Sky Ride -Inadequate Consultation? - Council Respond

Alternative parking locations are being found

Local resident resident Eric Leach wrote an the open letter to Ealing Council and the London Mayor complaining there has been insufficient consultation over the forthcoming Ealing cycle event - the Sky Ride on 18th July.

Ealing Council has just sent Ealingtoday.co.uk this response:

It’s a great shame that Mr Leach can’t see the value in this
family-friendly community event, which will be a great advert for the borough and we’re surprised that he feels 18 days is
insufficient notice.

We went to great lengths to choose the route we felt would cause least disruption and we are doing everything we can to make sure residents are informed about what is happening so they can plan accordingly.

In some cases only short sections of the road will be closed and in most streets parking will only be suspended on one side of the road.

We are currently in the process of identifying more parking locations and will be writing to residents to give them full details. In most cases residents will probably want to park in neighbouring streets, so a shuttle bus service would be an inappropriate use of council resources.

We are also putting special arrangements in place to accommodate anyone with a disability or who has special needs. We are happy to discuss with residents any specific questions or needs they have.

The Sky Ride is designed to encourage more people to cycle, including those who are inexperienced or lack confidence. Information on cycle training will be available on the day and experts will be on hand to give advice on cycle safety as participants take in the best Ealing has to offer. There will be some disruption for a few hours, but we hope most people will enter into the spirit of the Sky Ride and enjoy this fun, family-friendly event.

July 2, 2010