East London Transit moves a step closer

I've had a letter saying there will be explanatory drop in sessions:

St Luke's Church, Baxter Road, Iford on Tu 2 December, 10-7
Vicarage Fields, Barking on Sa 6 December, 10-5
Sue Bramley Centre, Thames View,Tu 9 December, 1-7

In 2006 when they had a similar thing, I wrote to them and went to a drop in because the plans they were putting forward not only failed to tackle some long standing issues for cyclists, some of which had been formally identified by TfL in 2003 in a cycle route audit, but it also proposed to introduce further restrictions. It looks like I wasted my time, because the latest proposals as documented at August 2008 don't look much different - a bit worse if anything. See for yourself at http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/east-london-transit-maps.pdf

Do go along to the sessions, or write to elt@tfl.go.uk or phone 0800 587 3068

Stibasa Google group disappeared

Our LCC branch Google group has disappeared from the internet without warning or explanation. I have raised the matter on the forums, but I don't know how to get through to Mr Google himself to get the group back.

Low Energy Bulbs Myth-buster

"Low energy bulbs save you cash, carbon and inconvenience – so why aren’t we all using them?

What investment opportunity offers typical returns of up to 6000 per cent, an average minimum pay-in of just £3 and, as a bonus, has a positive impact on the planet? The answer: low-energy light bulbs.

A single low-energy bulb costing £1 can save you up to £60 in energy costs over its lifetime and avoid hundreds of kilograms of CO2 emissions.

So why isn’t everyone using them? One reason is that many people simply aren’t aware of the benefits. Another is that low-energy light bulbs, also known as eco bulbs or compact fluorescent bulbs, still have a reputation for poor quality.

Here are some of the most common myths about green lighting."

CTC benchmarking case studies

See http://www.ctc.org.uk/Default.aspx?TabID=4501#B&D for a set of short case studies about some things B&D council is doing to promote cycling in the borough.

You can fix it

From CTC's newsletter:

"With the end of summer fast approaching, bike maintenance becomes more of an issue. But If fiddling and fettling with oily parts is not your favourite way of spending the dark evenings, you will be surprised to hear that a new report cites mending a bicycle as one of the main ways of improving mental wellbeing. For more information, see http://www.foresight.gov.uk/OurWork/ActiveProjects/Mental%20Capital/Welcome.asp. We want your best roadside and trailside bike repair tips for an article in the next issue of Cycle. Send your suggestions to technical@ctc.org.uk. Remember: the emphasis is on things that go wrong – and can be fixed – when you’re out riding, not home workshop stuff

Edwina's North London Line confusion

I've just watched "Down the Line" on BBC1. The presenter, Edwina Currie, said the North London Line goes from Richmond to Barking in Docklands. Hmm. 0/10 to the writers and/or editors for those errors. The programme showed Edwina travelling down the line with Richard Pout (though the caption had "Pount") and talking about how the line served LBs Hackney and Newham.

Currently trains can't run through Gospel Oak to/from the line to Barking because of the platform construction at Gospel Oak.

London Connections Maps

Despite what I was told, the little enquiry office by the stairs to platform 1 and 1a at Barking Station does have these - in the middle drawer of the office desk. I have been told there that they haven't go any and to go to Fenchurch Street - yet today they had dozens. It's a 4/08 version, which may not be the latest (the on line version is dated 26 September) but it's better than nothing.

The National Rail website says (http://nationalrail.co.uk/tocs_maps/maps/network_rail_maps.html) "Copies of this map are normally available from staffed National Rail stations in London and the South East." Well not in my experience in the case of Barking.

At Limehouse I was told they had more than they could deal with. Why not send them to Barking if they haven't got any - or even to LUL stations!

If you can get hold of these maps, do, and give them out to fellow travellers, friends and family. Many people don't know about them. Even slightly out-of-date / used versions get snapped up in my experience.

National