>> Conference round-up Œ pages 12-13 smartmoves · 23 September at the Hovis London Freewheel....

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smart moves The Tour hits town The Capitals celebration of cycling >> Conference round-up pages 12-13 >> Star speaks out on cycling page 15 >> Transport for London MAYOR OF LONDON Issue 3 August 2007 Promoting active travel in London Sign language Legible London points way forward

Transcript of >> Conference round-up Œ pages 12-13 smartmoves · 23 September at the Hovis London Freewheel....

Page 1: >> Conference round-up Œ pages 12-13 smartmoves · 23 September at the Hovis London Freewheel. Daire Basra, Senior Events Officer at GLA, said: fiAfter the great success of the

smartmoves

The Tour hits townThe Capital�s celebration of cycling

>> Conference round-up � pages 12-13 >> Star speaks out on cycling � page 15 >>

Transport for LondonMAYOR OF LONDON

Issue 3 August 2007Promoting active travel in London

Sign languageLegible London points way forward

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02 | smartmoves August 07

Jenny Jones, GreenTransport Advisor to Mayor Ken Livingstone,shares her thoughts.

Despite its 21 per cent modalshare, spending on walking inLondon is a fraction of that spenton the tube, bus, rail or roads.

This is despite the fact thatrelatively small-scale walkingprojects are some of the mosteffective at reducing congestion and increasing transport capacity.

But progress is being made. Inrecent budget negotiations, Iextracted commitments from theMayor of London to double fundingfor borough walking projects, providewalking maps across London,improve the walking environmentaround mainline stations, and toinstall missing �Green-Man� crossings.TfL is investing £126 million over thenext three years in improvingconditions for pedestrians.

These commitments are a firststep towards making London theworld�s most walking-friendly city.However, to realise the massivepotential of walking in the capital,we have to build on these projects. I fully intend to secure furtherincreases to borough funding forwalking projects in 2008/09.

After years of standing still,progress is being made for London�spedestrians. We must take thisopportunity to propose increasinglyambitious projects, and work hard tomake the case for walking in London.

[email protected]

First word

Walking � need for a stepchange

smartmovesIssue 3 August 2007Promoting active travel in London

Editor: Jemma Wolter AB Publishing, 24-26 GreatSuffolk Street, London SE1 0UE

Tel: 020 7922 5661 Email: [email protected] contacts: Jen Calvert or Elizabeth Claridge, Cycling,Walking & Accessibility Email: [email protected]

If you�d like to receive smart moves free, please [email protected]. Please put �paper copy� in thesubject line if you�d like a paper version.

Conference callViews and results fromthe Walking and CyclingConference 12-13

Cycle challengeWorkplaces gear up for change 7

I n s i d e

Captured oncamera

The Tour de Francein London 8-9

Park maps go 3DNew maps arehelping to bring theRoyal Parks to life for pedestrians andcyclists.

The maps have a 3Dfeel, with images ofbuildings, monumentsand features as theyactually look. They showwalking and cycling routes,facilities such as cafés andtoilets, and transport links inand around the parks.

As well as appearing oninformation posters, themaps will be available asleaflets.

St James�s Park was first to go live in June, followedby Green Park. New maps arebeing produced for all theother Royal Parks.

Simon Higgins, MarketingManager at The Royal Parks,said: �The maps show thesurrounding areas and how toget to, from and around theparks so people can plan theirwhole experience.

�It�s part of our aim to workwith different partners inencouraging people to walkand cycle in the parks.�

www.royalparks.org.uk

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August 07 smartmoves | 03

Good signs forwayfinding projectBorough officers were given an update on progress towards a London-wide system ofwayfinding for walking in June.

TfL and the LondonDevelopment Agency invitedborough officers to contributeideas for Legible London, whichcould integrate with existingjourney planning tools. Theyheard how a consistent, reliableand authoritative approach tomaps, signs and online planningwould strengthen the role ofwalking in the Mayor�s strategiesfor transport, the public realmand tourism.Some key outcomes were:� Boroughs keen to co-operate

on developing a single system� Agreement that TfL is best

placed to lead integration and roll-out

� Broad benefits fromwayfinding acknowledged for modal shift, leisure andeconomic development.

TfL is now co-ordinatingworking groups looking at specificissues from urban realm andinformation management tosystem integration. WestminsterCity Council is working with TfLto introduce a prototype scheme in the West End by Christmas.

The Legible London report wascommissioned by the Central

London Partnership (CLP) in2005. A report examiningwayfinding on foot concludedthat a single system could givemany people the confidence to discover London on foot, and encourage them to walk inpreference to other types oftransport for shorter journeys.

If you couldn�t attend theevent or would like to be

involved in the working groups,email [email protected]

Key dates for the project� October 2007 � seminar to update boroughs and partners� December 2007 � West End prototype on street� February 2008 � present delivery strategy� 2012 � provide system for central London and Olympic boroughs� 2015 � provide system for rest of London

Freewheeling Capital A 14km route around central London will betraffic-free to make way for cyclists on Sunday23 September at the Hovis London Freewheel.

Daire Basra, Senior Events Officer at GLA, said:�After the great success of the Tour de France,Londoners can get out on their bikes and havesome fun.�

Cyclists can join led rides to the event from sixFreewheel hubs in Gladstone Park, Finsbury Park,Victoria Park, Peckham Rye, Clapham Commonand Ravenscourt Park. Freewheel organisers areinviting cycling initiatives to exhibit at the hubsand welcome support from stakeholders.

Liz Leverton, Co-ordinator at Finsbury Park, said: �The event is a great way to get local peopletogether and promote both sustainable transport.�

www.londonfreewheel.com [email protected]

Mayor Ken Livingstone and Blue Peter�s Konnie Huq launch the Hovis London Freewheel on theSouth Bank.

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PhilipDarnton,Chairman of CyclingEngland,shares histhoughts

My view: cycling

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Bikeability goes live in LondonApril saw the Capital welcomeBikeability � the 21st centurycycling proficiency � with a launchat Primrose Hill School in Camden,where pupils demonstrated theirnew cycling skills to radio andtelevision crews.

Bikeability gives children theskills they need to manage today�smodern traffic environment.

Here at Cycling England, werecognise that safety on the roadsis every parent�s concern, but the first step in creating safercycling must be to ensure everychild gets proper training � andthat�s Bikeability.

London mum Anna Francis said: �Before my kids did theirBikeability, I didn�t feel entirelyconfident with them cycling. But Bikeability has given them the skills and the confidence to cycle safely on their own, and it helps parents feel morereassured.�

Our ambition is that, within five years, no child should leaveprimary school without thechance to receive Bikeabilitytraining.

Visit www.bikeability.org.uk, where schools can locate

their nearest Bikeability instructor

Work underway onvenue accessSome road closures around the Olympic Parkcame into force on 2 July. But that�s not all the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) isworking on.

Work has started on thevenues and the pedestrianand cycle routes in theOlympic Park, creating lastingbenefits for the community.This work means the firstroad closures, includingsome existing footpaths andcycle routes, are in place.The Greenway route will bekept open as long as it�spractical to do so.

There are two other areasthe ODA is also focusing on.

Work is continuing, led byTfL, to identify and prioritisewalking and cycle accessaround the London venues,particularly the OlympicPark. The ODA�s Soft ModesTransport Manager SimonJay said: �We�re discussingwhat needs to be done with the boroughs beforedetailed feasibility studiesget under way.

�We�re also startingdiscussions with theboroughs at other venuessuch as Broxbourne, EtonDorney and Weald CountryPark about sustainabletransport during the Gamesand in legacy.�

Active spectatorship �encouraging spectators towalk or cycle to the venues � is still a key priority.

Simon said: �We hosted aworkshop with the LondonOrganising Committee of theOlympic Games on how todeliver this strategy, possibleticketing incentives, thepotential for commercialsponsorship and possibilitiesfor cycle hire.�

Keep track of theexciting developments

at the Olympic Park atwww.london2012.com

Work is under way at the Olympic Park.

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Survey seeks resultsTwo thirds of local authoritiescompleted the questionnaire set bythe Walking Advisory Panel tobenchmark walking in London.

Most authorities said theirpriorities are more investment in promotion, public realmimprovements and accessibilityprojects to tackle bad street design,crime and the fear of crime and alack of useful information.

Many authorities have walkingpolicies and about half had walkingplans, targets and staff. But fewmonitor investment in walkingschemes and most want moreguidance on what makes a goodwalking plan and how to measure it.

Recommendations were discussedat an Advisory Panel meetingchaired by Jenny Jones. Quick winsbeing considered include greatertransparency of what money isavailable for walking in London;guidance on how to measure andevaluate walking affordably; andpromotion of a transport hierarchyfavouring pedestrians in the Mayor�sTransport Plan.

If you were one of the authoritiesunable to complete the survey, oryou�ve thought of ideas for theMayor�s vision for London to be oneof the most walking friendly citiesby 2015, please get in touch � we�vegot a long way to go in eight years!

www.walklondon.org.uk

My view: walking

August 07 smartmoves | 05

News and viewsfrom Jim Walker,Chair of Walk LondonBoroughPartnership.

Celebratingtravel plans A primary school that increased the number of childrencycling to school from one per cent to 12 per cent andwalking from 70 per cent to 84 per cent has been rewardedfor its efforts by a new TfL scheme.

New City Primary School was awarded Platinum School of the Year at the TfL Sustainable Transport Awards by theaccreditation scheme, which is designed to encourage andreward schools that continue to make long-term commitmentsto travel plans.

Of the 175 schools that applied for accreditation this year, 15 were awarded the silver higher standard level. This awardrecognised schools that reported a reduction in the numbers of cars on the school journey.

Five schools in London were awarded outstanding level. The outstanding schools were Southborough Primary Schooland Warren Road Primary School in Bromley, Moselle School in Haringey, and New City Primary School and Godwin Junior in Newham.

Clare Mulholland, Assistant Regional School Travel Advisorat TfL, said: �These schools have embraced the whole ethosof sustainable transport.�

Each accredited school received a plaque and certificate. Liz Bowgett, a teacher at New City School, said: �All the

children have enjoyed getting involved with cycling and weare all delighted to have won the award.�

If you know a school that could qualify for next year�saccreditation, visit www.staccreditation.org.uk

Children from New City School go for a picnic by bike.

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Alperton residents areenjoying a safer, more accessible footbridge over theGrand Union Canal thanks to arefurbishment project.

Councillors and local peoplewill be invited to celebrate therenovation of the Carlyon Roadfootbridge in September.

The project has mainly beenfunded by the TfL walkingprogramme, with some fundingfrom the Sustrans Links toSchool Scheme.

The bridge�s deck has beenwidened and major work includesimproved lighting so pedestrians

feel safer using the bridge at night. Paul Williams, Team Leader,

Highway Structures & Drainage,for Brent Council, said:�Previously the footbridge wasvery unwelcoming and a socialblack spot. The bridge will be apleasant and accessible route.�

Councillor Daniel Brown said:�We hope local people will feelsafer using the new bridge,which has been brought up to modern standards.�

For more information onfunding similar schemes,

contact [email protected]

To help boroughs andpartnerships better understandthe results different types ofwalking schemes can provide, TfLhas issued the first borough-widewalking outcome monitoringreport for 2005/06.

�Not only does the reportshow how effective newschemes to promote walkingare, it gives boroughs andpartnerships new ideas as towhat might work best for themand the walking schemes theycould pursue to benefitpedestrians,� said Spencer Clark,Borough Walking ProgrammeManager.

Five borough schemes weremonitored by a TfL consultant,including an award-winningscheme to upgrade old railwayviaducts called Light at the Endof the Tunnel and the renewal ofCastle Street in Kingston.

�The consultant comparedpedestrian numbers,behaviour and mix beforeand after the schemes andthe results were verypositive,� said Spencer.

Most of the projects saw anincrease in numbers of femalepedestrians and those over theage of 65.

To help boroughs carry outpedestrian monitoring, TfL hasalso published a measuring

pedestrian activity report with tipson different types of monitoring,and how to apply the differenttechniques.

�It�s important that the boroughsplay an active role in monitoringwalking as it helps to improve the

design and benefits of futureschemes for all pedestrians,�said Spencer.

For more information,contact Spencer Clark

at [email protected].

The new footbridge is morepleasant and accessible than the previous bridge (inset).

A better bridge

More room to walk in CastleStreet, Kingston, and (inset) thestreet before the project.

On course for good designA TfL Designing for Pedestriansthree-day course is now open forbooking. For more information and tobook, email [email protected]

Streets are made for walking

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Transformingthe commuteAcross the Capital, small andmedium-sized businesses aresigning up to TfL�s newEnterprise scheme.

Enterprise helps businessesestablish workplace travel plans.

Already more than 40 businesshave registered for the scheme.

Creative EnvironmentalNetworks (CEN) was one of thefirst businesses to get involved.

Kim Jardine, CEN�sSustainable Transport ProjectCo-ordinator, said: �The schemeshowed staff how easy cyclingor walking to work could be.�

Since introducing the scheme,the number of people cyclingto work at CEN has doubled.

www.anewwaytowork.orgor call 0870 094 9011

� TfL also launched the Workplace Cycle Challenge in July, to coincide with the London leg of the Tour de France.

There were three challenges, each based on the Tour deFrance riders� jerseys, all designed to increase the number of cycle journeys the teams made.

Dawn Haines, Transport Policy Manager, was chosen asDirecteur Sportif by her team at Lambeth Borough Council.

She said: �We are keen to encourage sustainable transportand this has been a brilliant boost.�

Lambeth Council promoted the scheme through its businesstravel network.

The Workplace Cycle Challenge ended on 29 July. Allcompetitors can take part in the London Freewheel on 23 September. See page 3 for more details.

Watch this spaceThe Cycling Centre ofExcellence (CCE), part of TfL, iswell on its way to installing its10,000th school cycle parkingspace by September.

Contact 020 7027 9135or your local school travel

advisor for more information

Walkers� weekendIt�s London Walking Weekendon 15 and 16 September and TfL will be encouragingLondoners from all 33boroughs to take part in one of many free led walks.

The Thames Festival will alsoplay host to a �why not walkit?� marquee offering a free ledwalk and a treasure hunt.

Visit tfl.gov.uk/walking or email

[email protected]

Fabulous funWomen from across Londoncompleted a five-mile ridearound Richmond Park on 2 June as part of the nationalFive Miles to Fabulous cyclingevent organised by CTC.

Just 37 per cent of cyclistsin London are womenaccording to the NationalTravel Survey, so the eventwas organised to encouragemore participation.

Bikes given a boostTo encourage commuters to cycle to stations, TfL and South West Trains haveinvested £250,000 to installbetter cycle facilities, such asshelters, stands and CCTV, at13 stations including Surbiton,Kew Bridge and Twickenham.

[email protected]

smartsnippetsJesse Lee

Norville andSuzy Harrisonfrom Lambeth

BoroughCouncil cycle

to work.

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August 07 smartmoves | 0908 | smartmoves August 07

Stuart and Sue Haines came from Dorset to watch the Tour and visitthe People�s Village. They dropped in to TfL�s I Move London sustainabletransport roadshow to make a pledge. Stuart already rides once a week,but pledged to cycle more often. �We�ve watched the Tour on TVbefore so we were very keen to see it live. I can�t believe how busy thePeople�s Village is � there�s so much to see,� said Stuart. The roadshowmarked the launch of the I Move London campaign, with 600 pledgesmade by the public over the weekend. Boroughs can input their own local events and find out more about getting involved atwww.tfl.gov.uk/sustainabletravel and www.tfl.gov.uk/imovelondon

Cyclists converged on a speciallyinstalled cycle park in Hyde Park aftercoming in on led rides from many boroughs.Peter and Julie Mastenko (left) fromKingston were among the 2,500 participants.Peter said: �I love the Tour de France � I�vebeen to France to watch it and saw the racewhen it was last in Britain 13 years ago. It�sreally exciting that London�s hosting it andthe led ride was fantastic.�

And next . . . theTour of BritainThere�s not long to wait forLondon�s next major cyclingevent � the Tour of Britain hits town on 9 September.

Having played host to the tour�s final stage for the last three years, this year the Capital is hosting the first day.

And to build on theexcitement generated bythose who watched the Tourde France Prologue, it�ll be the Tour of Britain�s first ever Prologue time trial.

Several boroughs wereinvolved in hosting the Tour de France, so to involve even more boroughs in major cycling events, thePrologue will take place in Crystal Palace Park, onBromley�s patch.

�We wanted to make themost of the knock-on effect a super-successful Tour deFrance will have,� said GaryMacGowan, Technical Managerfrom TfL Special Projects.

�For many people, the Tourwas their first experience of a professional cycling event,and they�ll be thinking that if that�s what the sport is like, they can�t wait to watchanother event and get involved.The Tour of Britain can takeadvantage of that and use it to encourage more people to cycle.�

The 96 riders will complete a2.5km time trial circuit aroundCrystal Palace Park, an iconicsports venue, and there will be plenty of fun activities anddisplays to get spectatorsinvolved in cycling.

Up to four million peoplewatched the Tour de France inLondon and Kent. The crowds,the riders, the atmosphere, theevents and the sunshine allcombined to make 6-8 July asuperb celebration of cyclingand a great way to encouragemore people to take to twowheels. Here�s a flavour of the weekend�s action.

Children put their skills to the test in an obstaclecourse organised by British Cycling.

The Tour de Franceroadshow gave away tons of freebies to aneager crowd.

There was not an inch ofspace to be had in TrafalgarSquare for the openingceremony on 6 July.

The competitors rodearound the Capital�s streets in front of packed pavementsbefore heading to Greenwichfor the official race start.Olympic champion and TfLcycling ambassador BradleyWiggins, pictured on the cover,came fourth in the Prologue.

Millions enjoy cycling spectacular

�� � �

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Adults across London can learn how to ridetheir bike more safely and confidently byhaving cycling training.

During 2007/08, TfL will invest a record £2.8 million in cycle training.

Greg Woodford, Senior Cycle TrainingOfficer at CTC, said: �Learning how to cycleproperly makes it more enjoyable and safer.�

Research by Cycle Training UK shows that81 per cent of people who have had trainingsaid they felt more confident cycling andthey increased their average number of tripsby bike each week by 144 per cent.

In Wandsworth, a campaign to promotetraining won the Cycling for Adults award at the TfL Cycling Communities Awards inApril 2007.

Called Movers and Shakers, the campaignaimed to get influential people in thecommunity on bicycles. A report will beavailable at www.movers-shakers.btik.comwith all the findings.

Wandsworth Cycling Campaigns Co-ordinatorSusie Morrow said: �Local MPs and communityleaders were given cycle training so they couldshare their experiences with other people.�

Harvey Heath from the Battersea Societytook part and now plans to buy a bike. Hesaid: �If I can do it, we can all do it.�

After his training, Chief Superintendent Joe Royle, Wandsworth Police BoroughCommander, said: �I�ve been given theconfidence to get back on my bike.�.

For more information about how topromote cycle training in your area,

visit www.ctc.org.uk/cycletraining or call 0870 607 0415.

Community groups and schools can apply for funding to set up and run cycling projects.

The Community Cycle Fund for London(CCFL) is provided by TfL and is allocated andrun by London Cycling Campaign (LCC).

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for groupsto buy bikes, run training schemes or to use onother resources they need for their cyclingproject. The funding is distributed twice a year.

In 2006, more than 50 grants were awarded,and the total fund has been increased from£150,000 to £200,000 this year.

One project that benefited last year was JohnBall Primary School�s cycle training programme.Funding allowed the Blackheath school to builda cycle shed, develop a travel plan and workwith the borough�s travel planner to get ateacher and the school�s premises managerqualified as National Standards cycle instructors.

The school then started a pilot cycle trainingscheme. It launched a pool of bikes andhelmets for children and parents to borrow.

Other schemes range from Haringey Mencap�sNorth London Access to Cycling, to support and encourage people with learning disabilitiesto access cycling, to bike maintenanceworkshops and second-hand bikes for homelesspeople in Hammersmith through a project runby the St Christopher�s Fellowship hostel.

For more information about the fund, visitwww.lcc.org.uk, call Sarah Slater at LCC on020 7234 9310 or email [email protected].

Pupils at John Ball Primary School are saddlingup and getting quality training thanks to aCCFL grant.

Budgetfor bikesChief Superintendent Joe Royle practices an

emergency stop during his cycle training.

Learn to cyclewith confidence

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August 07 smartmoves | 11

Despite the wet weather, this year�sBike Week was the biggest since themillennium Festival of Cycling.

In London, more than 200 eventswere kick-started with a fun-filledcycling festival hosted by TfL inTrafalgar Square.

�BikeFest in the Square was a greatnew flagship event for Bike Week andshowed that cycling is great fun, anda great way to get around London,�said Nick Harvey, National Bike WeekCo-ordinator.

Most events were free and many

were suitable for complete beginners.Highlights included the Midsummer

Madness Ride, which met at theCutty Sark Gardens in the early hours of 21 June; a special warm-upfor the Tour de France, and manycycling competitions throughout the boroughs.

Check out a round-up of theevents at www.bikeweek.org.ukand later this year visit the site tofind out how to get involved inBike Week 2008 on 14-22 June.

Class act for walkingIt�s time to start preparing forOctober�s Walk to School Week,co-ordinated by Living Streets.

The event also coincides with International Walk toSchool Month.

London�s events will focus on The Big WoW on 3 October,celebrating the Walk onWednesday campaign supportedby TfL that awards collectablemetal badges to children whowalk to school regularly.

Nationwide, the events willshow that walking to school

helps pupils get to know, andfeel part of, their community.

Andrew Fielding, NationalWalk to School Campaign Co-ordinator, said: �The more children walk to school, rather than viewing the streets as a backseatobserver, the greater thebenefits for them and for the whole community.

�Children who walk regularlyare more likely to find betterroutes to school using footpathsand shortcuts, rather than

travelling as the car drives.�The latest Walk to School

Week in May attracted more thantwo million participants, includingmore than 13,000 pupils across500 schools in London.

To find out more aboutWalk to School Week and holding an event,contact Andrew Fieldingon 020 7820 1010 [email protected] or log on towww.walktoschool.org.uk

Pupils atWoodmansternePrimary School inLambeth during May�sWalk to School Week.The globe has thesame volume as the amount of CO2

emitted by a cardriving to school and back for a week.

TheCapitalgetscycling

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How we can build activecommunities together was amajor topic of discussion at theLondon Walking and Cyclingconference, which kicked offwith an optional guided walkand cycle ride on 10 May.

Of a record 160 delegates,more than 50 delegates ofvarying abilities donned theirwalking shoes or got on theirbikes to take part in the activity.

�It was a good turnout and,although I cycle regularly, itwas nice to see other cyclistson the road,� said MikeVanErb, who helped organisethe led ride.

The day�s programme lookedat a number of topics including theDepartment of Health cycling and walkingaction plan, local strategies for activetravel, network management plans andconclusions from the walking review.

Following thought-provokingpresentations from Jenny Jones, the

Mayor�s GreenTransport Advisor;Darien Goodwin, Headof Transport, Londonborough of Lewisham;David Brown, ManagingDirector of SurfaceTransport; and RodneyTolley, Director ofWalk21, delegatesdispersed intodiscussion groups. They debated specifictopics such as the

opportunities and barriers faced whenpromoting walking and cycling; how tobuild balanced streets; how to deliverequal access; how to address social andcultural barriers; and how to developthe shared use of paths in urban areas.

And, with more than twice thenumber of delegates as last year, theroom was full of possible solutions.

One delegate summed up what mostpeople thought of the issues betweenpedestrians and cyclists.

�Walking and cycling should bepromoted together to reduce theamount of car users but, at the same time, their differences need to be recognised and taken intoconsideration,� he said.

Other important points highlighted by the discussion groups included theneed for local authorities to consult

properly and listen to more people, the importance of building strong linkswith the community, more emphasison education, and approaches tailoredto the needs of individuals.

The conference was well receivedand delegates enjoyed the chance to network at the end. They alsoagreed there was a good range of

topics, addressed through a mix ofdiscussion and debate.

�I learnt a lot about the health aspects, whichwas a breath of fresh air for me, and it wasgreat to find out what the other boroughs weredoing,� said Derek Stidder of Croydon Council.

�I mainly came here for the networking andto find out more about what TfL is doing,�added Fred Agbah of the Ramblers�Association. �I�m a keen walker and runnerand would like to start cycling.�

But there�s always room for improvement.Some delegates felt that the conference waspreaching to the converted.

All feedback is being considered for nextyear�s conference.

For more information on how to take part, contact Jennifer Calvert

at [email protected] or ElizabethClaridge at [email protected]

The differences and similarities between walkers andcyclists was just one of the issues discussed at thisyear�s London Walking and Cycling Conference.

Members of the panelsat in the hot seat asdelegates asked themwhether they thoughta 20mph speed limitwas necessary; howto encourage morepeople to take upwalking and cycling;and how to tackle theconflict betweencyclists and walkers.

And, after muchdebate, the panelsummarised the main issues.

�We need athorough analysis ofthe barriers; we needsupporting researchso we can base whatwe do on what weknow,� said RobMcLean, Health andWidening Access,Sport England.

�We also need to bemuch more ambitiousand lose the anti-motorist undertonesbecause we need toget them on board,�added William Bird,Health Advisor,Natural England.

TV presenter andwalking advocateLynn Faulds-Woodbelieved the only wayto get more peopleon board was toassociate walking andcycling with thingspeople care about.

�Think about thelanguage you use andavoid using big words.We need to talk thelanguage of thestreets. We�re allindividuals, but we need to pickmessages that appealto us all and areunderstood by us all.�

Panel membersincluded Adrian Davis of JMPConsulting; LynnSloman, SpecialAdvisor to the TfLBoard; cyclingcommentator PhilLiggett; Rob McLeanof Sport England;Rodney Tolley,Director, Walk21; and William Bird,Health Advisor,Natural England.

The panel debate: yourquestions answered

The big debate

In the hot seat: the panel is quick to answer questionsfrom delegates.

Delegates werequick to share theirideas during thediscussion session.

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Streets, parks, railways and riverscame alive with people walking throughthe borough during Lewisham�s fifthwalking festival.

Organised by the Lewisham WalkingForum, the event was its busiest yetand saw a number of new faces dontheir walking shoes to take part in more than 100 free events, from walks along the River Ravensbourne to an introduction to the delights of Deptford Creek at dusk.

�The festival is a great way to helppeople experience the places on their doorstep and get to know theirborough,� said Sue Webber, FestivalCo-ordinator.

�This year, we encouraged a lot ofnew groups and it was particularly goodto talk to some of the pensioners whoenjoyed getting out of the house andmeeting people while walking.�

For the first time, the Walking Forumalso linked up with Voluntary ActionLewisham, which organised a numberof walks for those suffering from drugaddiction or mental health.

A full programme of healthy walksand advice in parks and open spacesthroughout the borough, to contributeto the national agenda of encouragingpeople of all ages to walk more toimprove their health, was also available.

For more information visitwww.lwf.org.uk

Campaign thatreally works

The unusual suspects

Thousands of Londonerstook part in the Capital�s firstWalk to Work Day, part of thenew Walking Works campaignfrom Living Streets.

The campaign, funded by TfL, encourages people to walk more in their dailycommute.

Events took place in morethan half of the Londonboroughs on 26 April. InHackney, the council andhealth trust offered healthybreakfasts and health checks.Brent Cross shopping centrepromoted the day to staffand shoppers.

Local authorities andbusinesses can find out howto encourage walking at a

Walking Works conference in September.

Richard Hebditch, Policyand Campaigns Manager atLiving Streets, said: �Thebenefits of walking are welldocumented. What�s oftenmissing is the encouragementto make it a regular part ofpeople�s daily lives. UnderWalking Works, peoplepledge to walk a certainamount each day, with lotsof tips and encouragementalong the way.�

For more information, to sign up to Walking

Works or to book a place at the conference, see www.walkingworks.org.uk

The morning rush hour on Walk to Work Day saw a paradeacross Tower Bridge, led by commuters dressed in Dolly Partonwigs, to highlight the day�s message of �Walking 9 to 5�.

Trudging through Deptford Creek at low tide.

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August 07 smartmoves | 15

Zero emissions � apart from the curry

Whether he�ssinging the praisesof the Victoriansand Romans orreassuring us thattax doesn�t have to be taxing, TVpresenter AdamHart-Davis alwayshas a quirky takeon things. smartmoves asked himabout cycling.

Why should we cycle?It�s such fun. It�s good for theenvironment � there are zeroemissions (unless you�ve had acurry the night before). In Londonit�s the most reliable way ofgetting door to door. It�s alsogood for you.

Do you think London is a cyclist-friendly city?It�s as good as anywhere I�veexperienced. I�m based in Bristoland at least in London you don�t have many hills. London is getting noticeably better too,with more people cycling andheaps more lanes.

Any bizarre encounters while cycling?I held up a queue of buses onPiccadilly when a lady told me at great length how much she

enjoyed myprogrammes.And someoneonce shouted out: �How can youdo Brunel and not include theTamar Bridge?� Try answering thatwhile pedalling up a hill in theopposite direction.

What invention would getmore people on their bikes?Something that could show themtheir perceptions about roadsafety and the weather are wrong.

What�s your favourite bike?In London, it�s a folding bike. Athome, I have a three-wheeledrecumbent that I love to use witha trailer for the family shopping.It�s like riding an armchair!

Adam Hart-Davis.

Out doing thefamily shopping.

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9 September � Tour of Britain � starts fromCrystal Palace Park � www.tourofbritain.co.uk

15 � 23 September � Green Chain Festival �events showcasing south London�s Green Chain walking routes � see www.greenchain.com for full programme

15 � 16 September � London WalkingWeekend � led walks in boroughs and walkingzone events at Thames Festival � tfl.gov.uk/walking or email [email protected]

19 September � 4th Annual TransportConference, QEII Conference Centre, London� see www.govnet.co.uk/transport

22 September � In Town Without my CarDay � town centres across Europe close totraffic � www.22september.org

23 September � London Freewheel � ride in

central London with roads closed to othertraffic � www.londonfreewheel.com

25 September � Walking Works conference� BSG House, London � held by LivingStreets to promote sustainable travel towork � book at www.walkingworks.org.uk

1-4 October � Walk21 conference inToronto, Canada � Putting Pedestrians First � registration now open atwww.toronto.ca/walk21

1-5 October � Walk to School Week � eventsnationwide, including The Big WoW on 3October in London � www.walktoschool.org.uk

11-14 October � Cycle at Earl�s Court �cycle show with the biggest selection of2008 bikes and accessories in the UK �www.cycleshow.co.uk

>> DATESFORYOURDIARY >>

We already know cycling is great, but what do parents of primary school childrenreally think about their children cycling to school? A survey from young Transnetshows that, given the choice, 30 per cent of school children would like to cycle toschool. However, DfT statistics show that only one per cent do so.

IN YOUR VIEW

Ensuida, Student studying accounting�My daughter Klaensa, who�s in reception class,loves riding her bike in the park, but she is tooyoung to ride on the roads. Maybe when she isolder and a more confident cyclist I wouldthink about letting her cycle to school, but atthe moment I think it is too dangerous.�

Mariatu, Nursing Assistant�I would only let my daughter Kultumi cycle to school if she was with me because theroads are too busy. She loves cycling, so if I am not working then I am able to cycle with

her to school.�

Dolly, Child Minder�Given half the chance my daughter Kenyawould cycle to school every day � she loves it. I do get nervous about her riding on theroads, but it is good for her to get a sense of road safety. We cycle to school abouttwice a week and she is also going to cycletraining at school.�

� How to encourageyoung cyclistsIf you come up against viewslike these every day, we havesome handy tips:� It may help to promote cycle

training for both adults andchildren

� Introduce non-riding parentsand children to others whoalready cycle

� Encourage schools to providecycle storage facilities

� Develop maps with schoolsand parents that show lessbusy cycle routes to schools

For more information onpromoting these ideas,

email [email protected]. To findthe school travel advisor in yourborough, email [email protected]

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smartmoves | useful contacts

Bike WeekInformation on how to get involved or organisean event during Bike Week or Bike to Work Week.Tel: 0845 612 0661www.bikeweek.org.uk

British CyclingThe internationally recognised governing bodyof cycling in Great Britain, it also runs the GoRide programme aimed at young people.www.britishcycling.org.ukTel: 0870 871 2000

CTCCTC is the UK�s national cycling organisationand the country�s largest group of people onbikes. Its mission is �to make cycling enjoyable,safe and welcoming for all�.www.ctc.org.ukTel: 0870 873 0060

Cycling EnglandCycling England has been charged by thegovernment to deliver programmes thatencourage more people to cycle more safelyand more often. It is made up of experts intransport policy, engineering, public health, the cycle industry, local government, cyclesport, cycle training and education.Email: [email protected]

Everyday CyclingEveryday Cycling is a friendly online cyclingcommunity hosted by British Cycling, theinternationally recognised governing body of cycling in Great Britain.www.everydaycycling.com

LEPTThe London European Partnership for Transport(LEPT) co-ordinates, disseminates and promotesthe sustainable transport agenda for London andLondon boroughs, in Europe. It aims to improvethe level of communication, co-operation andinvestment that exists between London, Londonboroughs and the European Union.Tel: 020 8313 4918www.lept-eu.org

Living StreetsLiving Streets is the champion of streets andpublic spaces for people on foot. It works onpractical projects to create safe, vibrant andhealthy streets for all.Tel: 020 7820 1010www.livingstreets.org.uk

London Travel Awareness TeamPreviously known as Good Going, the teamruns the travel awareness programme toencourage people to use healthy andenvironmentally friendly forms of transport in London.www.tfl.gov.uk/sustainabletravel

London Cycling Campaign (LCC)London Cycling Campaign is a registered charitythat works with businesses and the communityto improve the quality of life in London byincreasing cycling. It aims to involve peoplefrom all London�s communities in cycling, bring out the best possible services for peoplewho want to cycle in London and be at theforefront of research and policy linking cyclingto wider issues. Tel: 020 7234 9310www.lcc.org.uk

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Useful contactsHere is a selection of useful contacts for cycling and walkingprojects and issues. If there's an organisation or individual you thinkshould be listed here, please email [email protected] orcall 020 7922 5661.

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London Walking WeekendInformation about the led borough walks andthe walking zone events on 15-16 September.tfl.gov.uk/walking

Olympic Delivery AuthorityThe Olympic Delivery Authority is the publicbody responsible for ensuring delivery of thenew venues and infrastructure for the Gamesand the legacy that will follow.Tel: 020 3 2012 000 www.london2012.com

SustransSustrans is a UK sustainable transport charitythat works on practical, innovative ways ofdealing with the transport challenges that affect us all.Tel: 0845 113 0065www.sustrans.org.uk

The Ramblers AssociationThe Ramblers Association is Britain�s biggestcharity working to promote walking and toimprove conditions for all walkers. With143,000 members in England, Scotland and Wales, it�s been working for walkers for 70 years.Tel: 020 7339 8500www.ramblers.org.uk

The Royal ParksThe Royal Parks� remit is to conserve 5,000acres of historic parkland � the eight RoyalParks � for future generations. It also tends anumber of other spaces in London, includingBrompton Cemetery, the gardens of 10, 11 and 12 Downing Street and Grosvenor Square Gardens.www.royalparks.org.uk

Tour of Britain 2007Website charting the routes, dates and hostlocations of the 2007 Tour of Britain cycle raceon 9-15 September.www.tourofbritain.co.uk

Transport for LondonTfL was created in 2000 as the integrated body responsible for the capital�s transportsystem. Its primary role is to implement theMayor of London�s Transport Strategy andmanage transport services across the capital. It also promotes a range of walking and cycling activities across the capital.tfl.gov.uk

Walk21The organisation that champions healthy,sustainable and efficient communities wherepeople choose to walk.Tel: 01684 773946www.walk21.com

Walk LondonFunded by TfL, Walk London works with thelocal authorities to develop an impressivenetwork of quality walking routes aroundLondon.Tel: 0870 240 6094www.walklondon.org.uk

Walk to SchoolThe Walk to School campaign is jointly promotedby The National Travelwise Association andLiving Streets. It asks parents, pupils and teachersto think about their journey to and from school,and the many benefits of making it on foot. Each year it organises two nationally recognisedevents: National Walk to School Week (21 to 25 May 2007), and International Walk to SchoolMonth (October 2007).Tel: 020 7820 1010www.walktoschool.org.uk

Walking WorksWorking Works is a new campaign designed by Living Streets to inspire people to walk more as part of their daily commute. Thewebsite is full of ideas and advice for everyone including transport professionals and businesses.Tel: 020 7820 1010www.walkingworks.org.uk

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