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Camden New Journal - by DAN CARRIER
Published: 17 May 2007

Heath walkers in bid to give cyclists the boot

Bikers and pedestrians square up in meeting over right of way

BIKERS and walkers are facing a show down in the coming months over the future of cycle routes on Hampstead Heath.
At an emergency meeting on Saturday morning, the City of London will unveil a consultation programme over whether the Heath should have more dedicated cycle paths crossing it.
The meeting’s findings will pitch the two sides against in each other in a furious argument about the very future of the Heath.
Camden Cycling Campaign, who want to see the current four cycles routes linked, while the Heath For Feet campaign want to limit cyclists rights to use the Heath.
Heath for Feet say cyclists are dangerous, already break the rules and ruin the tranquillity of the open land.
But cyclists say the four routes across the Heath are inadequate and with global warming and traffic chaos hitting Hampstead each morning, the Heath should have more cycle routes available at rush hour times to encourage people to leave their cars at home.
A report by the group identified ways to encourage children travelling to school to bike across the heath – and cut down traffic congestion.
Cycle campaign spokeswoman Jean Dollimore said on-the-spot fines for people going too quickly or riding on non-cycle paths would be welcomed by the group.
She has been backed by Highgate Green councillor Maya De Souza. She said: “We agree the Heath should be a quiet and peaceful place, but the City of London and other groups should realise different people want to use the Heath for different things.”
Cllr De Souza also expressed fears that the powerful voice of walkers would swamp the pleas by cyclists expanding the bike network. She said: “The cycling lobby is not represented on the Heath consultative or management committees. They should be recognised as having legitimate interests and it is not air for them not to be included in the decision making process.”
Heath for Feet co-founder Maureen Clark-Darby warned that any extra routes would have a devastating effect on the Heath. She said: “It could be the end of the Heath as we know it. We don’t want the Heath to become part of the highway and be linked to a larger commuter route.
“Bicycles are vehicles, and the speed limit is rarely adhered to.” She said the campaign wanted to keep the Heath as it is. She added: “the Heath is a place of tranquillity, a place where children can run freely and people can walk leisurely and chat. The Heath simply is not big enough for more cyclists and pedestrians.”

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