Supporting cycling in Newham
There will be a Newham Ride, with a heritage theme on 11 November 2018, starting from the View Tube Cafe at 10.30 am. A leisurely and quiet jaunt around some sites in the borough (or immediately adjacent) with a story to tell. At least one refreshment stop.
Here is some historical information and photographs that will be drawn upon:
For map of the start see our events section.
Our 24 September monthly meeting will take place at the Golden Fleece Pub, Capel Rd (starting at 7.30pm), in the garden if fine. Please let me know if there are any items you would like on the agenda. Provisionally it will include: forthcoming events; parking and Olympic park letters (follow up to July meeting); Liveable Neighbourhoods (particularly Freemasons Rd); Stratford Gyratory and Bow Flyover Updates; possible Councillor Rides. Our ride calendar for 2019 will be discussed at our October meeting.
Arnold
On the 17 June a goodly crew started off a Newham Ride. from the View Tube.
The unusual feature was that it was anti-clockwise, starting with a run down the Greenway to Beckton.
Then to the Royal Docks via Thames Barrier Park and finishing with a run up the Lea Valley. This way round was intended to maximise coffee stop opportunities and the best times. Once again it proved how the borough is ever changing. Much is new and changing but ther are remnants of post-industial.
On 30 June we led 6 children from the Ambition, Aspire, Achieve Saturday Cycling Club for a ride along the Greenway and around the Olympic Park. A run of 7-8 miles which went a long way to improving their cycle skills. They did brilliantly in the heat.
In his note of thanks Kevin Jenkins, Founder of this Charity observed: “As always the feedback from the children has been nothing but positive. ”
So a good trip for them and a well spent morning for us.
Arnold
Four Newham Cyclists participated in another cycle round the Stratford works on 4 June with Michael Barratt, TfLs influential Development Development Impacts Manager and Paul Gannon, the Newham Council Officer managing the restructuring project, .
Here is their full Report with the full list of actions, and more (annotated) photos:
Focus on the gyratory works 04 june 18
By way of reminder, the Stratford Gyratory scheme has been generally welcomed by Newham Cyclists. The works already completed give a flavour of the benefits to come.
One of our concerns has been to ensure cyclists remain as safe as possible during the lengthy construction works. The very positive approach by all concerned is helping to achieve this. The engagement of TfL and Newham Council is very welcome.
At present there are two major issues, which are recognised as difficult to avoid at present:
Otherwise a series of minor modifications (moving fences, changing the position of signs, covering loose wires etc.) were suggested.
The 4m wide two way cycle track between Angel Lane and The Grove, which is currently under construction may need to be temporarily limited in width at first to prevent the idea arising that this is extra car parking space. Paul is looking for the best way to do this, for example by use of planters or cycle parking. All ideas gratefully received.
The track will still open with a very adequate 3m width and will move to its full 4m when bedded in.
It was also interesting to learn that traffic counts had shown a significant overall decline in motor traffic (evaporation) since the works had started and a significant reduction in speeds – to nearer the 20mph limit. Also, further major development on Stratford High Street between Bridge Street and the Magistrates Court could present another opportunity for improvements for cycling and walking in the area.
Arnold
We have led two more rides for AAA’s Saturday children’s cycling club – on 5 May and 2 June.
The first was a jaunt along the Greenway (first braving a traffic jam caused by a funeral in the West Ham Cemetry) and through Three Mills Green. Notably we got a disability bike along the Channelsea Path linking Three Mills to the Greenway.
There was very positive feedback from the eight children participating.
Duly inspired, and with a group of six slightly older children, our second ride ventured from the Greenway along the Lea towpath to the Olympic Park. This gave us a chance to focus more on cycle skills as well as taking some of the children to a part of Newham they had not been to before or had little knowledge of.
A great pleasure and success for them and us.
We are therefore trying to fit another ride in before the summer shut down. If you might be able to help between 10.15 am and 12.45 pm on either Saturday 30 June or Saturday 7 July let me know at newham@lcc.org.uk
Arnold
A reminder that our Annual Meeting takes place on Monday 30 April at 7.30pm at the East Ham Working Mens’ Club, Boleyn Road.
Interesting guests, interesting speakers, and there will be light refreshments.
In order to help get the formal business concluded as soon as possible and to stimulate discussion here is a
We hope to see you there.
The thaw has progressed sufficiently so this ride will go ahead.
A background note can be found here;
Arnold
This is a leisurely ride with stops. It is part of is part of Newham Heritage Week and is taking place with the assistance of Eastside Community Heritage, which has provided material, including sound clips relevant to the history of the area.
Those coming on the ride are encouraged to bring a phone or tablet to give access to this document, Newham Heritage Ride Oct 2017,which provides more detail on the sights to be visited.
Arnold
On 30 September Newham Cyclists had a crack team of marshals on duty to lead the latest in the regular Bike from Boleyn rides, from the statue at Green Street to the London stadium, along the Greenway. This is a partnership with “Bike from Boleyn”
A joyous occasion, which started in glorious weather and was blessed, this time, with a win by West Ham – much appreciated by those who obtained tickets in the draw or for marshalling.
A range of bikes took advantage of the refreshed Greenway, including unicycles….
and a cargo bike. Here we are at our destination:
On Sunday 1 October three of us braved an adverse (but mistaken) weather forecast and were rewarded with a beautiful 40 mile ride from Epping, through the countryside of the Hertfordshire/Essex border around Harlow and back to Epping. this was new to our calendar and Steve is to be congratulated for putting it together. A particular highlight was the newly opened Henry More Foundation.
Fortunately we had enough money that none of us had to resort to the free lunch in the Fox.
The next ride is Sunday 8 October to Rainham and Upminister.
Arnold