Merton Cycling Campaign will meet with Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond
By Luke Baker, Jacqueline Fanchini, Amani Hughes and Tom Mulvihill
Merton cyclists are to meet with Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond next month to discuss the range of issues affecting them.
The meeting, which has been organised by the Merton Cycling Campaign (MCC), will address a number of topics including safety for cyclists and government targets on redeveloping roads.
MCC Coordinator Charles Baraball said: “We want to be able to encourage people to let their children go to school on bicycles without being frightened of getting hit by lorries.”
Campaigners will be looking to persuade Mr Hammond, who is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, to push for a more Dutch attitude towards cycling in the borough, where emphasis is placed on cyclists’ wellbeing.
The meeting comes after perceived failures by Merton Council to improve conditions for cyclists in the area.
“Merton is under marginal political control and power is held by those who exercise no imagination,” claims Mr Baraball.
He says that he hopes the event will serve to open Mr Hammond’s eyes to the possibilities that would arise from improved cycling conditions.
A spokesperson for Mr Hammond says the MP is looking forward to the discussion.
“Mr Hammond views this as a two-way meeting,” he said.
“He is eager to learn about what he can do to help and what concerns residents have about road safety.”
It follows Merton Council’s failure to secure a full £30million grant under the ‘mini-Holland’ programme, unlike neighbouring Kingston.
However, Merton is still expected to receive up to £15million in funding from the London-wide scheme, which aims to improve cycling conditions across the capital.
The meeting with Mr Hammond will take place on Thursday April 3 at All Saints Centre, All Saints Rd, Wimbledon, SW19 1BX.
Photo courtesy of Howcheng, with thanks
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