"Back in March 2014, Waltham Forest was successful in its bid to the Mayor of London for £30m to fund a Mini Holland cycling programme. This is designed to radically improve the borough’s cycling infrastructure and so make it much more likely people will cycle around our area. The plan is to create a 'network of cycle-friendly home zones' though greening, traffic calming and closing off rat-runs around our area where cars drive through the area without stopping, and so improving the experience for cyclists.
This week sees the start of a trial of two weeks of road closures around the Walthamstow village area to test these principles. As MP I have not been involved in designing any of these proposals, and I recognise that the initial consultation has not been conducted well, as many residents have been in touch to express their anger and frustration with these plans.
As someone with an office in the area affected and who regularly cycles, walks and drives in the village area many of the suggestions residents have made look like they would improve this plan- and some frankly may not! However, having spoken to them, I also know the councillors are keen for residents to feed in their ideas so that at the end of this trial these plans can be strongly influenced by local knowledge.
Therefore please do ensure you email your thoughts on what is- and isn't working - to
miniholland@walthamforest.gov.uk or visit the council officers who will be holding drop in sessions on every day of the trial in the Asian Centre on Orford Road between 2-7pm. If you do not get an acknowledgement of your feedback or have difficulty finding these sessions please email me and my team and I will ensure your views are included in their consultation.
I know that ability to park, drive and cycle safely as well as council consultations can engender strong feelings for many - I hope residents can remain calm and use the consultation process to express their opinions as the most constructive place for this debate!"
You can see the LBWF map of the trial area here
I know that ability to park, drive and cycle safely as well as council consultations can engender strong feelings for many - I hope residents can remain calm and use the consultation process to express their opinions as the most constructive place for this debate!"
You can see the LBWF map of the trial area here
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