With the  the Tour de France coming through Woodford on Monday, July 7, it would be an appropriate time to quote what cycling commissioner for London Andrew Gilligan told the  Buckingham Road Cemetery and Surroundings Interest Group (BRCASIG) eight months ago, on November 7 last year.

He said: “Bad cycling does annoy and frighten people, and we are going to tackle it,” adding that “cyclists can be fined up to £2,500 for dangerous cycling and £1,000 for careless cycling.”

This was in response to us contacting the Mayor of London’s office about a dangerous incident from a cyclist riding on the path in Barkingside.

We have also in the past three years contacted the Met Police and various councillors about  the dangers of cyclists riding on pedestrian areas in Redbridge – without noticeable improvement.

This June we forwarded information to the new cabinet member for environment, Cllr Nijjar, on the problem, and received a response the very next day, asking a council officer to respond to us directly, and undertaking to look at this issue in further detail at her next meeting with officers. 

This cabinet member confirmed her intention to “look to find ways in which we can overcome this problem” showing concern for residents who walk and for those who use the road.

Although it will probably take a few weeks before results become noticeable, it is a very positive start from the new Labour administration governing Redbridge

The Buckingham Road Cemetery and Surroundings Interest Group
BRCASIG@hotmail.co.uk