chrism

Do any forum readers use the shared cycle and pedestrian path on the Old Kent Road? The reason I ask is that now Southwark have taken away the rail separating pedestrians and cyclists, it has become much more dangerous. My partner hit someone who ran in front of him today, and I've noticed people are now more likely to walk on the cycle path (much of which is obscured anyway by piles of leaves covering up the line markings). What's more the cycle path markings don't extend into Rodney Road, as they used to, so there's no warning to pedestrians that bikes will enter the path here. Frankly, it's a mess, and has made this route more dangerous than before. I'm going to write to Southwark and LCC but wanted to know if anyone else has experienced problems here. Thanks for reading. Chris

Myself and other residents requested speed bumps in our road. As I drive an ancient, low wheel-based vehicle I'm no fan of bumps per se, but they definitely do make a difference to the amount of people that speed down our road. There are a few drivers that still cane it, but overall it feels a safer road. As a cyclist I also feel far safer riding on traffic-calmed roads - though a design featuring a kerb-side gap that cyclists could pass through would be appreciated!

Hi Vik I have previously posted my thoughts on Kingsdale on another thread, but just thought I'd add that the journey from ED is not that bad. My son actively enjoys bussing in, and it's not a problem for him to visit friends after school - he just breaks his journey. There was talk of asking TfL to increase the frequency of the P13, as so many more East Dulwich kids are coming to Kingsdale, and of organising a school bus, but not sure of progress on this. I agree with the other posters about visiting schools again and hanging around outside at 3pm (I did this too!), but you can also ask to attend a parents' forum at Kingsdale where you'll get to meet some of the senior staff as well as the parents. It gives a useful insight into the running of the school. I think the parent-school relationship at Kingsdale is one of its strengths - there is a genuine willingness to listen and respond to parents. Chris

Funnily enough, I attended jury service last year on a similar case where attacks were happening on cyclists using the canal in Hackney. Police kept a watch and caught the three lads involved. Can't see why they couldn't do something similar here if it's happening regularly. There shouldn't be no-go areas - and if we all avoid it presumably the attackers will just move somewhere else to rob people.

After emailing Southwark complaining about the lack of lighting in Burgess Park (which means I now cycle round the park in winter, rather than risk going through it in pitch darkness), I was surprised to receive an email asking me to meet with council officers to discuss the problem. The area of the park that affects me is New Church Road to Albany Road, but I see from this thread that other cyclists use different paths through the park. If you have particular concerns/ideas re cycling in the park that you would like me to raise in this meeting (which takes place in Feb), feel free to email me.