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| * Cllr Danny Thorpe |
Encouraging more people to cycle is a key priority for the Royal Borough of Greenwich and with the weather finally taking a turn for the better, now is a great time to get out and about cycling in the borough.
The ‘missing link of the Thames Path will be complete by spring next year allowing riders and walkers to cross the borough on a traffic-free route while they enjoy picturesque views of the River Thames. Royal Greenwich has secured an extra £150,000 from Transport for London (TfL) towards a scheme to provide a cycle and footpath along the Thames Path between the Thames Barrier and King Henry Wharf.
Cyclists and pedestrians are currently diverted from the path along a stretch of the Woolwich Road but the plans mean they will be able to follow an unbroken route along the riverside through Royal Greenwich.
Plans for the new route fall into two phases: a ramp from Warspite Road, along the top of the flood defence wall at Cable Wharf and back down to the existing Thames Path; another ramp from the Thames Barrier site to Bowater Road, and from there, an upgrade of Bowater Road providing a safe, car-free environment to Warspite Road.
Work on the new route should be completed by March 2017:
Welcoming the TfL funding, Councillor Danny Thorpe (pictured), Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: “This cash enables us to continue to make the borough safer and more pleasant for pedestrians and cyclists, and it will help our goal to get more people cycling safely. Cycling and walking are not only good for your health but are better for the environment.”
Completing the ‘missing link’ is one of the priorities of the Council’s Cycling Strategy, which was adopted in 2014. The strategy is based on the vision: more cycling, more often, and even more safely. And the council has been working with local groups to campaign for more and better cycle routes while encouraging more and safer cycling.
The Cycling Strategy is part of the Council’s green policies to reduce road congestion and improve air quality. It included the formation of the Greenwich Cycle Forum which held an initial successful meeting last September.
Free cycle training and safety classes:
The Council and many local cycling clubs offer a host of opportunities for beginners and people who haven’t ridden a bike for a while and who want to build their confidence. These include a range of training courses and projects, such as Buddy Commutes and Rusty Riders.
People who cycle to work can get free advice on making their daily commute safer or help with planning and riding a route.
Did you know? There are more than 300 cycle parking stands in the borough where you can secure your bike once you get to your destination.
Free bicycle maintenance courses:
A free bicycle maintenance course is being held on Saturday 27 February from 10am to 12noon at Mycenae House, Mycenae Road, Blackheath.
The course covers the essentials of bike first-aid – puncture repair, wheel removal/refitting as well as how to repair gear- and brake-related niggles on your own bike.
Anyone who lives works or studies in the borough can book a place on the course by contacting cycle-training@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
Buy, sell or swap your old bike:Come along to a pop-up bike market and buy, sell or swap your old bike, run by Peddle-My-Wheels, in conjunction with Royal Greenwich.
Buyers: The bike market provides a great opportunity to find a theft-free bike that has been checked by a qualified mechanic and undergone a full service before selling. Cash or card accepted.
Sellers: Bring your unwanted bikes along with some photo ID and a mechanic will check the bike over before it is put it up for sale. It is completely free to sell your bike on the day. If your bike does not sell on the day, it will be taken to the next pop-up market.
* Sunday 21 February, 9am to 4pm, Eltham Farmers Market, Passey Place, SE9
* Wednesday 24 February, 9am to 4pm, Woolwich – Barnfield Estate on the intersection of Herbert Road and Mayplace Lane (near the hand car wash, just inside the estate)
* Saturday 19 March, 9am to 4pm, outside the library on Eynsham Drive in Abbey Wood
For more information about the cycling strategy and forum, to plan a route or find out more about cycling clubs and events, go to www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/cycling.
To contact the Council’s cycling team, email greener@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
The Met Police also has plenty of tips about cycle safety and security and offers bike security marking sessions in the borough. They also run Exchanging Places events giving cyclists the opportunity to be in the seat of an HGV lorry to find out what the drivers can and can’t see. Go to www.police.uk.
Work on the new route should be completed by March 2017:
Welcoming the TfL funding, Councillor Danny Thorpe (pictured), Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: “This cash enables us to continue to make the borough safer and more pleasant for pedestrians and cyclists, and it will help our goal to get more people cycling safely. Cycling and walking are not only good for your health but are better for the environment.”
Completing the ‘missing link’ is one of the priorities of the Council’s Cycling Strategy, which was adopted in 2014. The strategy is based on the vision: more cycling, more often, and even more safely. And the council has been working with local groups to campaign for more and better cycle routes while encouraging more and safer cycling.
The Cycling Strategy is part of the Council’s green policies to reduce road congestion and improve air quality. It included the formation of the Greenwich Cycle Forum which held an initial successful meeting last September.
Free cycle training and safety classes:
The Council and many local cycling clubs offer a host of opportunities for beginners and people who haven’t ridden a bike for a while and who want to build their confidence. These include a range of training courses and projects, such as Buddy Commutes and Rusty Riders.
People who cycle to work can get free advice on making their daily commute safer or help with planning and riding a route.
Did you know? There are more than 300 cycle parking stands in the borough where you can secure your bike once you get to your destination.
Free bicycle maintenance courses:
A free bicycle maintenance course is being held on Saturday 27 February from 10am to 12noon at Mycenae House, Mycenae Road, Blackheath.
The course covers the essentials of bike first-aid – puncture repair, wheel removal/refitting as well as how to repair gear- and brake-related niggles on your own bike.
Anyone who lives works or studies in the borough can book a place on the course by contacting cycle-training@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
Buy, sell or swap your old bike:Come along to a pop-up bike market and buy, sell or swap your old bike, run by Peddle-My-Wheels, in conjunction with Royal Greenwich.
Buyers: The bike market provides a great opportunity to find a theft-free bike that has been checked by a qualified mechanic and undergone a full service before selling. Cash or card accepted.
Sellers: Bring your unwanted bikes along with some photo ID and a mechanic will check the bike over before it is put it up for sale. It is completely free to sell your bike on the day. If your bike does not sell on the day, it will be taken to the next pop-up market.
* Sunday 21 February, 9am to 4pm, Eltham Farmers Market, Passey Place, SE9
* Wednesday 24 February, 9am to 4pm, Woolwich – Barnfield Estate on the intersection of Herbert Road and Mayplace Lane (near the hand car wash, just inside the estate)
* Saturday 19 March, 9am to 4pm, outside the library on Eynsham Drive in Abbey Wood
For more information about the cycling strategy and forum, to plan a route or find out more about cycling clubs and events, go to www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/cycling.
To contact the Council’s cycling team, email greener@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
The Met Police also has plenty of tips about cycle safety and security and offers bike security marking sessions in the borough. They also run Exchanging Places events giving cyclists the opportunity to be in the seat of an HGV lorry to find out what the drivers can and can’t see. Go to www.police.uk.
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