1,400 SIGN EASTWAY PROTEST PETITION
By Easter Monday, 1,400 people had signed the Eastway Users Group (EUG) petition asking the Mayor of London to call-in the Olympic Park Legacy planning application.
EUG, whose road and mtb circuit were closed to make way for the 2012 Games, are objecting to the Olympic Delivery Authority?s decision to cut the Olympic Legacy Velopark from the promised 34 hectares to 10.
This has left no room for a competition mtb course while the road circuit is of little merit and too close to a motorway link road. One of the signatories is Jenny Copnall, the women?s national mountain bike cross-country champion, who began her riding at Eastway.
Cycle speedway is no longer included in the Velopark Legacy. An indoor Olympic velodrome and competition standard BMX track are the two main facilities. However, there are too few car parking spaces.
British Cycling hold steadfastly to the view that negotiating for improvements rather than taking issue over the size of the Velopark is the way forward. EUG say BC have been too compliant and should have challenged the ODA to hold to the original plan, or close to it.
The petition is to be presented at the London Assembly?s plenary session on April 25.
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Keith Bingham joined the Cycling Weekly team in the summer of 1971, and retired in 2011. During his time, he covered numerous Tours de France, Milk Races and everything in-between. He was well known for his long-running 'Bikewatch' column, and played a pivotal role in fighting for the future of once at-threat cycling venues such as Hog Hill and Herne Hill Velodrome.