Apologies if already posted but:

"This is an exceptional use of the LFGSS email list, I hope you understand the sudden higher frequency and take the time to read this important message.

There have been 2 serious road accidents involving cyclists and HGVs in the last 48 hours.

The first was on Whitechapel Road yesterday which resulted in a fatality (the 9th this year):
http://www.londonfgss.com/thread29617.html
http://www.movingtargetzine.com/article/female-cyclist-killed-by-lorry-16th-september-2009

The second was on Poynders Road this afternoon, the situation there is not currently clear:
http://www.londonfgss.com/thread29730.html

Kate (sister of Eilidh Cairns) has issued this appeal to help organise an action group to help end these accidents:

This smacks me in the heart again, and again and again. Why is this happening?!? Why is the 'action' not working? There is no urgency, no importance, no priority, and no resources.

I am going to this meeting on Monday, invited by Roadpeace. I have been working a lot with Roadpeace since Eilidh went down.
After putting up her ghost bike 2 weeks ago, several of her friends made further suggestions about action to take. I have a list as long as my arm already. The film we are making raises more and more questions. Since the ghost bike I felt overwhelmed and lost momentum but this is just not good enough.

I WANT TO PUT TOGETHER AN ACTION GROUP TO MAKE CHANGE AND MAKE IT FAST.
I cant carry on at my pace and intensity and there are already bodies like LCC and Roadpeace which need support. Cyclists have ideas, people have resources and connections. Let's work together. Many of you have expressed a desire to do sthg. I was planning a proper proposal/post/email but this cant wait so I had to post it here and now.

I'M ASKING ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN DOING SOMETHING TO COME AND MEET, ALL TOGETHER, to make a list (I already have an extensive one for comment), to prioritise, to delegate and to make change happen. Its up to us. No-one else is going to do this.

Im in London next week. Who wants to meet after work, maybe from about 6-7pm Tuesday or Wednesday, to discuss and get involved? Who can suggest/provide a location/ office somewhere central? I will ask at the meeting on Monday what they think we could do.

For me, and for Eilidh, and for the other 6, Im sure this is the best thing we can do. Otherwise they die in vain. Let's make the death of this young woman propel us into action for change.

So the appeal is simple…

If you have time and resources to give, if you are in the position to help, if you are an interested party, if in any way you can be of help, please join the action group in the inaugural meeting next Tuesday to help kick things off.

The initial tasks are probably the tedious ones of research and gap analysis over what is being done already, why isn't it working? Then comes trying to form a focus, to have us all act as one in trying to prevent these incidents from recurring.

There is a thread on LFGSS about it:
http://www.londonfgss.com/thread29719.html

There is an urgent need for a largeish quiet space in which the meeting can be held. So if you are able to donate a piece of office space (a large meeting room) in the centre of London please do step forward in the thread.

Thanks for taking the time to read this,

David
a.k.a Velocio

PS: If you're from the media, and I know some of you are, please help give this issue the space it needs."

not my show but worthy of promoting

i get the vibe its open to all, particularly if you can bring a contribution to the table

good luck

bump

Final details of Action Group Meeting.
Tomorrow – Tuesday 22 nd
6.00
Bridge Acadamy (school)
Hackney
Downstairs Lecture Theatre
Laburnum Street, Hackney, E2 8BA
on the canal between Kingsland Road and Queensbridge Road
http://www.bridgeacademy.hackney.sch.uk
Please give a £1 donation on the night for out of term activities for the pupils who are from the local area.
See you there.

b u m p

b u m p