Transport News November 2009
Wheel winner?
A Hackney club is the frontrunner for top honours at the London Cycling Campaign Awards 2009.
STA Bikes Family Cycle Club, based at St Thomas Abney Primary School, has been nominated in the best Community Cycling Initiative category for its work with hard to reach groups in Hackney.
Gail Bristow, STA Bikes organiser, said: “One of the courses we offered was for mothers and daughters, a group that can be traditionally hard to get on bikes. It was particularly important for this group because we found for a lot of family transport decisions were more likely to be made by women.”
She added that another project, based in N16, offered young people at risk of joining gangs bicycle maintenance training. The scheme was applauded by police officers, including Sergeant Susan Jones, of Stoke Newington Police, who called it ‘ the most effective community engagement project we’ve run’. The award winners are announced later this month.
More information
To find out more go to www.stabikes.org.uk
16 November 2009
Break for Church St
Stoke Newington Church Street will return to its usual two-way road system for the festive season, following requests from businesses in the area.
Major road works began in September 2009 restricting the road to one-way access after a consultation with residents and businesses to improve the streetscape with additions such as better footway paving.
However, with the number of people likely to be attracted to the area during the festive season, business associations were concerned about a potential impact to trade.
The Council has responded by suspending the works and traffic diversions during December. Rosanne Berry, Chair of Stoke Newington Business Association, said: “We are very pleased with the progress being made and the continued support from the Council. Although there has been a downturn of trade during these works we are confident that a more pleasant shopping environment will encourage more people to stay and shop in the area.”
Councillor Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, added:
“The substantial investment being made and the improvements to Church Street will help shops, restaurants and bars by creating a nicer pedestrian environment.”
Improvements include planting new trees and installation of new cycle stands. Works will resume early in the New Year.
16 November 2009
Bye to the bendy bus
Passengers flagged down their last number 38 bendy bus when the infamous fleet was withdrawn from service on 14 November.
Traditional double deck buses will now take over the route, which operates between Clapton Pond and Victoria Station.
In addition, routes will change on the 38 service, with all buses running between Victoria and Hackney Central, and alternate buses carrying on to Clapton Pond.
Buses will run approximately every three to four minutes in the daytime and every six in the evening. Sunday service will see buses will run every five minutes during the day and every six in the evenings.
The N38, the equivalent night bus extending to Walthamstow Central, will run every 12 minutes and continue to operate as a double deck.
16 November 2009
Our new line is on the way
Hackney's new Overground line has moved a step closer.
The first passenger train was tested last month on the £1billion track, which Transport for London (TfL) is building from Dalston to West Croydon and Crystal Palace.
The test train ran at 10mph from New Cross Gate to Dalston Junction and back to check all the newly built sections of the line. All the tests were successful and further tests up to a top speed of 45mph will now be carried out.
TfL rail boss Ian Brown said: “This was an important day for the East London Line project. All the track, stations and signals are there and the line is ready for intensive testing and fitting out. The test train is now running and checking the route from end-to-end.”
The testing comes as construction nears completion at Dalston Junction, as well as Shoreditch High Street, Haggerston and Hoxton.
Workers at all four stations are now preparing to finish the wiring and install information systems and signs. The line is due to be finished in 2010.
2 November 2009
Greenest on the go
Pupils and staff at Tyssen Community School are celebrating an award that names them London’s ‘school of the year’ for their School Travel Plan.
The primary in Upper Clapton was awarded platinum status at Transport for London (TfL)’s Accreditation scheme awards ceremony on 20 October.
The TfL accreditation scheme has been designed to encourage long-term commitment to sustainable travel planning in schools.
Tyssen introduced its plan in 2006 and has now achieved a nine per cent increase in the number of pupils cycling to school and using public transport. It has also seen a massive 20 per cent reduction in the number of pupils being driven to school.
Bike ownership has increased among pupils, and the number of parents and staff driving a car with one person in it has decreased by nine per cent.
Alison Butler, Tyssen’s Sustainable Travel Manager, along with two pupils, collected the winning plaque and a certificate. She said: “This is a fantastic win, which is down to the hard work of all the pupils, parents and staff at the school. The headteacher understands the benefits of a well developed travel plan and has taken an important and innovative step by investing in a continuous programme of cycle training at the school.”
Our Lady and St Joseph’s School also received Accreditation status, achieving ‘Higher Standards’ level (silver).
The Council’s Streetscene department works with primary schools to develop travel plans, which set out practical ways to reduce the number of car trips made to and from school, to encourage more walking and cycling and to improve safety on the school journey.
More information
For details of School Travel Plans in Hackney call 020 8356 8469 or email: georgie.burchell@hackney.gov.uk
2 November 2009
Taking control of roadworks
Utility companies now need a permit before digging up Hackney’s roads after the Government approved a new permit scheme.
The scheme will help reduce congestion and smooth traffic flow in the borough, as it will allow Transport for London and the Council to impose conditions and timing over utility works.
Cllr Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:
“This scheme has the potential to make a big difference to Hackney's road users. It will hopefully cut the inconveniences caused by badly timed road works and allow the Council to set conditions for companies to help minimise disruption."
Bus route view
Residents are being asked for their views on proposals by Transport for London (TfL) to extend the 488 bus route from Clapton to Dalston.
The extended route would provide a much-needed link for residents going to Homerton Hospital, the Petchey Academy and Bsix Sixth Form College, as well as to London Overground services.
The full route extension would lead from Clapton, Kenninghall Roundabout along Kenninghall Road, Rendlesham Road, Downs Road, Rectory Road, Shacklewell Lane and Kingsland High Street finishing at Dalston Junction Station.
The deadline is 20 November 2009. To have your say visit: www.tfl.gov.uk and type bus route 488 into search.
2 November 2009
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
.