Ealing Cycling Campaign
Newsletter August 2004

Transport for London have invited Ealing Cycling Campaign, and LCC groups from Hammersmith and Hillingdon to a meeting to discuss the proposed tram route along the Uxbridge Road.

At first sight the plans are not good news for cyclists. The drawings on display at public meetings show a cycle lane width of only 1.3 metres. The recommended width for cycle lanes is 2metres, and the recommended minimum width is 1.5 metres. The narrow lanes are probably due to the challenge of trying to squeeze too many modes of transport down one corridor. However, we would argue that the Uxbridge Road is a vital route for cyclists. While car drivers have the options of the A40 and the A4, and public transport users have a wide range of buses, tubes and trains to choose from, the Uxbridge Road is the only west-east route in West London that is designated as part of the London Cycle Network Plus. The LCN+, is a cut down version of the old London Cycle Network, which is meant to have fewer, but better quality routes. This is London's flagship cycle network, so we were hoping for pukka lanes. The good news is that, informally, we're told that the lanes will be wider. We'll keep you informed.

The current plans raise many other issues for cyclists:
• The lanes cyclists will share with other vehicles are very narrow in places.
• In places cyclists will be forced to cross the tram tracks at a dangerously narrow angle.
• It is likely that some neighbouring roads will become one-way streets, we want to ensure that these remain two-way for cyclists.
• Motor vehicles diverted from the Uxbridge road could increase traffic on neighbouring roads.
• We have yet to see detailed proposals for cycle parking at tram stations.

If you want to raise your views, come along to one of our meetings or, better still, discuss them with the Transport for London representatives at one of the following meetings. More details of the tram are available from TfL at www.tfl.gov.uk/trams/initiatives/wlt/index

Public consultation Meetings:

Birmingham to Southall Ride raises record amount

This year's Birmingham to Southall Charity Cycle Ride, organised by the Sikh Arts and Cultural Association (SACA), is set to raise £15,000 for children's charity SCOPE. It's the largest sum raised in the ride's 15 year history. Each year the ride gets bigger and bigger. This year, the 350 participants were greeted by hundreds of well-wishers when they arrived in Southall, after their two-day trip. For details of the ride, see www.charitybikeride.com

Transport survey throws up odd result

A survey carried out this spring by Transport for London shows some curious results when it comes to cycling. The survey, made as part of TfL's plans for a tram, asked people what mode of transport they ever used along the Uxbridge Road. In central Ealing, 15 percent of people said 'cycling'. In Acton this dropped to 11 percent, then picked up again to 16 percent in Shepherds Bush. When asked how they rated the Uxbridge Road as a cycle route, however, 40 percent in Ealing rated it good, while 39 percent rated it poor. A similar split was found in Hanwell and West Ealing. The highest satisfaction levels surprisingly, came in Acton, with 60 percent rating it good, and only 17 percent thinking it poor. So, curiously, the place with the highest satisfaction levels has the fewest cyclists.
The survey also revealed that bus users were the happiest with travel along the route, with 45 percent rating it good. On average 43 percent of cyclists rated the route good, and 30 percent rated it bad. Car drivers were the least satisfied, with only 25 percent rating it good, and 32 percent rating it bad.
Full details of the report can be found at the TfL tram web page: www.tfl.gov.uk/trams/initiatives/wlt/index

Meetings

All members are welcome at our meetings. We usually meet on the first Wednesday of the month.

The next meetings are at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 4th August 2004, and Wednesday 1st September. Our new venue is downstairs at "Cafe Grove" on The Grove, W5. If you haven't been before you are very welcome.
P.S. The cafe does very good cheesecake and Polish beer.