Those who raced Beastway at Stratford/Hackney on Eastway up till 2006 should be concerned about the latest plans that are now recommended for approval.
The application for the Velopark will be decided by Planning Committee this Tuesday, 28 Feb in a meeting at Sttatford Old Town Hall from 6pm. The basic elements are good, but management plans and bye-laws are needed to make the Velopark work for off-road cycle sport.
All riders are welcome to represent the community seeking the possible legacy for Eastway when London's Games are done.
The scheme includes the one mile road circuit and the mountainbike trails for racing that are due from earlier planning conditions. However the parklands now serve high-density residential development. This is no return to the secluded nature of Eastway that was 24ha of highly protected Metropolitan Open Land for cycle sport. Off-road disciplines are at risk.
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As representative body of riders and promoters, Eastway Users' Group has been closely engaged in the development of these latest plans. Speaking at the meeting, the Group is to insist that key conditions and a detailed management plan are needed to protect the amenity from incompatible activities in a public parkland setting.
The application has set out an indicative mountainbike race loop which is known to have several problem areas where 'interaction' with the public is to be expected. Parts of the loop are public footpath or permissive thoroughfare which any risk-assessment would not normally allow to be included in a race course.
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- River Lea eastern 'towpath'. Narrow arterial path of linear Lee Valley Park with existing right of way running under Lea Interchange and A12 flyover. The design possibilities are only still being worked on. XC racers know it is not possible to race along a right of way so a method or diversion or separation is being sought by planning condition.
- A12 underpass. This is a completely new conduit under the A12 at the E end of Eton Manor and back into the E of the Velopark. A requirement to provide a main pathway linking the Olympic parklands to Waltham Forest means this conduit will be shared with pedestrian and cycle thoroughfare, so a means of separation or diversion is required for racing to go ahead.
- NE parklands. Designated in the current Legacy Communities Scheme as open space public realm for the 960 dwellings of Chobham Manor directly to the S of the Velopark's main off-road area. Also has a new pathway intended to link Waltham Forest into the Olympic parklands. A scheme including bye-laws and the possibility to govern public access and activity within the park at times of organised events is being sought by condition and management programme.
As riders we all respect pedestrians when riding in parks or other off-road areas. We expect to give way and try to be courteous.
- But the velopark has to be about racing to be fit for purpose, so we need to know racing can be safe for public and all riders. This means a management scheme supported by bye-laws and boundaries are required to make the facility work as intended in legacy and paid for from the public purse. THe public should not stray into a race course when it's being prepared or used. 200+ riders of a Beastway or cyclocross need to know they aren't going to encounter a toddler, dog, football etc etc in their way at race speed. To have such incompatible activities always places the rider at a disadvantage. London is full of typical parks, but for this one to work as intended this has to be a park where the rider and the race has absolute priority. Only proper rules clearly set out and enforced will make the velopark work for everyone.
The Planning Committee meeting is from 6pm on Tuesday 28 Feb at Stratford Old Town Hall, 29 Broadway Stratford, London E15 4BQ. We're advised the Velopark / NW parklands application is on first. All users seeking a workable legacy on the New Eastway should meet up.
You can read the full Planning Officer's report to inform the decision at http://www.london2012.com/planning/documents/28-february-2012-meeting-papers.zip - Item 6