malumbu

Correct me if I am wrong. The broken ones will not work with battery boost. They weigh about the same as a small car, so not much fun pedaling although good for your leg muscles.

I am a bit worried as you are suggesting that the police should be stopping children, and that the police should be doing this riding bikes, and that the police should also be wearing balaclavas. If I was a police officer I may object as it is rather hot to be wearing balaclavas at this time of the year. I'm not sure if there are enough police to be stopping all the children. And there would also be a shortage of bikes. Apart from these issues it sounds a great idea.

Penguin I bet you'd be an excellent councillor. And several more who are active on this forum. I've had a few friends who have done this, mainly Labour, and they've done a lot of good things for their communities. Even after standing down they've continued supporting the community through volunteering, acting as Trustees to schools and charities and the like. I'm trying to look on the bright side, not always that easy, but I think this is a great outlook on life.

All looks very nice. What is your cuisine? Anglo Bangladeshi? Or a little different. Happy to share my extensive Indian Subcontinent culinary advice!

My experience with reporting unfit properties has been good Alice. I encourage everyone to start off with the positives. If you want to have a moan then look at the fiscal/political situation the lead to the housing crisis. Thatcher and the property is king ethos that I bet many of us benefited from. The wide availability of buy to let loans that hardly existed 25 years ago The view that property prices in the SE will continue to rise and you can't lose Thatch, Major, Blair, Brown, Cameron, the plethora of even more useless PMs after this. selling off of public housing and not replacing this etc etc. surely that is not all Southwark fault. we are not even talking slum landlords here, but greedy ones maximising their profits.

It's a different business model to when I was a small scumlord - buy cheap, let out cheap, a nice earner on the side (done through the books) and most of us would absorb regulatory fees, changes in interest rates and the like. When licensing came in we'd be hit by bills for improving windows, adding fire doors, mains smoke alarms and the like, but as these were improvements wouldn't bang the rent up as we were investing in the property. Different world driven by the relative ease of borrowing, at low rates, with guaranteed profit on selling up. Some got burned from investing in parts of the country where supply was greater than demand. Certainly not London. I've disliked most of the landlords family have dealt with but do come across the odd one who was more like me and easy going. A whole to thread on the lounge about affordability in the rental market.

Funnily enough I was thinking of posting after watching Question Time. Cat, not recommending it as it was awful. The idea was good but the anecdotal stuff was not challenged by the Beeb, pretty much reflecting the BBC at the time, which probably had enough of an impact to swing the referendum vote. Two examples last night, "immigrants immediately sign on for benefit" and roofers in the UK follow safety rules, but French and German builders don't. Clearly unaware of the heavy regulation in both continental countries. I expect most dodgy builders are the poor quality Brits who do cash in hand for the ex pats, certainly reasonably common in Brittany. We got fed up eg Labour electioneering so switched off. Shame that Victoria Derbyshire isn't doing QT rather than Fifi Bruce. She takes no prisoners. Snipes at Clacton doesn't help your cause Steppenwolf. Come on Cat, let's have a good debate.

I'd be interested to know where the money is going. I've checked salaries and Southwark, as with most of the public sector, pay considerably lower than the private sector for comparable jobs (spare a thought for the voluntary/third sector where pay is even lower). The good news is that most in the public (and third) sector are dedicated to improving life for the masses. Now of course you may not agree with the way they do it, but hey ho that is life. They are also accountable through a number of means if you are unhappy from a simple complaint all the way up to the Audit Committee. I sense that most of you who are a bit mithered don't know any public servants, perhaps there should be some befriending schemes. As for licensing, in a parallel universe I was a small scumlord. Sorry landlord. And saw the introduction of gas and electricity safety certificates, minimum room sizes, fire safety and the like. I wouldn't like to go back to a time of tenants dying from carbon monoxide poisoning. This was the tail end of rent controls which Thatch got rid of which may have been the start of the buy to let explosion. It would be great to see such controls reinstated. The scheme does appear a little pricey but there again my return was relatively tiny compared to today's rents.

It's great that you are also passionate about the issue of congestion in London. May I suggest you start yet another thread on the matter

Great that you took note and quickly reported to the police.

Just Googled this but rather a long document. Great if one of you can explain what this is about. Thanks

I am an expert in counselling angry people. I expect that We could do a good double act DKH. 🙂🙂

Well I feel like a right nanna now as my search came up with DfT. From first hand experience their officials are involved. Not going to work out the exact relationship between CAA and DfT, it has become more arm's length, but would expect that accountability is through the man/woman or fruiting body in Whitehall

Airport operations are overseen by the Transport Secretary, I think the Right Hon Sir Dick Mango. You can write to him direct or through your local MP Ms Emma Pomegranate. I hope you enquiries bear 🍓

There's a big difference between negative associations with cyclists and some of the hard-line posts being made. I started the mental health thing, a bit clumsy, which I tried to explain in a separate post. Two of you were having a nonsense go at cyclists, I was simply trying to say that this anger looked like an obsession. An irrational obsession. You can read mental health issues into this but I expect that most of us get like this sometime, and it is good to consider how we personally can address such feelings, no doubt exacerbated as our anger is unlikely to change things. What are my current obsessions? Well in the past it was popcorn in cinemas. And people filming everything, particular at concerts. Bloomin barmy. But I've had to step back or else I'd never leave the house. I don't hate these people, just find it annoying. As for filming in portrait rather than landscape, that's just brain dead. Thought it amusing that the Tories used this in a recent campaign. Interesting to hear about hostile vehicle mitigation. Had a vague involvement in this once. They put this up on my commute, Lambeth Bridge, but have very much changed my career post COVID so work cycling very much local. Of course traffic management South side of Lambeth Bridge is nuts, but not sure which local authority to rant at

I did a fairly scientific study on journey times in my commute. It was around 30 mins by bike with say 15 mins of showering and changing. The same journey to SW1 by overground and tube slightly longer with getting on for a mile walking. But couldn't stand the crowds. So a few times a year I'd get the bus - 185. If I was on that before say 7.45 I'd miss congestion at sacred Heart on Camberwell New Road before the bus lane. The cycle lanes introduced by the Oval didn't change journey time which stayed at 55 - 60 mins over the decades. Congestion at Goose green, Champion Hill, Denmark Hill, and Camberwell Green was loosely consistent. It was notable that most did shorter journeys by the bus quarter emptying at Denmark Hill and Vauxhall station. It was fun watching the bikes on the bus lane which overall kept pace with the bus. Most cyclists were experienced and I never saw confrontation. Which aligned with my experience of bother with buses and taxis - maybe once or twice a year. I got a seat almost every time, would read my paper, book, and later check a few emails etc. The only annoyance was stopping at Camberwell to let buses even out, which I never understood. Same sometimes on 63 at Peckham. For another thread. Back many years ago I drove on strike days. But would never dream of doing that as my rat runs were closed or discovered, congestion charge, lack of cheap street parking and the enforcement of parking restrictions on the council estate that I had used to park. All a good thing So what am I saying? I didn't see any problems over the years, including the introduction of more restrictions on motor traffic and improving cycling infrastructure. I'm not sure why others see things differently. I'm talking big picture not the inconvenience on local journeys or new congestion points.

Copy of Southwark letter - hopefully you will all be pleased. Why not give me a thumbs up or thumbs down. Thanks to ED Pete who put the letter up on another thread

(From 'local government' article www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/transport-and-highways/443-transport-and-highways-news/54068-campaigners-crowdfunding-judicial-review-of-walking-and-cycling-infrastructure-cuts😞 Sustainable travel campaign group, Transport Action Network (TAN), is seeking to launch a judicial review of the Government's cuts to walking and cycling infrastructure, arguing that a recent change in policy constitutes an unlawful bypass of the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS). TAN's litigation centres around the Government's decision in March of this year to cut two-thirds of England's dedicated funding for walking, wheeling and cycling. The group contends that the announcement goes against the Government's promises in its CWIS, a strategy the Government is required to set out under the Infrastructure Act 2015. I'm considering contributing, even if just to get a message across: www.crowdjustice.com/case/stop-the-cuts-to-walking-and-cycling/ They are after £40k, but a the time of writing were only £30 short of the initial £15k called for. I expect that would cover the pre-JR stage, which could be rejected by the High Court. There is substance but I expect government to wriggle out by amending the Infrastructure Act

Fond memories, including a Spitting Image sketch (slightly risque) when Labour got into power in 97. As a minister she got her private office to cover over the smoke alarm, maybe the last minister to smoke in the office (I'm seeing this from the funny side). Gordon McQueen, ex Leeds and Man U from a time when the Scotland national team were good. As much remembered for his bouffant www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63664992

Good on Southwark, hope others will agree, do put on the Lime Bikes thread

Crims using them now for example to check out bike sheds in rear gardens. Obviously may be innocent.

Licensing of bikes comes up from time to time usually when the current government want to send red meat to their more hard line supporters or distract from small nuisances like fibbing ex Prime Ministers. Government officials remind the Transport Secretary that is has been looked at time and time again, is daft and undeliverable. We've chatted many times about this on the Forum, so to save time I've attached the previous thread www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/313035-cyclists-could-be-made-to-have-registration-plates-and-insurance-–-report/#comment-1590414 There are numerous articles on why it is daft, many in cycling journals, but also from serious journalists like Peter Walker, who lives locally. Rather than go to recent articles this one from 2010 shows it was daft 13 years ago https://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2010/dec/13/regulating-cyclists I did find a spoof article in Viz or Private Eye that you will enjoy. Just don't take it seriously folks https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11117805/Shake-road-laws-bike-riders-forced-registration-numbers-insurance.html

ROSPA published a review of electric bikes you may wish to read: www.rospa.com/rospaweb/docs/advice-services/road-safety/cyclists/e-bikes-factsheet.pdf I often go to this organisation as an authoritative source of information and they do an excellent job of lobbying government. I've cut a relevant paragraph from this document: "Cyclists must also follow all normal road rules and laws- these laws apply no matter what kind of bicycle they are riding. RoSPA recommend that all road users regularly read the Highway Code to refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road. All cyclists should also be looking out for other road users such as pedestrians and giving them time and room. As riders are able to accelerate quicker when riding an electric bike, pedestrians may miscalculate their speed. RoSPA recommend that any cyclist who is returning to riding after a long people of not riding or cyclists switching from a conventional bike to an electric bike should consider taking a cycle training course. For more information about cycle training, visit the Bikeability website" Recommending refresher and advanced training for all road users is a good thing. The current government is committed to providing free cycling lessons to everyone, which is a great thing. I'm sure that future governments will extend this to drivers, and delivery cyclists. To enter into the fun pub talk about who's had the best experience with another road user, I've had two fun ones in quick succession. I politely asked a motorist to slow down, as he was driving well over the speed limit close to a school with kids on their bikes. Similarly with a driver, who clearly had forgotten the highway code and didn't remember not to cut the corner of a junction, I politely reminded him about the rule in the UK of riding/cycling on the left. They both gave me a cheery fack off. I was so chilled that I brushed this off, but thought it would make an amusing anacdote to share with my on line friends. I've got lots of fun stories about people being a bit naughty on motorbikes, I have a license too, but that will be for another thread.

From my understanding Peckham Lido is not going to happen for numerous reasons. It sounds a great idea but not practical/realistic.

Glad I have been missed. Had things to do and also it is Springwatch on the Beeb. The thread that was supposed to be talking about one scheme that had been dropped has reverted yet again to anti LTNs, and at times a tirade against cyclists. There is a thread on the Lounge where we can discuss LTNs to our hearts content. I'm happy to join in there but not here. Others could also start thread on why they hate cyclists. I'll be putting one up on the Lounge shortly about supporting a challenge to government on reduced spending on active travel. So from my take there are a few of you who at every opportunity present your views against LTNs, other schemes that could make it more difficult to drive and/or own a car, views that Southwark are corrupt/incompetent/in the pockets of the rich/loony lefties, and also go on about how it is all the cyclists fault/how much you dislike (many) cyclists. Stepping back this all appears rather extreme and disproportionate. Hence my suggestion of personal reflection and ways of managing this anger. Be it CBT, yoga, mindfulness, classical music, meditation, deep breathing etc etc. many months ago I discussed my earlier obsession over planning which became all consuming. I'm not sure why I can be more relaxed about this now - something suddenly changed, and there continue to be some horrid (in my view) developments in the area. Yes there are things that I don't like, particularly on a national and global scale. But generally I do not need to resort to continued repetitive postings on this forum. And after one 'FFS get a life' moment decided to try to limit my postings to information/positive views. It's a struggle at times! And please don't lecture me about mental health. We all have our problems, we all have our demons. I've had and have close family members with issues. I've had my fair share of workplace stress. Fortunately most of us can continue to function without significant/professional help. And I have and will continue to support some with mental disabilities. But is always worth looking at our own behaviour and why we get so wound up about certain issues .