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Events

Kidical Mass 12 March ride report

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Haringey’s children have high rates of overweight and obesity. Almost a quarter of reception children and 38% of Year 6 children in Haringey are overweight or obese according to the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) classification. This is in line with the findings of London’s Child Obesity Task Force who found that nearly 40 per cent of all London’s children are overweight or obese. These shocking figures will foretell ill-health in the future.

Many children don’t get enough exercise as part of their daily routine. Parents perceive London’s streets as dangerous, polluted, noisy and unwelcoming; perhaps they don’t have enough knowledge of local safe routes where children can cycle safely for fun and exercise. . 

That is why London Cycling Campaign organises KidicalMass. These communal cycle rides are fully marshalled and allow families to discover London at a slow pace. Last Sunday’s ride started at one of London’s most child-friendly spaces, Granary Square.

We then cycled past the British Library, where a traffic light engineer kindly put the light on green to let 500+ people cross safely over Euston Road. Along the route there was some exciting architecture to admire, such as the One Blackfriars tower and the Young/Old Vic theatres. It wasn’t just the stunning architecture that caught the eye, with many cyclists taking the opportunity to dress up for the ride.

Having arrived at Union Street, the London Fire Brigade were delighted to find so many children outside their headquarters, and swiftly brought out their fire engine to entertain the kids. 

Please consider joining the next ride on Sunday 14th May. Our local cycle campaign will arrange a feeder ride, so you don’t have to face the traffic alone.

Don’t worry too much about your child, they’ll probably be stronger than you! Yesterday 6 year old Oli cycled from Haringey to Union Street and back, without gears. He will turn 7 this week and his father is now confident that money on a new bike is well spent. My 9 year old daughter managed the whole ride too; what appealed most to her was being able to listen to different kind of music along the route. 

These rides are fun as well as safe, with plenty of entertainment all the way. KidicalMass is a great way to give children a chance to exercise and to show parents that cycling in London can be fun! 

Written by Anke Böhme and Angela Hobsbaum, photos and videos from Ben House, Yiannis Chronakis and Anke Böhme


Haringey Big Walk Ride 26-09-2021
Events, News

Lordship Rec to Markfield Park walk+wheel+ride – 11am Sun 26 March

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Join us on this short (2 mile) family-friendly community walk + wheel + cycle ride from Lordship Rec skatepark+BMX area to Markfield Park

Register for ride

Date and time: Sun, 26 March 2023, 11:00 – 13:00 BST

Start point: Location Lordship Rec Skateboard+BMX area by the Shell Theatre Freedom Road London N17 6HG

This is a safely marshalled group walk and wheel and cycle ride for everyone, including families with children. We will set off from Lordship Recreation ground skatepark + BMX area (by the Shell Theatre) through St Ann’s to Markfield Park N15 6UL.

We will proceed slowly and you are welcome to join on foot, scooter, balance bike, mobility scooter, wheelchair or cycle.

We’ll finish by the cafe in Markfield Park, where the Beam Engine Museum will be open. Markfield Park sits beside the River Lea where the Moselle River flows into it – a convenient point to take the towpath north or south and explore the river, after our ride.

This event is organised by Haringey Cycling Campaign, together with Haringey Living Streets, to enable people of all ages to explore enjoyable ways of getting around Haringey.

This is the third in our series of events on the last Sunday of the month. Look out for our next one on Sun 30 April!

General Information, particularly if attending by bike

Below is the basic information we think you need to know before joining the cycle ride. If there’s something you’d like to know that isn’t covered here, get in touch (haringey@lcc.org.uk).

How easy is the ride?

This is an easy 2 mile ride at a leisurely pace, which should be suitable for less experienced riders. We will proceed at the pace of the slowest riders, so we encourage families with younger riders to be near the front of the ride.

Accompanied sensible children are welcome – please stay with them throughout and alert a marshal immediately if you become separated. The cycle ride will take place on roads that may have other traffic, so please keep on the right hand side of your children. Please note it is therefore NOT suitable for very young or unaccompanied children. As much of this ride as possible takes place in parks and on newly quietened roads.

What should I wear?

We’re happy for you to wear whatever you want. However we do recommend you bring a waterproof jacket, gloves and any other clothing/sunscreen suitable for the weather on the day. If you want to wear a helmet or a hi-viz jacket that’s fine too but we don’t insist on either.

Is my bike suitable?

This ride is suitable for a range of cycles. If you are in doubt about the suitability or roadworthiness of your cycle, there are a number of cycle shops in Haringey that can assist you.

What should I bring?

Basic equipment you may wish to consider bringing on the ride:

  • a spare inner tube to fit your bike
  • a bike pump and tools that fit your bike
  • lights if there is a possibility of them being needed
  • drinks and snacks
  • a lock
Register for ride

What do ride leaders do?

All our rides are led by a ride leader who will try to, where possible, keep groups together and try to ride at the pace of the slowest. Ride leaders are experienced Haringey Cycling Campaign and Enfield Cycling Campaign members. They are qualified mechanics, first aiders, and cycling instructors.

Ride leaders are responsible for planning the route and directions during the ride.

Our ride leaders are supported by several marshals who help keep the group together and help the group pass through junctions. You’ll always find a marshal at the back of the group, making sure no one gets left behind.

Individual riders must take responsibility for:

  • checking the information given for the ride, so that you can judge that you are capable of completing the ride
  • informing the ride leader if they have any medical conditions that are important for the ride leader to know about
  • providing the ride leader with their phone number and details of an emergency contact
  • the road-worthiness of their bike
  • their own personal safety on the road
  • complying with the highway code
  • carrying enough refreshments
  • the safety of any children with them
  • listening to, and following, ride leader and marshal instructions.
  • informing the ride leader if they wish to leave the ride (so we don’t end up looking for you)
  • any loss or damage caused (e.g. scratching the paint on a parked car) *

* If you are an LCC member, your membership includes third party insurance which would cover this. We strongly recommend all cyclists have some sort of third party insurance cover. We’d recommend joining the London Cycling Campaign as the best organisation for leisure and utility riders in London.

Please do not turn up to this event if you are displaying symptoms of Covid-19.

Book free cycle training for adults and children here.

Register for ride

Photo credit for banner photo: Asimina Giagoudaki

Register for ride
Events, News

Walk + wheel + cycle ride 26 February report

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In our mass-motorised world, cyclists are typically marginalized, both physically and culturally. In the popular mind, we are a tribe, sharing characters and outlooks and bearing a grudge against motorists. Our ride on 26 February, the third of our family rides, challenged that view – not with hostility but with happiness.

It wasn’t difficult to get into the happy spirit: blue skies and sunbeams always lift the biker’s heart. With babies in carriers, walkers guiding tots on balance bikes and big kids bowling along, all adjusting to a communal pace, there was a compelling atmosphere of cooperation that contrasted with the competition we feel on most urban roads.

But notable too was the accommodating behaviour of the motorists. Perhaps it was the sight of oldies alongside infants, novices with veterans, serious cyclists with fair-weather ones. Maybe it was the confidence motorists drew from those pedalling being so visible, for we were many and multi-coloured, a conspicuous caravan of travellers, with no risk of collision.

So it was mutually liberating: motorists didn’t feel apprehensive, cyclists didn’t feel threatened. Parents had brought kids, kids had brought friends, friends had brought fluffy toys and together we were a formidable but friendly presence. 

Non-cyclists often need to change their perception of cycling: it’s not a sport, typically it’s a means of transport as indispensable as any form of travel. But on days like 26 February it’s just for leisure – a pleasure to be treasured in such clement weather among such good company.

As we pedalled out of Lordship Rec and through Tottenham, there was no question of motorists overlooking us or, as they often do, consigning us to the gutter. Add to that the conspicuous safety of the parks, cycle lanes and LTNs we used on the carefully curated route and it meant those pedalling and those driving were altogether free of fear of conflict.

Wheelspin by wheelspin a statement was being made; the physical revolutions of those wheels were a tangible illustration of the active travel revolution we are all aiming for.

To quote the book title of veteran cycle campaigner Carlton Reid, ‘The roads were not built for cars’. Rides like this by ordinary people on an ordinary day will demonstrate that to everyone. Then, with stresses reduced and pollutants diluted, we can all breathe a little easier. Phew.

Events

Chestnuts Park to Lordship Rec Walk and Ride

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More than one hundred and twenty people rode, walked, scooted, skated or ran (with and without a pushchair) from Chestnuts Park to Lordship Recreation Ground on the last Sunday in January 2023.  It was cold, but the drizzle held off and we covered nearly 4km, bells ringing, wheels spinning, with big smiles on our faces.

The expedition was organised by Haringey Cycling Campaign and Living Streets, led by @rustytrike, and with support from Friends of Chestnuts Park, who keep the grounds so beautiful. We wheeled through a menagerie of wall art created by James Straffon (co-founder and lead artist of the Turnpike Art Group) and ATM, passing mouflon and zebra, heron and fox, hedgehog and kingfisher. The kids were excited to show off their knowledge by shouting out the names of each as we rode past, but the mouflon (a wild sheep native to Cyprus – I had to wiki it when I got home) flummoxed most of us.

In case of puncture or other mechanical mishap, Matt from Dr Bike was on hand to check over bikes, pump up tyres and offer advice before and after the ride, and it was comforting to know that if anyone got a puncture on the way, he was there to help out. 

We finished the ride at the Hub in Lordship Rec. The intrepid amongst us – mostly, but not exclusively, people under age 10 – tried out the BMX track loop. The Rec is home to the UK’s first model traffic area, built in the 1930s, but thanks to the ride leader, the marshalls and the kind motorists who stopped to let a trail of 100+ riders, scooters, skaters and walkers go by, we didn’t need a model. We had the real thing. It is lovely to see kids owning their own streets in this way. Roll on quieter streets, healthier air and more kids able to cycle on safe roads. 

Look out for the next walk and ride at 11am on Sun 26 Feb which will run from Lordship Rec skatepark to Alexandra Palace

Thanks to Diane Beddoes for the ride report and photos and Jeff Hum for the videos

News

Haringey draft transport strategy consultation: our response

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Haringey’s draft transport strategy comes at a vital time for London and its boroughs. As the Mayor of London makes clear in his own plans for transport in London, a shift away from car-based travel is absolutely vital to prevent congestion getting out of control and an escalation of existing public health problems related to poor air quality and inactivity.

With the population of this borough expected to rise significantly over the coming years, it’s clear that ‘do nothing’ is not an option. In order to prevent gridlock, a significant shift to transport modes that make better use of existing space – walking, cycling and public transport – is required. Added to the negative impacts of road congestion, there is a substantial and growing understanding of the negative health impacts of an inactive, car-based population. Currently 2/3rds of all journeys by car in London are less than 5km, a distance that is easily cycled or walked in around 20 minutes. Cycling for just 20 minutes a day has been shown to bring astonishing health improvements, greater than other moderate activities, because cycling encourages people to exert themselves for example when they encounter a hill or set off from traffic lights. Like walking, cycling for transport is an ‘incidental activity’ – exercise that is built into everyday life, not an additional burden on your discretionary time like other exercise can be.

Cycling is for everyone, now more so than ever. Adapted cycles are helping people with mobility issues for whom cycling can be easier than walking. New technologies like e-bikes are opening up opportunities for active transport to those who can’t or don’t want to overexert themselves and e-assist cargo cycles are bringing forward exciting opportunities for freight consolidation. New developments in dockless bike hire technology mean that not owning a bike is no longer a barrier to cycling. Currently just 8% of 243,700 potential cycle trips in this borough are being made by bike. The key to unlocking this enormous, untapped potential is putting cycle infrastructure in place to support it.

We look forward to seeing detailed plans and targets for how cycling growth will be supported in the forthcoming cycling and walking strategy. As the 2015/16 review by the Environment and Community Scrutiny Panel correctly identified, motor traffic speed and volume is the greatest discouragement to cycling. The overriding focus of the Cycling and Walking Strategy needs to be delivery of a dense cycle network that is entirely separated from fast or heavy traffic flows, complemented with the creation of low, or no-traffic neighbourhoods. This is the only proven way to deliver a step-change in cycling levels on a population scale, with encouraging results from Haringey’s neighbouring boroughs showing that this rings true even in places more car dependent than Haringey.

Haringey is well placed to make progress in this area. The borough already has several low-traffic neighbourhoods, relatively low (and falling) car ownership and high proportion of trips are already made by walking or public transport. In places there is a vestigial cycle network, but such networks are only as good as their weakest link, with junctions a particular failing. The challenge over the coming years is to make complete routes that offer a consistent standard from end-to-end.

It’s clear that this won’t be easy – the issue is one of urban space and how best to use it. Despite overwhelming evidence that cycling is good for people and business, the difficult choices that need to be made to enable all-ages cycling means tough choices to change how our urban space is allocated. Change always meets with resistance, and it’s clear from other boroughs making progress towards fairer, more liveable streets, that a minority of people will never be satisfied with any reallocation of road space to cycling. Strong support from all levels of local government is required to deliver outcomes that match strategic goals. An attempt to satisfy everyone often leads to outcomes that please no-one. Haringey’s resulting strategy needs to be followed through root and branch with delivery of all transport-related projects in the borough. From minor residential development to even the smallest highways amendment, the question needs to be asked – how will this help deliver Haringey’s stated goals? Delivery needs to match strategic aspirations every time, or opportunities to improve our borough will continue to be missed, to the detriment of us all.

Uncategorized

UPDATE – Haringey Cycling Campaign – views on proposals for Middle Lane/Park Road junction

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UPDATE 17 Nov – we received the news last night that the proposal for a mini-roundabout has been dropped. We look forward to seeing an alternative proposal come forward.

Haringey Cycling Campaign were first consulted on these proposals in July this year. We objected at that time on the grounds that the proposals were not compliant with Transport for London’s London Cycle Design Standards (LCDS) and as such would be detrimental to the safety of people cycling through this junction. At that time we suggested an alternative light-touch junction alteration, pending a more extensive area-wide scheme being brought forward, would be to place the existing zebra crossings on raised tables to slow vehicle speeds and improve safety for all road users.

LCDS, paragraph 5.5.4 states: Mini-roundabouts are not generally recommended for inclusion on cycle routes. The main problems they raise are failure of vehicles to observe give way due to the geometry and failure to reduce speed through the junction. Where they exist, they should be considered for replacement where they have more than one entry lane and/or where there is an angle approaching 180 degrees between the entry and exit arms (and therefore little horizontal deflection).

Collision statistics for the last 5 years at this location (2 slightly injured cyclists, 2 slightly injured pedestrians and one slightly injured motorcycle rider, all in collision with motor vehicles, with no recorded injuries at this junction since 2013) suggest that this junction is not exceptionally dangerous in the context of other nearby junctions. It is probable that some of these injuries to cyclists and pedestrians were caused by failure of vehicles to observe give way… and failure to reduce speed through the junction. A mini-roundabout at this location, given the proposal includes an angle approaching 180 degrees between the entry and exit arms and other issues described by LCDS, is likely to increase such risks to vulnerable road users.

We formally objected by email again on 2 November, adding that in addition to the issues described above, this scheme may jeopardise the recent bid for Liveable Neighbourhoods funding for Crouch End, given that the design principles for Liveable Neighbourhoods specifically require adherence to TfL’s ‘Streets Toolkit’, including LCDS.

In the longer term we would like to see a scheme put forward that minimises or eliminates turning conflicts at this junction. A more ambitious scheme could deliver this alongside increased green space, including sustainable drainage features to unlock multiple benefits to people and the environment at this location. The proposal for a mini-roundabout is dangerous and should not be taken forward.

Consultations, News

Support Wightman Road filtering – complete the council survey by this Sunday 14 May!

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‘Daddy, can we please cycle to Finsbury Park again this weekend?’

wightman photo

Last summer extraordinary things happened in one part of Haringey. It was a summer of fun for kids: on roads and streets where before there was only bad air and road traffic noise, now there was the sound of kids playing out. Street football was a daily occurrence, children were using the road to cycle to school and there was even the occasional lemonade stand. It wasn’t just children who were joining in with being more active. Adults across this large area realised they didn’t really need the car for their shorter journeys – walking was nearly as fast and made them feel pretty good now the air was cleaner. Cycling to Finsbury Park to pick up the tube was quicker than the bus and nicer than cramming onto the packed trains, and getting there on a bike suddenly seemed easy now the journey could be done mostly without having to ride with speeding traffic.

Surely this was all the work of a council fully committed to the health of their residents, the sort that would make bold claims about making their borough the most liveable in London? Sadly this utopia did not last. While other boroughs nearby were permanently closing roads to through traffic to entrench a new, healthier lifestyle in their boroughs, Wightman Road and its adjoining roads were reopened as through routes for motor traffic. The weekend bike rides to the park had to stop.

‘I’m sorry. There’s no safe way to cycle there now’.

As a cycle campaign we are of course primarily interested in high quality provision for cycling that allows anyone to feel confident using a bike to get around. This has been the focus of our continuing engagement in the Green Lanes Area Transport Study. There are many ways to achieve this but many options that improve conditions for people on bikes also have much wider benefits for those in the area – even if they never cycle. For example making areas more healthy and liveable, reducing air pollution and even reducing journey times for drivers by lowering overall traffic levels and simplifying routes. If you live in or travel through Harringay or the Green Lanes area, you have until Sunday to complete the council survey on future options for Wightman Road and the surrounding area. We believe this is an issue primarily for local people to decide, so please take a look at Living Wightman’s advice on how to complete the survey. While some of the options presented can deliver a suitable cycle route (in particular we recommend you support the proposal for a northbound cycle track on Green Lanes, desperately needed in an area with no safe north/south routes), the option to ‘filter’ Wightman Road will deliver multiple health and air quality benefits as well as a safe route suitable for all-ages cycling. Many parts of this borough are already ‘filtered’ to through traffic. Other boroughs which are right next to Haringey are showing how such schemes, if well managed, can reduce traffic over a wide area. The use of Wightman Road as a conduit for through traffic has negative consequences for the areas to the north and south that also have long-standing issues with excessive through traffic.

The council’s response to the issues encountered on Wightman Road is a real test for them – are they serious about tackling pollution and unlocking the massive potential for active travel in this borough? Or, as suggested by the recent consultation on the Wood Green AAP, is the future of our borough just as polluted, congested and unhealthy as our present? This is your chance to tell the council what sort of place you want this borough to evolve into. Don’t miss the chance to have your voice heard.

 

Events

Haringey Cyclists’ AGM and monthly meeting agenda

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Haringey Cycling Campaign. AGM and monthly meeting agenda

19:15 – 21:15, 13 March 2017

First floor lounge bar, Crouch End Picturehouse, 165 Tottenham Lane, London N8 9BY

AGM

19:15 – 19:25 Officers’ reports – Coordinator, Treasurer.
19:25 – 19:35 Election of new officers: Coordinator, Secretary, Treasurer
19:35 – 19:40 Nominations for other roles including Rides and Social Coordinator, Membership Secretary, Newsletter Editor
19:40 – 19:45 Vote of thanks to outgoing officers

 

Monthly Meeting

19:45 – 19:50 Welcome and introductions
19:50 – 20:00 Minutes and actions of last meeting
20:00 – 20:30 Enfield Cycling Campaign talk about Mini Holland (10-15 mins), followed by Q&A http://enfieldcc.co.uk/cycle-enfield/
20:30 – 21:00 Campaigns and events update:

  • Hornsey community streets/railway bridge
  • Haringey’s Air Quality Strategy
  • Wood Green Area Action Plan
  • White Hart Lane proposals
  • Islington Family bike ride 8th April
  

http://www.haringeycyclists.org/2017/01/30/a-small-but-important-consultation-deadline-1-feb/

http://www.haringey.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning/planning-policy/local-plan/wood-green-area-action-plan
21:00 – 21:10 AOB
Consultations, News

Bruce Grove Consultation – urgent action needed!

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Transport for London are currently consulting on changes to the A10 at Bruce Grove (from the rail station south to Forster Road). The consultation is open until 7 December, please have your say via https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/roads/bruce-grove/

These proposals were discussed at Haringey Cycling Campaign’s monthly meeting on the 14 November. Unfortunately, we found very little to recommend from a cycling perspective. The junction treatment outside Bruce Grove station is likely to benefit pedestrians and to a lesser extent those on bikes. However, in our view the remainder of the proposed work would decrease safety for people cycling, and as such we are requesting TfL go back to the drawing board and come back with something much better. Our reasoning is set out below – you may wish to raise these points in your response. Remember the consultation closes on 7 December!

The proposals include a dangerous and unnecessary pinch point
The new signalised pedestrian crossing proposes to narrow the existing carriageway width to 3m in each direction. We object to this creation of a pinch point, which seems unnecessary for pedestrian safety as the proposed crossing is signalised. We are concerned that the proposed narrowing will increase conflict between road users – in theory cycles should “take the lane” to prevent dangerous overtaking but this would only be a sensible approach on a road with light volumes of traffic travelling at low speeds. For what we think are obvious reasons, this approach is not applicable to this situation.

Proposals remove existing cycle provision
There is an existing cycle route (LCN 54) that crosses the High Rd at St Loys Rd. In 2003 and 2006 detailed proposals were made, but not implemented, to upgrade this crossing. There are presently cycle reservations to the north and south of the junction, which are at least some assistance in crossing the High Road. The present proposals include the removal of the south reservation and this is not an acceptable alteration as no replacement provision is shown.

Current proposals are incompatible with increasing cycle numbers
A 2007 Transport for London scheme for the A10 from Monument Way to St Loys Rd, consulted on but not implemented, included cycle lanes. There remains ample road space for comprehensive cycle provision. Indeed, as part of implementing Mini Holland, Enfield are currently consulting on a proposal for protected cycle tracks on the A1010 up to the Haringey border. Cycle Superhighway 1 does not provide a suitable alternative route, particularly with the decision not to filter through traffic on Broadwater Road. The A10 at Bruce Grove is and will remain heavily used by cycles: Planning policy for Tottenham regeneration seeks to reduce private car use and improving cycle provision in Enfield and Waltham Forest means that the ambition for the A10 should be as a main cycle route.

We therefore urge that these proposals are either redesigned or not taken forward as part of this scheme.

Events

Bike Breakfast, Monday morning on Wightman Road!

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wightmanPhoto care of @Living_Wightman

Current bridge replacement works on Wightman Road, N8, have shown how closing a road to through motor traffic can make a place where children can play in the street, neighbours stop for a chat and families can cycle together safely.

To celebrate the rebirth of this residential community, we have teamed up with ‘Living Wightman’, a local community movement working towards a better future for Wightman Road and the Harringay Ladder. For the morning commute on Monday 13 June (7:30 – 9:30) we will hold a Bike Week ‘bike breakfast’ on the north side of the bridge works on Wightman Road.

From 8:30 we will be joined by Joanne McCartney, London’s Deputy Mayor and Enfield and Haringey London Assembly member, Councillor Peray Ahmet, Haringey Council Cabinet Member for the Environment and Harringay ward Councillor Emine Ibrahim.

Look forward to seeing you all on Monday!