Ealing Cycling Campaign
Newsletter October 2006
Ealing Broadway Centre
has cracked down on cyclists parking their bikes on the railings on the
5th floor of the car-park outside Holmes Place. For years cyclists have
parked their bikes here as it is the most convenient and secure place
for users of the gym. But at the beginning of September, cyclists returned
to their bikes to find them locked. Ealing Broadway Centre has now removed
the railings altogether.
The Ealing Gazette reported the news under the headline: “Cyclists
banished to the cellar”, saying that “owners must now leave
their bikes in the centre’s cellar on a first come first served
basis”. But when we contacted Ealing Broadway Centre, they weren’t
aware of this. “We don’t have a cellar,” said Michael
Lorimer, “so outside of metaphysics it is quite impossible”.
He explained that the clamp-down was because people taking push-chairs
to the nearby crèche were finding it difficult to get past the
bikes.
The available parking at the centre consists of the cycle stands in the
courtyards off Windsor Road, and St. Saviours. However, these parking
spaces are notorious for theft and vandalism, so cyclists using the gym
prefer the security of the 5th floor of the car park.
This is not the first time Ealing Broadway Centre has made conditions
worse for cyclists. A few years ago they removed half-a-dozen popular
cycle stands from Oak Road and, against council guidelines, re-located
them in an out-of-the-way place where thieves were unlikely to be disturbed.
Within weeks, people who had parked their bikes without trouble for years
were having them vandalised. The centre has since installed CCTV cameras
in an attempt to deter thieves.
The Broadway Centre is owned by Legal and General, whose web site states:
“We believe that good management of social, environmental and ethical
issues makes sound business sense, and we aim to ensure that we follow
recognised best practice guidelines in these areas.” If they want
us to believe that this isn’t just a load of green spin, then they
should practice what they preach and provide adequate cycle parking on
their premises.
Good News...
The council have several proposals in the pipeline to improve cycling
in the borough:
Baillie’s Walk, W5
Legalise cycling on a section of this footpath. Widen and resurface the
east-west path through the churchyard *Stop Press: This was approved at
Ealing Area Committee meeting in September
Bond Street, W5
Take out a parking bay opposite the barber’s shop, and install 5
bike stands.*Stop Press: This was turned down at Ealing Area Committee
meeting in September
Pitshanger Park
A new alignment on the north-south LCN+ route 86 through the park.
Chandos Avenue, South Ealing
Make this one-way street, two-way for cyclists. *Stop Press: This was
approved at Ealing Area Committee meeting in September
High Lane, Hanwell
Tarmac this un-surfaced cycle route. *Stop Press: This was approved at
Hanwell Area Committee meeting in September
Cambridge Road, Hanwell
Make this one-way street, two-way for cyclists.*Stop Press: This was approved
at Hanwell Area Committee meeting in September
Iron Bridge, Uxbridge Road
Improve cycle route for eastbound cyclists.
Greenford
A 2km off-road route is in the early stages of planning.
Bad News...
On the down-side, the council are planning to remove the bus lane on Yeading
Lane - Church Road - Petts Hill, in Northolt. It’s an experiment
following objections from motorists, but unfortunately it will make this
40mph road more dangerous for cyclists. Peter Mynors, our council liason
officer, has sent a detailed response to the council outlining our concerns.
All
members are welcome at our meetings. We usually get together on the first
Wednesday of the month. Our
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.
