Drinks distributors wary
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of London cycle schemes
Eaura.haitstonetarbi.co.uk THE BREWERY LOGISTICS Group (BLG) is concerned that Transport for London's (T1L's) two cycle initiatives scheduled to commence this summer are going to add to the health and safety issues surrounding its members deliveries in the capital.
Of the two pilot routes of TfUs cycle superhighways, the BLG has calculated that its members would have to deliver to some 58 pubs located on the route running from Merton. Surrey, into London via the A3. The pilot routes QO Live in June.
BLG chairman Mike Bracey explains: -These pubs have got to be serviced at least once a week. While the vehicles are unloading sometimes for as long as 40 minutes they will he blocking the blue cycle superhighways lanes. Cyclists won't expect to see an HGV
blocking their path, and for the less savvy ones, it is an accident waiting to happen."
John Crosk, transport operations manager at BLG member firm Tradeteam, tells CM: "We arc not anti-cyclists, we are just con cerned about safety The last thing 1 want is for one of my crews to injure a cyclist."
Following a BLG members' meeting last week. TfL communications manager for cycle superhighways, Richard Shirley, has agreed to walk part of the route with the BLG to discuss any issues.
Meanwhile, the TfL cycle-hire scheduled to launch on 31 July, is also of concern to the BLG.
Operated by Serco, the scheme will initially launch with 6,000 bikes and 400 individual docking stations located across the capital. By registering a credit or debit card, people can ride one of the bikes for just for up to 30 minutes Bracey's concerns centre around the fact TIT_ appears to be encouraging people with no cycling experience to take to the roads of one of the busiest cities in the world, He says there are safety measures linked to the project that "need clarification".
He also points out that Tfl, plans to allow two-way cycling in one-way streets as part of the scheme, and is interested to know who has carried out the risk assessment for this.
As CM went to press, TL had not responded. However, Gordon Telling, head of urban logistics at the Freight Transport Association, says:'"IIL has said that if there are any problems with the routes, it will look at solutions."
• For more on the two schemes, go to: http://bit.13./cRKIlzy
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