Here’s our newsletter for September. If you want it to your inbox, then sign up here.

This month we have the latest updates on Streetspace developments in Southwark, our appearance on BBC Radio London and our next meeting will be with Wheels for Wellbeing!

Demand Bolder Plans in Dulwich

Southwark Council has continued to announce and implement measures under their Streetspace Plan. A small low traffic neighbourhood will be installed in East Dulwich this week and more filters will be installed in Walworth in the coming weeks. The council also announced a few school streets and pavement widenings at other schools. We’re tracking the Council’s progress here.

The Council has also announced plans for the second phase of Dulwich Village to complement the modal filters that created Dulwich Square and calmed streets in the area. Unfortunately the proposal is not a low traffic neighbourhood. As traffic is rising to pre-lockdown levels and beyond, bold measures are needed to enable active travel in the area and offer residents alternatives to public transport and driving. Whilst the proposals will bring some benefits we are concerned they will not create space for safe cycling, particularly one that is suitable for children that attend the many schools in the area.

We have written an open letter to Councillor Richard Livingstone, the Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and the Climate Emergency, with Mums For Lungs, Clean Air for Dulwich and Lambeth Cyclists. We ask that a few small changes are made to improve the scheme that will not delay it. We believe the proposed timed closures in one direction will not lead to more people cycling. This is especially important to link to the great schemes that Lambeth is implementing. As we know, a cycle route is only as good as its weakest link.

As we’ve seen in Walworth, the Council will improve plans when residents and visitors to the area share their concerns. But for this we need your help. Let the Council know you want to see bolder plans in Dulwich. Be sure to include the MP, Helen Hayes, who has been cycling to Parliament herself. We have a guide to help you write your letter, but all it takes is a short email from enough of us!

• Ask for permeable closures on Turney Road and Burbage Road
• Ask for bus gates on Dulwich Village and Townley to operate in both directions

Cycle Buddies on BBC Radio

Last week Bruce Lynn, who leads our Healthy Rides, was on the Robert Elms show on BBC Radio London talking about Cycle Buddies (previously known as Bike Buddies). Listen here. The interview starts at 2:16:40.

Bruce will also be interviewed by Carrie and David Grant on BBC Radio London this Saturday 5th September at 7:40am.

Cycle Buddies matches experienced cyclists with those just beginning to ride. We need to spread the word to beginners so if you can help, contact us. If you’d like to join Cycle Buddies, click here.

Wheels for Wellbeing at our next General Meeting

Our next general meeting is next week on Wednesday 9 September at 6:30pm. Isabelle Clement, Director of Wheels for Wellbeing, will be speaking at this month’s meeting. The charity has become the UK-wide campaigning voice of Disabled people who cycle. As an urban commuter handcyclist, Isabelle has extensive experience of what it takes to create the right environment so everyone can cycle. She works tirelessly to bring an understanding of Cycling to disability groups and of Disability to cycling groups.

The meeting will be held on Zoom. If you’d like to attend email Southwark@lcc.org.uk or reply to this email and we’ll send you an invite.

Thanks for reading. Stay safe and happy cycling,

Jakub