June Rides and Events in Waltham Forest

Sunday 3 June – 10am, Leytonstone @ McDonald’s
The E11 / North Star Vélo Ride from Chalkwell to Shoeburyness
We’ll take the train to Chalkwell so bring any railcards you might have.
Meet outside McDonald’s in Leytonstone High Street E11 for 10am departure. If you have questions, call Dwight on 07973 131429.

Sunday 3 June – 11am, The Mill, Coppermill Lane, E17
The Sunday Cycle
Meet outside The Mill in Coppermill Lane at 11am. Return c. 3pm. If you have questions, email “Art Catcher” Katja.

Thursday 7 June – 4:30pm, Walthamstow Town Square
Feeder Ride to the Stop Killing Cyclists’ Woolwich Vigil and Die-In
If you’re nearby, do join Nic riding to attend the Stop Killing Cyclists’ Vigil and Die-In in Woolwich – or head straight there, to protest against the continued road violence.
More details to follow.

Sunday 10 June – 1pm, Ancient House E17
Walthamstow Family Bike Club’s Open Spaces Ride
A relaxed and enjoyable afternoon travelling by bicycle and exploring the nooks and crannies in and around our borough. Frisbees sometimes materialise when we hit a suitable open space.
We aim to stop off at a café at about half time, but we recommend you bring a snack and some water.
Meet at 1pm at the Orford Road/Church Lane junction, E17 9RW, next to the old postbox opposite the Ancient House … see the map.

 

Sunday 10 June – 9:30am, Elmfield Road Green E17
Ahead Charity Ride
Ahead, our local charity in support of various projects in Ethiopia, is organising a fundraising event which includes a ride. Ahead’s mastermind Elfneh Bariso is a good friend and supporter of WF Cycling. Last time we were involved with Ahead’s ride it was great fun so do come along and help raise money for schools, colleges, girls’ hostels, and other important projects!

Sunday 17 June – 10:30am, Walthamstow Town Square
Take the Peaceful Route with Nic
Meet from about 10:30 for an 11 o’clock start outside Walthamstow Library / Farmers’ Market.
Join Nic for the peaceful ride over mixed surfaces (be ready for a bit of mud!). The destination and direction of the ride will be discussed at the start and will account for wind speed and direction and may be train-assisted – so take your Oyster or contactless debit card with you.

Sunday 17 June – 2pm, Walthamstow Village Square
Walthamstow Family Bike Club’s Newcomers Ride
This ride around the quiet streets in Walthamstow Village is intended for those new to cycling, including families with young children, and will especially appeal to those who don’t have the stamina or confidence for our longer ‘Open Spaces’ excursions on the 2nd Sunday each month.
Basic skills are necessary: please make sure you are able to pedal and balance, turn corners, and brake to a halt .. all without falling off! If you are not confident about your basic skills, then we can recommend the council’s free cycle training.
We’ll keep together as a group and ‘top and tail’ the ride with marshalls, with an experienced ride leader at the front, and an expert marshall at the back to keep cars out of our convoy. We also have at least one other marshall who cycles on the right hand side of the group to help out with junctions etc.
We meet at 2pm in Walthamstow Village Square at the junction of Eden Road and Orford Road (for a map click here). We finish at the Square around 3:30pm.

Wednesday 20 June – 6:30pm, Walthamstow Town Square
Bridget’s Evening Ride
Join Bridget for an hour’s relaxing riding around the borough, with an optional pub or café settle-down at the end.
Bring your lights as you will need them before the end of the ride!

Sunday 24 June – WFCycling Social Ride is not running due to clash with the Tour de Waltham Forest!

Sunday 24 June – Leyton Jubilee Park
Tour de Waltham Forest
Come to Leyton Jubilee Park for a cycle-themed day in the park, and take part in one of the rides:

• Adventure 18km start 11.30am (finishing no later than 1.30pm)
• Explore 12km start 12.30pm (finishing no later than 1.30pm)
• Leisure 7.5km start 2.30pm (finishing no later than 3.30pm)  

Places are limited so register for this event here.

Friday 29 June – 6pm, Walthamstow Town Square
Critical Mass
Come to Belvedere Road in the Southbank by 7:30pm to join this energising bike party if you’re already in Central London, or else meet Nic outside Walthamstow Library by 6pm to ride there together.

Every Saturday – 8:30am, Leytonstone @ McDonald’s
North Star Velo Road Rides: easy & medium paced
Whether you want to try road cycling and don’t know how fit you are, or you’re ready for a medium-paced effort, join the club.
Easy rides maximum 30 miles
Medium-paced rides c. 50 miles.
Meet outside McDonald’s in High Road Leytonstone.
Back in time for lunch, or a pint at the North Star!

North Star Velo also run frequent midweek short road rides, evening and sometimes morning so do check their website!

If you would like your ride listed here just get in touch.

Want to try family bikes and trikes? Rent one for the ride directly from Waltham Forest Council.

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Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, 22nd May

Our monthly meeting is on Tuesday and all cyclists are welcome – 8pm to 9:30pm in the Hornbeam Centre, 458 Hoe Street, E17 9AH

Agenda

1 – Introductions and appointment of minute taker

2 – Review of April meeting minutes

3 – LCC feedback & Coordinator’s business

4 – WFCC Rides and Events

• Tour de Waltham Forest
• Ride leader needed for July

5 – Council liaison officers’ report back

• Feedback on any other Waltham Forest issues

6 – Any other business

• Chair needed for June

Next meeting 26th June

Any additional items for the agenda please comment below, or email Contact@wfcycling.org.uk

WFCC is part of the London Cycling Campaign, the world’s largest urban cycling organisation. You don’t need to be an LCC member to attend our meetings, but if you like what we do please consider joining LCC to help support our work. Members also receive discounts in many bike shops, insurance and other benefits.

May Rides and Events in Waltham Forest

Sunday 6 May – 10am, Leytonstone @ McDonald’s
The E11 / North Star Vélo Ride to Barking Creek
Join us for a leisurely ride through some of the less well cycled local suburbs as we follow the general course of the Roding until it becomes Barking Creek and empties into the Thames. We will have the opportunity to marvel at the colossus that is the Creekmouth Barrier, discover pretty hidden parks and hear a little of the history of the area. Worth noting that some of the ride is along busy roads, (Sunday in a group so it won’t be too bad) and that there is a small amount of bridleway standard surfaces.
Meet outside McDonald’s in Leytonstone High Street E11 for 10am departure. If you have questions, call Dwight on 07973 131429.

Sunday 6 May – 11am, The Mill, Coppermill Lane, E17
The Sunday Cycle
Look on the bright side of Easter and get your two wheels out!
Meet outside The Mill in Coppermill Lane at 11am. Return c. 3pm. If you have questions, email “Art Catcher” Katja.

Sunday 13 May – 1pm, Ancient House E17
Walthamstow Family Bike Club’s Open Spaces Ride
A relaxed and enjoyable afternoon travelling by bicycle and exploring the nooks and crannies in and around our borough. Frisbees sometimes materialise when we hit a suitable open space.
We aim to stop off at a café at about half time, but we recommend you bring a snack and some water.
Meet at 1pm at the Orford Road/Church Lane junction, E17 9RW, next to the old postbox opposite the Ancient House … see the map.

Wednesday 16 May – 6:30pm, Walthamstow Town Square
Bridget’s Evening Ride is back!
Join Bridget for an hour’s relaxing riding around the borough, with an optional pub or café settle-down at the end.
Bring your lights as you will need them before the end of the ride!

Sunday 20 May – 10:30am, Walthamstow Town Square
Take the Peaceful Route with Nic
Meet from about 10:30 for an 11 o’clock start outside Walthamstow Library / Farmers’ Market.
Join Nic for the peaceful ride over mixed surfaces (be ready for a bit of mud!). The destination and direction of the ride will be discussed at the start and will account for wind speed and direction and may be train-assisted – so take your Oyster or contactless debit card with you.

Sunday 20 May – 2pm, Walthamstow Village Square
Walthamstow Family Bike Club’s Newcomers Ride
This ride around the quiet streets in Walthamstow Village is intended for those new to cycling, including families with young children, and will especially appeal to those who don’t have the stamina or confidence for our longer ‘Open Spaces’ excursions on the 2nd Sunday each month.
Basic skills are necessary: please make sure you are able to pedal and balance, turn corners, and brake to a halt .. all without falling off! If you are not confident about your basic skills, then we can recommend the council’s free cycle training.
We’ll keep together as a group and ‘top and tail’ the ride with marshalls, with an experienced ride leader at the front, and an expert marshall at the back to keep cars out of our convoy. We also have at least one other marshall who cycles on the right hand side of the group to help out with junctions etc.
We meet at 2pm in Walthamstow Village Square at the junction of Eden Road and Orford Road (for a map click here). We finish at the Square around 3:30pm.
No bike? Rent one for the ride in Waltham Forest’s dockless bike hire scheme.

Friday 25 May – 6pm, Walthamstow Town Square
Critical Mass
Come to Belvedere Road in the Southbank by 7:30pm to join this energising bike party if you’re already in Central London, or else meet Nic outside Walthamstow Library by 6pm to ride there together.

Sunday 27 May – 10am, Walthamstow Town Square
WFCycling Social Ride to Broxbourne
Bring food and drink, though we will stop for a snack along the way. Please bring your Oyster card or contactless debit card in case we take public transport.
Meet at 10:15 outside Walthamstow Library, for a departure by 10:30. We are usually back by 3-4pm.

Bridget’s Breeze ride – 9:45am, Town Hall, Forest Road
Meet Bridget for the women’s-only (children welcome) Breeze Ride by the Town Hall fountain in Forest Road, E17 4JF for 10am departure.
The route is mostly off-road and quiet roads. Leisurely pace. There will be at least one tea stop / lunch stop at a cafe.
Please bring sufficient money for refreshments.
Please arrive early, giving time for a quick bike check before setting off on time.
To participate, please sign up here.

Every Saturday – 8:30am, Leytonstone @ McDonald’s
North Star Velo Road Rides: easy & medium paced
Whether you want to try road cycling and don’t know how fit you are, or you’re ready for a medium-paced effort, join the club.
Easy rides maximum 30 miles
Medium-paced rides c. 50 miles.
Meet outside McDonald’s in High Road Leytonstone.
Back in time for lunch, or a pint at the North Star!
North Star Velo also run frequent midweek short road rides, evening and sometimes morning so do check their website!

ADVANCED NOTICE:

Sunday 10 June: Ahead Charity Ride
Ahead, our local charity in support of various projects in Ethiopia, is organising a fundraising event which includes a ride. Ahead’s mastermind Elfneh Bariso is a good friend and supporter of WF Cycling. Last time we were involved with Ahead’s ride it was great fun so do come along and help raise money for schools, colleges, girls’ hostels, and other important projects!

If you would like your ride listed here just get in touch.

No bike? Rent one for the ride in Waltham Forest’s dockless bike hire scheme.

Want to try family bikes and trikes? Rent one for the ride directly from Waltham Forest Council.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mini-Holland Progress Review

Report from our council liaison team at the 2018 Annual Meeting.

Notable progress since March 2017:

Widening works for cycle tracks on Lea Bridge Road

• Markhouse Road tracks completed from South Grove to Boundary Road.
• Huge progress on Lea Bridge Road, will shortly have virtually continuous protected tracks from Hackney border to Markhouse Road junction. Work has started on the section to Russell Road (Section C).
• Forest Road tracks from Blackhorse Road to Bell Corner progressing quickly – around 70% complete.
• Whipps Cross roundabout progressing, with Wood Street junction largely complete and much infrastructure preparation work done prior to roundabout removal.
• Leyton Village East (east of High Road) filtered permeability scheme started and largely completed (some planting still to be done), with through motor traffic now eliminated via modal filters and new one way streets.
• Blackhorse Village filtered permeability scheme finished with Northcote Road modal filter going in last March, and remaining speed cushions being replaced with full width s-humps. Further “blended crossings” being built on Palmerston Road.
• Cycle parking hubs opened for Leyton & St James St stations, adding to the those already installed at Wood Street, Leytonstone, the two at Walthamstow Central, and Lea Bridge.
• 225 cycle hangers installed – this against 90 originally planned in the 2013 mini-Holland bid to TfL.
• Billet Road tracks nearly complete, giving almost uninterrupted protection from Billet roundabout to 200m short of Blackhorse Road tube. This is not mini-Holland funded but we’re hoping money will be found in future to create protection for some heavily used junctions including Higham Hill Road and Folly Lane.
  

  View of Francis Road (Leyton Village East) shortly after completion

Main areas of concern:

• Forest Road – there are 3 short sections without stepped track or any form of physical protection. WFCC have engaged with ward councillors on this.
• Chingford to Leyton Town Centre cycle route phase 1 is indirect along back streets, and avoids the desire line (along main roads such as Chingford Road, Hoe St, Leyton High Road). The aim is to shift sections on to the desire line as funding becomes available – the risk is it doesn’t.
• Walthamstow Central (former gyratory) plans – looks like bus service requirements will have a disproportionate influence.
• Lea Bridge Road bus borders – do we need measures to reduce the risk of pedestrian/cycle conflict?

Conclusion

WFCC have run over 30 Mini-Holland tours for external groups of campaigners, councillors and officers from across the UK and beyond. This underlines how groundbreaking the progress in our borough is.

Dan & Paul wish to commend our local political leadership for their vision and continued commitment to delivering this programme in the face of considerable opposition, and council officers for their high standards and focus on delivering the best solutions possible on the ground.

We also wish to thank the many campaigners and others in our community who have played an invaluable role in supporting this extraordinary project.