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Cyclepath by London 2012 Olympic Site unfit for Olympic Visitors
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by Beaulieu | August 18, 2008 at 08:04 am
1274 views | 41 Recommendations | 29 comments
Photos
Timeline August 2008 - A Now Public Olympic 'Project'
This is the cyclepath along the London Olympic Site called 'The Greenway'. It was known locally as a sewerbank before a full renovation in the mid-nineties.
Please look at the slideshow for the state of the 'Cycle Path from Hell.
Since I have been down there a few months back, the graffiti and rubbish has increased. I have never seen any police patrolling here although there is supposed to be CCTV. The CCTV notice is now covered in graffiti as you can see from the photograph.
This route is actually recommended as a 'Capital Walk', a place surprisingly suitable for ramblers, locals and tourists alike. Despite it being clearly unsuitable, it hasn't been taken off the Capital Walks list and is still being used as a cycle route, although few cyclists now want to risk cycling there despite the Government trying to encourage cycling.
This stretch is also the Olympic 2012 Viewing Point where residents can see the site just behind the vandalised walls. Over the last few months, it has been covered in high wire and residents and tourists can barely see any progress. This is probably to try and stop vandals getting on to the site.
If you think the Greenway is bad, the Olympic site happens to be by a canal path and parts of it is spoilt by endless graffiti that never seems to be cleaned off by anyone. In some stretches, sofas.
Someone had even dropped a whole can of red paint onto the towpath. The canal often has plastic bags dumped in it. Some people don't seem to care about their environment. They're quite happy to live like this and, if it is ever cleaned up, they come out and do it all this mess again.
The Greenway cycle track by the Olympic site seems to be a 'No Go Area', where residents fear to go at night. The Velodrome, to be built nearby, will have everything the British Olympic cyclists need but for the everyday cyclist in East London, that is a different story. With our success on the track at the Beijing Olympics, something has to be done.
I have contacted the 'cycling' Mayor of London today to find out why the route is so crime ridden and unfit for cyclists.
Update: 20/08/08 The London 2012 advertising campaign states 'This campaign captures the importance of London as the No 1 international tourist destination'. We are the greatest city on earth'.
Update: January 2009 The Mayor of London hasn't replied to my email 'as busy'.
Update: May 2009 A Miracle. Cyclepath from Hell will get a Makeover
Update: June 2009 The Greenway is dug up and fences like the cycle path.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (29)
at 10:14 on August 18th, 2008
Beaulieu, I like this story. It's good stuff. The photos really tell the story, alas.
at 10:27 on August 18th, 2008
Yes, it really has to be shown. I am going to contact various people to find out what improvements will be made and of course, the police, what they are doing. I think it would be great if people cleaned it up whilst on community service. Clearly the vandals spend hours and hours here, so you would have thought someone gets caught.
at 10:27 on August 18th, 2008
I will publish updates on improvements on NP and if things get a lot worse.
at 10:34 on August 18th, 2008
Thank you.
at 10:42 on August 18th, 2008
Beaulieu, I like this story. It's good stuff.
at 11:16 on August 18th, 2008
Beaulieu, I like this story. It's good stuff.
at 11:31 on August 18th, 2008
Beaulieu, I like this story. It's good stuff.
Cycle paths are bad enough around London, but this is a joke! You'd think that the local council might have considered the irony of the location. Do you think it'll be any better in 2012?
at 12:22 on August 18th, 2008
Does this win the award for the Worst Cycle Path in the Whole World?
at 12:27 on August 18th, 2008
I'd like to nominate the bike route on Burrard street in downtown Vancouver -- a meter wide path between car traffic and bus traffic -- for that award.
at 12:26 on August 18th, 2008
Beaulieu, I like this story. It's good stuff.
at 17:01 on August 18th, 2008
Beaulieu, I like this story. It's good stuff.
Great piece and photos. It doesn't look good does it?
at 02:50 on August 19th, 2008
Beaulieu, I like this story. Your work in feretting out the track as well as the pics is excellent. Pics certainly can tell a story. I used to cycle the canal track from Hackney to canning Town each morning when I worked down there and I often used to walk around the Lea Valley Mills area until the smell got so bad. The whole area could be lovely, especially the Outfall Sewer buildings! But look at it now! Lets hope the Olympics will put it back on the map but Im not sure the authority is that interested in renovation.
at 03:53 on August 19th, 2008
Yes, it has a kind of urban charm, but now I think it 'has got way beyond that'. It looks like the police have completely lost control. The thing is, once graffiti starts, it tends to encourage others.
The smell is still there!
I couldn't believe how bad it is now. I wonder what the residents are doing about it.
at 03:26 on August 21st, 2008
Beaulieu, I like this story. It's good stuff. Wait a few months and this eyesore will be cleaned up, no better way than showing them up. Councils that allow the environment to mess up should be voted out at the earliest opportunity.
at 08:08 on August 21st, 2008
It's amazing what kind of an effect a world event like the Olympics can have on a city... We're seeing it here in Vancouver too.
at 02:41 on October 18th, 2008
Beaulieu -
Very good reporting on the condition of the cycle path and the proactive interest you've taken in ensuring it gets the attention it needs. Have you heard of any progress or feedback fom the Mayors Office on this?
Like yourself I am very interested in the future of this path and want to make sure it becomes a safe and attractive place to bike/walk for all. I have drafted proposals that I intend to present to the mayors office that will assist in the development and financing that this area requires and would like further input from you and others that share understand the area, and share the interest in its future use.
Cheers!
at 08:26 on May 25th, 2009
Over one year one, it appears it will be having a makeover.
Work starts on cycling infrastructure for London 2010 with a makeover for the Olympic Greenway http://road.cc/node/4428
at 08:33 on May 25th, 2009
Just a have received an update on the Cycle path from Hell... and I have put it at the end of the comments on this story...
at 04:03 on October 18th, 2008
Just registered to NowPublic. Anyone interested in contributing ideas, or sharing further concerns with the Greenway and the Lea Navigation Eastern cycleways/towpaths please contact me. I am in the process of finalising a comprehensive development proposal along these paths/cycleways that will maximise these and their legacy while addressing various factors including the environment, safety, community, social-interaction, health, architecture.
at 12:52 on October 18th, 2008
I hope you will share that with NowPublic - sounds really interesting!
at 12:05 on October 18th, 2008
Thanks for your reply. I have just send you a message.
Fantastic idea. Let's hope the Major does something. A legacy here would be great. Let's hope others will contribute to the proposals.
I quite fancy the idea of a tree lined cherry blossomed 'oasis' ie somewhere wonderful to escape to, to think, to get inspired, to picnic and cycle, perhaps the wall with graffiti could be made into a wall where people can write 'words of wisdom' that helps meet life's challenges and can inspire people. Maybe even the cycle path, could have plaques (with a bicycle logo perhaps?) with words of wisdom, written/translated in various languages as it is multi ethnic here. Olympians have made many sacrifices and often word of inspiration, even if the people around you aren't interested or supportive, can offer hope and motivation perhaps. Local art groups can get involved and people with disabilities.
I like the idea of local people, themselves, being involved in this, so they have some personal input. Some of the Olympians, themselves, could add things of course. Sometimes it is quite negative round reading bad news in the paper, something positive must happen for a change and we have to show that it does.
A warden needs to regularly keep an eye on it so that people don't try to ruin it. Local youths maybe tempted to dig up trees etc 'for fun'.
at 12:07 on October 18th, 2008
As long as we don't call it the Cycle Path from Hell any more:-)
at 02:40 on October 19th, 2008
Just to add to the cherry tree suggestion of Beaulieu; it would be nice to have 'real' fruit trees. Somehow civil servants and LA planners assume that, although they have fruit trees in their gardens, public landscaping should be devoid of anything you can use. Victoria plums, all the wonderful local apples we have in the UK would be wonderful as an avenue along with the canal! And the great thing about fruits you can eat is that many people would pick them before they are ripe and then suffer the consequences!
at 02:41 on October 30th, 2008
Yes, that would be a good idea. Maybe some real English Apples, ones that are rare and the public can be educated about our local varieties. Real Cherry Trees would be nice. They will have to be planted fairly big to prevent people from digging them up! I will send a copy of this article to the London Wildlife Trust. It would be good to have trees that last a long time as they do vary and they will need to be managed properly. The public could help donate plants etc.
at 17:02 on December 30th, 2008
dag yo
at 06:55 on April 12th, 2009
AmyJudd / Beaulieu / LiamsSoft / Gerry / ALL -
As a follow-up to the above story, I am pleased to update all of you with the project proposal that I mentioned in this NowPublic posting back in October. The development proposal along the East London paths/cycleways seeks to maximise these and their legacy while addressing various factors including the environment, safety, community, social-interaction, health, architecture.
Official website: http://lcaisar.web.officelive.com/
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=108931930184&view=user#/group.php?gid=108931930184
Above are the details on the ECO-HEALTH PAVILIONS project that is under review with London's local planning officials for subsequent implementation by 2011. The urban intervention proposed is set to shape the future for the city's sustainable urban fabric and serve as a model for similar future developments elsewhere.
Worth a look to this proposal as YOUR FEEDBACK can influence and promote a project that will shape the landscape and skyline of this great city.
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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project consists of an urban intervention involving the construction of various pavilion building-structures, named Eco-Health Pavilions, that are strategically located along a transportation infrastructure (also part of the proposal) of cycling & walking paths in East London (Stratford to Canary Wharf and the City).
The first of a total of three anticipated phases of the Eco-Health Pavilions urban intervention involves 5 pavilion building structures, spaced at approximately ½ a mile (0.8km) from each other, along a path stretching about 2½ miles (4.0km) on North-South axis from Stratford City Olympic site area down to Canary Wharf. Note that the following two phases for subsequent review upon delivery of the 1st phase includes expanding the pavilions network on down from Stratford to The City (Phase 2) and The City to Canary Wharf (Phase 3), thus creating a closed triangular link for maximum access efficiency.
The paths will be clearly identifiable as part of the pavilion system through unique signage (distance to next pavilion, or the near locations of interest), ground markings (painted concrete on paths coloured-coded for walking, cycling, small electric vehicles), safe lighting and CCTV cameras, and adequate infrastructure. The idea is for these paths to be available to all any time of the day and night securely.
These pavilions and its paths infrastructure are designed to be built to the highest sustainable and environmental principles. Together as a whole, they are created to promote the richness, diversity, and culture of the area (and of greater London), while contributing to the environment, a healthier lifestyle, economic and cultural exchange, tourism, and a lasting legacy of the 2012 Olympics.
Each pavilion will utilize advanced energy efficient technology, including screens and innovative projection methods (beams to the sky, etc) to inform and educate people on the environment, health, events, culture, the area, and the similar. These pavilions will provide individuals key self-supported facilities to stop, relax, and get refreshed during their journey along the pathways. Web cameras, wireless WI-FI connectivity, weather/temperature sensors, energy/nature friendly lighting, will not only contribute to making for secure areas, but will also allow citizens and visitors to check on-line the conditions/weather along the pavilion path
CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE ECO-HEALTH PAVILIONS PROJECT TO THE TOWER HAMLET’S LONDON DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK CORE STRATEGY
Leading the thinking behind the Core Strategy of the London Development Framework (LDF) is the concept of reinventing the Hamlets. Forming a shared vision for each distinctive place, that responds to its setting in London’s urban fabric and greater movement network, these visions build up a spatial picture for Tower Hamlets, based on reinventing the Hamlets. Each place has it distinct vision and strategy that together achieve the vision of ‘One Tower Hamlets’. The Eco-Health Pavilions proposal is designed with this Core Strategy in mind, seeking to “retain and enhance the local distinctiveness of the East End’s places while leading and shaping much needed regeneration and investment”. This proposal also aligns with the council’s 2020 Community Plan’s aim, which is supported by the Core Strategy itself, of seeking to “improve the quality of life for everyone who lives and works in the borough” with the priorities and objectives of providing for a great place to live, and for a community that is prosperous, safe, supportive, and healthy.
For more information, contact me at lcaisar@gmail.com
Cheers!!
L
at 16:07 on April 16th, 2009
Maybe I am not a wh*nging pom, but the Greenway is fit for purpose and is a great asset of East London.
I have been training on the Greenway (running) and whilst money does need to be spent it is still fine to ride/ run or walk along... so don't be put off by those scaremongers.
I wouldn't be telling my girlfriend to cycle by herself after dark and yes it is over the old sewer so occassionally you may meet the odd funny smell (or is it the cemetary)
As for the rubbish yes it is a shame, but most of this is found in the canal. Each day I run past LBN staff picking up rubbish, and the
at 09:06 on May 25th, 2009
The actual pathway is fine bar the odd pothole, but the state of the area looks neglected (as per my pics of graffiti, old sofas etc).
Yes, the canal is bad, although I have yet to see a sofa in it. After one year seeing one by the cyclepath, I hope it has gone.
I am pleased that Boris has announced a makeover today - at long last.
at 10:50 on June 7th, 2009
I have been up there a week ago.
Sofas have been removed (although they could actually be handy to look at the Olympic Site view).
Japanese Knotweed is being removed (lots of warning signs for people to keep out where this has been)
Much of the cycle path has been dug up (drastically) with lots of fencing in order to make the improvements. One of the workmen said that it's going to be 'gorgeous' and he thinks the improvements will be completed in about 45 days although the board at the entrance of the Greenway says 2010. They will plant some trees and make a new path and add more benches. He said that beforehand, the Cycle Path from Hell was often full of undesirables after 9pm and people were afraid to go there, with numerous incidents. They are also thinking of adding lighting to the Greenway to make it 'safer' for everyone.
So positive things Are happening.
Just one thing: There is still an overpowering reek of raw sewage. When it hits you, it makes your eyes water every so often. We thought of having a picnic there but decided against it.