a12 cycle facilities

If you want to respond to TfL's proposals for cycle facilities on the A12 between Bawdsey Avenue and The Moby Dick, please let Colin know - there's a glossy leaflet which shows what they are proposing. The closing date for the consultation is 15 February.

Barking & Gospel Oak Line User Group

http://www.barking-gospeloak.org.uk/

The users' group for this line (now part of the London Overground) rightly say their work is not yet done. There's plenty still on the agenda not least electrification and rush-hour overcrowding. Subs are currently due for the New Year - anyone who can spare £3 can be a member of the group for a year and help its valuable work. Cheques payable to Barking-Gospel Oak Line User Group should be sent to The Secretary at 35 Carr Road, LONDON, E17 5ER

Cycle Asylum

As locals will probably know, Cycle Asylum in Manor Park - a well respected independent bike shop, has closed down. Eddy's (Eddie's?) Stores (a nearby business) was, I read, to tke over the repair side of the business.

I will try to get clearer detail and update the blog.

The Sea Horse

I'm told the Seahorse (or Sea Horse) near Martin's Corner is a combined Fishmonger and Fish-and-chip shop. I've also heard good reports of the quality of the fresh fish. With small traders struggling and going out of business, perhaps this one is worthy of our support.

Accessible mobile phones

http://www.emporialife.co.uk/ http://www.matobmobile.co.uk/

These companies have aranges of mobile phones with basic features, big buttons, hearing aid compatability, clear displays. Most of the range does voice calls only - one or two do SMS texting.

More manufacturers should follow suit and give people easy to use basic mobiles without zillions of features they don't want and keypads and displays that are too fiddly.

B&D Cycling Benchmarking Project

Barking and Dagenham Council is hosting a Cycling benchmarking project in February. Representatives from 12 local authorities, CTC and TfL will attend an event showing B and D council’s efforts towards improving cycling within the borough and providing feedback about what they are doing well and where they can improve. Colin will represent the B and D branch of LCC.
There will be presentations, a bike ride to demonstrate the facilities (with frequent stops to discuss locations) and a feedback session to discuss and rate what the group has seen.
Keep an eye on this blog for information about the project's findings - and of course http://www.stibasa.org.uk/ for other snippets of news and information - including about forthcoming rides and events.

Lift replacement at Barking station

The lift at Barking station is being upgraded so there will be no step-free access between the booking hall and the platforms until the end of March. Staff will be able to provide assistance.

There will still be step free access between the platforms, of course