Archway demo

The demo at Archway last night was the result of a fruitful collaboration between three Islington organisations.  Between us (Islington Cyclists Action Group, Better Archway Forum and Islington Living Streets) we assembled a significant crowd of over two hundred people on foot, on bikes and of all ages.  The cross party support for ridding Archway of the dismal gyratory was very clear Lib Dems, Greens and Labour were all represented and our local paper was there to record the event.

I was so busy making sure we’d caught everyone on camera, keeping the police happy and making sure we got on to the roundabout safely that I didn’t have time to notice much about the demo apart from enjoying the transgression of claiming the carriageway for people on foot and on bikes for a precious few minutes. I’ve asked two Living Streets participants for a few words to describe how they found it.

Stephanie Palmer who carried the Islington Living Streets banner, had this to say: “I did wonder as I arrived at the strange oasis of buildings in the centre of Archway  Gyratory to join the ‘Ditch the Roundabout’ demonstration, just how many others would arrive.  There is something very sad about 20 people trying to get their point across.  However, 250 of us, some just walking, some pushing bikes, some with cats ears and one with a huge musical wheel attached to his bike all walked together around the roundabout.   We stopped the traffic!  People seemed relaxed and happy to be able to participate.  The police too were friendly and helpful.  The Living Streets banner led the walk and I hope the demo will help to make the changes so badly needed happen.”

While Gillian Comins a founder member of Islington Living Streets wrote this about the experience of joining us: “Emerging from Archway station at six o’clock, I looked around eyes and ears bewildered by the roads, and the traffic and no obvious street plan.  Where was Archway Close – the place where we were due to meet?  Wandering round I found a handsome post office – if only there could be one like this at the other end of Holloway Road near the Highbury and Islington roundabout.  Then I came upon the library and help from one of the staff.  Striking out again, I found the Close and assembled walkers – many with children, some in push chairs, cyclists and guardians – police and Community Service Officers.  At 6.30 we set out on a slow walk or cycle round the gyratory system having promised to behave prudently and not antagonise motorists.  We proceeded, chatting to each other, cameras busy recording the scene.  Ten minutes later and it was all over.  Was it worthwhile?  Emphatically yes – the Mayor and Transport for London have the power to improve the situation but can be forgetful.  This action was a reminder.”

MAKE ARCHWAY LIVEABLE – DITCH THE ROUNDABOUT!

Better Archway Forum and Archway residents, along with Islington Living Streets and Islington Cyclists Action Group are calling on all mayoral candidates to commit to ditch the Archway roundabout if elected in May.

Campaigners are gathering for a slow walk/cycle round the roundabout on Thursday 1st March at 6.15pm.  We are calling for the return of the roads to traditional two-way flow, with 20 mph limits where people live, work and shop, making the area safe for journeys on foot and by bike not just by car.

Kate Calvert of Better Archway Forum said, “Despite the traffic dominated street-scape at Archway, with eight lanes of traffic, there is a thriving community of residents and businesses who have suffered the noise, pollution and danger for years and deserve better.  Existing funding allocated for routine maintenance of signals and road surfaces would cover much of the cost of removing the roundabout.  All that is needed is the political will to make it happen.”

Caroline Russell of Islington Living Streets said, ” Archway is a place where people live, work and shop, but the road system prioritises vehicles over people.  Re-designing the junction as a place rather than a trunk road would improve safety, reduce air pollution and make the area more liveable.”

Alison Dines of Islington Cyclists Action Group said, “Given the current focus on cycle safety following the parliamentary debate on 22nd February, this nightmare junction must be re-designed for the benefit of all and particularly before the cycle super-highway route 12 brings more cyclists through this traffic hotspot.”

All mayoral candidates, GLA Assembly candidates, our MP Jeremy Corbyn and all Islington Councillors have been invited.  All responses so far have been supportive.

Please join us at 6.15 at Flowers Close in the middle of the roundabout.  We’ll be taking photos and circulating the roundabout on foot and on bikes once at 6.30.  We are hoping for a good turnout of people who care about more people-friendly streets.

 

Islington Living Streets online at last.

Never let it be said that Islington Living Streets rushes into things.  We’ve been discussing setting up a blog to record our work and campaigns on behalf of people who walk in Islington for a couple of years.

In the past we sent out a paper newsletter but we’ve found, along with many other campaigning organisations, that this is expensive so have moved to email communications.  We hope the blog will be a useful resource for those who value our streets as precious public space and want them to be designed as great PLACES for PEOPLE living and working in Islington. There’s lots going on at the moment and we’ll update you as regularly as we can.  For now here’s a list of things we’ve been contributing to:

• Madras Place improved crossing on Holloway Rd – working with Islington Cyclists Action Group (ICAG) and Transport for London.  New crossing in place, monitoring teething problems.
• Towpath – working with ICAG and Friends of Regents Canal to resolve conflict due to the volumes of people using the narrow towpath on foot and on bikes.
• Archway – gyratory removal – supporting the Better Archway Forum campaign to make Archway more liveable by returning Archway roundabout to two-way working.
• Connect 2 – A Sustrans and National Lottery project that is nearing conclusion, providing a walking and cycling route from Finsbury Park to Highbury Fields.
• 20 mph – Following the Council’s commitment to bring in 20 mph  limits on borough controlled main roads we are focussed on calling for 20 mph on Holloway Road and other Transport for London controlled roads where people live, work and shop.
• Owen St – near Angel.  Tricky ongoing problem with a chaotic street layout that puts pedestrians and cyclists in conflict.  Not easy to fix as there are complex land ownership issues but we are in contact with the council who are seeking a solution.
• There are numerous consultations on minor street works to which we respond from a pedestrian perspective.

The best way to find out what needs fixing is to walk around the streets.  This is something you can help with.  Many things, a wobbly pavement, a pavement parking issue or a faded zebra crossing, can easily be fixed by calling the council.  If you need help with that or have ideas for things that we should campaign on, please do get in touch by email or use the comments below.