Update with Brent Council comment. Grappling with the Lime Bikes parking problem. What can Brent do?

 

If these lime bikes were blocking MP’s from getting into parliament you’d be taking immediate action @UKLabour @LondonLabour @leicesterliz @stephenctimms @DisabilityGovUK

Discrimination against disabled people. Get it sorted#DisabledPeopleDemandpic.twitter.com/qf1zrLLgST

— DPAC (@Dis_PPL_Protest) July 27, 2024

 

Riders appear to have taken the trouble not to block the pavement

Entrance to Cadent gas station blocked on Birchen Grove

 

At Willesden Green parking shifts between the station and the next corner

Outside St Andrew's Church, Kingsbury

Lime bikes takeover of Wembley Park stands normally used by other cyclists

Local social media has seen increasing numbers of posts about Lime Bikes that have become more frequent as youngster have learnt how to hack the system to have a free ride. 

The problem is not so much on the bike riding itself, though cycling on the pavement is alarming to many, as what happens to the bike when the rider has finished with it. Badly parked bikes on pavements are an impediment to the partially sighted, the elderly, disabled and parents with buggies. Sometimes people are forced into the road to avoid the clutter,

A good idea to encourage non-car travel is in danger of becoming a burden rather than an asset.

The Evening Standard has reported the TfL, under pressure from London Councils is considering  limiting the numbers in local areas and requiring designated parking bays. LINK

Unsurprisingly Forest, one of the major providers is opposed to restrictions:

 Forest, which has 10,000 e-bikes in London, believes that placing too many rules on where the bikes can be parked, and on how many can be provided in each borough, will make them less attractive to Londoners.

It wants a “hybrid” approach, with cyclists able to park the bikes in designated bays or responsibly beside the roadside without blocking pavements.

Forest head of policy Alex Berwin said: “Yes, we need dedicated parking bays and mandatory parking, but when you go out to the more suburban areas, having more of a free-floating model works best, so people can have more flexibility around where they want to end their ride - nearer their home, for example.

The London Borough of Lewisham LINK is going to require parking in designated bays and nowhere else in the borough:

Now Lime and Lewisham Council will install 300 bike parking bays across the area. If a Lime bike isn’t parked in a bay users won’t be able to end their journey and will continue to be charged until they stop in a designated area.

There are reports that such arrangements will be on the condition that a council renew their contract with Lime. Secret London report that Other boroughs, including Camden, Westminster, Hackney and Kensington and Chelsea have already enforced rules around dockless e-bikes amid concerns from the public that they were a hazard on pavements

Wembley Matters asked the Brent Cycling Campaign to comment on the issue:

Brent Cycling Campaign supports the London Cycling Campaign belief that the massive increase of dockless e-bikes in London is positive overall and is leading to new audiences and communities cycling in London and triggering mode shift from less sustainable modes."

 

This is quite clear that in places where cycling rate is traditionally low and where there are no Santander Cycles stations, like the North of the borough, the dockless e-bikes seem very popular.

So there is a big unmet demand for cycling.

Brent Cycling Campaign supports the concept of shared mobility and we are regularly suggesting to Brent Council that the solution to poor parking behaviour is in plenty of dedicated bays. The popularity of their use should be celebrated by the Council and a lot of insights  could be harvested to understand better where cycling needs are.

In essence: (my emphasis)

1. We need plenty of clearly designated bays to park the dockless bikes, geofenced them and on the carriage way (not on the pavement).
2. A prompt and strict response by the local authority when the operators are not following through.
3. The need for operators to regularly clearly and regularly communicate to users the dos and don'ts and have strict enforcement rules when users don't respect them.
4. For the operators to keep up with the technology and trend as this is a sector that evolves quickly so they need to adapt promptly.

Poor parking behaviour should be addressed the same way as for any other bad parking behaviour.  We understand Brent Council has commissioned MPSmarter Travel and City Infinity to help with identifying suitable locations for bays which is welcome. Using regular cycle stands to park them (like outside tube or train stations) should be allowed but not taking over every single stand like we have seen recently. Whatever agreement the Council has with the operators, it should be regularly scrutinised and updated to reflect an evolving situation. Dockless bikes operators operate globally and plenty of other cities don't seem to be having the same issues, so there's scope to see what works elsewhere.

Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: 

We are aware of residents' concerns with regards to the parking of Lime Bikes and we are working closely with Lime to strengthen arrangements around where and how their bikes are parked in the borough. This includes identifying suitable locations throughout the borough to install dedicated parking bays for bikes - similar to the ones recently implemented in our green neighbourhood areas; and requiring them to remove any badly parked or abandoned bikes promptly.

 

Brent Cyclists call for public support for Wembley Central - Harlesden cycling route: why and how

Guest post by Brent Cycling Campaign

 

 

TfL and Brent Council are currently consulting on walking, wheeling and cycling improvements between Wembley Central and Harlesden stations. At Brent Cycling Campaign we are really excited about this proposal which represents an important opportunity for Brent and North West http://London.You can read about the proposals here: https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/wembley-harlesden

 

New proposals to improve walking and cycling between Wembley Central and Harlesden are an important opportunity for Brent. Brent Cycling Campaign welcomes and supports plans by Transport for London and Brent Council for safer streets, new cycle lanes, and new pedestrian crossings.

 

After more than three years of planning and public engagement TfL published the new plans on 10th November. The plans connect Wembley Central to Harlesden with a cycle route on quiet roads and protected space between Sylvia Gardens and First Drive across the North Circular. The proposals, which do not reduce the number of lanes for drivers, follow an existing route from London Road onto Tokyngton Avenue, after crossing the North Circular people on bikes are diverted through quiet streets around Stonebridge Park to reach Harlesden Station on Acton Lane.

 

The junction of Harrow Road with the North Circular is the most dangerous junction for pedestrians in Brent. Between 2018 and 2022 there were over 90 collisions along Harrow Road, in January 2022 a person was killed crossing the road at the junction with the North Circular, and since 2018 there have been over 100 injuries and deaths on roads along the route. With quicker and safer pedestrian crossings, and a new protected cycle lane, the improvements to the A404 / A406 junction will be an example of how Brent can be transformed into a welcoming borough for active travel.

 

 

Throughout the plans new and improved pedestrian crossings and footpaths will help connect communities. Some side roads will have raised entrances, meaning people using mobility aids or with pushchairs do not need to go up and down steep kerbs. Extended bus lanes will mean faster, more reliable bus journeys. The new route will make it much easier to access Bridge Park Leisure Centre, with two new pedestrian crossings over the main road where people are not left stranded on pedestrian islands. TfL also plan to improve the lighting and CCTV in Tokyngton Recreation Ground and Stonebridge Park making these areas safer for people traveling alone and after dark.

 

The new proposals miss some important opportunities for better walking and cycling in Brent, for example by not continuing the improvements along Harrow Road to Wembley Triangle, and by not reducing the number of motor vehicles on residential roads. However, we at Brent Cycling Campaign welcome these plans, and hope they represent the start of significant investment in better active travel in Brent. If you would like to have your say and support the proposals please see the consultation on TfL’s website.

 

This article authored by Brent Cycling Campaign first appeared in the Brent and Kilburn Times.

 

Brent Cycling Campaign: More questions than answers in Brent's Climate Strategy Update

From Brent Cycling Campaign 

We are pleased to see things moving forward over climate, particularly with the ongoing commitment to school streets, the proposal for "Sustainable Neighbourhood" pilots, and the funding of community groups working in this field. However, this update 2022-2024 leaves us with more questions than answers.

 

The Brent Climate Emergency Strategy 2021-2030 has a dedicated chapter on Transport with the following objective: "By 2030, petrol and diesel road journeys will have at least halved in the borough, being driven as close as possible to zero, with an accompanying increase in journeys made by residents through cycling, walking or public transport." This will not happen by itself if no measures on the ground are introduced to support residents with switching transport modes for at least some of their journeys, if not the majority. 

 

The strategy also mentioned that transport was the "second most important theme that should be prioritised in the eyes of the Brent Climate Assembly as a means of tackling the climate emergency". It also clearly laid out that road transport was one of the biggest sources of carbon pollution in Brent. We are therefore surprised to see the lack of proposals for transport. Cargo bike trials for businesses, and space for parking cycles are important but if there is hardly anywhere to ride that feels safe and convenient, whether you are 7 or 77, this will not amount to a significant change in transport behaviour.

 

Earlier this year, the Mayor of London outlined what would be required if London were to achieve decarbonisation by 2030: "In order to meet the climate change targets, car traffic must reduce by at least 27% in London by the end of the decade." To achieve this, we need safe space for cycling which is consistent, linked up, safe and inclusive. We need a network of safe routes to schools, to high streets, to hospitals and GPs which are children-friendly and inclusive. We need Climate Safe Streets. 

 

Our question is: where is the urgency to tackle transport? Where is the joined-up thinking? According to the delivery plan to be presented to cabinet on Monday, there will only be two years left for the current administration to build the environment Brent residents will need to choose active travel and move away from car reliance. If by 2026, we do not see the infrastructure in place to support residents transitioning away from motor vehicles, it will be too late. 

 

 

 

 

 

BRENT CYCLING CAMPAIGN ELECTION HUSTINGS - April 20th 7-9pm

 

 

From Brent Cycling Campaign 

BRENT CYCLING  CAMPAIGN ELECTION HUSTINGS 

 Wednesday April 20th 7pm-9pm

St Catherine’s Church, Neasden Lane, London, NW10 1QB

The May local election will be like no other. The next four years will determine what happens to Brent for the foreseeable future in terms of resilience as we face the biggest challenge of our time.

Transport is a major contributor to pollution and enabling people to transition to sustainable travel will be pivotal to decarbonisation and reducing harmful emissions. Here's your chance to ask how they will deliver the change we need?

Should the health situation change, we will hold this event online.

Candidates:

• The Green Party: Nathan Williams (Kilburn)
• The Liberal Democrats: Councillor Anton Georgiou (Alperton)
• The Labour Party: Councillor Neil Nerva (Queens Park)
• The Conservatives: TBC

The Hustings will be chaired by Sarah Green, a local resident and human rights campaigner (formerly End Violence Against Women Coalition and Amnesty International), and a Brent school Governor.

We are collating questions in advance and there will be a chance to ask directly at the event, feel free to email yours if you wish at: brent@lcc.org.uk.

REGISTER

Brent Cycling Campaign calls for local election candidates to commit to 5 key pledges

 

 

The local branch of London Cycling Campaign, has launched its #ClimateSafeStreets campaign to get Brent’s next council leader to commit to bolder action on climate and zero carbon roads transport by 2030 – when the Mayor of London says the entire city needs to be carbon neutral. Brent Cycling Campaign is asking the candidates likely to be council leader, as well as other candidates, to commit to a set of borough-specific pledges including: 

1. Protected space to cycle on major roads,

2. Activate places by enabling inclusive active travel access to all places where we work, live, study, shop and play;

3. Children-friendly neighbourhoods with more school streets and low traffic neighbourhoods;

4. Double cycle parking provision for short and long stays;

5. Create logistics hubs to limit Heavy Good Vehicles traversing through the borough.

In the run-up to the 5 May local elections we are asking residents to go to lcc.org.uk/climate to find out more about the borough campaign and send an email to candidates supporting it.

After putting in your postcode you will land on this page:

Brent Cycling Campaign said:

Tackling the climate crisis demands bold action and fast. In Brent, road transport emissions account for 49% of NOx and 22% of CO2. We need our next council leader to hear loudly and clearly that they need to do more to swap cars for walking, cycling and public transport whenever possible. We’re asking candidates to commit to our pledges before the local elections. We will be hosting a Hustings on 20th of April, organising a Climate Safe Streets Ride and sharing a short video to make the climate crisis, our polluted, congested roads and healthy, active alternatives to cars a big issue they can’t ignore.

New app turns any street ‘Climate Safe’ in minutes

The Brent Cycling Campaign will also be using exclusive London Cycling Campaign access to new visualisation tool BetaStreets throughout the local election period to showcase what streets in the borough could look like if made ‘Climate Safe’. LCC will also be shortly releasing a new video showing how Londoners are being enabled to ditch their cars and switch to cycling by new schemes being rolled out across London.

Those responding to LCC’s social media most frequently indicated the following as the worst streets in London:

1. Lewisham Gateway, Lewisham

2. Old Kent Road, Southwark

3. Green Lanes, Haringey

4.  A406, North Circular 

5. Holloway Road, Islington

We are looking forward to re-imagining Brent streets with this tool, based on suggestions sent by Brent residents who have enough of polluted, congested and dangerous roads. 

For more information on Brent Cycling Campaign’s Climate Safe Streets campaign: lcc.org.uk/brent and a summary of our asks here.

'There's a sense the Council is not acknowledging its responsibility in the chaotic implementation and subsequent failure of this programme' - Brent Cycling Campaign on Healthy Neighbourhood schemes

 Reacting to the news that Brent Council officers are recommending the withdrawal of some of the Healthy Neighbourhood schemes in the borough, Brent Cycling Campaign said:

 

We are still reading through all the reports (19!), and we will have a better clarity on the overall picture soon. The first impression, however, is that there's a sense the Council is not acknowledging its responsibility in the chaotic implementation and subsequent failure of this programme. These interventions were never fully implemented, operational (beyond a couple of weeks in places) or even enforced but this has been completely omitted in the decision making process.  This is a rather large caveat to ignore.

As a result, it's difficult to draw meaningful, evidence led conclusions from them.  There also seems to be a stark difference, a contradiction even, between insights drawn from the engagement process and the result from quantitative data via the online consultation. Without knowing the unique responses numbers - as you could respond more than once, or what is the modal split among respondents, it is hard to tell whether or not the online consultation is genuinely representative of residents' views. This is an important point, given that seems to be the main basis on which officers made their recommendation. As evidence shows, after the introduction of such measures, people start thinking whether or not some driven trips could be made differently as more choices become available to them. Driving is no longer seen as the default option for short local trips and people feel supported by a new enabling environment. But this happens gradually so it is expected that they may not be agreeable at first because they are the ones asked to make the biggest change.

The schemes were meant, and indeed funded, to be live trials with engagement and modifications during the consultation period. Instead, rather than engage with the process, many councillors either remained silent, not communicating about the trials or vocally encouraged residents to petition against them straight from the start.

We have no doubt that future schemes will be proposed, because the council knows they will have to tackle the many negative impacts of a car-centric environment, as part of the response to the climate emergency they declared.  Residents want safe, healthy, quiet streets as well as clean air and low traffic neighbourhoods achieve that when done right alongside other supporting measures to enable people to switch to more sustainable modes of transport.

All in all, the way things have gone, this feels like a waste of public money, a waste of people's time and hopes for a better future.

 

 

 

Free 'Cycle Buddies' scheme launched in Brent - sign up to pair with an experienced cyclist to gain confidence and knowledge of safe local routes

 

A very welcome and enterprising scheme is introducd by Brent Cycling Campaign:

Brent Cycling Campaign has launched a scheme  to pair experienced riders with people new or returning to cycling to help them navigate their new work commute, get around locally or enjoy a leisure pootle.

After lockdown there was a 200 percent increase in cycling.  Local bike shops are busy with people buying new bikes or repairing bikes which have not been used for a while. New cycle lanes and healthier, low traffic neighbourhoods are making it easier to get around by bike. 

Government and local authorities are actively encouraging people to cycle short journeys to keep public transport running at social distancing capacity and prevent more pollution and congestion building up on the roads. 

Brent  Cycling Campaign wants to help people keen to get on their wheels, to do so safely. They will pair up new with experienced riders so they can meet up and ride together - to work, to local shops or just to the park for a bit of practice.  Experienced riders will help plan routes on quiet streets, make use of existing cycling provision, give the new riders support and share their experiences of riding on city streets. 

Cycle Buddies has helped many new and returning riders across London already. 

If you are a new or returning to cycling - or if you are an experienced cyclist who would like to help others - sign up - it's free! to Brent Cycle Buddies at  https://www.brentcyclists.org.uk/2020/09/30/brent-cycle-buddies-scheme/

Carmen Solino, from Wandsworth, where the Cycle Buddies scheme was first launched, said: 

I hadn't been on a bike for 17 years. After a couple of rides with my bike buddy I found the confidence to take a ride all the way to work, near Westminster and found out about the Quietways, a safer, less stressful way to cycle in London!

Dr Bruce Lynn, who helped set up Cycle Buddies in Southwark commented:

I am delighted to be involved to pair up new cyclists and experienced riders to explore and enjoy London in a different way. They will see how quick and pleasant it is to ride around the city. 

Sylvia Gauthereau, coordinator of Brent Cycling Campaign:

We already have a good number of people interested to help out, including a mum who is keen to inspire other parents to cycle the school run. So please do not hesitate to get in touch so we can start finding you a cycle buddy.

 

 

Brent Healthy Neighbourhoods implementation criticised by councillors and residents

 

As an ex-daily cyclist (I stopped after several mini-strokes but am thinking of resuming) and keen environmentalist I am in favour of trying to reduce traffic on our streets and make them safe for cyclists and pedestrians so welcomed the Brent Healthy Neighbourhoods scheme but the opposition to experimental arrangements has taken me aback.  As a major initiative in 'building back better' and responding to the declaration of a Climate Emergency it was imperative that the Council took residents with them - that does not appear to have happened although social media is unlikely to be the best guide.

 

Community Facebook sites in Brent have been full of criticism of specific schemes in terms of practicality but  the most frequent complaint is lack of consultation with residents. Brent Council explains LINK:

In normal circumstances we would not implement a traffic scheme like this without comprehensive engagement with the local community first.  Because of the urgency required in dealing with The COVID-19 pandemic, the Brent Healthy Neighbourhoods will be introduced as a temporary scheme using an experimental traffic order.

 

Residents in affected areas will be sent a letter outlining the changes, and informing them that they can visit www.brent.gov.uk/consultation to have their say.

 

Whilst the experimental traffic order can last up to 18 months, public comments can be made during the first 6 months. A review will be conducted after 6 months and taking all comments into account a decision will then be made to make schemes permanent with or without amendment, or to remove schemes.

One Facebook contributor described the Council's implementation of the policy as 'cack-handed' (look up the origin of the expression - fascinating, apologies to left-handed people) and it does seem to have got the worthwhile project off on the wrong foot.

 

The Labour Group had a briefing on Healthy Neighbourhoods yesterday and apparently councillors were not happy with the backlash they are experiencing from residents and the majority were critical of the lack consultation and sharing of information with themselves as much as residents.

 

Brent Cycling Campaign have put up a brave fight in advocating for the changes, better than the Council's own media strategy on the issue, but it is an uphill task.  One would expect opposition from the pro-car lobby and they have been backed by Conservatives in many areas but concern goes wider than that and is often expressed by those who are sympathetic in principle.

 

Wembley Central resident, Jaine Lunn, expressed it well in an email  about the Harrow Road cycle lane which runs from the North Circular to Wembley Triangle:

Whilst I appreciate the need, would somebody please inform me who thought it was a good idea to convert the westbound Bus Lane into a Cycle Lane, how much research was done? Instead of reducing the size of the pavement/Footpath to accommodate cyclists.  It kind of defeats the object, I was under the impression this was there to help Public Transport move quickly.  All this has done is increase traffic congestion it now adds another 20 minutes to the journey.  As a cyclist who used to regularly use this route, I had no problem sharing the bus lane with Buses, and on occasion was quite happy to cycle on the very wide footpath if necessary.  These footpaths are very wide and do not have a great amount of footfall!  I do hope the powers that be come to their senses and revert back. 

 

On the opposite side Eastbound,  I find myself in crossing the lights at Neeld Crescent, and immediately having to swerve the bollards swing out in to oncoming traffic to ensure I am in the lane which has been reduced to barely the width of a bus or large truck, as the signage is not good and there is no grading to the cycle lane.  Absolutely nuts, and not thought out very well.  In particular I can see this becoming a hot spot for accidents/near misses.

 

The only good thing I witnessed was the ability of numerous E-Scooters using these lanes at  fast speed which appeared to be above the legal limit of 15 mph.