 minutes to get to work, independent of leaves on the line. And there are always lots of lycra-covered muscles to look at, competing for pole position at junctions along the way. Neighbouring Groups' Diary CAMDEN - Meeting about cycling hazards in Camden, Wednesday 15 October, 7 pm. The Lock Tavern, comer ofHarmood Street & Chalk Farm Road. HARINGEY - Meeting on Thursday 9 October, 8 pm in the Tollgate pub, Turnpike Lane, N22 (near Turnpike Lane tube going towards Homsey). Angel Junction Safety 'Improvements' planned A PUBLIC EXHIBITION of proposed changes to the Angel junction was on display at the Business Design Centre from 18 - 20 September. Billed as a move towards greater pedestrian safety, the £250,000 proposal involves bigger pedestrian islands, new traffic light phases, pavement widening to discourage illegal left turns from Goswell Road into St John Street, and a new no-left-tum from Pentonville Road into Islington High Street. Work is planned for next spring. An all-red-light phase • arguably the best option for pedestrian safety and mobility · is deemed impossible because it would snarl up the traffic too much. Meanwhile, cyclists are not taken into account at all beyond a future plan to put a bit of green gravel on the pavement of St John Street with a give­ way line before you get back onto the road at the traffic lights. Send your comments (by 6 October) to Linda Marge/son, Highways Agency, Rm 413, Heron House, 49/53 Golding/on Road, Bedford MK40 3LL. For a more detailed briefing, contact Gavin Killip 0171 263 0369. J ICAG c/o London Cycling Campaign 228 Great Guildford Business Square, 30 Great Guildford Street, London SE! OHS Tel: 0171 928 7220 Issue 5 August/September 1997 Bike eek ISLINGTON BY CYCLE WEEK, ICAG's contribution to National Bike Week, was bookR ended by two Dr. Bike sessions at the Angel where practical mechanical help and advice was prescribed for sick cycles. The first session was followed by a feeder ride to the Bike Festival in Victoria Park, a well attended event on a sunny afternoon. The planned bicycle polo match didn't materialise so ICAG will have to play Camden Cycling Campaign another time. The Cyclists' Breakfast held mid-week on Bike to Work day was a great success even though it rained. Food was provided by The Canadian Muffin Co. and Pret a Manger with bike maintenance courtesy of Mosquito Bikes. Around 120 cyclists stopped for a bite to eat, a chat and advice on those squeaking noises emanating from bottom brackets. The fo1al event w s held the following week with a ride with Islington Ecology Centre's Bob Gilbert. His theme was the lost New River. The ride met at Gillespie Park and moved on to Clissold Park, where an ornamental water filled loop marked the start of the ride and the lost New River. The route followed the filled in sections down Aden Terrace, Petherton Road, Wallace Road, New River Walk, Astey's Row and then down Colebrooke Row/Duncan Terrace towards New River Head in Roseber Avenue. Along the way, Bob pointed out the florn and founn (a terrapin in the New River Wolk?) and talked about the local history of places we passed. ICAG look forward to presenting an even bigger and better Islington by Cycle Week next year. Ride the Chiltern-•s THE CHILTERN-HERTS ride has taken place on every other Sunday for over six years. In all weathers we have gone forth into the agricultural Hertfordshire countryside to appreciate the subtle changes of scenery that mark the passing of the seasons. Although Hertfordshire has its share of urban sprawl nearer London and some blighted New Towns further out, most of the area remains delightfully r:ural. Newcomers are usually surprised that such pleasant surroundings exist so close to the metropolis. Numbers vary, from a handful in the depths of winter, to {m- when the weather is guaranteed to be fine and the listing has been included in London Cyclist! A steady influx of new faces complements the regular riders. The Chiltern-Herts ride can be accomplished by anyone with a working bicycle. Our well­ established routes are taken at a leisurely pace of approximately 10 miles per hour - we are out there to enjoy companionship and the surroundings ·aBt to see how many miles we can clo.;:k up. We stop to eat at a village pub after 15 rhiles. We do a similar distance after lunch back to the railway station where we catch n train to tnke us back to Finsbury Pnrk. The ride is often eventful. There are always encounters with nature, such as galloping deer or a fine sunset, or discussions about topical or philosophical issues as well as matters cycling. You will only know what the ride is like by turning out on Sunday morning and getting to Finsbury Park BR by I0.30 a.m. We look forward to seeing you oil. the next ride (17 August) and alternate Sundays thereafter. Picnics and Rounders on Hampstead Heath LOOKING FOR SOMETHING fun but not too strenuous to while away the long summer evenings? Then come along to a Thursday night picnic on the Heath. Bring your own food and drink. There will be an optional game of rounders if enough people want to play. All welcome - and you won't get roped into cycle· campaigning against your wilJ - honest! There are two dates: • Thursday 14 August, 6.30 p.m. till dusk • Thursday 28 August, 6.30 p.m. till dusk Meet by the bandstand next to the cafe (Highgate Road entrance next to William Ellis School), or look out for us nearby. Wet weather alternative: meet in the Bull and Last pub, comer of Highgate Road and Woodsome Road from 7.30 p.m. Your Chance to Vote for the ICAG Logo AYID READERS of Islington Cyclist may have wondered what happened to the logo. We had intended to electronically tweak all three entries and present them to an ICAG meeting, but we've decided instead to ask you to vote for your favourite. The designs here are as they were drafted, so once we have a winner we'll tidy it up, add ICAO's name and start using it. How to vote: The logo hotline will be open for a limited period only, so ring 354 5832 and leave the letter of the logo you like at the tone. The logo hotline is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. It will close promptly at 9 p.m. on Friday 8 August, so get your calls in soon, • LogoA I LogoB LogoC A Breeze Blows Down Upper Street 111 CYCLISTS were required for a performance of Eine Brise - a breeze - as part of the Islington International Theatre writes Doug Angus. This was to be the British premiere of the work by Mauricio Kagel described as F/uchtige Aktion far 111 Rodfahrer - Fleeting Action for 111 Cyclists. Saturday started drizzly as we assembled inside the Union Chapel to rehearse. Our conductor, Stephen Montague, asked us to pick up a bell or horn to practise the first musical element of ringing and hooting. The second musical element was whistling and singing of three tones on a rising scale. The third was wind sounds and rolled Rs followed by a repeat of the bells and horns. "OK, lets put it altogether, bells/horns, rising tones, wind sounds, bells/horns", said Stephen. Result: shambles. With more practice the group was almost in unison. Then to the next level. We were to ride down Upper Street passing four flags. At flag I we would start the ring/horn cycle, changing to rising notes at flag 2, then wind sounds from flag 3 finishing with rings/hoots from flag 4. To rehearse this we formed a circle and the flag bearers walked around us to signal the changes. It dawned on me what I'd let myself in for and we weren't yet on our bikes! That was soon remedied by moving to Highbwy Fields to practise formation cycling. We formed groups of ten "ith a designated group captain. The captains were briefed by Stephen about the formation. It was to vary between one and four cyclists abreast with each cycle I1/2 metres from its nearest neighbours. I was in the first group, behind our group captain and Stephen. Quite easy to keep in formation, or so we thought "The front's going too fasf', came the cry. Well we didn't think so!! The problem was that a reasonable moving off pace at the front somehow left the bikes at the back struggling to catch up. A slower start fixed that - then we tried to put it together- flags 'n' all. My heart sank, it would never fly, not even fleetingly. It reminded me of uying to pat your sun came out. Surely a sign. I'm not sure what it all meant, but that wasn't the point. It was great fun to be with a large group of cyclists and see this disparate bunch come together in less than six hours to work as a team. Oh and if you missed it, the next perform­ ance is in Berlin on 11 September. Sadly, I shan't be there. Build a Bike ICAG PUT THEIR cycle maintenance skills to the test by building a bike at the Sunnyside Community Gardens Festival from recycled spare parts. Hundreds of people visited the Festival at Sunnyside Gardens off Homsey Rise, with attractions ranging from goats and donkeys, nature trails, a bouncy castle and face painting, to Jive music in the garden and, of course, the bike. Tools and parts were laid out on the ground at lunchtime, and by 6 p.m. a Peugeot racer had risen phoenix-like from the heap of discarded bicycle bits. The bike is a gift to the staff and volunteers of Surmyside Gardens, a community green space and environment centre. "It's great," commented Sunnyside worker Ben Hooke. "Volunteers can use the bike for short trips, and the Build-a-Bike exercise ties in with broader environmental issues - finding a use for things instead of throwing them away." NO TH (SLfNGToN BICYCLE MAINTENA vvORKS TI1e whole bike cost the princely sum of £17 for new parts like brake cables. Donations dropped in a bucket on the day helped cover the cost. The event generated publicity for ICAG's recently started bike ma!!lt :,a:1.cc v:crbhcµ:::. As the bike builders chatted with people, it became clear that there is a latent demand amongst cyclists to become a bit more self­ sufficient in diagnosing and fixing problems. Workshop organiser Gavin Killip explained, "It's about helping people build their skills and confidence. People get a real sense of achievement when they do something for themselves for the first time and a cyclist who arrives at a workshop with one working brake is a lot safer when they leave with two. All anyone needs is the will to have a go. We provide a bit of encouragement and expertise along the way." N.B. ICAG does not need any more second­ hand parts at the moment! Short Cuts YOU KNOW how it is. Too late for the last train, the crowded NI 9 night bus with its misted up windows disappears into the distance and not a cab in sight. If only you had cycled into town. Well now !CAG can show you the quickest and safest routes to and from the West 2.1d. Meet outside the Town Hall on Sunday 7 September at 11 a.m. for a leisurely late morning trip into town. Coffee at Bar Italia (or similar) and an alternative route back. Bring your Sunday papers. Meeting Dates ICAG'S MEETINGS continue at the Town Hall on the 2"' Wednesday of each month. The next two are 13 August and JO Septem­ ber with new times from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. o AL..L \Ne:W:::.OMe. head and rub your twnmy at the same time whilst playing hopscotch for good measure. We broke for lunch, followed by more rehearsing in our rather fetching yellow T­ shirts. Then we were ready to meet our public. Upper Street was closed to motor traffic r . the Saturday, the space reclaimed by Festival­ goers. Burly security men cleared a path through the crowd in readiness for the spectacle. It's hard as a perfonner to judge the effect WHERE: WHEN: CONTACT: 0 No e:11C:PeA..1eHc;.g, ""iEC:.C.S.S Af/1..Y O S'tt,JMll,E TOOLS - tiR.tkdo WMAT .,_ • Fft.l...,_.D._ "eKf'elllr:T.J"' Fo".. AD¥1<:i1:,ll"""f"ll'lolllr • £t (,r;or) s-,oN WA"D$" ..- Sunny,;ide Community Gardens Corner of Sunnyside Road & !·fazel!v!flP. Road, N19 4th Wednesday of the month, 7-9.30 p.m. Gavin Killip 0171 263 0369 (h)01714043454(w) perceived by the stationary observer, though there was cheering and clapping, so some of our audience must have enjoyed it. We gave a second perfonnance a few hours later and the NEXT SESSIONS: 27 August & 24 September r_:_,-: rse send any le11ers, articles. classtfied ads. photos. cartoons. artwork etc. to The Editor, Islington C)dist, 68 St. Pe1er ·s Street NJ 8JS or fax OJ 71 354 5832. ?'.'.'son 31:" PC formatted disks appreciated. Photocopying by Carl Lomas of Camelot Courier Training. e Islington Cyclists' Action Group 1997 Issue 4 June/July 1997 lslingt n y Cycle eek As part of National Bike Week, ICAG is pleased to announce the finalised listing of events that are running as Islington By Cycle Week. You, your family and friends are very welcome to join us at some or all of them. If you have any queries about any of the events please ring the named contact person. Saturday 7 June - Dr Bike and Cycle Coding. 10.30 am - 1.30 pm outside the Royal Bank of Scotland at the Angel. George: 359 4625 Saturday 7 June - Feeder Ride to Bike Festival 1997. 11.15 am outside Islington Town Hall in Upper Street. We will be riding to the Bike Festival in Victoria Park to join cyclists from all over London. As well as fun rides in the park, women's Dr Bike, a 5 mile challenge ride plus numerous other happenings, ICAG will be playing the Camden Cycling campaign at bicycle polo. See the article on page 2 for more information. John: 272 2274 Wednesday 11 June - Cyclists' Breakfast. 8 - 10 am at the cycle crossing at the Junction of City Road and Colebrooke Row. Yes folks, it's Bike to Work day and to sustain you on your journey come and join us for breakfast. Chris: 609 5093 Saturday 14 June - Dr Bike and Cycle Coding. 10.30 am - 4.30 pm outside the Royal Bank of Scotland at the Angel. George: 359 4625 Thursday 19 June - Islington Wildlife Cycle Ride. 6.30 pm at the Islington Ecology Centre on Drayton Park NS. An evening cycle ride in conjunction with the Islington Ecology Centre around the hidden bits of Is­ lington that actually contain unique samples of wild plants and animals. Helpers needed for Islington By Cycle Week, Cyclists' Breakfast, Dr. Bike, leafleting etc. Contact: John Billeter on 272 2274 Polo in the Park THE CHELSEA PEDLARS will play an ex­ hibition match of bicycle polo at the Bike Fes­ tival in Victoria Park, Hackney on Saturday 7 June. The Pedlars ride specially stripped-down bikes and have agreed to allow other cyclists to use them to play their own matches at the Fes­ tival. ICAG is taking this opportunity to accept a challenge from our neighbours in the Camden Cycling Campaign, so come along and help us win by joining one of our teams or cheering us on. The Bike Festival and polo matches will take place on Saturday 7 June between l?. noon and 4 pm. If you want to be part of a team ring Leo Chapman on 251 3652 for more details or turn up on the day. Formation Cyclists Sought THE ALMEIDA 1 HEATRE and the Islington International Festival are staging a premiere musical spectacle, 'Eine Brise' by the Gennan composer Kagel, along Upper Street on Satur­ day afternoon 28 June. 111 bicycles and cyclists are required to ride in fonnation along the highway in conjunction with the music. Musical experience is optional, but the ability to ring a bell or honk a horn would be appreciated! The Almeida will pro­ vide drink for all and bells/horns for those who require them. Please contact Mark Hanunond at the Al­ meida on 359 1666 if you're interested in par­ ticipating. ICAG Co-ordinator Appointed JOHN BILLETER is the new co-ordinator for ICAG. He replaces Carl Farmer who is leaving us at the end of May to live in Rhode Island. John will be supported in his new role by Usman Khan, who will represent ICAG on the Council's Transport Sub Committee, and Ali­ son Dines who is our new Treasurer. Doug Angus will continue to edit the newsletter. We are still looking for somebody(s) to liaise ingly called a 'popular route', just over one mile, on the Council Cycle Map, and begin­ ning in Bunhill Row, near the Barbican. Both routes funnel many of the 310,000 City employees to or from work. The routes are on the north edge of the Square Mile. The St. John Street route will be rhapsodised in a future issue. Suffice to say that the odd parking-metered space is interspersed in the green cycle lane lest a motorist be inconven­ ienced. Bunhill Rt:lw Raceway The 'popular route', beginning near the Barbican, ends at Prebend Street, Canonbury. At just over one mile it is quite a long, direct distance in inner-city tenns. The one route has many name. It begins as one-way Bunhill Row, crosses Old Street to become one-way Bath Street, crosses City Road to enter the Borough of Hackney and become two-way Shepherdess Walk and then crosses the Regent's Canal to re-enter Islington and become Packington Square (which is not a square) and then ending at Prebend Street. The one-way stretches in Islington puzzled the Posse. Bunhill Row could possibly be jus­ tified if it linked with a major City (Corporation of London) one-way system. Perhaps there was one there once. Now there are only the Lilliputian Moor Lane and Fins­ bury Street one-way roads at the beginning of Bunhill Row Each is only about 60 yards long. Btmhill Row and Bath Street total about half a mile and the Posse marvelled at vehicles enjoying the freedom of their one-way running. Exceeding the 30 mph speed limit obviously was perfectly excusable on such a thought­ fully-designed thoroughfare for getting motor­ ists out of the City and home as fast as possi­ ble. But getting south to work is another matter on one-way streets going north. The Posse thought that this was a lacuna in the concept of the Chief Engineer at the time. Packington Square passes through the Pack­ ington Estate and is two-way. It is fairly new. But it has seven thoughtfully designed speed ICAG Meeting Dates tables with 14 ridges about J 1/2 inches high. This makes cycling there quite an adventure. Most cyclists use the footpaths. The Square also has on each side of the street echelon (angle) parking in raised saw­ teeth-like bays. Drivers cannot see as they back out. This can be death to cyclists. It is just as well that the speed tables have been designed to be as uncomfortable as possible for riders. The Posse thought that this was techni­ cally absolutely correct. The footpaths are far safer. The Posse concluded that Islington's traffic engineering department has a jaundiced view of work in the City and could be con­ gratulated for a design that allows the bowler­ hatted brigade to escape to points north as quickiy as possible. New cycle stands had to be fitted in quickly (see last issue) in order to meet the end-of-the­ financial-year deadline. We said that this had to be rushed. However, the traffic engineer involved points out that the actual design work was not rushed. Sunday Rides Continue REGULAR RIDES will continue through the summer - departing from Islington to the Hert­ fordshire countryside on alternate Sundays. The rides are typically around thirty miles in length at an easy pace with a pub stop for lunch. For further information ring John on 272 2274, otherwise meet at I0.00 a.m. at Finsbury Park railway station on 8 June, 22 June, 6 July, 20 July and 3 August. Classified Ads THIS IS a free ad section for ICAG members. Please send your 'ad' to the Editor for inclu­ sion in the next issue. with the press. If you are interested then please contact John on 272 2274. The 'Popular Route' of Wednesday 11 June I997 Wednesday 9 July 1997 7-9 p.m. 7-9p.m. Town Hall, Upper Street Town Hall, Upper Street Many Guises By Leo Chapman (no relation) ICAG's Petroleum Posse spent last Sunday morning admiring the highly professional handiwork oflslington's Chief Engineer, Clive Chapman, in accommodating the motor car on Cycle route 6 (St. John Street) on what is jok- ICAG meetson the 2nd Wednesday of each month. We have chosen the Town Hall as it is in the centre of the Borough and since the meet­ ing is sponsored by a Councillor, we do not have to pay for the venue. Our meetings are informal even though they're held in a formal room with a big table. !CAG is totally inde­ pendent oflslington Council. Come along and give us your ideas about cycling in Isling­ ton. Next copy deadline: Saturday 26 July Please send any letters, articles, classified ads. photos, cartoons, artwork etc. to The Editor, lslington Cyclist, 68 St. Peter's Street NI BJS or fax 017 I 354 5832. Text files on 3%" PC formatted disks appreciated. Photocopying by Carl Lomas of Camelot Courier Training. (c) blington Cyclists' Action Group 1997 Issue 3 April/May 1997 Bike Week HELPERS AND VOLUNTEERS are needed for the ICAG events listed in the National Bike Week pull out included with your London Cyclist. Please phone the contact persons listed. Thank You. The next Islington Cyclist will carry a full listing of all ICAG events together with any ,last minute changes - so keep The scene was repeated with the second workshop on I9 March. Nine people enthusiastically pulling bikes to bits (and then putting them together again aided by the more experienced I). We are aiming to make the workshop a Tri-Borough event with our neighbours in Camden and Haringey given the workshop's location at the Sunnyside Ecology Centre in the north of Islington. As the weather improves and your bikes ICAG Rides Again AS REPORTED in the last issue of Islington Cyclist, the second Ride the Routes Ride will take place on Sunday 13 April following December's successful Northern Exposure ride. This time we will explore the routes in the Southern Climes of the Borough which gives a number of advantages over the first ride: Ii:! more daylight (sunset not until 7:50 ._your eyes'glued to your,.l..e.t.,t.e..r.b.,o.,x.....,......,&511 ycou tehoeruet. for the summer we hope to see The next workshops will be 23 April and p.m.) Ii:! warmer (April rather than December) Co-ordinator to Step Down AT MARCH'S ICAG meeting, Carl Farmer, Islington's LCC Borough Co­ ordinator announced that he would be leaving ICAG - and the country - at the end of May. Carl was a founding member of ICAG 20 years ago, making ICAG an older organisation than the London Cycling Campaign itselfl Some of ICAG's history will be featured in a future issue of Islington Cyclist in an article written by Carl. We will be very sorry to see Carl leave - his knowledge and experience of things Islington and cycling will be sorely missed together with the hard work that he has put into ICAG. A big thank you goes to Carl from all ICAG members. We hope to keep in touch and send him our news via the Internet. Cycle Workshops Now Open!! IT WAS the sort of weather that drowns bicycles and blows the tape off your handlebars. Someone rang in the late afternoon and asked if it had been cancelled, as surely no-one would tum up. Yet at 7 p.m. on 19 February the rain stopped and the wind slowed a bit. Seven cyclists turned up to a warm welcome in a lovely eco-building. Enough bike parts arrived to build-up some complete bikes from scratch. Tools were spread out on tables. Skilful advice was offered and gratefully received. What fun. Jolly exciting too, as promised in the last newsletter. 21 May starting at 8 p.m. at the Sunnyside Ecology Centre, north side of Sunnyside Road and Hazelville Road, N19. Further details from Chris Ashby (609 5093). Signs of the Times ICAG IS CURRENTLY appearing in flashing lights on the electronic notice boards outside the Town Hall in Upper Street and at the Archway. Our notice is up for a year and says: Another traffic related notice has been put up by Islington Alert who monitor traffic matters. It quotes the Council's Unitary Development Plan (UDP): These notices point up policies in the UDP that may be little known to the average voter/Council taxpayer and cyclists should bear them in mind when talking to motorists. Ii:! even warmer (the route will be nearer the equator!) So bring family, friends and any stray cyclists you pick up on the way. Meet outside the Town Hall at 10.30 a.m. Further details from Carl on 226 3742 Cycle for a Curry in Comfort THE INDIAN VEGETARIAN restaurant in Chapel Market is setting a cycle-friendly example to other restauranteurs in the area by paying for two cycle stands around the comer in Godson Street. This is almost unheard of and the owner RN Safa is to be congratulated. Islington Council are installing these stands along with 65 others separately funded by central Government. The Government money had to be spent by the financial year's end so the location of the stands has been a rush job. The 65 are distributed: n 30 stands at Old Street tube station n six stands at Archway tube station in Archway Mall - we have asked that they be brought nearer Junction Road so that they can be seen from the station entrance n three stands at Holloway tube station near the railway bridge - this is not the best site but pipes and cables near the surface prevent them from being put nearer the station entrance n six stands at Canonbury railway station in Wallace Road n three stands at Essex Road railway station in Canonbury Road n seven stands at City University in Meredith Street r, six stands on the opposite side of Holloway Road to the main North London University building " four stands outside the new Tesco Express store at Islington Green Leo Chapman spent a day checking the sites and found the plans were hard to follow since they had been hastily drawn up. LB! and ICAG have agreed to compile a list of potential sites for the next time money is available. Please contact the Editor with your list of favoured sites. Press Officer Wanted WIBLE SORTING out roles in ICAG to cover Cafl's departure, we concluded that I we need somebody(s) to liaise with the press. As with all ICAG roles this one is flexible, but could involve preparing press releases, monitoring local press coverage of cycle-related matters and writing a bi­ monthly article ofup to 200words for the London Cyclist Borough News. If anyone has these skills then please contact Carl on 226 3742 for more details. Train Assisted Shire Cycling CALLING ALL Sunday cyclists - regular rides are now departing from Islington to the Hertfordshire countryside on alternate Sundays. The rides are typically around thirty miles in length at an easy pace with a pub stop for lunch. For further information ring John on 272 2274, otherwise meet at 10.00 a.m. at Finsbury Park railway station on 13 and 27 April, 11 and 25 May and 8 June. Did you see? it is called the Birdy, but in the good old US of A it's badged Jeep Renegade Wrangler after the bigger 4 wheel drive, off road, all terrain, petrol driven vehicle. Why anyone needs 4 wheels is beyond us all. At the end of the meeting a small crowd gathered covetously around the machine whilst Carl demonstrated how to fold it down into an easily carried package; ideal for those mixed transport mode journeys. Summer Mass FOR THOSE of you who prefer your campaigning to be of a more direct nature why not try the Central London Critical Mass. A Critical Mass is where a large number of cyclists ride around en masse briefly dominating the road they travel along in much the same way that motorised vehicles do. The only fixed point is the start: 5.45 p.m. at the South Bank under Waterloo Bridge on the last Friday of each month. After that, who knows - Critical Mass has no organisers or leaders and wends its way through London's streets enjoying the space and relative quietness it creates. The next two rides are 25 April and 30 May so come along and be part of a cycling phenomenom. Chapter & Verse on Cars - Use it! A USEFUL dictum to file for use in letters to the press and in argument is Islington Council's car policy: "the Council considers that the use of the car should be discouraged". This is on page 195 of the Unitary Development Plan (UDP). Also "the Council will continue to reject Meeting Dates any Government proposals which would give priority to car owners to drive whenever and wherever they wish", page 179. Each Borough has to draw up a UDP and they have the force of law under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Planning Compensation Act 1991. The Islington UDP also supports journeys within the Borough by bicycle. ICAG Logo - an Update ... DUE TO LACK of time on the Editor's part, no progress has been made with comparing electronic designs of the three short-listed logos. We will make a special effort to get this resolved in time for the next issue and Bike Week. Bicycle Polo A REMINDER that ICAG has been challenged by the Camden Cycling Campaign to a bicycle polo tournament during Bike Week, June 7 - 15. If you would like to find out more please ring Leo on 251 3852 (if on answerphone please repeat your telephone number). Classified Ads THIS IS a free ad section for ICAG members. Please send your 'ad' to the. Editor for inclusion in the next issue. TRICYCLE WANTED by local Councillor for journeys to and from the Town Hall. Contact Margot Dunn on 607 8500. 231/2" FRAME, fixed wheel bike wanted. Contact Chris Ashby on 609 5093. THE Islington Gazette of 6 March featured ICAG's very own Carl Farmer in its Islington People section. Carl was Wednesday 9 April 1997 Wednesday I4 May 1997 7-9 p.m. 7-9 p.m. Town Hal Upper Street Town Hall, Upper Street quoted as having 12 bikes, but Islington Cyclist can now report that he has recently acquired yet another. The new bike was on show at the last ICAG meeting and consists of an electric blue aluminium folding frame with full suspension, 18" wheels and 7 gripshift gears. The bike is an American import manufactured by R&M in Germany where DUE TO the new Council year starting at the end of May future dates need to be confirmed. We will continue to try for the 2nd Wednesday of each month. We have chosen the Town Hall as it is in the centre of the Borough and since the meeting is sponsored by a Councillor, we do not have to pay for the venue. Our meetings are informal even though they're held in a formal room with a big table. ICAG is totally independent of Islington Council. Come along and give us your ideas about cycling in Islington. Next copy deadline: Saturday 17 May Please send any fellers, articles, c/ass fied ads, photos, carloons, artwork elc. to The Editor, Islington Cyclist, 68 SI. Peter's Slreel XI &JS or fax 0171 354 5832. Text.files on 3f:,.PC Jonna/Jed disks appreciated. Photocopying by Carl Lomas a/Camelot Courier Training. (c) Jslin?ton Cyclists 'Action Group 1997 Issue 2 February/March 1997 National Bike Week: 7-14 June 97 ICAG ARE proposing the following events for London By Cycle Week on 7-14 June as part of National Bike Week. Please let us know which events you could help organise, help on the day or attend. I. Doctor Bike Surgery at the Angel, (7 & 14 June). c o pers CjlaHenge. (30 & 31 May). 'This 1s a new event as an alternative to our traditional Commuter Challenge and is a demonstration of how easy it is to shop locally using your cycle. We will hold this '--!, the week before so 11 can be featured in the local press. Ideas on the content of the challenge gratefully received. 3. Commuter Challenge, (28 May). We are inviting an LB! Councillor and an LB! Traffic Planner/Engineer ro join in the event which will go from one end of the Borough to the other. We will hold this the week before so it can be featured in the local press. 4. Cyclists Breakfast, (l I June). City Rd/Goswell Rd Triangle. We are negotiating with a local eatery to supply us with rolls and beverages. 5. Nature Ride, (12 June). Evening ride through the wild and hidden nature trails of Islington in conjunction with LB! Ecology Centre. 6. Combined Rides with neighbouring Boroughs. 7. Ride the LBJ Cycle Routes ??? 8. ANY OTHER IDEAS OR EVENTS ????? PLEASE TELL US - THE Design - in Essex Road for making a similar offer. Hopefully we now have secured future issues and we award Carl and Charlie the ICAG Order of the Bicycle Clip for their noble offers. Cycle Workshop to Open IT'S ALL very exciting. ICAG now has a self help cycle maintenance workshop. Tell all your cycling friends. Three initial dates have been set: Wednesday l 9 February, Wednesday 19 March and Wednesday 23 April. Each session will start at 8 p.m. and we aim to finish clearing up by JO p.m. when some people will undoubtedly want to refresh themselves in a nearby hostelry_ We have the Sunnyside Ecology Centre to thank for hosting these sessions. The Centre is the small wooden building on the north side of the corner of Sunnyside Road and Hazelville Road, NJ 9. Although some "experts" and a variety of tools will be on hand, these workshops will be conducted on a first come first served, self help basis. So please remember to bring any tools, oil and grease you think you might need for the job required and to share with others. We want to make the workshop self financing, so donations will be collected to cover the modest costs of the venue. If anyone can donate or bring along a bicycle stand it would be very useful and secure storage is available nearby. All offers and further details from Chris Ashby (OJ 71 609 5093), LBI Cycle Route Spend by existing routes detailed below at the cost of £57,900. Cycle Route 2: Margery Street - Coloured surfacing, and road hump remedial works to cycle lane (£1 Jk). Claremont Sq./Amwell St. - Coloured surfacing to cycle lane (£6. lk). Cycle Route 3: Colebrooke Row - Segregated cycle lane with coloured surface (£1.9k). City Rd./New North Road - Directional & route signs (£1.2k). St. Peter's/Danbury St. - Cycle lane coloured surface (£1.7k). Ecclesbourne Rd. - Segregated cycle lane with coloured surface (£1.Jk). Cycle Route 5: Courtauld/Davenant Rd. - Directional signs (0.3k). Holloway Rd/Davenant Rd. - Coloured surfacing (0.5k). Cycle Route 6 - the Tennis Court Route: Advanced stop line at Charterhouse Street (£0.Sk) St. John St. - cycle lane between car parking bay and pavement; 8 "parking bays would be relocated outwards" (£13.4k). Roseman St. - coloured surfacing (£1.5k). Amwell St. - cycle lane with coloured surface (£3. lk). Contingencies & fees (£15.6k). The above information comes from agenda item J. I for the Transport Sub­ Committee meeting on 30 January 1997. The majority of these measures seem trivial, but they should improve cycling conditions in Islington. We would have preferred more advanced stop lines. EDITOR OR CARL FARMER ASAP. Photocopying Facilities End of Financial Year ON 14 NOVEMBER the LBJ Transport Hundreds of Cycle for Flats and Offices Racks Secured IN RESPONSE to the plea in the last issue of Islington Cyclist, we've had two offers of photocopying facilities. Our thanks go to Carl Lomas of Camelot Courier Training in Goswell Road for the use of the company's photocopier to produce this and future issues. Thanks also to Charlie Hoult of Wilson Harvey - Contagious Marketing and v\ v-sI L..c.e I G(.._,1' j J{k Sub-Committee decided to re-route Cycle Route 8 along Beresford Terrace Highbury New Park and Collins Road rather than Petherton Road and Green Lanes. LBJ Traffic Planners require substantial design work for the new routing and are unable to achieve this work within the financial year up to end of March 1997. Instead they are proposing the following improvement measures to A SPECULATIVE phone call by ICAG member Leo Chapman has led to Islington Council now making cycle parking a condition of planning for new flats and offices. He'd noticed the weekly publication of planning applications in the classified ads of the Islington Gazelle and decided to ring the architects of a 28-llat development on the corner of Liverpool Road and Offord Road. They readily agreed to provide cycle parking. Next, Harley Sherlock, Islington Society advisory member on the Development Sub-Committee, requested cycling facilities for an 85-dwelling application for 187-211 St. John Street, Clerkenwell and was successful. Leo then succeeded in getting cycle facilities for a total of 44 flats and a 56- room care home (the latter would be mostly for staff and visitors). At the last Development Sub-Committee meeting the new Chief Planner (Control), Graham Loveland, said that from now on he would make cycle facilities a condition for granting planning permission for flats and offices. Unfortunately, the Council cannot require a developer to be specific about detailed cycle facilities so Leo is now liaising with architects to show how best to put in cycle parking using the LCC guideline publication. Leo has had a universally good reception from architects. They think cycle facilities are a good idea and planning application time is a convenient juncture. Visiting architects is a bit labour­ intensive and Leo would welcome volunteers with time during the day to visit their offices. If you can help please leave a message for Leo on 0171 354 5832. He's now extending the scheme to other Boroughs such as Hackney, Camden and Ealing. Leo recently put in the first three objections on behalf of Hackney Cycling Campaign and has arranged for Camden Cycling Campaign to put in a dozen objections to applications without cycle facilities. Camden's planning policy officers are now considering adopting the Islington example. Another neighbouring Borough might be interested as the City's UDP provides for a matching cycle parking space for each motor vehicle space. Road/Hanley Road/Marlborough Road and Cycle Route 5 at Davenant Road into Whittington Park. Tea Stop. Route 5 to the Clock Tower at the Caledonian Cattle Market. About IO riders including a tandem couple braved the cold. The main areas we decided that required improvement are: the junction of Canonbury Park South and Willow Bridge Road and the provision of a contraflow lane to Marlborough Road between Sussex Way and Homsey Road. We have passed our comments onto Paul Chant, LBI Traffic Planner for the North of the Borough. The next Ride the Routes Ride is scheduled for Sunday 13 April, meeting outside the Town Hall at 10.30 a.m., when we will visit the Southern Climes of the Borough. Everybody's welcome. Logo Update WE NOW have three high quality finalists for our logo competition. Entries from R W Palmer, Gavin Killip and Kerry Platman were reviewed at the ICAG meeting on 8 January. You may well wonder, why it is that we still have an "under construction" logo in place. The answer is that the meeting tried to reach to a consensus, but failed. Instead, we agreed to do some minor electronic "tweaking" on the short-listed designs so that they could be judged on an equal basis at the next meeting on 12 February. Watch this space for further developments! Come along for the final vote. IMeeting Dates Wednesday 12 February 1997 7-9 p.m. Try a Chu.kka of Bicycle Polo! POLO CAN be played on bikes as well as on ponies and ICAG has been challenged by the Camden Cycling Campaign to a game (or tournament if enough want to play) in Bike Week, June 7 - 15. It is played on a grass football pitch, five to a side with mallets 21/2 inches in diameter. The Bicycle Polo Association of Great Britain will coach and referee. If we can get hold of enough people playing regularly (it's a summer game) it would be an expansion of things to do on bikes. If you think you would like a game please ring 0171 609 6540 (if on answerphone please repeat your telephone number). The sport was invented in Dublin in 1891 by Richard Macredy. There are two clubs in London, the Chelsea Pedlars and the Herne Hill Aces. Classified Ads THJS IS a free ad section for ICAG members Buying a bike? Selling a bike? Looking for a cycle mate" Send you 'ad' to the editor for the next issue. BIKE WANTED to suit woman, 5' 3" tall (about 19" frame). No matter if there are bits missing or repairs needed, so long as the frame is sound and not too heavy. Phone Gavin 0171 404 3454 .(answerphone after 6 p.m.). I Town Hall, Upper Street ICAG Rides the Routes in December Wednesday 12 March 1997 Wednesday 16 April 1997 7-9 p.m. 7-9 p.m. Town Hall, Upper Street Town Hall, Upper Street THE DECEMBER Ride the Routes Ride investigated the Northern Exposure parts of the Borough. We started at the Town Hall and then took Route 6 through Canonbury Park South to Wallace Road, Beresford Terrace to Highbur)' New Park, Mount Grove Road/Gillespie Road to Cycle Route I to Finsbury Park Off Road on the Parkland Walk to Stapleton Hall We have chosen the Town Hall as it is in the centre of the Borough and since the meeting is sponsored by a Councillor, we do not have to pay for the venue. Our meetings are informal even though they're held in a formal room with a big table. ICAG is totally independent of Islington Council. Come along and give us your ideas about cycling in Islington.