mlteenie

There are plenty of private school kids who are driven (and even drive.....) to school in this area precisely because of the number of those schools. We see it every day of normal school term. Anyone round here knows the streets are relatively empty of cars when it is holiday time.

I remember the 80s recession too, but I hadn't left homeat its peak. I think this may end up being just as bad but in different ways. It will pass, but like then, at a price. People can't afford to wait, unfortunately. Things will be grim.

Hmmm.... So how are people coping without work? I was lucky enough to be covered by the SEISS but many weren't. Both my main streams of income are gone for the foreseeable (namely music and cycle-related). It seems like there will be enormous competition for any work that might be available. What the hell do we do?

I am surprised no-one has commented on this. We and several friends/acquaintances featured in this and I can tell you Nick is a genuine and incredibly energetic and positive guy - plus he takes great pics and is raising money for an amazing youth charity If you can help him, please do!

Nice to hear the solidarity. We now refer to the (motorctcle-originated) lifesaver as a last or turning look, as we don't want to imply death to kids nor other trainees!

If you have a mobility issue, obv you will need to do whatever makes you most comfortable. As you understand the physical movement shows any other attentive road user that you are observant. Even though you would ideally like eye contact, you rarely achieve that but the movement is enough to generate communication, which is what you want. As a driver and two-wheeler I find it frustrating when a rider in front seems oblivious to what is right behind them, and it is easy for many to assume they don't care and wish to get past them. Of course if the cyclist then changes direction without looking that is a whole other problem. It is all about reducing the chances of something happening over a lifetime of riding. Sometimes there are unavoidable accidents but 99.9% is probably in your own hands. I certainly ride way safer since I became an instructor, well over ten years ago. I have ridden all my life but had various bad habits that I thought were correct. There has to be a certain amount of assertiveness, but looking and smiling go a long way!

@mancity68 - we teach mostly in schools and whatvwe tell the beginners is to keep pedalling whilst signalling or looking back. If you don't you are far more likely to lose some balance and swerve, which is what you want to avoid. It can be trickier with two hands on the bars but it depends what type of look you are giving. A quick glance to see who is just next to/behind you or right round to see much further? The first us a split second, the latter a second or more with corresponding needs for balance. I suggest practicing in Dulwich park, especially the wide section leading to the gate onto Dulwich Common, near the tennis courts. Also make sure you are not next to the kerb when attempting these manoeuvres, as you will have little safety room to play with. Normally these lessons are free from the council, but not just yet.

Good advice from yourmomma. To be at the front is not always possible nor advisable, dependent on the other two-wheelers around. The majority of fatal accidents in London between HGVs and cyclists are when the cyclist was (unwittingly)in the driver's blind spot, which is large and is most of the left side and a good 2-3m in front of the cab. If you can't do that, stay behind in the middle. A bit of fumes is preferable to the alternative. Always give yourself a bubble of space in all directions and bolster this with Rule 1 and 2. There is a lot tof detail to this subject - google Bikeability and see what you find. Every cyclist, no matter what level experience, can take something positive from the training theory.

I am a longterm cycling instructor working for the largest provider all around London. I have seen an awful lot of less than ideal riding lately, so from a safety point of view, it would be great if riders can bear these points in mind (and teach others until training is provided again). What I call the Top 3 Rules of Safe Cycling are, in order of priority: 1: Looking is your most important task. May seem obvious, but almost nobody looks around enough, especially behind, and more particularly when about to execute a maneouvre eg. Turning, overtaking, etc. 2: Cover your brake levers. Most riders don't realise that having your fingers resting on the brake levers after moving off is extremely important. The split-second advantage this gives you, particularly as speed and distances increase, can make ALL the difference. I KNOW that 0.2s matters - there will be times in the future when you think back thankfully for this new ingrained habit. It is like wearing a seatbelt - may take a little getting used to but eventually you will not feel comfortable without it. 3: Ride 'The Width Of A Door And A Little Bit More'. You really don't want to find out how damaging a vehicle door can be. We all have an equal right to use the roads so riders and others have a duty to keep everyone safe. This means avoiding the dangerous positions such as riding within the 'door zone'. Move out to a metre or more because you do not have time to look into every car for occupants. This often means taking a safe position in front of, rather than next to other traffic (that includes cyclists). Do not ignore traffic behind you - use Rule 1 - look round at them which both gives you information and shows your awareness of their presence. This is reassuring to potentially frustrated drivers who may perceive a cyclist apparently oblivious to what is going on around them, ie. Not looking around, esp back. Of course there may be times when you do have to enter the door zone. Rule 2: use your covered brakes and slow down so you have more time to react to any doors. Before moving out again check behind you in case of a fast-moving but silent vehicle. These are on the increase! Other points: Good observation alone is better than poor signalling without looking. Get (some decent) lights, for chrissakes! If riding with young ones or others less experienced than you they MUST be in front and obeying the same guidelines. This way you can observe and give verbal help. Never ride up the left of an hgv unless you know why not. There is a lot more to say but I'm on my phone. Hope it reads ok and I have been helpful to those who appreciate it. In future there will be a lot of free individual cycle training going on!

We seem to be receiving post pretty daily, as normal.

Sorted

Our very popular (esp with responsible dog owners) bin at the junction of Hillsboro and Thorncombe has been removed for over a week. No idea why, unless it relates to expense. It will result in waste being dumped on the streets, I'm sure. :-/ Has anyone else lost their bin?

Ontherun Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > No, no change to yellow lines. They've just added > white line markings and put up the CPZ signs which > were then immediately covered with bin liners. There is a bunch of new double yellows on Hillsboro, at least.

Totally up for this but I reckon Hillsboro is not as switched on as it should be. Come on!

Letter re: ED CPZ came today or yesterday. Starts 11th May - 8.30-6.30 Mon-Fri ?125/yr, ?2.75/hr, etc.

Yes it was Alleyns!!

It's the Alleyns twats

http://tiny.cc/greendale

I may add that the woman who dumped it lives on Spurling Rd. Shame on you!

There are scumbags who think it is acceptable. And/or that the council will sort it out.

I emailed Chris last night and he responded quickly to apologise and agree the noise was too much. He said he went round to check the volume from time to time but it seemed to become quieter when he was there. He has assured me that due to the number of complaints he will be pulling this event from the AstroTurf and it won't go ahead again.

https://www.stretcherrailings.com/about

Just keep telling the council. Reports should be logged. Also use Twitter. I received an apology from @alleynsschool the first time but surprise surprise, no effective action. I know the workers are only trying to do their job, but so are we: reporting illegal practice!

Alleyns continues its caring approach to local residents. In advance of the new temporary classrooms located in the car park on Hillsboro Road, construction work has commenced twice this week at 7.20. Then with a digger, this morning with a grab truck. For the information of others, legal construction hours for noisy machinery in Southwark are between 8-6 Mon-Fri, 8-1 Sat and none on a Sunday. If in doubt, call the council. Strange how ineffective Southwark's interaction seems to be...