DOWN TO MONKEY BUSINESS
A big thank-you to everyone who filled in The Royal Parks’ survey for its public consultation, which we are confident will bring about positive changes for everyone who rides a bike in Richmond Park. And a tip of the hat to our chums and co-sponsors Look Mum No Hands! who did a fantastic job helping us spread the word on social media in the run-up to the July 14 deadline. Cheers, guys!
There was a greater response than anticipated - and now TRP’s transport manager Mat Bonomi faces the onerous task of wading through the masses of completed online forms submitted via Survey Monkey to understand everyone’s views before presenting the results to his board and the trustees. We should have more news for you after that time.
To recap the schedule which we mentioned a couple of bulletins back, the second phase of the Movement Strategy’s development will take place in September and October, then evidence-based proposals which emerge from the process should be finalised and adopted by TRP’s board by December. By then, your favourite wordplay-loving monthly newsletter may have decided to go with “2020 VISION” as a headline - unless TRP beats us to it in a press release!
If you filled in the survey and were concerned to read in the follow-up email that members of an obscure motoring group had responded, then fear not. TRP will be carrying out surveys at the park’s gates to make sure that proportions of visitor types are taken into account when gauging responses.
Also, we are proud to be one of the groups who were invited to make a submission directly to TRP. You can read the views we set out - including the reasons why we think charging for shortcut journeys through the park is the most effective way to reduce traffic - in this handy document.
100 AND WAITING
A reminder that this Sunday is the day of RideLondon, the annual celebration of cycling which gives 25,000 people the chance to ride up to 100 miles of traffic-free roads in London and Surrey - including those in Richmond Park. That means the park’s roadways will be shut, so you won’t be able to do any laps. The trails may also have restricted access.
You should, however, be able to ride through the park on the road if you are prepared to wait until the afternoon. The first riders will arrive at 6.20am and the last at 10.30am, and roads will remain shut until barriers and other temporary works in place for the event are removed. After that, it’s worth seeing if you can make a shortcut journey through the park. In the past couple of years we have had no trouble cycling from Ham Gate to Roehampton Gate at around 2pm on the day of the event.
For the first time, the RideLondon-Surrey Classic - the pro race version of RideLondon - will not go through Richmond Park and will start in Bushy Park. Get there by midday to see the riders sign on - some of whom, including Brit Alex Dowsett and Aussie triple stage-winner Caleb Ewan, you may have already seen in this year’s Tour de France!
PEN-DING ROADWORKS
Last year’s roadworks which resulted in the lovely super-smooth tarmac that we now all enjoy did not quite extend to the route up to Pen Ponds car park as had been planned - but that is soon to be rectified. At the end of August, there will be patch repairs from Robin Hood roundabout to Pen Ponds car park followed by spray tar and chip surfacing in September, weather permitting.
There are also works scheduled for Richmond Gate in late September or early October, although The Royal Parks may delay until next year if contractors are unavailable prior to the commencement of earlier gate locking times. Look out for roadside notices nearer the time for more details on both works.
SOAR POINT
There’s something in the air… and it’s rather noisy. Heathrow Airport wants to reroute arriving planes directly over Richmond Park with a flight every 75 seconds. The flight path has been chosen to disturb fewer households, but it would subject noise to the park’s millions of users who come to find sanctuary from urban life.
The redesign of the flight paths - the first in 50 years - is scheduled to begin in 2021, with or without a third runway. Consultation papers will be out in August and in our next bulletin we will suggest ways you might respond to them by the closing date of September 13th. In the meantime, you can join the Friends Of Richmond Park’s campaign by emailing bulletins@frp.org.uk or heading to their website.
ADDRESSING CRIME
Slow but steady progress from the police hunting Richmond Park’s bicycle nabbers who, you may recall, made off with at least 13 bikes from outside Colicci before their spree ended in mid-March. Apparently the cops are awaiting authorisation for further traces on IP addresses linking the thieves to more than one property. More than 150 bikes were sold through one online trading account and two have been returned to their owners. Let’s hope a few more of those who were robbed will be reunited with their pride and joy. Go get ’em, officers!
EXCHANGE AND START
A couple of weeks ago we popped in to see our co-sponsors Cycle Exchange at their new Sury Basin home opposite the big Sainsbury’s in Kingston and we were really impressed by the premises, particularly the cafe which was quite busy even though they had only moved in a few days previously. The pre-owned premium bike specialist’s official launch will be on Saturday 17 August - have a gander at their Instagram and Facebook for more details of events on the day, which include free bike health checks, free barbecue and giveaways. We’ll see you there!
AVOID A FINE MESS
Finally, a brief reminder to avoid riding your bike on the footpaths. You could get a fine from the police if you do. But remember that you can ride on the path next to the road from Roehampton Gate to Richmond Gate, as well as the Tamsin Trail.
SEE YOU NEXT MONTH...
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All the best,
Richmond Park Cyclists
website: richmondparkcyclists.org
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