Dear Colleagues, Some notes from our meeting last Wednesday evening. HAVERING CLG MEETING REPORT The bidding process for funding as part of the Mayor's Vision for Cycling was discussed: There are two phases. From now until June, the ideas need to be worked into practical plans and from June till September the bids need to be developed for submission. There is to be a "ideas gathering" meeting on 30 April at the Town Hall where we are invited by the council to share suggestions. NOTE: Havering is one of only three boroughs earmarked for access to an extra fund to implement a "Dutch-style" cycling borough but from the council officers' remarks we sense that there is some opposition to taking this up from the political leaders of the borough. We need to make approaches to see how this can be addressed and we will also try to get some coverage ion the local press to raise awareness. Jeff will provide Terry with his contact on the Romford Recorder and Terry will draft some articles. A CYCLING VISION for HAVERING We discussed what our input for the 30 April meeting should be: +++ OUR VISION - To provide a clearly segregated cycling infrastructure linking all the town-centres in the borough and to link the borough to the adjoining London Cycle Network. BENEFITS Safety People tell us that they would love to cycle but feel that the existing roads are too dangerous Fitness The BMA say that cycling is an excellent way to challenge obesity and heart disease which is showing an alarming increase Environment Less pollution, better air quality, less energy use Leisure safe places to cycle gives great opportunities for individuals, families and friends to have fun while they exercise and enjoy the outdoors DETAILS Linking Tier 1 Centres: Romford - Hornchurch - Rainham - Upminster Linking Tier 2 Centres: Collier Row - Elm Park - Gidea Park - Harold Hill - Harold Wood Linking these to stations, hospitals, retail parks Safe Routes to schools Junction improvements +++ INGREBOURNE VALLEY WAY There have been some delays and the whole route is not quite open but the new foot and cycle bridge in Hacton Parkway (Philip's Bridge) is in place and is a great improvement on the old one. There was a ride on 14 April organised by Tonia Scott for the Sustrans NE London section taking us from Upminster Station to the RSPB centre: Good company, good weather and good cake. We will support the formal route opening event on 22 May with a ride from each end of the route planned to arrive for the opening ceremony. Please contact Steve Pinder if you'd like to support from the Southern start point or Ray Whitehouse for the North start point. Jeff will ask Laura from some T-shirts to hand out on the ride. CAMPAIGN MATERIALS The new local A5 leaflet has been printed and we started distributing them at our April Mark-it event. Ray has ordered a heavy-duty Gazebo and is in the process of clearing its use with the Romford Market inspector. We will order some business cards. Terry to draft. HAROLD HILL FESTIVAL We are planning to support the event on 6 July with an information stall. PEDALLING INTO THE PAST We are planning to support the event on 11 August with an information stall. PLANET HAVERING This is a full two-day event and it was felt that with the number of volunteers we have, it is not practical for us to commit to covering it. HGV EVENT Is yet to speak to Mark P with a view to us setting up an HGV awareness event. DONM is 15 May at the Chequers PH in North Street. This is because the NALGO will be closed down by then. As always, see the web site at www.haveringcyclists.org for the latest news. Please feel free to add or correct my notes as appropriate. Best regards Terry