http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/tickets/oyster-PAYG-08-01-02.pdf
The new map is here
Monday, 31 December 2007
Travel Card Zone Map
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/lon_con.pdf
Here's TFL's version of the London Connections Map, showing zones 1-9 (in the new notation). Zones A-D have been replaced by 7-9 and the Lodon Overground out to Watford has joined in zones 7 & 8. Watford Junction is sort of zone 10 - though not called that.
The ATOC London Connections map doesn't seem to be on line in a version after April 07 yet
Here's TFL's version of the London Connections Map, showing zones 1-9 (in the new notation). Zones A-D have been replaced by 7-9 and the Lodon Overground out to Watford has joined in zones 7 & 8. Watford Junction is sort of zone 10 - though not called that.
The ATOC London Connections map doesn't seem to be on line in a version after April 07 yet
Interactive recyling maps
http://www.recyclenow.com/
has some nice maps of where bring sites are. Some of the metadata (location information for example) is odd, wrong, misspelt etc, but still quite nice.
has some nice maps of where bring sites are. Some of the metadata (location information for example) is odd, wrong, misspelt etc, but still quite nice.
Christmas Card Recycling
This year Tesco, M and S*, WH Smith and TK Maxx are taking part. See http://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/cards/index.htm for more details and publicity to download
* This is not just recycling, this is M and S recyling.
* This is not just recycling, this is M and S recyling.
Saturday, 29 December 2007
West Indian announcer on B&GO
Users will know the chap I mean. He makes announcements starting "Ladies and Gentlemen" in a slow, laid back, manner. I really think his voice should be recorded for the computerised announcements I assume the new trains will have.
He gives useful information about each station - including other nearby stations such as Forest Gate. It's all very clearly enunciated; congratulations!
I had to chuckle though when recently he said "ladies with prams" (advising them to exit the train backwards). No harm meant but surely "those" or "people" would be more 'modern'?
He gives useful information about each station - including other nearby stations such as Forest Gate. It's all very clearly enunciated; congratulations!
I had to chuckle though when recently he said "ladies with prams" (advising them to exit the train backwards). No harm meant but surely "those" or "people" would be more 'modern'?
Timetable confusion on B&GO
TfL (or LOROL) made a right pig's ear of the Christmas timetable on the B&GO:
The TfL journey planner was showing the normal weekday service interval of 20 minutes and flagging up "engineering work" (there was engineering work on the North London Line not affecting the B&GO)
The National Rail journey planner was showing the 20 minute service and a 30 minute service (not the one actually being run!) together - making a 10 minute interval here and there.
The service being run was (and will be) half hourly, leaving Barking at 8 and 38 minutes past - the timings from a few years ago.
I'm told the platform displays were wrong - I'm not sure about the announcements.
The daily e-mail from TfL mentioned the Overground twice: once to say a modified Saturday service was running and once to say a special timetable was running.
Thanks to the B&GO user group for printing out correct timetables and spending boxing day posting them at the stations.
This is really very rubbish. Everyone knows when Christmas is - THURSDAY 25 December 2008 is the next Christmas Day. TfL/LOROL have got nearly a year to plan AND PUBLICISE next year's timetable.
The TfL journey planner was showing the normal weekday service interval of 20 minutes and flagging up "engineering work" (there was engineering work on the North London Line not affecting the B&GO)
The National Rail journey planner was showing the 20 minute service and a 30 minute service (not the one actually being run!) together - making a 10 minute interval here and there.
The service being run was (and will be) half hourly, leaving Barking at 8 and 38 minutes past - the timings from a few years ago.
I'm told the platform displays were wrong - I'm not sure about the announcements.
The daily e-mail from TfL mentioned the Overground twice: once to say a modified Saturday service was running and once to say a special timetable was running.
Thanks to the B&GO user group for printing out correct timetables and spending boxing day posting them at the stations.
This is really very rubbish. Everyone knows when Christmas is - THURSDAY 25 December 2008 is the next Christmas Day. TfL/LOROL have got nearly a year to plan AND PUBLICISE next year's timetable.
Monday, 24 December 2007
Fastticket machine mishandles credit card
Buying a walk-up ticket from a fastticket machine at Barking, I put in my credit card and received a long message telling me it wasn't acceptable and to use the (human) ticket office. I had to go through the whole transaction again and pay with a debit card as the software didn't allow me to try another card at the point where the credit card option failed.
Rainham joins Oyster PAYG
From 2008 Rainham (Essex) joins the Oyster PAYG scheme for journeys between it and Fenchurch Street via Barking,
50p admin charge for fast ticket printing
The trainline has introduced a 50p charge for printing out (at a fast ticket machine) tickets ordered on line. There's no self printing of tickets (or at least it's very limited) and of course the fast ticket reference can't be used directly (like on airlines), so the charge seems to be a disincentive to use the system. Railcard holders can get a zone 1-6 one day travelcard foe £4.80 (2007 prices) - the 50p charge is equivalent to a mark up of over 10%.
Saturday, 8 December 2007
Sunday, 2 December 2007
Police cycle security advice
Cyclists who park up in Barking Town Centre will have noticed the security advice from the police. The signs could do with being rather more durable - even permanent. They point out that free security marking is availble from the police. I don't think this ois the old-style punching the postcode into the frame - I expect it's etching a security number and logging that and bike details on a database - http://www.bikeregister.com/ is the police preferred one.
Pickering Road Cycle Track
I've just ridden along it - no parked cars at all. Quite amazing - especially for a Sunday. Long may it remain
Saturday, 24 November 2007
Sustrans needs your vote for £50M to be spent on walking and cycling
Sustrans' Connect2 project www.sustransconnect2.org.uk needs your vote at www.thepeoples50million.org.uk
to get money to spend on the project from the lottery. The People's £50 million projects will be shown on ITV1 and telephone voting will be open from Friday 7 - Monday 10 December.
to get money to spend on the project from the lottery. The People's £50 million projects will be shown on ITV1 and telephone voting will be open from Friday 7 - Monday 10 December.
Thursday, 8 November 2007
National Rail and London Overground
The London Overground (LO) is a National Rail Line but is not under the National Rail branding. TfL's journey planner has accommodated the new name, as has National Rail's, but National Rail hasn't yet published an ATOC London Connections Map with this and the other changes. They're also going to have to update the Oyster PAYG in National Rail map - a copy of which (it's not a link) is published on TfL's website. I'm sure the mappers at FWT are on the case.
TfL disappoints with maps for the London Overground
Silverlink Metro had London Connections maps displayed in the trains. Admittedly they were dated back in 2001, but it was something. Ready for Sunday's takeover, TfL have put in their own maps. They're attractive and good for establishing the London Overground brand, but there's no sign of a "London Connections map" - neither the TfL version nor the ATOC version.
The map showing the London Overground network is attractive, as I say, but there's no way this is a network. It's too small and there aren't through trains through several of its nodes. No-one would use it exclusively for a rail journey where other rail routes were quicker or cheaper; it doesn't make any sense out of the context of the other rail lines and can't be used for any realistic journey planning.
A line diagram like the ones on the Underground (above train windows) would make sense, but we know, say, that a B&GO train will never go to Richmond, or Watford (at least not on a passenger service). Showing a diagram of those parts of the "network" on trains that never do on it is rather odd. It wouldn't matter if there were plenty of space, but there isn't and a London Connections map (preferably the ATOC type) should be a priority.
The map showing the London Overground network is attractive, as I say, but there's no way this is a network. It's too small and there aren't through trains through several of its nodes. No-one would use it exclusively for a rail journey where other rail routes were quicker or cheaper; it doesn't make any sense out of the context of the other rail lines and can't be used for any realistic journey planning.
A line diagram like the ones on the Underground (above train windows) would make sense, but we know, say, that a B&GO train will never go to Richmond, or Watford (at least not on a passenger service). Showing a diagram of those parts of the "network" on trains that never do on it is rather odd. It wouldn't matter if there were plenty of space, but there isn't and a London Connections map (preferably the ATOC type) should be a priority.
Monday, 5 November 2007
London Overground
The new ticket machine at Harringay Green Lanes (and I presume others on the B&GO) now has its new London Overground home screen, Oyster ticketing options and Oyster card reader/writer. The Oystercard validator on the Barking bound platform was on, looking like it would work normally (not tested).
Friday, 2 November 2007
Royal Mail redelivery
No show from the Royal Mail at "Loughton PDO". A search for "Loughton PDO" on Royal Mail's website finds nothing, and I can't find an entry in the online BT phone book. So to Google, where I find the phone number buried away - (020) 8508 2682.
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Royal Mail redelivery
The Royal Mail isn't exactly flavour of the month these days, but I was quite impressed when I arranged for redelivery of a packet on line at www.royalmail.com/redelivery. Simple form to fill in and you you can choose where and when (to the nearest day) to have the delivery. Let's see if it works.
To my surprise the packet that they couldn't deliver was taken back to Loughton delivery office, when Barking's is very close to my home and although the card says "call the number above" no number for the Loughton office is given.
To my surprise the packet that they couldn't deliver was taken back to Loughton delivery office, when Barking's is very close to my home and although the card says "call the number above" no number for the Loughton office is given.
Monday, 15 October 2007
Oyster PAYG rail network
I have coined this phrase on Wikipedia (assuming the editors don't eradicate it) for brevity, to cover the rail lines on which Oyster Pay as you go PAYG is valid, namely:
London Underground
DLR
London Overground (opens 11/11/2007)
Certain parts of certain National Rail lines, as published.
Which is all a bit of a mouthful.
[The parts of National Rail lines that accept Oyster PAYG are those that have historically accepted LU fares, because they parallel Underground routes. See http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/oysteronline/5823.aspx for full details.]
London Underground
DLR
London Overground (opens 11/11/2007)
Certain parts of certain National Rail lines, as published.
Which is all a bit of a mouthful.
[The parts of National Rail lines that accept Oyster PAYG are those that have historically accepted LU fares, because they parallel Underground routes. See http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/oysteronline/5823.aspx for full details.]
Railcard Discount for one day travelcard
Buying a zone 1-4 day travelcard at a National Rail station ticket machine on a Sunday recently, I realised that I could get it for £4.80 with my railcard, rather than £5.70 full price. TfL's fares leaflet doesn't mention this, and Oyster PAYG caps at 50p below the travelcard price (ie £5.20).
The simple return fare on the "Oyster PAYG network" (see next entry) would be £4 off peak, for comparison.
My railcard is a Goldcard partner Network Railcard. If you know someone who has an annual Goldcard (ie has an annual travelcard - the Goldcard comes with it), get them to get you a Network railcard for £1 (yes really) and get a discount on loads of fares, particularly National Rail fares.
The rules for railcards / Goldcards are elaborate - but it's always worth asking the ticket seller / telling the ticket machine that you have card (assuming you have!).
The simple return fare on the "Oyster PAYG network" (see next entry) would be £4 off peak, for comparison.
My railcard is a Goldcard partner Network Railcard. If you know someone who has an annual Goldcard (ie has an annual travelcard - the Goldcard comes with it), get them to get you a Network railcard for £1 (yes really) and get a discount on loads of fares, particularly National Rail fares.
The rules for railcards / Goldcards are elaborate - but it's always worth asking the ticket seller / telling the ticket machine that you have card (assuming you have!).
Saturday, 13 October 2007
Rights of Way Improvement Plan - LBB&D
Paul Sidaway of B&D council writes: "We are currently preparing a Rights of Way Improvement Plan and to assist us with our assessment of the existing network and making improvements to the network we need the views of users."
I have sent stibasa e-group members a copy of the survey. I can't work out how to upload one here so I'll upload one to the website. The other possibility is to get one from Paul.sidaway@lbbd.gov.uk / (020) 8227 2615
I have sent stibasa e-group members a copy of the survey. I can't work out how to upload one here so I'll upload one to the website. The other possibility is to get one from Paul.sidaway@lbbd.gov.uk / (020) 8227 2615
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Oyster PAYG on Freedom Pass
My experiment to find out if PAYG can be put on an older person's Freedom Pass (FP) has resulted in failure. The Oystercard website says it is possible - in fact it proffers the information, and it happily sent the Oyster£ to the barriers at Barking, but it failed to get onto the cards. This is a pity as it means FP holders who want to travel before 9am need to juggle two cards.
This would seem to be a card compatability issue.
This would seem to be a card compatability issue.
Wednesday, 3 October 2007
Oyster Confusion
Even National Rail's website gives confusing information about Oyster PAYG on National Rail.
http://nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/oystercard.html says:
"If you have pay as you go (PAYG) on your Oyster card you can NOT use it on most National Rail services." They mean simply 'you cannot use Oyster PAYG on most National rail routes'. In fairness, the remainder of the page explains the situation correctly and clearly, but this poorly worded statement causes confusion.
On the Barking & Gospel Oak Line an announcement refers to "prepaid Oyster Cards" not being valid. They meant to say "Oyster Prepay", but that is now called Pay as you go (PAYG). Why are railway companies unable to comprehend that an Oyster Card cannot in itself be valid? It has to be loaded with a valid ticket or PYG. My wallet is not valid in the shops, nor is my bank account. The money contained in them is what is valid.
http://nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/oystercard.html says:
"If you have pay as you go (PAYG) on your Oyster card you can NOT use it on most National Rail services." They mean simply 'you cannot use Oyster PAYG on most National rail routes'. In fairness, the remainder of the page explains the situation correctly and clearly, but this poorly worded statement causes confusion.
On the Barking & Gospel Oak Line an announcement refers to "prepaid Oyster Cards" not being valid. They meant to say "Oyster Prepay", but that is now called Pay as you go (PAYG). Why are railway companies unable to comprehend that an Oyster Card cannot in itself be valid? It has to be loaded with a valid ticket or PYG. My wallet is not valid in the shops, nor is my bank account. The money contained in them is what is valid.
Pickering Road
Ba news about Pickering Road's cycle track: "There are still issues outstanding; street lighting, street furniture, drainage and a stage 3 safety audit. It is required for this to all be substantially completed before an application is made by the developer, or their appointed consultant / contractor, in order for a part 2 certificate to be issued by the highway authority (the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham) and for the maintenance period for the adoption to commence.
Once we have been notified of substantial completion of the entire scheme we will carry out an inspection of all of the works. This will become the start date for the 12 month maintenance period with a view to adopt the highway(s) (Pickering Road, Church Road, Loftus Road and Roberts Close).
At the end of this time, we will undertake a final inspection of the works and, provided all is found to be satisfactory, the highway will be formally adopted.
Until the road is formally adopted, we unfortunately have no enforcement powers and therefore have a newly constructed designated cycle lane being used as a car park."
Once we have been notified of substantial completion of the entire scheme we will carry out an inspection of all of the works. This will become the start date for the 12 month maintenance period with a view to adopt the highway(s) (Pickering Road, Church Road, Loftus Road and Roberts Close).
At the end of this time, we will undertake a final inspection of the works and, provided all is found to be satisfactory, the highway will be formally adopted.
Until the road is formally adopted, we unfortunately have no enforcement powers and therefore have a newly constructed designated cycle lane being used as a car park."
Thursday, 27 September 2007
Recycling and Rainham MRF
Keeping recyclables separate, or separating them out when they've become mixed ("comingled") is something I've pondered. The Barking & Dagenham Post (26 Sep) carried an article about Rainham Materials Recycling Facility (owned by Veolia). All kinds of clever gadgets sort the waste out automatically into:
Quality paper
Mixed paper
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) - eg soft drink bottles
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) - eg milk polybottles
Mixed jazz *
cardboard
plastic film (eg thin carrier bags)
aluminium
steel
The Post says "7 grades of waste are baled separately" but I make it 9.
It seems sensible that all these materials can go in our orange bags, and also that they should be kept separate "up stream" where possible - by use of bring banks. * - The Post article gives the example 'coloured bottles' for 'mixed jazz' but according to http://www.plasticsrecycling.co.uk/ it seems to be some kind of plastic recyclable material.
I think the plant can process black bag general waste, too. Presumably separately from the orange bag stuff.
Quality paper
Mixed paper
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) - eg soft drink bottles
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) - eg milk polybottles
Mixed jazz *
cardboard
plastic film (eg thin carrier bags)
aluminium
steel
The Post says "7 grades of waste are baled separately" but I make it 9.
It seems sensible that all these materials can go in our orange bags, and also that they should be kept separate "up stream" where possible - by use of bring banks. * - The Post article gives the example 'coloured bottles' for 'mixed jazz' but according to http://www.plasticsrecycling.co.uk/ it seems to be some kind of plastic recyclable material.
I think the plant can process black bag general waste, too. Presumably separately from the orange bag stuff.
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
Cycling Officer
I'm meeting B&D's new CO on Wednesday 3 October. There are a few things on the agenda, but I alos thought it would be a good time to refresh my long standing list of things that need fixing for cyclists. Do let me know if there's anything you want to add, especially in Dagenham / Chadwell Heath (B&D part only).
There's an Excel and a Word version. They should tie up, but it's been years since I worked on them. There are links to them on http://www.stibasa.org.uk (click "news")
There's an Excel and a Word version. They should tie up, but it's been years since I worked on them. There are links to them on http://www.stibasa.org.uk (click "news")
Monday, 24 September 2007
Freewheel
The Freewheel event on Sunday 23 September was a massive success, with thousands taking part. Surely it must now be an annual event. The weather was superb, which will make the inaugural one stand out better.
17 people rode from Barking, most of whom I didn't know. I gave them each an LCC membership form. I hope they stay in touch - better still join LCC, but most of all keep cycling.
There are some learning points. The routes between the hubs (Victoria Park in our case) and the central motor free route were marshalled, but the general traffic was still jockeying for position with hundreds more cyclists than usual. The marshalls' advice at busy junctions was not what most LCC-ers consider best practice.
It would have been good to be in touch with those who came on the feeder ride before the event so that Doctor Bike (http://www.doctor-bike.org.uk) sessions could have been held and advice dispensed to novice cyclists. One of our riders had never used her bike's gears.
In fairness to the organisers, far more registered than they expected and could cope with. Organisation was overall pretty impressive on the day.
Next year's Freewheel will (presumably) be on Sunday 21 September 2008
17 people rode from Barking, most of whom I didn't know. I gave them each an LCC membership form. I hope they stay in touch - better still join LCC, but most of all keep cycling.
There are some learning points. The routes between the hubs (Victoria Park in our case) and the central motor free route were marshalled, but the general traffic was still jockeying for position with hundreds more cyclists than usual. The marshalls' advice at busy junctions was not what most LCC-ers consider best practice.
It would have been good to be in touch with those who came on the feeder ride before the event so that Doctor Bike (http://www.doctor-bike.org.uk) sessions could have been held and advice dispensed to novice cyclists. One of our riders had never used her bike's gears.
In fairness to the organisers, far more registered than they expected and could cope with. Organisation was overall pretty impressive on the day.
Next year's Freewheel will (presumably) be on Sunday 21 September 2008
Ticket machines on B&GO
On 11 September I said the machine at Harringay Green Lanes wouldn't issue pre-paid tickets (ie brought on line from Thetrainline, for example). The option is now there if it wasn't then. I couldn't try it out as some oik has presumably deiberately spilt some kind of fluid all over the machine and the touch screen wasn't responding.
Monday, 17 September 2007
Oyster reader at South Tottenham
There's a new Oyster card reader at South Tottenham station. It isn't working at the time of writing and there's no evidence of a barrier for it to control. Presumably the system will rely on the principle that PAYG passengers will be charged £4 (£5) if they don't swipe in and out.
Sunday, 16 September 2007
Bite Card
This is a discount card for food and drink shops in certain stations. See http://www.bitecard.co.uk/. The application form asks for a promotion code. I'm not sure of the relevance of this but http://www.senior-railcard.co.uk/special_offers.htm, http://www.family-railcard.co.uk/special_offers_1.htm and http://www.youngpersons-railcard.co.uk/special_offers.htm give examples.
Oyster PAYG (Prepay) on Freedom Passes
TfL tell me that Oyster Pay As You Go (PAYG, formerly prepay) can't be loaded onto Oystercards containing Freedom Passes. Didn't make any sense to me - so I tried it online. www.oystercard.com recognised by its number that the card contained a freedom pass, but did not restrict what products could be loaded onto it.
This makes much more sense, but I can't accept any responsibility if this doesn't work properly. If it does, however, it means Freedom Pass Holders can access cheaper Oyster Fares outside the time that their Freedom Pass is valid.
This makes much more sense, but I can't accept any responsibility if this doesn't work properly. If it does, however, it means Freedom Pass Holders can access cheaper Oyster Fares outside the time that their Freedom Pass is valid.
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
New B&GO ticket machines
A new ticket machine is working at Harringay Green Lanes, so I take it others are. It does not seem to be Fastticket compatible (ie able to print tickets ordered on thetrainline.co.uk), neither does it offer any Oyster products, though there is a blanking plate which I suspect may be for an Oyster reader/writer.
The presence of these machines makes the notice on the trains even more nonsensical - it seems to suggest that you must buy your ticket in advance at Gospel Oak or Barking.
The presence of these machines makes the notice on the trains even more nonsensical - it seems to suggest that you must buy your ticket in advance at Gospel Oak or Barking.
Mobile repairs service - Chadwell Heath
Jim Dalton, based in Chadwell Heath, has started a mobile bike repair service. This could be a real lifeline given the dwindling supply of bike shops in the area.
Contact Jim on +44 7949 883747 / jimdalton24@hotmail.com
Contact Jim on +44 7949 883747 / jimdalton24@hotmail.com
Friday, 10 August 2007
New Ticket Machines at Harringay Green Lanes
A new ticket machine is in place at each entrance at street level, but not working as at 10 August. Being at street level makes them suitable for buying tickets to open the gates that must surely come with the introduction of Oyster PAYG (pre-pay) on Sunday November 11 when the line becomes part of the London Overground. The Shere machines have a circular blanking plate, perhaps for the Oyster reader/writer to be fitted later. They will have to be Oyster compatible. The address label gives details of Silverlink, who will cease to be involved from 11 November - so perhaps they'll be brought into service before November.
I believe ticket machines have been installed at other stations along the line.
I believe ticket machines have been installed at other stations along the line.
Thursday, 21 June 2007
Comprehensive Transport Departure Board
I originally found this on TfL's website - but I can't find it there now. It's really good. You use the stop name. If you type in "Barking Station" you get all the departures of buses from the bus stops of that name - and all the Underground and National Rail departures. You get tick boxes so you can deselect routes / lines you aren't interested in (though National Rail is lumped together).
This is really handy for knowing what's happening at your local bus stop - and if you're not certain of the name of the stop you can enter a search string.
If you search the web for "XSLT_DM_REQUEST" you will find similar facilities for other world cities.
http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/bcl/XSLT_DM_REQUEST?language=en
This is really handy for knowing what's happening at your local bus stop - and if you're not certain of the name of the stop you can enter a search string.
If you search the web for "XSLT_DM_REQUEST" you will find similar facilities for other world cities.
http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/bcl/XSLT_DM_REQUEST?language=en
HGV driving and cycling mutual awareness
7am - 7pm on Tu and Wed 26 & 27 June, in Trafalgar square. Come any time
This is your chance to get up close and stay safe.Sit in the driver's cab, see what you look like in the driver's mirror.Walk / cycle around the lorry, discover where you can be seen and whereyou cannot. Talk to the police and some drivers, explain what it's likecycling near a lorry. One objective is to educate cyclists by getting to understand lorries. The other objective is to educate lorry drivers and trainers. You can take part in video filming of your moves and reactions, tell them whatyou think and feel. These videos will be used to help train lorry drivers in London. The aim is to reduce the number of collisions and deaths. If a lorry hits a cyclist - it's the cyclist who hurts.This show is put on by the Commercial Vehicle Education Unit of the MetPolice. They are working to make freight transport safer.
Please pass this information on to other cyclists . . . . .
This is your chance to get up close and stay safe.Sit in the driver's cab, see what you look like in the driver's mirror.Walk / cycle around the lorry, discover where you can be seen and whereyou cannot. Talk to the police and some drivers, explain what it's likecycling near a lorry. One objective is to educate cyclists by getting to understand lorries. The other objective is to educate lorry drivers and trainers. You can take part in video filming of your moves and reactions, tell them whatyou think and feel. These videos will be used to help train lorry drivers in London. The aim is to reduce the number of collisions and deaths. If a lorry hits a cyclist - it's the cyclist who hurts.This show is put on by the Commercial Vehicle Education Unit of the MetPolice. They are working to make freight transport safer.
Please pass this information on to other cyclists . . . . .
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
Paying before you travel on Silerlink Metro
The posters on B & GO trains warn you that you must pay in advance if possible when travelling on Silverlink Metro if you can. If you don't or can't you won't be able to buy certain reduced fares.
But the posters suggest that you have to buy your ticket in advance at Barking or Gospel Oak. These are possibilities, but there's also the internet for Oyster products and individual train tickets.
But the posters suggest that you have to buy your ticket in advance at Barking or Gospel Oak. These are possibilities, but there's also the internet for Oyster products and individual train tickets.
One Day Travelcards and Oyster
Poor chap on the Gospel Oak Line today had asked for a zone 1-4 (one day) travelcard at Seven Sisters station. I don't know what he finished up with, but he produced an Oyster receipt for PAYG (Prepay), for about the cost of the travelcard. It seems the Underground ticket clerk had assumed he was only travelling on PAYG lines (ie Underground, DLR and a smattering of National Rail lines).
Not impressive. The one day travelcard is not available on Oyster. Instead, the PAYG system caps the PAYG fares at the cost of a travel card - but PAYG isn't available on most National Rail Lines.
Not impressive. The one day travelcard is not available on Oyster. Instead, the PAYG system caps the PAYG fares at the cost of a travel card - but PAYG isn't available on most National Rail Lines.
Saturday, 16 June 2007
No car developments
I have heard that a fairly senior council officer resigned over the issue of no car developments in the borough - in particular I believe this was about the dwellings above the new Library (Learning Centre) in Barking. It is widely known that someone has bought up all or most of the flats in that development before they were finished / off plan. (No source for this info at present).
If this is correct, the speculator clearly doesn't see a problem. Neither do I. When people buy or rent these flats, they will know what the car parking situation is and if they don't like it they will go elsewhere if they can. Without a car, they're more likely to spend their money locally, thereby stimulating the local economy. Without the expense of a car, they'll have more money left over to spend, too. And they won't have do get involved in bickering about where to park and how much it costs.
Of course, we'll need the right support for cycling and public transport - we don't want to confine people, but a car free life is possible.
If this is correct, the speculator clearly doesn't see a problem. Neither do I. When people buy or rent these flats, they will know what the car parking situation is and if they don't like it they will go elsewhere if they can. Without a car, they're more likely to spend their money locally, thereby stimulating the local economy. Without the expense of a car, they'll have more money left over to spend, too. And they won't have do get involved in bickering about where to park and how much it costs.
Of course, we'll need the right support for cycling and public transport - we don't want to confine people, but a car free life is possible.
Urban Design Framework for Barking & Dagenham
The council is consulting on the Urban Design Framework. This is residents' opportunity to comment on the design of buildings and public spaces in B&D.
Sounds good. Consultation closes on 30 July 2007.
Sounds good. Consultation closes on 30 July 2007.
Kilsby Walk
The Barking & Dagenham Post describes this as an alleyway (p21 of 13 June edition) but one of the residents says "it's completely damaged from the morning rush of lorries and cars". Apparently it is owned by the hops in Porters Avenue that back onto it. Anyway the Royal Mail have refused to deliver to three addresses because of the quality of the surface and dumped rubbish. A postman fell off his bicycle there and broke his ankle.
Let's hope the postman is soon back on his bike and the problems at Kilsby Walk are soon sorted out to everyone's satisfaction.
Let's hope the postman is soon back on his bike and the problems at Kilsby Walk are soon sorted out to everyone's satisfaction.
No pain no gain at Heathway diversions
After the Dagenham Town Show (14 & 15 July 2007) Heathway will be closed to southbound traffic between Reede Road and Church Elm Lane - ie the bit by the station. The closure will last 3-4 months. Buses (173, 174, 175) will go on a two mile detour through Reede Road, Rainham Road and Church Elm Lane. (I guess it will save time to walk down the closed stretch instead).
This is all so that work can be carried out to improve Heathway for pedestrians and cyclists. Plans were drawn up by the council based on recommendations from Living Streets. I believe these will be worth the wait.
This is all so that work can be carried out to improve Heathway for pedestrians and cyclists. Plans were drawn up by the council based on recommendations from Living Streets. I believe these will be worth the wait.
Eat the seasons
http://www.eattheseasons.co.uk/
Web site which tells you which foods are in season in the UK. Cut down on those food miles.
Web site which tells you which foods are in season in the UK. Cut down on those food miles.
Friday, 15 June 2007
Vekso NDS parking stand
http://www.vekso.com/dynamisk/produkt_enkelt.asp?ProduktID=62&La=UK
Interesting design with an "umbrella" saddle cover. These can be seen in large quantities in Barking. Where? - about here http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?&pc=IG117BG&mapsize=big
(This is a weird part of Barking. The Royal Mail lists it as Freshwharf, Highbridge Road. Most maps show Freshwharf Road. There's now a newish road, with no name, between Freshwharf Road and the A406. Go down there and you'll see a low grey buiding - you turn left into what I believe to be Handtrough Way.)
Interesting design with an "umbrella" saddle cover. These can be seen in large quantities in Barking. Where? - about here http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?&pc=IG117BG&mapsize=big
(This is a weird part of Barking. The Royal Mail lists it as Freshwharf, Highbridge Road. Most maps show Freshwharf Road. There's now a newish road, with no name, between Freshwharf Road and the A406. Go down there and you'll see a low grey buiding - you turn left into what I believe to be Handtrough Way.)
Monday, 11 June 2007
NuVinci CVT
http://www.fallbrooktech.com/NuVinci.asp
A new hub gear that is continuously variable. It is already being fitted to Batavus bikes on the continent - but the UK Batavus site doesn't mention it.
At last the answer to the question "how many gears have you got" can be "infinity"?
A new hub gear that is continuously variable. It is already being fitted to Batavus bikes on the continent - but the UK Batavus site doesn't mention it.
At last the answer to the question "how many gears have you got" can be "infinity"?
Thursday, 7 June 2007
Liftshare Day Thu 14 June 2007
http://www.liftshare.org/nlsd.asp
A chance for car drivers to do their bit.
A chance for car drivers to do their bit.
Bikely
www.bikely.com
This is a system for sharing bike routes with others. You can record your routes by mousing points onto an on line map, or you can upload data from a GPS unit (.gpx format).
I tried out the mouse-map combination and found it pretty easy to use.
Posted by
This is a system for sharing bike routes with others. You can record your routes by mousing points onto an on line map, or you can upload data from a GPS unit (.gpx format).
I tried out the mouse-map combination and found it pretty easy to use.
Posted by
Tuesday, 5 June 2007
Seats --> Chairs and bridges --> tunnels
Perhaps I'm [turning into] a fuddy-duddy. I increasingly notice how people have started to refer to seats on buses and trains - and in cinemas - as "chairs". Perhaps we don't need two words - but aren't chairs the ones with legs?
I was reminded of this when someone on a Barking & Gospel Oak Line train said that it went through tunnels - tubular holes in the ground I thought. Talking on her mobile phone, after we went in cutting under a road bridge, she said to the person on the other end that we'd just been through a tunnel. What made it more odd was that she asked the person next to her to verify that the line went through tunnels - and she did.
I was reminded of this when someone on a Barking & Gospel Oak Line train said that it went through tunnels - tubular holes in the ground I thought. Talking on her mobile phone, after we went in cutting under a road bridge, she said to the person on the other end that we'd just been through a tunnel. What made it more odd was that she asked the person next to her to verify that the line went through tunnels - and she did.
Smartmoves newsletter
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/smarterchoices/smartmoves/yourtravelplannews
16 page newsletter about travel plans
16 page newsletter about travel plans
Thursday, 31 May 2007
Rural Post Offices
Not really relevant to the world of stibasa, but talk of the effects of closure of rural post offices provokes thoughts about the role of physical outlets for goods and services.
As readers will gather, I do as much as possible on line, but I do have some sympathy for those who can't or don't want to do this.
I'm also strongly in favour of basic bank accounts - with no overdraft facility (if the customer doesn't want it) and strong capabilities for checking the account balance.
One use of POs is for paying utility bills. Well I'm sorry, but what's wrong with writing a cheque, or filling in a form with card details and posting it back? If necessary, a freepost envelope can be provided by the utility company.
The same applies to TV licences and "car tax". Moreover, these are only renewed once a year and the former is free to over 75s so no money need change hands.
Another use cited is getting cash, but where is this cash to be spent? In the PO where it was just got?
One website I read had a contribution form someone who was concerned about not being able to send parcels. S/he didn't say how many parcels s/he sent, nor how often, nor where s/he bought the things that were in the parcels.
Some people are at least bold enough to say that the PO provides an informal social network. At least this has some merit a village with no public building whatsoever would be a grim dormitory.
What we seem to be getting at is that people want interactions face to face with other people, but they want a pretext for doing it: They don't want to interact with other people for its own sake. Once we decide that we must have places for communities to interact face to face, we start to build the argument the other way round. If people are going to this place, they may as well do practical things while they're there. And the range of goods and services needs to be maximised to make the place a going concern.
As readers will gather, I do as much as possible on line, but I do have some sympathy for those who can't or don't want to do this.
I'm also strongly in favour of basic bank accounts - with no overdraft facility (if the customer doesn't want it) and strong capabilities for checking the account balance.
One use of POs is for paying utility bills. Well I'm sorry, but what's wrong with writing a cheque, or filling in a form with card details and posting it back? If necessary, a freepost envelope can be provided by the utility company.
The same applies to TV licences and "car tax". Moreover, these are only renewed once a year and the former is free to over 75s so no money need change hands.
Another use cited is getting cash, but where is this cash to be spent? In the PO where it was just got?
One website I read had a contribution form someone who was concerned about not being able to send parcels. S/he didn't say how many parcels s/he sent, nor how often, nor where s/he bought the things that were in the parcels.
Some people are at least bold enough to say that the PO provides an informal social network. At least this has some merit a village with no public building whatsoever would be a grim dormitory.
What we seem to be getting at is that people want interactions face to face with other people, but they want a pretext for doing it: They don't want to interact with other people for its own sake. Once we decide that we must have places for communities to interact face to face, we start to build the argument the other way round. If people are going to this place, they may as well do practical things while they're there. And the range of goods and services needs to be maximised to make the place a going concern.
Monday, 28 May 2007
Campaign for Real Recycling
"The Campaign for Real Recycling wants central government and local authorities to act urgently to improve the quality of materials collected for recycling in the UK. "
http://www.realrecycling.org.uk/
http://www.realrecycling.org.uk/
Social lending
"social lending ... is to introduce people who need money to people who want to lend some - cutting out the middlemen like banks and mortgage companies. "
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/6623267.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/6623267.stm
Read it swap it
http://www.readitswapit.co.uk/Questions.aspx?Section=Introduction
When you've finished reading a book, set up a swap with this site - all users pay is P&P
When you've finished reading a book, set up a swap with this site - all users pay is P&P
Freecycle
http://www.freecycle.org/
Similar to free to collect (see below). Get rid of unwanted stuff / get free stuff.
Similar to free to collect (see below). Get rid of unwanted stuff / get free stuff.
Free to collect - internet "tip or skip scavenging"
http://www.free2collect.co.uk/
Freecycle is the more well known version of this. You register and then offer stuff free to collect as the name suggests.
Freecycle is the more well known version of this. You register and then offer stuff free to collect as the name suggests.
Book Crossing (internet book swapping)
http://www.bookcrossing.com/
Site for registering books that you've read, before leaving them somewhere (suitably labelled) for someone else to read and pass on. The books' journeys can be traced if readers record info on line (each book is given a unique number to identify it).
Site for registering books that you've read, before leaving them somewhere (suitably labelled) for someone else to read and pass on. The books' journeys can be traced if readers record info on line (each book is given a unique number to identify it).
Biodiesel Filling Stations
http://www.biodieselfillingstations.co.uk/
Not much in the Barking area - nearest I spotted was N18 (Upper Edmonton), but there's the possibility of mail order.
Biodiesel seems fine if it's re-using oil from cooking, but growing crops for biodiesel may displace trees that can absorb carbon and therefore worsen the problem it is trying to solve. Also, biomass crops may displace food crops.
Not much in the Barking area - nearest I spotted was N18 (Upper Edmonton), but there's the possibility of mail order.
Biodiesel seems fine if it's re-using oil from cooking, but growing crops for biodiesel may displace trees that can absorb carbon and therefore worsen the problem it is trying to solve. Also, biomass crops may displace food crops.
Bike / motor bike repair shop, Upton Lane
Someone told me there is an old-fashioned bike/motorbike repair shop in Upton Lane, Forest Gate.
It COULD be (from www.yell.co.uk)
Etty & Tyler
83, Upton Lane, London, E7 9PB
Tel: 020 8472 5797
It COULD be (from www.yell.co.uk)
Etty & Tyler
83, Upton Lane, London, E7 9PB
Tel: 020 8472 5797
Biceberg - underground automated cycle parking
http://www.biceberg.es/ingles/
This is the kind of hi tech cycle parking we need at main line stations and high density housing developments.
This is the kind of hi tech cycle parking we need at main line stations and high density housing developments.
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
Dagenham Heathway Upgrade
It's good to read in the Barking & Dagenham Post today (page 11) that work will start soon on doing up the Heathway. Everyone knows it needs it.
The changes are based, I belive, on work done by Living Streets, who recommend improving conditions for walking, cycling and public transport; Heathway has suffered from being designed too much around cars.
I would like to think that our audit of the road back in 2003 for the London Cycle Network (the so-called CRIM) would have been taken into account, but somehow I doubt it: Never mind, the Living Streets report was excellent and if half their recommendations are carried out it will be a massive improvement.
The changes are based, I belive, on work done by Living Streets, who recommend improving conditions for walking, cycling and public transport; Heathway has suffered from being designed too much around cars.
I would like to think that our audit of the road back in 2003 for the London Cycle Network (the so-called CRIM) would have been taken into account, but somehow I doubt it: Never mind, the Living Streets report was excellent and if half their recommendations are carried out it will be a massive improvement.
Barking Festival - Saturday 26 May 2007
The Barking & Dagenham Post describes the Barking Festival as "defunct" today, but - contrary to rumours the evening light classical concert in the Abbey Grounds is on (at 7.30). It wouldn't take much to brand everything that's on as part of the Barking Festival - and that will encourage other individuals, firms and organisations to join in.
Just because the council is not doing so much it doesn't mean it can't co-ordinate or lead - but even if it doesn't, why can't we still have the Festival?
Just because the council is not doing so much it doesn't mean it can't co-ordinate or lead - but even if it doesn't, why can't we still have the Festival?
Thursday, 17 May 2007
Barking Town Centre French Day Friday 1 Jun 2007
Hi
Could you please let me know if you would be available for an hour or two (or more) in Barking Town Centre, helping to promote cycling and the LCC.
No experience is necessary - just being positive about cycling and the LCC and writing down contact details and questions that you can't answer.
We may have a stall and/or a sandwich board so that someone can walk around and attract more attention.
Colin.Newman@stibasa.org.uk
Local Cyclists' Right to Ride Representative
for www.ctc.org.uk in Barking & Dagenham, and
Leader of LCC www.lcc.org.uk B&D branch. www.stibasa.org.uk
Voice (home): Skype/MSN Messenger/020 7871 0489
Mobile: +44 7761 577255
Work: 020 8489 2548
Could you please let me know if you would be available for an hour or two (or more) in Barking Town Centre, helping to promote cycling and the LCC.
No experience is necessary - just being positive about cycling and the LCC and writing down contact details and questions that you can't answer.
We may have a stall and/or a sandwich board so that someone can walk around and attract more attention.
Colin.Newman@stibasa.org.uk
Local Cyclists' Right to Ride Representative
for www.ctc.org.uk in Barking & Dagenham, and
Leader of LCC www.lcc.org.uk B&D branch. www.stibasa.org.uk
Voice (home): Skype/MSN Messenger/020 7871 0489
Mobile: +44 7761 577255
Work: 020 8489 2548
Wednesday, 16 May 2007
Congestion on no 5 Bus Route
According to the Barking & Dagenham Post (16 May 2007) TfL have decided that "there is not a significant problem" on this route.
GLA Member John Biggs (whose constituency includes B&D) has asked people to contact him if they have changed to driving instead of using the No 5, because of the overcrowding.
It may be that people have also switched to less convenient and/or slower public transport routes, too. John Biggs doesn't ask about this, according to the Post article, but I'd suggest you let him know.
http://www.bdpost.co.uk
John Biggs
GLA
City Hall
The Queen's Walk
London SE1 2AA
Telephone: 020 7983 4350
Email: john.biggs@london.gov.uk
GLA Member John Biggs (whose constituency includes B&D) has asked people to contact him if they have changed to driving instead of using the No 5, because of the overcrowding.
It may be that people have also switched to less convenient and/or slower public transport routes, too. John Biggs doesn't ask about this, according to the Post article, but I'd suggest you let him know.
http://www.bdpost.co.uk
John Biggs
GLA
City Hall
The Queen's Walk
London SE1 2AA
Telephone: 020 7983 4350
Email: john.biggs@london.gov.uk
Friday, 11 May 2007
New Highway Code
Two things to do about the highly problematic new Highway Code:
1) Sign the petition - http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/roads4bikes/
2) Ask your MP to sign the Early Day Motion:
EDM 1433: "That the alterations in the provisions of the Highway Code proposed to be made by the Secretary of State for Transport, dated 28th March 2007, a copy of which was laid before this House on 28th March, be not made."
Ministers, such as Barking MP Margaret Hodge, do not sign EDMs, but she still needs to be told her consituents' views.
Details of the campaign are here: http://www.cyclenetwork.org.uk/latest/latest.html#hcedm
1) Sign the petition - http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/roads4bikes/
2) Ask your MP to sign the Early Day Motion:
EDM 1433: "That the alterations in the provisions of the Highway Code proposed to be made by the Secretary of State for Transport, dated 28th March 2007, a copy of which was laid before this House on 28th March, be not made."
Ministers, such as Barking MP Margaret Hodge, do not sign EDMs, but she still needs to be told her consituents' views.
Details of the campaign are here: http://www.cyclenetwork.org.uk/latest/latest.html#hcedm
Fastticket = Quick ticket = ??
Throughout stibasa I refer to Fastticket, because these are the machines I have direct experience of at c2c stations, Euston and Victoria. However there are machines around badged with other brands, including Quickticket which I saw at stations served by Southwest trains.
I assume these are the same thing, in essence, but have not been able to test this.
I assume these are the same thing, in essence, but have not been able to test this.
Fastticket machines and The trainline
Twice now I have ordered tickets on the internet from The Trainline and all I have had to to collect them at Barking is press one (on screen) button and put my bank card in the slot. The tickets are printed without me having to enter the code that The Trainline supplied. Also, it seems that the payment is taken when the ticket is printed and not when it is ordered.
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
Drive Safe, Cycle Safe
This is a brief code of practice for cyclists and motorists, attempting to explain to each other how each other tick.
I think it's quite good
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/cyclingandmotorcycling/drivesafecyclesafe
I think it's quite good
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/cyclingandmotorcycling/drivesafecyclesafe
Everyday Cycling
http://www.everydaycycling.com/
"Everyday Cycling started life three years ago [sic] as an idea in the mind of British Cycling’s Ian Drake, who saw the need for a bright, vibrant online cycling community where you could find out everything you needed to know about leisure cycling; places to ride, leisure events, charity rides, what to ride, advice on kit. Moreover, Ian foresaw a virtual place where leisure cyclists could meet, chat and interact – a website that would at the same time stimulate and record activity. Thus, the Everyday Cycling concept was born."
I think this site is mis-named - who goes leisure cycling every day? Even so, it looks good and may be useful.
"Everyday Cycling started life three years ago [sic] as an idea in the mind of British Cycling’s Ian Drake, who saw the need for a bright, vibrant online cycling community where you could find out everything you needed to know about leisure cycling; places to ride, leisure events, charity rides, what to ride, advice on kit. Moreover, Ian foresaw a virtual place where leisure cyclists could meet, chat and interact – a website that would at the same time stimulate and record activity. Thus, the Everyday Cycling concept was born."
I think this site is mis-named - who goes leisure cycling every day? Even so, it looks good and may be useful.
Thursday, 3 May 2007
Vibrant Hometown
http://vibranthometown.com/
This is a US site about collaborative, people centred town planning. In particular, follow the link to Curitiba to read about that fascinatingly planned and run Brazilian City. But there's a lot of interesting stuff here.
This is a US site about collaborative, people centred town planning. In particular, follow the link to Curitiba to read about that fascinatingly planned and run Brazilian City. But there's a lot of interesting stuff here.
CO2 based CPZ charges
Barking & Dagenham Council is considering tiered CPZ parking charges based on the CO2 emission rating of cars, following the lead from a few other London councils. The Barking & Dagenham Post (25 April) quoted interviews with two people - one in favour of protecting the planet whilst not being against "gas-guzzlers" as such and another vehemently against, on two grounds, one of which was that "it's a free country" and the council shouldn't tell people what car to drive. Not a terribly convincing argument as it ignores the council's role in trying to protect the planet.
Halfords Dagenham
The article about Police on Bikes referred to below mentions Halfords in Ripple Road, Dagenham. Presumably they mean the one in Merrielands Retail Park (Merrielands Crescent). The Halfords website www.halfords.co.uk suggests that the Dagenham branch doesn't have a bike department. I'll check. Perhaps they were just ordered for collection there, or it was a special presentation being a community initiative.
Police on bikes
The Police on bikes revolution continues apace. The Barking & Dagenham Post of 25 April had two items:
The first says how members of the London Riverside Business Improvement District have donated £4000 for the Rainham & Wennington Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) to buy seven mountain bikes - and the Rainham shopkeepers association chipped in £900. [I assume this is in the Barking & Dagenham Post as Dagenham will soon be part of a parliamentary constituency with parts of LB Havering].
The Reede Road Tenants and Residents' Association bought four new £300 maountain bikes from Dagenham Halfords for the Alibon & Eastbrook SNT. The Sergeant in charge is quoted as saying "we were desperate for more bikes".
www.stibasa.org.uk has several articles along similar lines, written since the police cottoned on how effective bikes can be in their work.
The first says how members of the London Riverside Business Improvement District have donated £4000 for the Rainham & Wennington Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) to buy seven mountain bikes - and the Rainham shopkeepers association chipped in £900. [I assume this is in the Barking & Dagenham Post as Dagenham will soon be part of a parliamentary constituency with parts of LB Havering].
The Reede Road Tenants and Residents' Association bought four new £300 maountain bikes from Dagenham Halfords for the Alibon & Eastbrook SNT. The Sergeant in charge is quoted as saying "we were desperate for more bikes".
www.stibasa.org.uk has several articles along similar lines, written since the police cottoned on how effective bikes can be in their work.
Wednesday, 2 May 2007
Climate Challenge website
http://www.climatechallenge.gov.uk/
"Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face today. The first step towards tackling the problem is to make sure everyone understands exactly what the challenge is and the difference they could make.
That's why talking about climate change is so important. We need to educate, excite and inspire others so that we can start working together to tackle climate change. The information on this site can help you understand, and tell the climate change story.
This website is part of the Climate Change Communication Initiative led by Defra, in partnership with the Environment Agency, the Carbon Trust, the Energy Saving Trust, the UK Climate Impacts Programme, the Department for Transport and the Department of Trade and Industry."
"Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face today. The first step towards tackling the problem is to make sure everyone understands exactly what the challenge is and the difference they could make.
That's why talking about climate change is so important. We need to educate, excite and inspire others so that we can start working together to tackle climate change. The information on this site can help you understand, and tell the climate change story.
This website is part of the Climate Change Communication Initiative led by Defra, in partnership with the Environment Agency, the Carbon Trust, the Energy Saving Trust, the UK Climate Impacts Programme, the Department for Transport and the Department of Trade and Industry."
Tuesday, 1 May 2007
youtube videos about bike lanes / bike boulevards
Not written by Colin, please note!
-----Original Message-----
From: lcc-issues@yahoogroups.com [mailto:lcc-issues@yahoogroups.com] Sent: 26 April 2007 11:03
To: lcc-issues@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [lcc-issues]
Dear xxxxx
xxxxx wrote:
> Hi,
>
> There currently are two interesting videos on youtube about
> bike lanes.
>
> One is about "bike boulevards" in Berkeley, CA:
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX8wkI7CwpU
> The other one is about folks demanding segregated cycle
> lanes in NYC:
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONS2ptAR4mo
These clips are an excellent find! The first seems to offer a real solution to the way in which the LCN+ can be delivered and indeed expanded as the programme comes to an end--to produce a dense network of core routes with the rest of the street network modified (more subtly)
to 'feed' it.
With Brent Cyclists' approval, I will be putting forward proposals based on the clip in this year's funding bid to TfL (now called the Local Implementation Plan Annual Progress Report--LIP APR).
By the look of what the clip shows, whole routes can be completed for a minimal budget and the key feature of them is motor traffic volume and speed reduction through the installation of mode and directional filters and carefully designed facilities where needed. And we should not simply assume that the network should be confined to quieter streets--main roads can equally be transformed into 'bicycling boulevards' too, albeit with a more rigorous approach to design and more investment.
As a transport planner, I have to justify bids that I make to Transport for London. The bids are based (unfortunately) on assuming that cyclists only ever use defined routes--the idea that a cyclist might diverge from the set route is, in some engineers' minds, rather alien. But since the
defined network exists, it does at least offer a key opportunity for improving their public realm (I've long thought of them as opportunities to create exemplary corridors for public realm enhancement).
However much can be done through permeability enhancements. Across Brent there are gated road closures that don't admit cycles (and where they once did, residents' complaints about motorcycles have resulted in further obstruction). We've undertaken a study of these road closures with a view to converting them to mode filters--in order to give cyclists and pedestrians together advantages over motor traffic. Each costs between £2k and £5k depending on the workload. We've also installed new mode filters: one experimental closure is very significant in traffic terms and will give a very substantial benefit to pedestrians and cyclists over motors.
> [the second clip is] awful. All the old nonsense about segregation. Practically no mention of any of the problems created by that "solution" (doors, peds, hard to pass other cyclists, and traffic turning at intersections). Note that when you watch the traffic shown, the two things creating conflict most frequently are parked cars and turning vehicles. Both are more of a problem with segregated cycle lanes than without. The turning traffic is potentially the most lethal, but doesn't get mentioned. <
Yes, but the case for segregation is compelling in too many minds. Many would view this clip and--even with your commentary--see all of the conflicts of the old system (brought about by a lack of enforcement) washed away by the gleaming new cycle tracks and see the result they
want to see, i.e. lots of happy cyclists.
I've recently visited Holland and toured Amsterdam, Utrecht and Delft. I have to admit that despite my views on segregation I actually rather enjoyed using the facilities provided--and I don't think that the system should be dismissed as a whole for ideological reasons. Looking at the system from the point of view of other tourists to the area I can actually understand why it is so superficially attractive. The simple fact is that (and you can argue the toss about an existing cycling culture) the careful design of facilities appears both popular and practical.
Notwithstanding, on my arrival back in the UK, my head filled with ideas about how we can transform our street network for cycling, I found myself suddenly really enjoying the freedom of sharing the streets again and only wanting minimal interventions in a few places.
One thing that struck me on my visit was just how much you have to concentrate when cycling in Holland. The facilities don't often make cycling a relaxing experience. Quite often they are confusing--to the extent that, thinking I had right of way across one street, I came closer to my end than I have ever come in London, and in another case I found myself accidentally riding the wrong way along a one way street with no space for me and the approaching juggernaut which emerged from under the railway bridge! Not only that, but to make a left turn at a signalised junction, you have to travel two sides of a triangle, the third side being the more logical progression we are used to in the UK--this actually undermines cyclist priority. Oh, and where you are expected to use the third side there's invariably a car stopped in the ASL--familiar?
I think that there are things we can learn in the UK from what happens in Holland and the US. The bicycle boulevard idea, for people like us who are not friends of segregation is attractive. A few carefully designed facilities would also be helpful if they mean increased permeability and real advantages over motor traffic--I can think of a few possibilities along the Marylebone / Euston Road. I think that we (and this includes me) need to open our minds a little to the
possibility that *some* facilities _are_ actually better than none at all, in addition to the idea that an improved public realm will do much on its own to encourage both walking and cycling.
And what of my favourite Dutch facility? Well, as you might imagine I saw plenty of provision of varying quality but impressive adherence to an obvious code. But the one that sticks in my mind most of all is the long 'B' style road between Utrecht and Amsterdam that has a wide kerb
'cycle lane' (actually never marked as a cycle lane; more of a hard shoulder) that forced drivers into the centre of the road to face each other head on. Should they wish to pass they have to move over to the right (the left in the UK), taking care not to wipe out any cyclists in the process. There are so many cyclists using this road that motorists would not be wise to drive without care and attention. And, importantly, there is no centre line.
Fundamentally though, in our campaigning we actually have to consider how we can best serve the needs of people with children, disabled cyclists and those who are quite simply frightened of the motor traffic. It's all very well for us experienced cyclists to specify 'share the
road' when we are confident doing so--but how do our ideas fit the needs
other people?
-----Original Message-----
From: lcc-issues@yahoogroups.com [mailto:lcc-issues@yahoogroups.com] Sent: 26 April 2007 11:03
To: lcc-issues@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [lcc-issues]
Dear xxxxx
xxxxx wrote:
> Hi,
>
> There currently are two interesting videos on youtube about
> bike lanes.
>
> One is about "bike boulevards" in Berkeley, CA:
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX8wkI7CwpU
> The other one is about folks demanding segregated cycle
> lanes in NYC:
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONS2ptAR4mo
These clips are an excellent find! The first seems to offer a real solution to the way in which the LCN+ can be delivered and indeed expanded as the programme comes to an end--to produce a dense network of core routes with the rest of the street network modified (more subtly)
to 'feed' it.
With Brent Cyclists' approval, I will be putting forward proposals based on the clip in this year's funding bid to TfL (now called the Local Implementation Plan Annual Progress Report--LIP APR).
By the look of what the clip shows, whole routes can be completed for a minimal budget and the key feature of them is motor traffic volume and speed reduction through the installation of mode and directional filters and carefully designed facilities where needed. And we should not simply assume that the network should be confined to quieter streets--main roads can equally be transformed into 'bicycling boulevards' too, albeit with a more rigorous approach to design and more investment.
As a transport planner, I have to justify bids that I make to Transport for London. The bids are based (unfortunately) on assuming that cyclists only ever use defined routes--the idea that a cyclist might diverge from the set route is, in some engineers' minds, rather alien. But since the
defined network exists, it does at least offer a key opportunity for improving their public realm (I've long thought of them as opportunities to create exemplary corridors for public realm enhancement).
However much can be done through permeability enhancements. Across Brent there are gated road closures that don't admit cycles (and where they once did, residents' complaints about motorcycles have resulted in further obstruction). We've undertaken a study of these road closures with a view to converting them to mode filters--in order to give cyclists and pedestrians together advantages over motor traffic. Each costs between £2k and £5k depending on the workload. We've also installed new mode filters: one experimental closure is very significant in traffic terms and will give a very substantial benefit to pedestrians and cyclists over motors.
> [the second clip is] awful. All the old nonsense about segregation. Practically no mention of any of the problems created by that "solution" (doors, peds, hard to pass other cyclists, and traffic turning at intersections). Note that when you watch the traffic shown, the two things creating conflict most frequently are parked cars and turning vehicles. Both are more of a problem with segregated cycle lanes than without. The turning traffic is potentially the most lethal, but doesn't get mentioned. <
Yes, but the case for segregation is compelling in too many minds. Many would view this clip and--even with your commentary--see all of the conflicts of the old system (brought about by a lack of enforcement) washed away by the gleaming new cycle tracks and see the result they
want to see, i.e. lots of happy cyclists.
I've recently visited Holland and toured Amsterdam, Utrecht and Delft. I have to admit that despite my views on segregation I actually rather enjoyed using the facilities provided--and I don't think that the system should be dismissed as a whole for ideological reasons. Looking at the system from the point of view of other tourists to the area I can actually understand why it is so superficially attractive. The simple fact is that (and you can argue the toss about an existing cycling culture) the careful design of facilities appears both popular and practical.
Notwithstanding, on my arrival back in the UK, my head filled with ideas about how we can transform our street network for cycling, I found myself suddenly really enjoying the freedom of sharing the streets again and only wanting minimal interventions in a few places.
One thing that struck me on my visit was just how much you have to concentrate when cycling in Holland. The facilities don't often make cycling a relaxing experience. Quite often they are confusing--to the extent that, thinking I had right of way across one street, I came closer to my end than I have ever come in London, and in another case I found myself accidentally riding the wrong way along a one way street with no space for me and the approaching juggernaut which emerged from under the railway bridge! Not only that, but to make a left turn at a signalised junction, you have to travel two sides of a triangle, the third side being the more logical progression we are used to in the UK--this actually undermines cyclist priority. Oh, and where you are expected to use the third side there's invariably a car stopped in the ASL--familiar?
I think that there are things we can learn in the UK from what happens in Holland and the US. The bicycle boulevard idea, for people like us who are not friends of segregation is attractive. A few carefully designed facilities would also be helpful if they mean increased permeability and real advantages over motor traffic--I can think of a few possibilities along the Marylebone / Euston Road. I think that we (and this includes me) need to open our minds a little to the
possibility that *some* facilities _are_ actually better than none at all, in addition to the idea that an improved public realm will do much on its own to encourage both walking and cycling.
And what of my favourite Dutch facility? Well, as you might imagine I saw plenty of provision of varying quality but impressive adherence to an obvious code. But the one that sticks in my mind most of all is the long 'B' style road between Utrecht and Amsterdam that has a wide kerb
'cycle lane' (actually never marked as a cycle lane; more of a hard shoulder) that forced drivers into the centre of the road to face each other head on. Should they wish to pass they have to move over to the right (the left in the UK), taking care not to wipe out any cyclists in the process. There are so many cyclists using this road that motorists would not be wise to drive without care and attention. And, importantly, there is no centre line.
Fundamentally though, in our campaigning we actually have to consider how we can best serve the needs of people with children, disabled cyclists and those who are quite simply frightened of the motor traffic. It's all very well for us experienced cyclists to specify 'share the
road' when we are confident doing so--but how do our ideas fit the needs
other people?
Jumping red lights is safer?
Please note that this item was not written by Colin!
On 04/24/07 20:14>
Tonight's Evening Standard tells us that "Male cyclists who jump red
> lights 'are safer'." Below is the full text of the article, lifted
> from
> http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23393622-details/Male+cyclists+who+jump+red+lights+%27are+safer%27/article.do
What should LCC's response be? Silence, agreement, a call for better training targeted at women, a campaign to promote awareness of the dangers of being caught on the blind-side of a driver turning left?
Our first response should be to help people understand the stats, and not draw unwarranted conclusions.
(I'm sorry if the below is a bit verbose and many of you know all this, but the misconceptions about this are so prevalent that I feel compelled to elaborate).
Let me explain:
Quoting the "thisislondon.co.uk" article (but this has appeared all over the media): According to the study, 86 per cent of women cyclists killed in London between 1999 and 2004 were in collision with a lorry. This compares with 47 per cent for men.
Fine. Now read this very carefully. All it says is that (a) women cyclists *who get killed* get killed more often by a lorry (86 percent) than male cyclists *who get killed* get killed by a lorry (47 percent), and (b) women cyclists *who get killed* get killed much more often by a lorry than by another vehicle (86 vs 14 percent) and men cyclists *who get killed* get killed about equally often by a lorry as by another vehicle (47 vs 53).
The first question here should be: So what? (you can't imagine how often when people throw
around statistics this should be the first question). Why should we care? I'm a female cyclist, and if one day a vehicle kills me, I don't give two hoots whether it's a
lorry or a car than has run me down. Dead is dead.
Of course, people take the above stats to mean something completely different, namely:
"Women cyclists are more likely to be killed by lorries than men".
This is *cannot* be concluded at all from the above stats, so to make this statement without any additional data is wrong.
Equally wrong is the other conclusion made by many headlines:
-- Male cyclists ... 'are safer' (thisislondon.co.uk)
-- Women cyclists 'risk death' [implied: more than men
cylcists] ... (times online)
Why are they wrong?
(1) "Women are more likely to be run over by a lorry than men"
We need more data to make that statement.
Why? It could be that men and women are equally likely to be killed by a lorry, but that male cyclists are more likely to be killed by other types of vehicles than women. This could lead to
the same 86 vs 47 percent discrepancy that is so widely cited.
Let's have a look:
http://www.movingtargetzine.com/article/chinese-whispers-female-cyclists-killed-by-hgvlgvs-in-london-1999-2004
cites TfL: "from 1999 - May 2004:
87 deaths of cyclists of which 21 were female, 66 male Of those 21 females an astonishing 18 (85%) were killed by HGV drivers. Another 28 of the males (around 50%) were also killed by
HGVs."
So, many more dead men than women, and more dead men killed by lorries (28) than women killed by lorries (21). Of course, to conclude anything from that alone is wrong again, because we need to know the proportion of male vs female cyclists in traffic, and see if the above ratio differs from that.
The Independent had the best article about the issue that I've read, available here:
http://motoring.independent.co.uk/comment/article2413395.ece
This says about the male:female cyclist ratio that "[w]hile it was about 73:27 at the start of the decade, statistics from TfL show that it had moved to about 60:40 by 2005."
So compare the numbers (m:f):
Killed by lorry: 28:21 = 1.3
Proportion of cyclists: between 70:30 = 2.3 and 60:40 = 1.5
So it _does_ seem that women are _slightly_ more likely to be killed by a lorry than men, but this difference is small (1.3 vs anything between 1.5-2.3), maybe not even statistically significant, if you compare 1.3 to 1.5. The statistics about male vs female cyclist proportion is probably not very accurate, and the numbers of killed cyclists are (fortunately!) quite small for statistical standards, both of which mean that the difference could well be by chance. In any case, the difference is much smaller than the almost twofold diffence suggested by the "86 vs 47" comparison.
(2) "Men are safer cyclists":
(m:f): Killed: 66:21 = 3.14
Proportion of cyclists: between 70:30 = 2.3 and 60:40 = 1.5
So men are really more likely to be killed than women. Again, the difference is not huge, and the sample size is small, so this is not too meaningful, but the difference here is greater and the sample size is greater than for the "killed by lorry" data, so if you believe from the data above that women are more likely to be killed by a lorry you should definitely believe that men are more likely to be killed in the first place.
So whatever you want to do as a woman, you do not want to unequivocally "ride like a man", as the velorution blog had in its title.
*** Conclusions ***
Of course, taken together, the data above do say something we should care about. Here's what I would say we can conclude from them, and what LCC should do about it:
(1) Lorries are dangerous. They are overrepresented as a cause of cyclist death _both_ for women _and_ for men (since they make up nowhere near even 50 percent of the traffic).
This is no secret. LCC already do stress this point, and we should continue to stress this point. Fitting extra mirrors and pushing cyclist training are the way to go, as is the rethinking of ASLs and especially lefthand feeder lanes. Also, emphasize that the classic left hook with lorries
would most likely not diminish with the presence of segregated cycle lanes, on the contrary. Emphasize that this means that cycle training and driver education are much more
helpful than putting in cycle lanes, segregated or not.
(2) The safety record for men and women cyclists is quite similar, but it is slightly better for women. So if anything, men should ride more like women, but I would not say the data warrant making that recommendation. Besides, there are many differences between the riding styles of men and women, and we need extra information about which aspects of each style are worthy to emulate (we have some such information, and cycle training incorporates the insights, but it is not in the data above).
(3) While the overall safety record of men and women is similar, there could to be a slight difference in what types of vehicles kill them. This difference is nowhere near as big as 2:1, which is how many people read the 84:47 numbers. Under the assumption that this difference is real at all, it would make sense to target advice that prevents cyclist-lorry collisions more heavily at women *and* to target advice to prevent other types of collisions more heavily at men. Note the *and*. However, we don't know whether the difference is real, and since it is very likely that the difference isn't real, we should not waste valuable resources on ensuring that men and women are targeted differently.
(4) We cannot conclude that jumping red lights makes you safer. Even the basic assumption doesn't hold (men safer than women). Jumping red lights might conceivably get you out of the path of the bus into the path of a different vehicle crossing at speed. I am not arguing that it does, but the data would match this pattern. However, one good thing about the media bollocks in my view is that it spreads the notion that at least some red light jumping cyclists are
motivated by safety concerns rather than by aggressiveness. This is another point LCC might want to underline.
On 04/24/07 20:14>
Tonight's Evening Standard tells us that "Male cyclists who jump red
> lights 'are safer'." Below is the full text of the article, lifted
> from
> http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23393622-details/Male+cyclists+who+jump+red+lights+%27are+safer%27/article.do
What should LCC's response be? Silence, agreement, a call for better training targeted at women, a campaign to promote awareness of the dangers of being caught on the blind-side of a driver turning left?
Our first response should be to help people understand the stats, and not draw unwarranted conclusions.
(I'm sorry if the below is a bit verbose and many of you know all this, but the misconceptions about this are so prevalent that I feel compelled to elaborate).
Let me explain:
Quoting the "thisislondon.co.uk" article (but this has appeared all over the media): According to the study, 86 per cent of women cyclists killed in London between 1999 and 2004 were in collision with a lorry. This compares with 47 per cent for men.
Fine. Now read this very carefully. All it says is that (a) women cyclists *who get killed* get killed more often by a lorry (86 percent) than male cyclists *who get killed* get killed by a lorry (47 percent), and (b) women cyclists *who get killed* get killed much more often by a lorry than by another vehicle (86 vs 14 percent) and men cyclists *who get killed* get killed about equally often by a lorry as by another vehicle (47 vs 53).
The first question here should be: So what? (you can't imagine how often when people throw
around statistics this should be the first question). Why should we care? I'm a female cyclist, and if one day a vehicle kills me, I don't give two hoots whether it's a
lorry or a car than has run me down. Dead is dead.
Of course, people take the above stats to mean something completely different, namely:
"Women cyclists are more likely to be killed by lorries than men".
This is *cannot* be concluded at all from the above stats, so to make this statement without any additional data is wrong.
Equally wrong is the other conclusion made by many headlines:
-- Male cyclists ... 'are safer' (thisislondon.co.uk)
-- Women cyclists 'risk death' [implied: more than men
cylcists] ... (times online)
Why are they wrong?
(1) "Women are more likely to be run over by a lorry than men"
We need more data to make that statement.
Why? It could be that men and women are equally likely to be killed by a lorry, but that male cyclists are more likely to be killed by other types of vehicles than women. This could lead to
the same 86 vs 47 percent discrepancy that is so widely cited.
Let's have a look:
http://www.movingtargetzine.com/article/chinese-whispers-female-cyclists-killed-by-hgvlgvs-in-london-1999-2004
cites TfL: "from 1999 - May 2004:
87 deaths of cyclists of which 21 were female, 66 male Of those 21 females an astonishing 18 (85%) were killed by HGV drivers. Another 28 of the males (around 50%) were also killed by
HGVs."
So, many more dead men than women, and more dead men killed by lorries (28) than women killed by lorries (21). Of course, to conclude anything from that alone is wrong again, because we need to know the proportion of male vs female cyclists in traffic, and see if the above ratio differs from that.
The Independent had the best article about the issue that I've read, available here:
http://motoring.independent.co.uk/comment/article2413395.ece
This says about the male:female cyclist ratio that "[w]hile it was about 73:27 at the start of the decade, statistics from TfL show that it had moved to about 60:40 by 2005."
So compare the numbers (m:f):
Killed by lorry: 28:21 = 1.3
Proportion of cyclists: between 70:30 = 2.3 and 60:40 = 1.5
So it _does_ seem that women are _slightly_ more likely to be killed by a lorry than men, but this difference is small (1.3 vs anything between 1.5-2.3), maybe not even statistically significant, if you compare 1.3 to 1.5. The statistics about male vs female cyclist proportion is probably not very accurate, and the numbers of killed cyclists are (fortunately!) quite small for statistical standards, both of which mean that the difference could well be by chance. In any case, the difference is much smaller than the almost twofold diffence suggested by the "86 vs 47" comparison.
(2) "Men are safer cyclists":
(m:f): Killed: 66:21 = 3.14
Proportion of cyclists: between 70:30 = 2.3 and 60:40 = 1.5
So men are really more likely to be killed than women. Again, the difference is not huge, and the sample size is small, so this is not too meaningful, but the difference here is greater and the sample size is greater than for the "killed by lorry" data, so if you believe from the data above that women are more likely to be killed by a lorry you should definitely believe that men are more likely to be killed in the first place.
So whatever you want to do as a woman, you do not want to unequivocally "ride like a man", as the velorution blog had in its title.
*** Conclusions ***
Of course, taken together, the data above do say something we should care about. Here's what I would say we can conclude from them, and what LCC should do about it:
(1) Lorries are dangerous. They are overrepresented as a cause of cyclist death _both_ for women _and_ for men (since they make up nowhere near even 50 percent of the traffic).
This is no secret. LCC already do stress this point, and we should continue to stress this point. Fitting extra mirrors and pushing cyclist training are the way to go, as is the rethinking of ASLs and especially lefthand feeder lanes. Also, emphasize that the classic left hook with lorries
would most likely not diminish with the presence of segregated cycle lanes, on the contrary. Emphasize that this means that cycle training and driver education are much more
helpful than putting in cycle lanes, segregated or not.
(2) The safety record for men and women cyclists is quite similar, but it is slightly better for women. So if anything, men should ride more like women, but I would not say the data warrant making that recommendation. Besides, there are many differences between the riding styles of men and women, and we need extra information about which aspects of each style are worthy to emulate (we have some such information, and cycle training incorporates the insights, but it is not in the data above).
(3) While the overall safety record of men and women is similar, there could to be a slight difference in what types of vehicles kill them. This difference is nowhere near as big as 2:1, which is how many people read the 84:47 numbers. Under the assumption that this difference is real at all, it would make sense to target advice that prevents cyclist-lorry collisions more heavily at women *and* to target advice to prevent other types of collisions more heavily at men. Note the *and*. However, we don't know whether the difference is real, and since it is very likely that the difference isn't real, we should not waste valuable resources on ensuring that men and women are targeted differently.
(4) We cannot conclude that jumping red lights makes you safer. Even the basic assumption doesn't hold (men safer than women). Jumping red lights might conceivably get you out of the path of the bus into the path of a different vehicle crossing at speed. I am not arguing that it does, but the data would match this pattern. However, one good thing about the media bollocks in my view is that it spreads the notion that at least some red light jumping cyclists are
motivated by safety concerns rather than by aggressiveness. This is another point LCC might want to underline.
Cut price home insulation
Mayor Ken Livingstone and British Gas are offering you the chance to make big savings on insulating your home. So it will now cost you as little as £250 for cavity wall and £274 for loft insulation.
Once you have insulated your property there is a £100 cashback for paying households. Everyone who lives in London can take up this offer - regardless of which company supplies your energy.
If you are in receipt of benefits you may be entitled to FREE insulation.
To find-out more about this offer visit www.london.gov.uk/insulate or call 0845 070 5059 quoting WEB GLA.
Terms and conditions apply.
Once you have insulated your property there is a £100 cashback for paying households. Everyone who lives in London can take up this offer - regardless of which company supplies your energy.
If you are in receipt of benefits you may be entitled to FREE insulation.
To find-out more about this offer visit www.london.gov.uk/insulate or call 0845 070 5059 quoting WEB GLA.
Terms and conditions apply.
Bickerton for free
Someone in Brondesbury is giving away a Bickerton and another old bike surplus to requirements. He wants them to go to a good home, not for re-sale. Contact Tim T.Dawson@crd.co.uk
Monday, 30 April 2007
Sunday, 29 April 2007
CTC Havering Section Rides
David Rowlands (david.rowlands673@ntlworld.com / 020 8491 3209 / 07939 476337) and Brian Stevens (bristevens@btinternet.com / 01708 851636) lead rides ("runs" in club-speak) every Sunday morning, starting from Upminster station.
The longer rides (led by David) usually start at 9.30 and are 30-40 miles in winter and 40-70 miles in summer.
The shorter rides (for "softees") are 15-20 miles in winter und up to 40 in summer, with plenty of stops.
This is the usual pattern, but it's wise to check before going as it sometimes varies by length or start time.
The longer rides (led by David) usually start at 9.30 and are 30-40 miles in winter and 40-70 miles in summer.
The shorter rides (for "softees") are 15-20 miles in winter und up to 40 in summer, with plenty of stops.
This is the usual pattern, but it's wise to check before going as it sometimes varies by length or start time.
Tuesday, 24 April 2007
Cycle track Pickering Road, Barking rendered useless
Because the council hasn't 'adopted' Pickering Road (new road in "Costa del Barking") yet, it can't (it says) enforce the contra-flow cycle track, on which people are now regularly parking their cars.
When they do start enforcing, there'll be problems as a precedent has been set - though how people will be able to argue that they thought they could park on a cycle track is something we're yet to discover.
All very disappointing.
When they do start enforcing, there'll be problems as a precedent has been set - though how people will be able to argue that they thought they could park on a cycle track is something we're yet to discover.
All very disappointing.
Monday, 23 April 2007
Guidance on the Appraisal of Walking and Cycling Schemes
The DfT has published its "Guidance on the Appraisal of Walking andCycling Schemes", drafted by Sustrans.
http://www.webtag.org.uk/webdocuments/3_Expert/14_Walking_Cycling/3.14.1.htm
Local Transport Today remarks that it shows cost:benefit ratios "far higher than almost all road or public transport investments"; this is done byassigning values to reductions in CO2, deaths saved as a result of fitness, reduced absenteeism, journey ambience etc
http://www.webtag.org.uk/webdocuments/3_Expert/14_Walking_Cycling/3.14.1.htm
Local Transport Today remarks that it shows cost:benefit ratios "far higher than almost all road or public transport investments"; this is done byassigning values to reductions in CO2, deaths saved as a result of fitness, reduced absenteeism, journey ambience etc
cycling about to go mainstream in the UK?
On Quickrelease.tv, Matt Seaton, explaining how he believes we’re at a tipping point, with cycling about to go mainstream in the UK. Watch it here.
RoadPeace panel discussion ' Murder most foul' 26 April 2007, 2:30pm
"We would like to invite you to a RoadPeace panel discussion to mark UN Road
Safety Week (23-29 April), on Thursday 26 April, 2:30 to 4:30 pm.
at The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund premises, County Hall,
Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB.
The theme of the discussion is : 'Murder Most Foul' revisited: Are we doing
enough for our young people, or are we still blaming the most vulnerable?
Background
Sixty years ago, the President of the Pedestrians Association, JS Dean,
produced a pamphlet entitled 'A study of the road deaths problem: Murder
Most Foul'. This was a comprehensive attack on the expectation that
vulnerable road users - pedestrians and cyclists - should assume more
responsibility for their safety than those who actually posed the harm in
motor vehicles.
Much of what he highlighted in 1947 is still relevant today, six decades and
a quarter of a million road deaths later. The debate still continues over
who should have priority on our roads. Britain's child pedestrian death
record is one of the worst in Europe. Our most vulnerable - children,
pedestrians, cyclists, elderly and disabled people are disproportionately
likely to be killed on the roads, compared to those in motor vehicles.
To mark the first UN Global Road Safety Week, RoadPeace’s 2007 lecture will
take the form of a ‘Question Time’ programme on road danger reduction,
focusing on young people.
RoadPeace invites a discussion on the issue, and invites all those
interested in child health and well-being, in addition to those involved in
road safety to participate.
Each speaker on the panel will give a five to ten minute presentation on the
subject. Questions will then be taken from the audience in a chaired
discussion.
It will be chaired by John Stewart, Chair, Transport 2000
Safety Week (23-29 April), on Thursday 26 April, 2:30 to 4:30 pm.
at The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund premises, County Hall,
Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB.
The theme of the discussion is : 'Murder Most Foul' revisited: Are we doing
enough for our young people, or are we still blaming the most vulnerable?
Background
Sixty years ago, the President of the Pedestrians Association, JS Dean,
produced a pamphlet entitled 'A study of the road deaths problem: Murder
Most Foul'. This was a comprehensive attack on the expectation that
vulnerable road users - pedestrians and cyclists - should assume more
responsibility for their safety than those who actually posed the harm in
motor vehicles.
Much of what he highlighted in 1947 is still relevant today, six decades and
a quarter of a million road deaths later. The debate still continues over
who should have priority on our roads. Britain's child pedestrian death
record is one of the worst in Europe. Our most vulnerable - children,
pedestrians, cyclists, elderly and disabled people are disproportionately
likely to be killed on the roads, compared to those in motor vehicles.
To mark the first UN Global Road Safety Week, RoadPeace’s 2007 lecture will
take the form of a ‘Question Time’ programme on road danger reduction,
focusing on young people.
RoadPeace invites a discussion on the issue, and invites all those
interested in child health and well-being, in addition to those involved in
road safety to participate.
Each speaker on the panel will give a five to ten minute presentation on the
subject. Questions will then be taken from the audience in a chaired
discussion.
It will be chaired by John Stewart, Chair, Transport 2000
The Panel will consist of:
· Andrew Colski, Head of Vulnerable Road Users Branch, Road User
Safety Division, DfT
· Chris Lines, Head of London Road Safety Unit, Transport for
London,
· Jenny Jones, Mayor of London's Road Safety Ambassador, GLA Green
Party Member
· Ian Roberts, Professor of Public Health, London School of Hygiene
and Tropical Medicine
· Howard Peel, road danger reduction campaigner
Attendance is free, but we would be grateful if you could please register
for the event, as places are limited.
Please email info@roadpeace.org to let us know that you are coming. Please
also let us have any questions that you would like to ask the panel."
National liftshare Day - Thursday 14 June 2007
"Share a car and save a tonne! liftshare estimates that a typical carsharer will save themselves around £1,000 and 1 tonne of CO2 per year by sharing their daily journey so why not run a search today?
Please make sure you have got your journey planned and please help us to spread the word about car sharing this National liftshare Day and encourage others to "Save a tonne" - both environmentally and financially! Tell a Friend. Find out more about how you can get involved by going to www.nationalliftshareday.org."
Please make sure you have got your journey planned and please help us to spread the word about car sharing this National liftshare Day and encourage others to "Save a tonne" - both environmentally and financially! Tell a Friend. Find out more about how you can get involved by going to www.nationalliftshareday.org."
CALLING ALL UNICYCLISTS
From Redbrige branch of LCC:
We have the offer of the loan of 3 unicycles for our summer events and
are looking for someone who has experience of riding them!
Two possible events are the Redbridge Bikeathon on June 10th at
Valentines Park, and the Fathers Day Picnic Ride on June 17th at Hollow
Ponds.
The 3 unicycles are: 16" for children, 18" for jugglers and slow
riders, and 18" for unicycle hockey...
Gill - http://homepage.ntlworld.com/colinnewman/contacts.htm#gill
We have the offer of the loan of 3 unicycles for our summer events and
are looking for someone who has experience of riding them!
Two possible events are the Redbridge Bikeathon on June 10th at
Valentines Park, and the Fathers Day Picnic Ride on June 17th at Hollow
Ponds.
The 3 unicycles are: 16" for children, 18" for jugglers and slow
riders, and 18" for unicycle hockey...
Gill - http://homepage.ntlworld.com/colinnewman/contacts.htm#gill
Lodge Avenue Cycle Track
There's a new (ish) cycle track ( a bit of segregated off footway) southbound for a few yards north of the junction of Lodge Avenue with Keir Hardie Way / Woodward Road. Unsure of its purpose.
Anyone used it?
Anyone used it?
Job vacancy for bicycle tour guide
SUMMER WORK IN TOURISM IN LONDON (CYCLE FRIENDLY)
Lively and outgoing person required to work for a bicycle tour company located in Central London, over the summer of 2007. You will be responsible for guiding city bicycle tours, helping with administration, serving cutomers in the shop and basic cycle maintenance.
Historically and culturally well-read person required with a good knowledge of London and excellent public presentation skills. You must be confident to speak to groups of up to 30 people and handle their questions. You must be able to interact with people of all nationalities and ages.
Hours worked will depend on our level of business and employment will be from May/June until September/October.
This temporary position would be excellent experience for anyone wanting to work in tourism or other public-facing enviroments in the future. Fluent English required and any other language skills are a bonus. Note that you will be the subject of a CRB check. Please apply by email with CV and covering letter outlining the relevancy of your skills and experience. neilluddington@writeme.com
Lively and outgoing person required to work for a bicycle tour company located in Central London, over the summer of 2007. You will be responsible for guiding city bicycle tours, helping with administration, serving cutomers in the shop and basic cycle maintenance.
Historically and culturally well-read person required with a good knowledge of London and excellent public presentation skills. You must be confident to speak to groups of up to 30 people and handle their questions. You must be able to interact with people of all nationalities and ages.
Hours worked will depend on our level of business and employment will be from May/June until September/October.
This temporary position would be excellent experience for anyone wanting to work in tourism or other public-facing enviroments in the future. Fluent English required and any other language skills are a bonus. Note that you will be the subject of a CRB check. Please apply by email with CV and covering letter outlining the relevancy of your skills and experience. neilluddington@writeme.com
What time is it?
I've just found out how to tell this blog what time zone I'm in. I decided to set it to GMT rather than GMT+1 - it doesn't seem to be able to cope with BST (daylight saving time).
366 bus on line
http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/user/XSLT_SEL_STT_REQUEST?sessionID=0&language=en&mode=line&linePreSel=tfl:25:*&linePreSel=tfl:63
The 366 bus route now exists on line. As reported on www.stibasa.org.uk (8 April) it wasn't there - very perplexing when I was trying to time a route to the cinema at Beckton.
The 366 bus route now exists on line. As reported on www.stibasa.org.uk (8 April) it wasn't there - very perplexing when I was trying to time a route to the cinema at Beckton.
Dodgy station information
http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/user/XSLT_SOI_REQUEST?language=en&type=stop&id=1000015&itdLPxx_sessionID=JP12_4010709175&itdLPxx_requestID=1&command=nop
This information, provided by TfL is badly wrong. It says Barking is served by the Circle line! I put this to TfL and the reply came back:
"the Circle line designation for Barking is actually technically correct. While it's clear that the Circle line doesn't run to Barking, it should be noted that some of the Hammersmith & City line trains run as Circle line trains very late at night. This is to get trains to the right locations for the first services back the following morning."
Hmm!
"However, I appreciate that some of the information on the station information pages is not clear or not correct. Generally, we are soon to look at the station information provided for every station on the network and will review the information that is currently provided. It should be noted, however, that Barking is run by C2C, rather than LU, so we will have to obtain the station information from them. This may make it slightly harder to update with accurate information as we'll have to rely on the details they supply us."
In fact, sensibly, c2c no longer supply separate information, but just link to that provided by National Rail: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/BKG.html#Station_Facilities.
The TfL information completely fails to mention that the station is run by National Rail, despite the claim that the information is obtained fron c2c.
This information, provided by TfL is badly wrong. It says Barking is served by the Circle line! I put this to TfL and the reply came back:
"the Circle line designation for Barking is actually technically correct. While it's clear that the Circle line doesn't run to Barking, it should be noted that some of the Hammersmith & City line trains run as Circle line trains very late at night. This is to get trains to the right locations for the first services back the following morning."
Hmm!
"However, I appreciate that some of the information on the station information pages is not clear or not correct. Generally, we are soon to look at the station information provided for every station on the network and will review the information that is currently provided. It should be noted, however, that Barking is run by C2C, rather than LU, so we will have to obtain the station information from them. This may make it slightly harder to update with accurate information as we'll have to rely on the details they supply us."
In fact, sensibly, c2c no longer supply separate information, but just link to that provided by National Rail: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/BKG.html#Station_Facilities.
The TfL information completely fails to mention that the station is run by National Rail, despite the claim that the information is obtained fron c2c.
Orange bag surfeit
Where can you recycle orange recycling bags?
I have loads. I put most of my recyclables in public recycling banks (including those at supermarkets). Any stuff that children can possibly make things out of I take to my local school for re-use in that way. (Clothes I no longer wear go to charity shops, of course). This means I don't put much in the orange bags. Mainly polybottles from milk.
So I have a huge surfeit - including two new rolls of the stronger new type.
I have loads. I put most of my recyclables in public recycling banks (including those at supermarkets). Any stuff that children can possibly make things out of I take to my local school for re-use in that way. (Clothes I no longer wear go to charity shops, of course). This means I don't put much in the orange bags. Mainly polybottles from milk.
So I have a huge surfeit - including two new rolls of the stronger new type.
Train tickets on line
If you've read www.stibasa.org.uk you'll know I'm a fan of www.thetrainline.com for buying train tickets on line and Fastticket (http://www.shere.com/product_self.htm) for collecting them.
There are some foibles. The trainline refuses to publicise the Fastticket machines at Barking - there are four of them. I have asked several times but they ignore me. This means that you have to pick another station on the list and say that you want to collect your tickets there, even though you can collect them at ANY Fastticket machine. I have collected tickets at Barking several times now.
http://content.announcements.uk.com/TTLEMAIL/2006_TTL_Emails_ALL/UK_TicketMachineMap_01.html - map of where the Fastticket machines are according to The Trainline.
The trainline charges a fee for credit card purchases - I'm told other online ticket sellers s don't. It doesn't charge for debit cards.
One quirk that irks a little is that when you book a ticket you say where you are going and it isn't all that easy to find out where the train is going. When you get to the station, though, the trains are decribed by their destination.
There are some foibles. The trainline refuses to publicise the Fastticket machines at Barking - there are four of them. I have asked several times but they ignore me. This means that you have to pick another station on the list and say that you want to collect your tickets there, even though you can collect them at ANY Fastticket machine. I have collected tickets at Barking several times now.
http://content.announcements.uk.com/TTLEMAIL/2006_TTL_Emails_ALL/UK_TicketMachineMap_01.html - map of where the Fastticket machines are according to The Trainline.
The trainline charges a fee for credit card purchases - I'm told other online ticket sellers s don't. It doesn't charge for debit cards.
One quirk that irks a little is that when you book a ticket you say where you are going and it isn't all that easy to find out where the train is going. When you get to the station, though, the trains are decribed by their destination.
Yellow Pages
Being something of an online person, I don't really use paper telephone directories any more. In fact, when a new copy of Yellow Pages came a few weeks back - during Doctor Who :( - I took the old one off the shelf untouched since it was delivered.
Yellow Pages can't be put in recycling bins - though I notice many have been - as a protest? I wrote to them years ago suggesting they just put a card through the door and people can then phone or write to get a copy if they want it (or register to receive copies when re-printed).
Councils should encourage YP to do this - or at least print on recyclable paper.
Yellow Pages can't be put in recycling bins - though I notice many have been - as a protest? I wrote to them years ago suggesting they just put a card through the door and people can then phone or write to get a copy if they want it (or register to receive copies when re-printed).
Councils should encourage YP to do this - or at least print on recyclable paper.
Tour de France - Saturday 7 July 2007
https://www.tourdefrancelondon.com/en/get_active/get_involved/default.asp
The Tour starts in London this year. LCC local groups / branches are arranging feeder rides to go to a specialviewing area. Riders must be registered to get into the viewing area - but it's best to contact your branch leader / co-ordinator.
You can also get involved by being a marshal.
The B&D ride should happen: we have a volunteer leader, but he would appreciate help. The plan is to ride to either Ilford or Stratford (probably the latter), then hook up with the Newham branch.
see www.stibasa.org.uk for more details.
The Tour starts in London this year. LCC local groups / branches are arranging feeder rides to go to a specialviewing area. Riders must be registered to get into the viewing area - but it's best to contact your branch leader / co-ordinator.
You can also get involved by being a marshal.
The B&D ride should happen: we have a volunteer leader, but he would appreciate help. The plan is to ride to either Ilford or Stratford (probably the latter), then hook up with the Newham branch.
see www.stibasa.org.uk for more details.
Stibasa e-group
I've set up an e-group, primarily for LCC members in LB Barking & Dagenham, but also for anyone else interested in LCC B&D and/or stibasa.
http://groups.google.com/group/stibasa
http://groups.google.com/group/stibasa
New - stibasa blog
Instead of snippets of info on a webpage (www.stibasa.org.uk) I'm going to put them here. Any links on www.stibasa.org.uk I'm going to try to put together on the links page for future use.
Rides and events will also stay on the website.
Rides and events will also stay on the website.
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